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News
June Primary has several local positions up
At least two current Modoc County elected officials will not be seeking re-election
in the June 6 Primary Election. The first day to take out nomination papers
is Feb. 13.
Modoc County Clerk Maxine Madison and Modoc County Assessor Josephine Johnson
have told the Record they will not be running again.
Sheriff Bruce Mix said he remains undecided about seeking another term and
Auditor-Recorder Judi Stevens said she is also uncertain. In both cases, some
personal and professional situations will help make the decision.
District Attorney Jordan Funk said he is weighing his options, but has not
yet made a firm commitment.
It is expected that Treasurer/Tax Collector Cheryl Knoch will seek another term
in office. Superintendent of Schools Vanston Shaw will seek election. He was
appointed to serve out the remaining term of retired Superintendent Carol Harbaugh.
The primary has been moved back to the traditional June date, rather than in
March.
County positions up for election in June are: District Attorney, County Clerk,
Auditor-Recorder, Sheriff/Coroner, Treasurer/Tax Collector, Assessor and County
Superintendent of Schools.
The Board of Supervisor seats of District One's Dan Macsay and District Five's
David Bradshaw are also up for election.
In the City of Alturas, the council seats of Jerry Smith and John Vass will
come to term. City Treasurer Kathie Alves will be seeking re-election.
There is a filing fee for county offices, amounting to one percent of the annual
salary. Those figures will be made available prior to the actual filing date.
According to Madison, the nomination papers will have to be returned by March 10.
Lassen College closure leaves county officials with plenty
of questions
By Chad Sellmer
A posted notice for a Jan. 11 meeting hosted by the Modoc County Superintendent
of Schools advertises a discussion session regarding "community college
possibilities for the Alturas/Surprise Valley" areas.
It comes in response to the temporary closure of Lassen Community College's
satellite office in Alturas a few weeks ago following more than 10 years in
the community.
According to Modoc County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Vanston Shaw, the closure
came as a surprise and churned many rumors in the community, including one that
scheduled classes for the upcoming semester would no longer be offered.
"From what they have told me, there was a realignment of personnel and
they are looking at restructuring how they offer classes here," Shaw said.
"I haven't heard of them canceling any classes (but) who knows what they
may do?"
Karen Grosz, dean of instruction at Lassen Community College, says the school
plans to "offer improved services to outreach areas such as Alturas, Bieber,
Adin, Westwood and eastern Sierra," including "placement and counseling,
things we are mandated to do.
"This is only a temporary closure until we can reassign people and
make sure we have appropriate coverage where we need it," Grosz said. "The
Alturas office will open again."
Grosz noted that LCC currently offers 12 scheduled classes for Alturas, most
held at Modoc High School and featuring on-site instruction in such areas as
horsemanship, business law, administration of justice, and driver training,
among others.
In response to questions still needing to be answered about long-term continuing
education in Modoc County, Dr. Shaw decided to call a meeting.
"I've had several people contact me about what we are going to about a
community college," Dr. Shaw explained. "In listening to the comments,
they ranged from we need it in our own district or we need to align
with
other counties. It seems like the time is right to gather community members
and have a conversation about what to do here. We need to look at what level
of service we are currently receiving from Lassen (and) what we want to receive."
The meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 11, is open to the public and will be held from
3-4:30 p.m. in the Modoc County Office of Education Conference Room. Those interested
in attending may call (530) 233-7101 for more information. The president of
Lassen Community College is expected to attend, though he could not be reached
for comment. Grosz said she is planning to join him.
LCC claims an enrollment of 3,600 students in Susanville, with some 400 others
taking courses through outreach center in Westwood, Herlong, Big Valley and
Modoc, Mono and Sierra counties, according to its website, www.lassencollege.edu.
Dr. Shaw said one of the dilemmas facing those seeking continuing education
is that "Modoc and Mono are the only two counties in the state that are
not aligned to a community college district.
"Because of that and our distance from any community college, our students
receive a maintenance fee (from the state) of approximately $1,000 per year
for two years," he said. "Right now there are 45 from Modoc County
attending community colleges across the country. Last year we had 18 at the
College of Siskiyou in Weed, though most of those are from the Tulelake area.
There were also 18 at Shasta College in Redding, while a smaller number attend
Lassen."
He noted there are hundreds of Modoc residents who attend four-year colleges
and universities, but they receive no maintenance fee.
"In talking with Dr. Homer Cissell (president of LCC), from his perspective
he feels committed to providing services to the Alturas area," Shaw said.
"At different times, we have had a few hundred students enrolled in their
extension program. But since Modoc County is not aligned with Lassen, when they
try to increase programming here they get complaints from other outlying areas
that are aligned with them. If we choose to align with them, my concern is what
is the benefit for us? We might get a member on their board of directors, but
are there any economic costs for us, because right now it's all funded by the
state. We also have to consider whether we want to stay like we are, or increase
our services."
Dr. Shaw spoke with Dr. Mary Retterer, president of Shasta Community College,
as well as Dr. David Pelham, president of College of Siskiyou, and he said both
schools' offerings are exciting and unique, but with potential drawbacks.
"Shasta offers a pretty extensive online program, so that is one option.
The dilemma there is in knowing 18 year old kids and how many of them need face-to-face
instruction," he said. "With College of Siskiyou, they have quite
a few instruction television classes similar to one Lassen installed at the
Modoc County Office of Education, which is a television with a camera on top
of it, so as the student is watching the class, the instructor can also see
the student. Each college has something to offer.
"We had 10 years of extension outreach here from Lassen, and they offer
a well developed correspondence program, where it's all paper and pencil,"
he added. "For some that works, but if you have the Internet, why do that?
Of course, some of our residents in rural areas might not have Internet access."
"I'm hoping we will have a dialogue and let him share with us some of
his visions, and folks can ask questions," he said. "We need a clear
picture on what our options are. We have a need for community college services
and I believe the demand will continue to grow."
Grosz hopes LCC can "do a better job" of mapping out education goals
and classes for students in Alturas and other areas.
"I don't know that we've done that," she said. "In order to
have better services, it may be possible that we have to streamline our office
and personnel services. We reassigned an employee from the Alturas office to
the campus here, (and) I think some might have jumped to conclusions about what
that means."
She encourages Modoc County residents who are interested in taking classes through LCC this semester to check the website for a complete list of what is being offered.
Snow and rain snarl New Year's traffic, close highway
By Chad Sellmer
New Year's Eve holiday travelers on U.S. 395 received a rude introduction to
winter on the morning of Dec. 31 as the California Highway Patrol closed both
lanes south of Ravendale and re-routed traffic over to U.S. 139 due to heavy
snowfall and severe flooding.
Although most of the vehicles met by the CHP's flashing lights at the Termo
junction of U.S. 395 and Termo-Grasshopper Road were trucks headed toward Susanville
and points beyond, plenty of passenger traffic routinely passes on the highway
between Oregon and Reno, Nev.
"It's flooded just this side of the (Bureau of Land Management) wild-horse
corral," said CHP officer, Mike Poindexter, whose vehicle was positioned
in the middle of the highway outside the Termo Store at around 10 a.m. Saturday
with its flashers on. "We are sending them across Termo-Grasshopper to
139, which also had a rockslide earlier."
As snow fell in a blizzard-like fury in and around Termo, it created slushy,
hazardous driving conditions, but it was the flooding from warmer-than-average
temperatures and earlier rainfall that closed both lanes of the highway. Further
south, Reno experienced its worst flooding in more than a decade.
"From that flooded part south, as far as I know it's open," Poindexter
said. "I haven't even made it down there. The snow is pretty heavy up here."
To make matters worse for travelers, U.S. 139 was down to a single lane of
traffic, according to motorists.
"We've got a sign up in Alturas," Poindexter added. "The police
department has a lit-up sign that says the road is closed, but we still get
quite a bit of traffic. People don't see it, they're not used to it, so we are
making sure they don't go all the way down there and get stuck."
He said there were no related automobile accidents to report due to the closure.
Postal Carrier Jackie Meyer, living up to her employer's credo of getting the
mail out in spite of snow, rain and wind, said this is one of the "wettest"
winters she can recall.
"This is very different from other New Year's (and) it's the wettest I've
seen in years," Meyer said. "It's turned into this kind of rainy thing,
not frozen, but not entirely slushy either.
"I was going up to Oregon but I didn't make it there," she added.
"It's my brother's 50th anniversary tomorrow afternoon, and my car is loaded.
I thought I might make it, but maybe not."
Poindexter arose before the crack of dawn to begin a long work day.
"First thing out of the gate this morning, we headed in this direction," he said. "The problem was in materializing at six o'clock this morning. We ended up with some people down there who couldn't get back."
Modoc RAC meets Monday
The Modoc County Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will hold a meeting on Monday January 9th in the Modoc National Forest Supervisors' office at 800 West 12th street from 4 to 6 pm. The RAC is actively seeking applications for projects seeking funding in 2006 and 2007. Projects may include, but are not limited to road, trail and infrastructure maintenance or obliteration; soil productivity improvement; improvements in forest ecosystem health; watershed restoration and maintenance; control of noxious and exotic weeds.
Fifty percent of all approved projects must be for road maintenance and obliteration or watershed improvement and restoration. Projects must take place on or adjacent to National Forest Service lands. Previous projects have included the expansion of equestrian facilities at Pepperdine Campground, the creation of the Cedar Pass Trail including a restroom and well, the purchase of equipment for the expansion of the use of juniper to produce picket fences and hardwood flooring, funding for the completion of an Environmental Impact Statement for the restoration of the Sage-Steppe Ecosystem. At the meeting on January 9th projects will be reviewed for funding and there will be an election to appoint the chairperson for 2006. The meeting is open to the public. For information about Resource Advisory Committee positions available or how to submit a project for consideration contact Louis Haynes at 530-233-8846.
Obituaries:Erin Forrest
Life-time Modocer, Erin Forrest of Alturas, went to the spirit world on December
29, 2005. Erin was 85 years of age and was one of five children born to George
and Rose (Baker) Forrest. Mr. Forrest passed away unexpectedly at his home.
Erin attended Fort Bidwell Indian School, grades one through three, Alturas
Elementary, grades four through eight, graduated from Modoc High in 1938, then
attended Riverside Junior College. He served in the U.S. Army as a Surgical
Technician from July 1943 through December 1945 during World War II.
Erin has been active in Indian and Governmental Affairs at both the state and
national level for most of his adult life. He was an aide to Alan Cranston,
U.S. Senator for eight years and served as an aide in the California Assembly
for Pauline Davis for eight years. He has drafted legislation, served on numerous
governmental committees and served as an advocate for land based American Indians
for many years. He served as Vice Chairman for the National Tribal Chairman's
Association and assisted in drafting the legislation for 437 funds under President
Johnson. "He created and developed the Modoc Indian Health Project and
was the Project Director of Modoc Indian Health Project from 1968 until his
retirement in 2002," describes his wife Margaret. He was the Chairman of
XL Tribal Council from 1946 to 1961; member of the National Congress of American
Indian 1959 to 1962 and 1969 to 1970; Organizer and first chairman of the Inter-Tribal
Council of California; appointed by California Governors 1959 to 1967 to Governor's
Inter-State Indian Council, Chairman 1967; Special consultant to President Lyndon
Johnson's Task Force on Indian Affairs 1967 to 1968; member of California Rural
Health Board; Vice Chairman, California State Advisory Commission on Indian
Affairs, 1964 to 1969; Chairman, Modoc County OEO Committee, 1966 to 1967; Chairman,
Modoc County OEDP Committee 1966 to 1967, Chairman, Modoc County, North Fork
Pit River Water Development Committee; Past member Phoenix Area Indian Health
Board; Organizer and first President of the Northeastern California Sportsmen's
Council, 1965 to 1972; Member of the California-Oregon Inter State Deer Herd
Committee,1964 to 1968; Member of California State Democratic Central Committee1960
to 1974 and Chairman of the Modoc County Democratic Central Committee; Kiwanis
Club; Director Northern Counties Wildlife Conservation Association; Chairman,
Modoc J.O.M. Committee; Member, Board of Regents, Haskell Indian Junior College
1971 to 1973; Member of National Tribal Association Health Committee 1974; Vice
President National Tribal Chairman's Association 1975;
Erin received recognition for outstanding achievements in Indian Community
Development from Indian Health Service in 1975; awarded for recognition of loyal
and distinguished service on behalf of California Indian Tribes Dec. 1979; 1980
award for his gratitude for his advice and concern on behalf of California Tribes,
CTCA Board of Directors; Indian Health Service Award of Appreciation April 1995.
His hobbies were collecting Indian artifacts, raising Appaloosa horses, hunting,
fishing and wildlife conservation.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 33 years, Margaret Forrest of Alturas;
daughters Neneekah Forrest of Davis Creek; Rosemary Nelson of Alturas; Carol
Forrest of Ventura; Paula Bryant of Loleta, CA; Julie Anne Tupper of Chiloquin,
Or.; Josephine Rahn of Modesto, CA; sons Erin Forrest, Jr. of Kingman, AZ; Poco
Forrest of Chiloquin, OR; step-son Steve Ghorley of Orangevale, CA; 15 grandchildren;
27 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews; brother Norman Forrest
of Alturas.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father George and Rosie Forrest;
his brother Daniel Forrest of Alturas; sister, Francis Forrest of San Francisco;
two grandsons, Tim Tucker of Seattle, WA and Shawn Hoover of Oregon; and great-grandson
Joshua Forrest of Santa Rosa, CA.
Donations in his memory may be directed to the Modoc Scholarship Fund c/o Plumas
Bank, 510 North Main St., Alturas, CA 96101. There will be no services.
Willa Eloise Mills Utt
Willa Eloise Mills Utt was born in Washington County, OK to Clyde and Goldie
Mills, on June 13, 1918. She was the middle child of three children. She attended
school in Copan, OK, and upon graduation, she attended Emporia College of Business
in Emporia, KS. While there she met and befriended Paul Utt.
Willa and her sister Laudine came to California in the early forties where she
helped Laudine cook for the Red
River Lumber Company in Westwood and also at the Millwood Fountain in Susanville.
Willa then took a position with Lockheed Corporation in Burbank where she soon
advanced to Management Assistant in the Industrial Relations Division. In 1945
she married Paul Utt in Long Beach as he returned from service in the Army Air
Corp. They then moved to Herlong, CA, where, Paul had been offered a job in
security by the Army at a new supply depot. She and Paul moved to Janesville
in 1948 where she remained until her passing. After giving birth to her one
child, Paul Eugene Utt Jr., Willa returned to work entering Federal Civil Service
in 1947. She soon climbed the ladder to the position of Civilian Personnel Officer.
After providing Personnel Management programs for the Commander, she became
the Director of Administration for Sierra Army Depot. She enjoyed the distinction
of being the first woman Director within the U.S. Army's Material Command Depot
System. As director, she was instrumental in forming a credit union for the
use by both military and civilian employees at the depot. It is now Sierra Central
Credit Union.
Upon retiring in 1972 Willa spent many hours traveling, fishing, laughing and
loving the company of her husband, two grandsons, and her sister. Willa said
she was not retired but rather "eligible not to have to work." After
the death of her husband Paul, Willa became both an active member and volunteer
in many organizations. She is a charter member of the Jolly Elders, and the
Mt. Tehama chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She has helped
many in her journey. Her favorite memories were the antics of her grandsons,
Saturday night dances in Termo, the Likely Rodeo, and helping at the Madeline
Store owned by her sister and brother-in-law Deana and Earl Allen. Her smile
and great sense of humor will be missed.
She slipped away quietly on December 27, 2005. Willa was preceded in death by
her husband Paul, her sister Laudine, brother Cecil and brother-in-law Earl
Allen.
Willa is survived by her son Paul E. Utt (Gene) of Willows, CA, two grandchildren,
Jason and his wife Deana of Elko, Nevada, Tim of Janesville, CA, and one great-granddaughter,
Jasmine of Elko, Nevada.
Services for Willa will be held in Susanville at the Walton Funeral Home on
January 12, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. Burial to follow in Janesville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made in Willa's name to the charity of ones' choosing.
Ted Wallace Brown
A memorial service for Ted Wallace Brown of Cedarville, will be held Saturday,
January 7 at 2 p.m. at the Surprise Valley Community Church with the Dr. Ben
Zandstra to officiate. A potluck gathering will follow at 225 Bonner St, Cedarville.
Mr. Brown passed away on January 2, 2006 of natural causes at Surprise Valley
Health Care in Cedarville, CA. He was 74.
Born on August 27, 1931 in Houlka, Mississippi, he attended Chamberlain Hunt
Academy in his home state and Louisiana State University. He was a veteran having
served four years with the U.S. Navy and another four years with the U.S. Air
Force. He served during the Korean War and received his discharge in November
1958.
He worked in retail sales for many years. He loved to cook and traveled all
over the United States and Europe. He enjoyed outings with his family and spending
time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He had moved to Surprise
Valley two years ago.
He was a very unselfish and loving father and will be greatly missed. No one
could ever fill his shoes, describe his children.
He is survived by his brother W. Ronald Brown of Douglasville, GA; sister J.
Wanda Boudreaux of Baton Rouge, LA; three daughters: Teddie W. Hayes of Rocklin,
CA; Teri W. Brown-Riley of Cedarville, CA and T. Winona Brown of Citrus Heights,
CA. Grandchildren: Joshua, Christina, Jennifer, Kyle, Danielle, Jeremiah, Jessica,
Geoffrey and Brandon. Great-grandchildren: Dylan, Jasmine, Darrion and Malachi.
He was preceded in death by his father, Herbert L. Brown; mother, Lillian S.
Brown; brother, J. Donald Brown; sister, D. Marie Hallett, and son, Ted W. Brown,
Jr.
Donations in Mr. Brown's memory may be directed to the Surprise Valley Health Care District, P.O. Box 246, Cedarville, CA 96104. Kerr Mortuary in Alturas has charge of arrangements.
Sports
Wood second at Reno
Modoc senior Travis Wood took second place in the huge Sierra Nevada Classic
wresting tournament in Reno last weekend.
According to Coach Shaun Wood, father of Travis and freshman Josh Wood, more
than 900 wrestlers competed in the event, which draws some of the top wrestlers
in the nation. Wood said that most divisions had about 80 wrestlers competing.
Travis pinned his way to the finals in four matches and then "got caught"
in the championship match. Coach Wood believes Travis could have won the match
and hopes to see the Thurston, Oregon wrestler again down the line.
Tulelake's John Luscombe placed third in the Reno tournament.
Jared Cox went 3-2 in the event, Sheridan Crutcher was 3-2, Brian Weed was
3-2, Josh Wood was 2-2, Chris Buchanan was 1-2, Kevin Richardson, Josue Madrigal
and Cain Madrigal were 0-2.
This weekend the Braves travel to another big tournament at Anderson where they'll
see most of the top wrestlers in the north section. Several of Modoc's wrestlers
should do very well, including Travis and Josh Wood, Cox, Weed, Crutcher, and
Ian Jacques.
Richert
on USC team
There was a Modoc connection in Wednesday night's University of Southern California
versus Texas NCAA National Championship football game at the Rose Bowl.
Jonathan Richert, now a junior at USC walked on and made the Trojan football
team this spring as an offensive lineman. Richert graduated from Modoc High
School in 2002. He's listed on the USC program roster as 6-4 and weighing 290
pounds.
Richert hasn't seen much playing time this year and is down some on the depth chart. He is the son of Dr Ed, and Carol Richert of Alturas.
January 12th, 2006
News
Wet winter boosts precipitation totals
It's been wetter than normal in Modoc for the past three months, with December
well above season averages.
In Alturas for December, the U.S. Forest Service measured 3.98 inches of precipitation,
more than three times the average of 1.23 inches for the month. In November,
2.31 inches were measured, well above the 1.37 inches per month average.
The year total (January to December) was 14.17 inches, well above
the 12.53 inches per year average for Alturas. In addition, the month of January
has started off wet with .50 inches of precipitation falling so far and more
projected for the rest of this week.
In Alturas for the water year up to Sept. 2005, the USFS measured
15.33 inches of moisture and the year before that it was 12.65 inches.
To the extent that Alturas has been wet, it pales in comparison with Canby.
According to the weather station's Diana McCulley, Canby showed a year
total of 23.10 inches of precipitation. That pretty much drowned the average
yearly rainfall of 15.5 inches.
Canby had 5.55 inches of moisture in December and 3.85 in November.
And Lake City nearly lived up to its name. Since November more
than 10 inches of precipitation has been measured. According to measurements
at the Hapgood Ranch, in December over nine inches of precipitation was measured.
From Dec. 18 through Dec. 31, an astounding 7.07 inches of moisture fell, causing
some flooding in the area.
What worries local weather and water watchers is the fact that
the temperatures have also been unseasonably warm, meaning the normal snowpack
in the mountains or foothills could be much weaker than normal. The snowpack
measurement will be taken this month.
Local people are hoping for cooler weather, in part just to freeze
the ground and get rid of what's become a very muddy mess.
Election will bring several new faces to
county
One more current Modoc County elected official will not be seeking re-election
in the June 6 Primary Election. There will be several new faces in county departments
next year.
Auditor Judi Stevens joins County Clerk Maxine Madison and County
Assessor Josephine Johnson in saying they will not be running again.
Sheriff Bruce Mix underwent triple-bypass heart surgery in Reno Tuesday morning
and has said he remains undecided about seeking another term.
Last week, he said health concerns would play a major role in
his decision-making process.
It is anticipated there will be a contested election in the Sheriff's
race this year, whether Mix runs again or not.
District Attorney Jordan Funk has not yet made a firm commitment
on seeking re-election.
It is expected that Treasurer/Tax Collector Cheryl Knoch will
seek another term in office. Superintendent of Schools Vanston Shaw will seek
election. He was appointed to serve out the remaining term of retired Superintendent
Carol Harbaugh.
County positions up for election in June are: District Attorney,
County Clerk, Auditor-Recorder, Sheriff/Coroner, Treasurer/Tax Collector, Assessor
and County Superintendent of Schools.
The Board of Supervisor seats of District One's Dan Macsay
and District Five's David Bradshaw are also up for election.
In the City of Alturas, the council seats of Jerry Smith and John
Vass will come to term. City Treasurer Kathie Alves will be seeking re-election.
The first day to take out nomination papers is Feb. 13. There is a filing fee
for county offices, amounting to one percent of the annual salary. Those figures
will be made available prior to the actual filing date.
According to Madison, the nomination papers will have to be returned
by March 10.
No certainty RAC funding will be continued
This year, 2006, may see the end of the funding set aside by the
United States Congress five years ago to replace the failing revenue stream
to local counties that had historically been generated by timber sales from
national forests.
Called the Secure Rural Schools and Communities Stabilization
Act, this vital funding legislation represents a substantial portion of the
money needed to run schools and maintain roads, in addition to a number of other
programs, in rural counties with national forests.
Originally conceived as a safety net, these funds were appropriated
to replace timber harvest receipts, which have declined 85% since 1986 and which
fulfill a congressional agreement dating back to 1908. Proponents of the legislation
insist that the funding is still needed because forest receipts continue to
decline.
"The act has been extremely important to not only Lassen
County, but to the state and nation," said Lassen County superintendent
of schools, Bob Owens, who is actively working to inform the public. "Over
the last five years of this bill, Lassen County schools and roads have split
more than 12 million dollars. These funds are absolutely critical to Lassen
County schools, especially in light of declining enrollment and the subsequent
decline in revenues."
"I'm sure every school superintendent in the country
that had a national forest timber program in their county is watching this closely,"
said Sean Curtis, chairman of the Modoc County RAC committee and board member
of the National Forest Counties and Schools Coalition, a national umbrella coalition
composed of 1300 member organizations in 37 states that is presently lobbying
the U. S. Congress to reauthorize this legislation.
Curtis notes that Modoc County, for example, would lose about $3.3 million dollars
annually if this funding were allowed to lapse. "It's certainly critical
for the health of lots of rural communities," he said, adding that 800
counties nationwide receive funding under the legislation.
"The federal government has a responsibly to keep these counties
whole, as they agreed to do a hundred years ago," said Bob Douglas, president
of the Coalition, which is leading the fight to reauthorize the legislation
and its badly needed funding.
Douglas also emphasized the nature of the contract between the
federal government and these rural counties. "One hundred years ago, we
agreed to set aside 95 percent of the land in our counties for national forests.
Part of that agreement was that removal of those lands from economic development
and taxation would be mitigated with a revenue sharing mechanism."
"If the formula that's worked for 85 years doesn't
work any more, that doesn't relieve the federal government of the responsibility
for compensation," said Curtis. "It just means
that you need
to find another way to do it."
Noting that receipts from timber sales have continued to decline
in recent years due to the government's policies, Curtis is adamant that
a failure to renew the legislation will result in a financial catastrophe for
the affected counties. "If its not reauthorized, then we go back to the
old formula.
We're going to see
bankrupt school districts,
layoffs of teachers and road department employees. Roads will suffer. We're
going to see (county) services dramatically shrunk, increased class sizes (and)
cutting of (school) programs such as bus transportation."
According to Curtis, county budgets will also be severely impacted,
affecting virtually everyone in Modoc County to one degree or another.
"We believe that this bill going away at this time would be devastating
for roads and county schools," said Douglas, echoing the sentiments of
county officials and school district administrators in several California counties.
Douglas explained the legislation and its three principal funding
streams that come to rural, forest counties as a result. "The Secure Rural
Schools and Communities Act has been enormously successful. It's public
policy at its finest, from our point of view."
He explained that Title 1 of the legislation funds schools and
county roads. For about 780 forest counties, this money "has absolutely
been a godsend because without the restoration of these funds all kinds of really
draconian things would have been happening in the last six years in both public
schools and roads in these rural counties," said Douglas.
Title 2 funds the Resource Advisory Councils (RACs) and the projects
they select. "We have almost 70 RACs across the country," said Douglas.
"We have not had a single one of those disband or fall apart because of
conflict. In fact, they have done over 2,500 projects nationwide in the last
four years, and not a single project has been litigated or appealed. That's
an enormously successful track record."
Typically RAC funding is used "as a catalyst to bring partners
together" and as seed money to leverage larger, more complex projects.
"Almost 30 percent of the funds that were used in RAC projects came from
sources other than Title 2 and the bill," Douglas said. This encouraged
outside funding and promoted the "best kind of partnerships" for improving
the communities and forests. He believes that Congress should take a hard look
at the success of this program.
Title 3 funds go directly to the counties. "It has been an
essential piece for wildfire protection planning under the Healthy Forest Restoration
Act," said Douglas. "A lot of the work under Fire Safe Councils has
been funded using
Title 3 money." It has also helped to fund search
and rescue programs.
"Every one of the titles in the bill has had a success story
behind it," said Douglas, emphasizing the overarching success of the legislation
and its funding streams.
"Considering that we're all aware of numerous federal
programs that aren't very successful," said Curtis, "here's
one that's currently demonstrated to be successful."
All are agreed that reauthorizing the act at this time will be
a bit of an uphill battle due to budgetary constraints.
"Politically speaking, it's going to be a tougher deal
than it was five years ago," Curtis said, noting that this legislation
was instigated in an era of ample budgets. "Anything (today) that costs
money gets closer scrutiny than it may have in an era of surpluses."
"We are cautiously optimistic at this point that the Bush
administration has recognized the importance of this bill," said Douglas.
"We're hopeful that when the president's budget is released on
February 3rd, there will be a clear signal sent to Congress, through that budget,
that this act is important and that it is a priority of this administration
and that they recognize that this is a historic partnership between the federal
government and these rural communities to operate our national forest system."
Coalition member groups hope to awaken the public in affected
counties to the necessity of supporting their efforts.
"The public can assist their schools and roads, the local economy, and
the environment by becoming further educated about the Coalition, by becoming
members, and by promoting the passage of the new bills (HR 517 and 5267),"
said Owens.
Curtis encourages everyone to join the Coalition, follow the progress
of the legislation through Congress and participate in letter writing campaigns.
"I think we're at a very critical stage," said Douglas of the
efforts by the Coalition to have the Act reauthorized. He said that the goal
is to have bill on president's desk by December this year, "so that
we can maintain the protections of this funding for rural public schools."
He summarizes by saying that if the government fails to renew this legislation, it creates an inequity between the education of children in affected counties and those in the rest of the country. "We're essentially relegating the children in the forest counties of America to a second-rate education," Douglas said. "The country owes them more than that."
Resource Advisory Committee considers projects
for '07
The Modoc Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) met Jan. 9 in Alturas
to elect officers for the coming year and to review project proposals for 2007.
The RAC is seeking applications to fund projects in 2006-07, including
road, trail and infrastructure maintenance or obliteration, soil productivity
improvement, improvements in forest ecosystem health, watershed restoration
and maintenance, and control of noxious and exotic weeds. All projects must
take place on or adjacent to National Forest Service land.
At the Jan. 9 meeting, Sean Curtis was elected RAC chairman for
2006. Curtis is a natural resource advisor for Modoc County. Elected vice chairman
was Willy Hagge, a former Modoc County supervisor who holds a range permit for
cattle on National Forest land.
According to Louis Haynes, public affairs officer for Modoc National
Forest and RAC coordinator, the RAC is part of a large-scale funding mechanism
introduced by former president Clinton to help communities recover from the
loss of the timber industry.
"The county used to receive 25 percent payment from all timber
sales, but since we are no longer selling timber, there is nothing to get,"
Haynes explained. "In order to make sure schools and communities remain
healthy in rural areas, the government gives so much money each year. This year,
Modoc County received (approximately) $3.4 million.
"Out of that money, 80 percent (or $2.7 million) goes to
schools and roads, and the other 20 percent is discretionary," he said.
"That discretionary money is divided between Title II projects on Forest
Service land, and Title III, or rural projects, things like search and rescue,
and after-school programs for kids, and those types of activities."
Haynes said about $348,000 has been put aside this year for designated
projects falling under the Title II classification.
"We usually start looking at funding those around September," he said.
"Right now, we are looking to fund projects for 2007. One project came
forward (Jan. 9), and that was submitted by the Forest Service for development
of a wild-horse trap using a bating system. That project was approved, but the
dollar amount was not determined pending going through the allocation process
when that money gets here."
Haynes said the "portable" trap "could be used by Forest Service
personnel working out in the field.
"What kind of closing system it would use and other issues
are still being worked out," he added. "The purpose behind it is,
for example, the Devil's Garden Ranger District, where the wild-horse herd
is estimated at about 450, and they are hoping for about 300 horses out there.
This trap would be utilized there or wherever we have more animals than we are
looking for in the management plan. The trapped horses would then be transferred
down to the BLM corral at Litchfield."
Other projects funded by the RAC in years past include an expansion
of equestrian facilities at Pepperdine Campground in the Warner Mountains, creation
of the Cedar Pass Trail including a restroom and well, purchase of equipment
to expand use of the juniper tree to produce picket fences and hardwood flooring,
and creation of an Environmental Impact Statement for the restoration of the
Sage-Steppe Ecosystem.
"At the Pepperdine facility located between Alturas and Cedarville,
the RAC funded the entire building, bathrooms, stalls for horses and a new water
system," Haynes noted.
Other projects in the works include placement of wildlife guzzlers
in remote areas, several trail improvements, and development of a new equestrian
facility in the South Warner Mountains near Likely.
"We funded some wildlife guzzlers, or 3,000 gallon water
tanks to capture snow and rainfall, so we developed a water supply for wildlife
such as antelope, deer and wild horses where there had been nothing before,"
he said, explaining that the new equestrian facility near Likely "is still
in the design process."
The Modoc RAC is actively seeking members for 2006-07, as well as more Title II and III projects. For more information, contact RAC Coordinator Louis Haynes at (530) 233-8846.
Obituaries
Eugene 'Jerry' Palmer
Eugene "Jerry" Palmer of Davis Creek died Sunday January
8, 2006 in El Centro, California of natural causes. Services will be held on
Monday, January 16, 2006, at 2 p.m. at the Davis Creek Grange Hall in Davis
Creek, CA. Graveside services at the Davis Creek Cemetery, with fellowship to
follow at the Grange Hall.
Jerry with his wife and mother-in-law owned and operated the Davis
Creek Mercantile for twenty years. With his good friend, John Z and friends
put on the famous Davis Creek BBQ's in the summers.
Jerry was not always in the retail business. He was born September
6, 1937 in San Diego, CA. to George and Jean Palmer, his father was killed when
he was two years old. His mother remarried Vernon Yates, who was Jerry's
Dad until he died in Lakeview in 1990.
Jerry started his careers as a box boy at the corner market in Ocean Beach,
CA. Then right out of high school joined the Air Force and was accepted into
the SAC Air Police. He guarded airplanes and flight lines all over the U.S.
and Spain. He was very proud that he made the "All Second Air Force Baseball
All-Star" team for two years and played shortstop and second base all over
Europe.
He came back to San Diego in 1960, and with his Mom's help
went to work at Mission Bay Golf Course in San Diego. He was a maintenance worker,
mowing greens and fairways. This is where he met his wife Beverley Hunter; her
Dad owned the golf course. They were married on Feb. 25, 1961 exactly 2 months
after their first date and spent almost 45 loving years together. Of course,
Jerry got a promotion to Golf Course Superintendent (by his father-in-law).
He went on to build and maintain four golf courses in San Diego County. He developed
methods to grow turf in "alki" alkali soil.
Jerry was always looking to the future and went into landscaping
in 1977 owning with his partner, Tom Jones, Turf Masters, Inc. They provided
landscaping for Seaport Village and San Diego redevelopment project, along with
many other commercial jobs.
He then decided it was time for a life style change and he and Beverley moved
to Davis Creek to own and operate the Davis Creek Mercantile where Jerry became
a storekeeper and "Cowboy." He rode his beloved cutting horse Rey
Jay, winning many local awards in Modoc, Lake and Klamath counties. Everyone
knew when Jerry was doing a good job, as he always laughed and let out a "Whoopi"
and when he goofed-up, he did the same. He always had fun.
Jerry was always involved. He was a little league coach and manager even before
his son played ball. He was president of the San Diego Golf Course Superintendents
Assoc. for many years. He was a commissioner on the Davis Creek Fire District
and a member of the Modoc County Sheriff's Posse. He was active with the
Modoc County Cancer Society and the grounds-keeper at the Davis Creek Cemetery.
Jerry knew no strangers and could strike up a conversation with
anyone, anywhere, just about anything. He loved all people and was especially
proud of his children and their accomplishments. His grandchildren were the
apple of his eye.
He was preceded in death by his father, mother, stepfather, and
his mother-in-law.
He is survived by his wife Beverley, of Davis Creek, CA; his son
Brett and fiancée Wendy of San Diego; his daughter Sandra Bath and her
husband Jerry of Lander, Wyoming. Grandchildren: Rick and Ben Bath, Kaleb, Ryan
and Christopher Palmer, Caitlin Hakala, and great-granddaughter Tatum Bath.
His sisters, Judy Feade and Patty Geanetta. Brothers-in-law, Kirk Hunter and
wife Monica, Brad Hunter and wife Laurie. Nephews Blaine Hunter and Caine Feade
and nieces Salina Hunter, Dawna and Kim Cordoza and Sara Feade. His dog Tilly
and his horses Charlie, Stoney, and Squirt.
In lieu of flowers, please send contributions in the name of Jerry
Palmer to the Davis Creek Volunteer Fire Department or the organization of your
choice.
Dollie Mayers
Dollie Elizabeth Halsey Mayers, 90, a resident of Alturas for the past 23 years, passed away Wednesday, January 4, 2006 in Lincoln, California. She was born August 7, 1915 in Schell City, Missouri, to Charles and Maud Griffith Halsey. After growing up in Clinton, MO, she married Raymond Mayers on July 3, 1933. They were married by her uncle, Rev. Wade Johnson, who was a well-known Baptist evangelist. In 1938, Dollie and Raymond moved to Lincoln, CA, where their three daughters grew up and where Dollie resided for nearly 45 years. She was a very active member of the Lincoln Assembly of God church. She was preceded in death by her husband Raymond, who died in 1964. She worked for Del Monte for 34 years, and after retirement in the early 1980s, moved to Alturas, to be near her oldest daughter Shirley. Her final years were spent with her daughter Carol Files, in Lincoln and in Alturas. She was a loving and giving mother and grandmother who was always there for her family. She loved life to its fullest, was a devoted Christian, and was a blessing to all who knew her. She will be missed so very much.
Besides her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by
her daughter Shirley Gooch and her grandson Mike Files, as well as her brothers
Earl, George, Jim, and Dick Halsey, and sisters Marie Harrelson, Lola Sersey,
and Nellie Kisor. She is survived by her daughters Carol Files of Alturas, and
Charlotte Solander Hertel of Whitewater, CO; 11 grandchildren: Curt Stafford
of Citrus Heights, CA, Vanessa Allen of Grants Pass, OR, Teddie Hayes of Rocklin,
CA, Teri Brown-Riley of Cedarville, (Traci) Winona Brown of Citrus Heights,
Susan Davis of Alturas, Ken Files of Boise, ID, Ray Solander, Frank Solander,
and Marilyn Murch, all of Lincoln, and Barbi Fox of Colorado; 24 great-grandchildren;
and eight great-great-grandchildren.
Graveside services were held Wednesday Jan uary 11 at
the Manzanita Cemetery, near Lincoln, CA.
Larry Van Meter
Larry Van Meter of Alturas passed away January 3, 2006 at Modoc
Medical Center in Alturas, CA. Memorial services will be held at Kerr Mortuary
Chapel on Friday, January 13 at 1:30 p.m. Wake to follow at 410 Chuckar Lane,
Alturas. "Larry loved life and all his friends. Please come and help us
remember Larry and how much he enjoyed life," encourage family members.
He was born in San Francisco, CA on March 21, 1958, and received
his education there. He studied Karate, was a mechanic, truck driver and house
mover over the years. He loved to cook and people loved to eat his food. He
was always willing to lend a hand whenever someone needed help. He was a fan
of WWF Wrestling. Mr. Van Meter had lived in Modoc County for the past three
years.
He is survived by his long-time companion and wife, Laurie Sprouse VanMeter
of Alturas; daughter Gina Van Meter of San Francisco; son, Chris Van Meter of
Alturas, CA; grandson David Anthony Cerna of San Francisco; two sisters, Teresa
Van Meter and Lorretta Van Meter, both of San Francisco; numerous friends and
relatives.
Gilbert Ellenberger
Services for Gilbert "Gib" Ellenberger, 94, of Adin,
will be held today, Thursday, January 12 at 11 a.m. at the Adin Community Bible
Church. The Rev. Dave Lambert of Red Bluff and Rev. Ryan Harper of Adin will
officiate. Burial will be at the Adin Cemetery. Mr. Ellenberger died Saturday,
January 7, 2006, at Mayer's Memorial Hospital in Fall River Mills, CA.
He was born December 7, 1911, in Phillipsburg County, Kansas. He was a life-long
resident of Adin, CA. He was a timber faller and worked in the lumber industry
until he retired.
Survivors include his wife Tommie of Adin; four sons, Dolan of
Lakeview, Tommy of Redding, Dearld of Adin and Larry of Adin; eight grandchildren
and 15 great-grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Adin Community Bible
Church. Arrangements are being handled by Kerr Mortuary in Alturas.
Herbert Ivory Dally
Herbert Ivory Dally of Fort Bidwell passed away December 23, 2005,
in Fernley, NV at the home of his son Brandon.
Herbert was born November 24, 1928 to Ivory and Olivia Dally in
Berkeley, CA. He spent his childhood in Pittsburgh, CA and on the family farm
near Oakley, CA. He attended schools in Pittsburgh and Oakley, and graduated
from Liberty Union High School.
When the Korean War came, Herbert enlisted in the U.S. Navy, in
which he served aboard an aircraft carrier. Upon the death of his father, the
Navy gave him an early honorable discharge, and he was sent home to operate
the family farm. Eventually the farm was sold.
By the time the farm was sold, Herbert had married and had four
children. With his family, he moved to Chicago, where for a time he managed
a small business. This was followed by a move to Nevada. In Nevada he worked
as a miner for many years, and raised his three sons. When he retired, he moved
to the Lake Mead area.
In 2002, he returned to his native California, to Modoc County,
where he took up residence in Fort Bidwell.
Herbert's life-long favorite pastime was fishing. After retirement he owned
a good-sized boat, and while at Lake Mead he delighted in taking other retirees
out on the lake to fish. After moving to Modoc County he quickly located the
best fishing spots.
At Fort Bidwell, though, Herbert, a warm, caring, kindly man,
found so many ways to help his neighbors and the community in general that he
rarely had time to fish. During his brief time in Fort Bidwell, he accomplished
many things and made many friends.
Herbert was a life-long member of the Catholic Church and a long-time member
of the Knights of Columbus. He joined the Fort Bidwell Volunteer Fire Department
and helped with all their activities.
Herbert Dally is survived by his sister, Beverly Dally Kloepfer,
his three sons, Brandon, Cameron, and Logan, and two grandchildren. He was preceded
in death by his daughter Shannon.
Memorial services are pending.
Dominique Angelique Forrest
Funeral services for infant Dominique Angelique Forrest, known
as "Nikki," will be held at Kerr Mortuary Chapel in Alturas on Monday,
January 16 at 10 a.m. Visitation will be the same morning at 9 a.m. at Kerr
Mortuary.
She was born on December 15, 2005, in Fall River Mills, CA. She
passed away from natural causes on January 7, 2006, in Alturas.
She is survived by her mother, Michele Lee Forrest of Alturas,
CA; grandmother Jackie Hansen of Yuba City, CA; grandfather Nathaniel Forrest
of Reno, NV; great-grandfather Norman Forrest of Alturas, CA; great-grandparents
Harry and Clydene Kightlinger, Yuba City, CA; great uncles, Max and Mike Forrest
of Alturas, CA; great aunt, Barbara Spencer, San Leandro, CA; aunts: Josie,
Bernie, Rose of Marysville, CA and numerous cousins.
She was preceded in death by her great-grandmother Georgine Forrest and aunt April Forrest.
Sports
Braves split to open SCL
Modoc's varsity boy's basketball team split to open
the Shasta Cascade League this week, losing to Mt. Shasta, 49-37, and then traveling
to Trinity to beat the Wolves, 58-41.
The Braves were without the services of forward Ross Burgess for
those two games, out with a sprained ankle.
Against Mt. Shasta here, Modoc opened with a 19-9 first period lead and then
the top of the hoop froze over. The Braves managed just two points in the second
period and allowed the Bears to tie the score at 21-21. The Braves didn't
warm much in the third period as Mt. Shasta took a 37-28 lead into the fourth
period.
"We just went dead as far as shooting goes," said coach
Bunk Richardson. "Nothing would fall for us. We did cut the lead to three
in the fourth, but they hit a three and that just sucked the wind out of us."
Micah Eppler led the scoring with 13 and Zeke Bonham added nine.
On Saturday, the Braves made the arduous trek to Weaverville, where they played
a better game.The game was knotted at 14-14 after one and Modoc led 36-22 at
the half. The Braves and Wolves fought it out to a 37-34 Modoc lead after three.
TheBraves then added 21 points, 10 by Taylor
Dunn, in the fourth for the win while limiting Trinity to just
seven.
Dunn led all scorers with 23 points and Eppler added 16.
Modoc travels to Weed Friday and Burney comes to Modoc next Tuesday.
The Braves beat Bishop Quinn 52-33 Tuesday night in Alturas to
up their league record to 2-1. Modoc jumped out to a 23-9 first period lead
and led 34-21 by halftime. The Braves led 45-28 after three. Bishop Quinn is
also 2-1 in the SCL.
Eppler led the scoring with 19 points and Dunn added 14.
Braves stunned at Anderson tourney
Modoc's wrestling team heads to the Burney Invitational this
weekend, coming off a disappointing showing at the big Anderson Invitational
last weekend.
Modoc will still be the odds-on favorite to win the Burney event,
something that has been very common this decade.
In Anderson, Modoc's top wrestler, senior 152-pounder Travis
Wood, finished fourth, the highest of any Modoc entrant. Coach Shaun Wood, Travis'
father said his son did not have a good outing.
His brother, freshman Josh Wood, did well, placing fifth at 189
pounds. The only other place winner for Modoc was Sheridan Crutcher, who was
seventh at 135 pounds.
Wood said several of his wrestlers competed well, even though they did not place and he expects them to win the Burney Invitational. He said it's possible that most of his starters will compete the finals.
Modoc girls open with two wins
Modoc's girls won their opening two games of the Shasta Cascade
League loop, beating Mt. Shasta and Trinity.
The Braves had Mt. Shasta at home Friday night, winning 52-45.
Modoc led 14-9 in the first and 28-17 in the second. They led after three 36-25.
Catherine Lowry led all scorers with 18 while Sarah Catania added 13. Alysha
Northrup added seven and Tacie Richardson had six.
The Braves beat Trinity 54-44 on the Wolves court Saturday. They led 19-2 in
the first and 21 14 at halftime. They led 36-25 after three. They added 18 to
the Wolves' 19 in the fourth.
Lowry led the team with 28 points, Catania added 12 and Northrup
and Richardson each had five.
The Braves lost to Bishop Quinn Tuesday at home 43-29, on a very poor shooting
night, hitting just 23 percent from the floor. Northrup led the Braves with
seven, Richardson added six and Catania had six.
The loss puts them at 2-1 in league with Weed there Friday and
Burney at home Tuesday.
Modoc junior varsity is 1-2
Modoc's junior varsity boys opened the Shasta Cascade loop
with two losses and one win. The lost their first two, 45-43 in Mt. Shasta and
77-62 in Trinity. Tuesday, they beat Bishop Quinn 61-57.
Against Mt. Shasta, John Hughes led with 14 points, Dee Hunsaker
added 10, Trent Schmidt had seven and Daniel Morgan and Justin Estes each added
six.
Against Trinity, Estes led the scoring with 24 points; Morgan
added 13 and Hunsaker had 10.
Estes scored 21 to lead against Bishop Quinn, Schmidt added 18 and Hunsaker
had 10.
January 19th, 2006
News
Cotta will run for District Attorney
Local public defender Richard Cotta has announced he'll be a candidate
for Modoc County District Attorney in the June 6 primary.
It is expected that DA Jordan Funk will seek re-election and another
challenger could be local attorney John Lawson.
Cotta, age 52, is currently forming an advisory committee. He
is a graduate of Santa Clara University School of Law and has practiced law
for 20 years, primarily devoted to criminal law. He holds Bachelor's and Master's
Degrees from San Jose State University. Cotta came to Modoc in 2003 as a contract
public defender with the firm of John Barker and Associates, of Madera, Ca.
He is a veteran and a native Californian.
At least three Modoc officials will not be seeking re-election: Auditor Judi
Stevens, County Clerk Maxine Madison and County Assessor Josephine Johnson.
Sheriff Bruce Mix is recovering from triple-bypass heart surgery
and has said he has not decided about seeking another term. It is anticipated
there will be a contested election in the Sheriff's race this year, whether
Mix runs again or not.
Treasurer/Tax Collector Cheryl Knoch is expected to seek another
term in office. Superintendent of Schools Vanston Shaw will seek election. He
was appointed to serve out the remaining term of retired Superintendent Carol
Harbaugh.
County positions up for election in June are: District Attorney,
County Clerk, Auditor-Recorder, Sheriff/Coroner, Treasurer/Tax Collector, Assessor
and County Superintendent of Schools.
The Board of Supervisor seats of District One's Dan Macsay and
District Five's David Bradshaw are also up for election. Both are expected to
run again.
In the City of Alturas, the council seats of Jerry Smith and John
Vass will come to term. City Treasurer Kathie Alves will be seeking re-election.
The first day to take out nomination papers is Feb. 13. There
is a filing fee for county offices, amounting to one percent of the annual salary.
Those figures will be made available prior to the actual filing date.
According to Madison, the nomination papers will have to be returned by March
10.
Small town life can bring solution closer
to home
By Jane S. Holloway
Publisher
The New Year is bringing new and unwanted challenges to many of
Modoc's residents, including those who have worked hard as the corner stones
of the country- - the senior citizens. But not only are seniors being affected,
but working families.
The issue is not just one single thing; heating costs and gasoline
prices, food and medical costs have outpaced fixed incomes. The reality of living
on a fixed income or a tight budget can leave a person dangerously cold. The
cost of living increases, while the resources to pay for them don't.
So much has changed in just one year in the U.S., and organizations
are not organized enough, nor do they have the resources to meet the volume
of need of people. That means that reaching out to help a neighbor is crucial.
Many who would never dream of asking for any kind of help, grew
up in a different time, when being self-sufficient actually allowed a person
to manage to make "ends meet." Many of our seniors will not ask for
help, even after being told that they qualify.
But, times are harsh and money elusive for the "working poor"
and many seniors. Just trying to fend off the cold of the winter in one's own
home can be tough. For many, the options are heavily weighed each day, week
and month, which bills to pay: whether to buy food, pay for heat or prescription
medications. Diets are lean just to be able to get by and pay for medications
or to keep the heat on. Frugal living is a way of life.
What, you say, in this country? How can anyone be cold or hungry or be left
without help, for something another might consider minor? But, it happens daily
and Modoc residents are no exception.
Charities are struggling with limited cash donations, and try
to help those who approach them as best they can. But many times, throwing cash
at the problem, won't always fix it. Pride often keeps self-respecting people
away from asking a charity, family member or neighbor for help. And those without
family, wonder how they can make it through the dark, cold winter months.
Some who have very little to give, do as much as they can for
others, because they were taught that charity begins at home and comes from
the heart. That's when the description, "the family of man" reminds
us to look out for the needs of those around us. We all have come to realize
there are "givers" and there are "takers."
We need look no further than our own community to find those in
need. Often times these people or neighbors go unnoticed, because no one takes
the time to ask. Many are falling into the cracks of society- not enough income,
yet on a meager budget, but too much to qualify for assistance. Some may live
in town, just next door; others are living alone, in more remote areas. Fiercely
independent, many will never set foot in a social services agency door to ask
for help and they certainly won't ask for government assistance or interference
in their lives. And no one wants to be taken advantage of or condescendingly
treated by another.
"We just don't see the reaching out, that used to be a way
of life," laments one Alturas senior citizen, who wishes to remain anonymous.
"I think there needs to be a desperate call to help our neighbors, and
we can start right here, at home. It seems we've turned our seniors from the
corner stones of society to the stepping stones."
"Sometimes we just have to start with an open heart in our
own community to help fill those basic needs of a roof over our heads, warm
clothing, a warm place to live and food on the table. Time is of the essence,
especially at this time of the year. Helping doesn't require much for someone
who is physically capable. A neighbor or a relative may need help by bringing
in their wood, shoveling snow off their walk, change a ceiling lightbulb or
some small thing, that's easy for one, but not for the one who has the need.
But they won't ask."
During the winter, when flu and ill health seems to take hold,
and a quick drive to the store is not an option for many, that's when a friend
or neighbor can help. And if someone is spending a lot of time curled up under
blankets or staying in bed alot, it may be because they can't afford to turn
on any heat.
Options do exist and Marie Smith and the staff and volunteers
at Modoc Senior Citizens Center say new faces are always a pleasure to see at
the Monday through Friday lunches at the Modoc Senior Citizens Center. Transportation
to the lunches in the Senior Center dining room on West Fourth Street, can offer
a warm atmosphere, an informal outing, conversation and games for those who
choose to stay after lunch. Home delivered meals, lunch reservations and transportation
can all be arranged by calling the Senior Center in Alturas at (530) 233-4438.
Guests are welcome and don't have an age requirement.
Arrangements for Sage Stage transportation can be accessed for
a trip to the store, doctor, downtown, to pick up medications or get a lift
out of town. Call Sage Stage at (530) 233-3883.
Something in just the past year, which is a pilot program and
available to Alturas area home bound residents at this time, with the option
of growing to outer areas, is the Senior Peer Counselor program. Volunteers
are trained to assist as a friend and an advocate and are able to expand the
support system for seniors by connecting them with other available community
resources, if necessary. Just call (530) 233-7126 for further information. Such
a program is working well in an urban area in the southern part of the state.
"In the meantime, check on your neighbor or a family member
living alone. Are you bored?go to the rest home to visit and learn the
meaning of boredom, loneliness and depression. Go, thinking instead that you
are giving love and they will teach you how to love," offers one Alturas
senior.
"It takes very little to help someone, but the rewards are
many," she encourages. Making lives better, one community at a time, with
a little care, can really help. People just have to take a moment to care."
Share your suggestions or solutions with us. Please write to us at the Modoc County Record, P.O. Box 531, Alturas, CA 96101; e-mail jane@modocrecord.com or call 530-233-2632.
Transportation Commission pushes Warner Street renovation
For the third time in as many years, the Modoc County Transportation
Commission is recommending that state money designated for road repair go to
fix Warner Street in Alturas.
The recommendation comes on the heels of the group's public meeting
Jan. 12 in city hall. The proposal to allocate $1,927,000 to Warner Street represents
roughly one-third of all transportation money available from the state for Modoc
County in 2006.
With millions of dollars in State Transportation Improvement Program
(STIP) funds supposedly available, the local transportation commission is the
agency for recommending how state government spends taxpayer money in this arena.
However, MCTC Executive Director Pam Couch said a succession of California governors
has hamstrung local transportation improvement programs.
"We have had a lot of problems statewide due to the state
budget being hijacked," said Couch, who is also executive director of the
Modoc Transportation Agency and the county's Sage-Stage bus transit system.
"Our last two governors have taken transportation dollars the voters earmarked
for roads, and put it to balance the state budget.
"This is the third time we have programmed the Warner Street
work," she added, noting the road is in bad shape and serves as a main
artery in the county's most populated area. "It should have been done in
2003, and we would have saved a lot of money by doing it then, because there
is a one-third increase in construction costs. There will come a point where
we can no longer overlay that road, and then the cost will be astronomical."
Modoc County Deputy Road Commissioner Steve Jacques concurs, noting
he is "not holding my breath" for funding of projects this year.
"My feeling is they make a lot of promises (but) transportation
funding is so uncertain, it seems like a role of the dice," Jacques said.
"I know the governor has moved transportation up his priority list lately,
but small counties like us don't rate real high on that list."
Provided the money comes through, the MCTC voted on $6,485,000
worth of projects as part of the 2006 Regional Transportation Improvement Program,
Couch explained. This includes oversight for state, county and city improvement
projects.
"With STIP dollars, 75 percent goes to regions, and each
region votes on the projects," she said. "That is a major change since
1998, and the reason we are doing more projects locally than ever before. We
keep track of the checkbook balance to make sure everyone is afforded an equal
opportunity (and) a fair and equitable split over the long run."
Below is a closer look at the projects voted on by the MCTC:
Warner Street rehabilitation, local-state matching funds of approximately
$1,927,000, with construction slated for 2007-08.
County Road 114 rehab, $745,000 for construction in 2008-09 in
the Newell/Tulelake area
Replacement of two bridges on CR 61 (Nos. 3C036 and 3C037) deemed "structurally
insufficient." Matching funds of $32,000 awarded for each bridge through
the Federal Bridge Replacement Program, with construction in 2009-10.
Replacement of two other bridges standing side by side on CR 87A,
awarded $19,000 each for preliminary engineering, specifications and environmental
documentation phase in 2006-07, and $86,000 in matching funds each for the construction
phase in 2007-08 (or roughly 11 percent of the total cost).
CR1 North resurfacing from Cedarville to past Lake City, awarded in two phases
for a total of $1,815,000 from 2009-11.
A second rehab is scheduled in the Newell/Tulelake area consisting
of CR114 resurfacing to the state highway, with allocation of approximately
$2 million for 2009-11.
$400,000 to public transit for purchase of Sage-Stage replacement
vehicles.
$206,000 set in reserve for transportation enhancement activities
in 2010-11.
Jacques said "structurally deficient" bridges near Canby
and Adin will be replaced as part of projects approved last year and in 2006.
"We have a couple of other projects that were approved on
CR 1. Those will not affect a lot of people but the road is in real bad shape,"
he said. "The first phase is the south section to the border, and the other
is from Cedarville to Lake City. That will be a big project if we can get the
money for it."
Approximately $1 million approved earlier by MCTC is going into
a partnership with CalTrans to install decorative lighting along Main Street
in Alturas, Couch noted.
"We added those dollars to enhance and beautify our community,"
she said. "With Main Street being a highway, it will really create some
challenges, but there are no other transportation corridors here.
"It should be very interesting as the town gets turned upside down,"
she added with a knowing chuckle.
Erik Akana of Redding, CalTrans engineer and project manager for Modoc County,
earlier noted a "major rehab" of downtown Alturas includes installation
of "large drainage trunks" and repaving Main Street for flood control.
The partnership with MCTC for decorative lighting is "a way
to get downtown spruced up a little bit, and give people coming through Alturas
that hometown feeling," he said. "It should make it really nice looking,
instead of those tall, cobra-head lights."
CalTrans work for the upcoming season will involve U.S. 395 in
Lassen and Modoc counties, U.S. 299 between Canby and Alturas, and several other
areas up to the Oregon border, according to officials.
The MCTC also held a public hearing on its 2005 Regional Transportation Plan
Jan. 12. The 20-year plan focuses on "needs, growth trends, and all the
things happening in our community, so we know where to put the money when we
have it," Couch said. "California law states that every rural transportation
commission in the state must adopt and update one every four years."
This document is available for review and open to public comment until Feb 1. To review this plan, visit the MCTC office at 111 W. North St. in Alturas. The commission will vote on the updated plan in the second week of February. The commission's telephone number is 233-6410 for more information.
CVC group aims to create visitor friendly
center
Members of the CVC Working Group will meet on Thursday, January
25, to consider applying for newly available funding to help make the dream
of building a community and visitor's center in Surprise Valley a reality. The
meeting will begin at 3:00 PM in the conference room at the BLM's Surprise Field
Office in Cedarville.
The CVC group, comprised of local citizens and representatives
of civic, governmental, tribal and community organizations from throughout Modoc
and northern Washoe counties, has been meeting over a period of 18 months. Their
main objective is to positively channel the current and anticipated impacts
from a growing number of tourists who are increasingly discovering the charms
of Modoc County and the nearby Black Rock/High Rock National Conservation Area
in Northern Nevada.
Preserving the character, history and quality of life people in
the area treasure is a high priority for most of the group's members. "So
many people come here from some urban 'bedroom community' and tell me how much
this area reminds them of how their home town used to be They're sad when they
realize what all they've lost", said Susie Bunyard, the group's chairman
and owner of the Sunrise Motel in Cedarville. "We all need to step up to
the plate and preserve our own special history and culture before it's too late
for us as well."
At the urging of NCA Director Dave Cooper, CVC members developed
and began circulating a "Memorandum of Understanding" (MOU) last year.
To date, it has been signed by twelve area organizations. Forming partnerships
with a wide range of community groups is expected to increase chances of receiving
grant funds to build the center as well as bring together a coalition to support
the planning, building and operating of a community and visitor center in Cedarville.
The impact of increasing numbers of tourists visiting nearby attractions
like the Black Rock Desert /High Rock Canyon/Emigrant Trails National Conservation
Area (NCA), the pristine northwestern Great Basin region, and the forests of
the Warner Mountains that border Surprise Valley, is already being felt in local
communities, especially Cedarville. Many in the group see a visitor center as
the most important antidote to unrestrained tourism.
"As people grow more 'civilized' at home, the more ignorant
they seem to be about how to interact with our natural environment", mused
Bunyard. "A Visitor's Center would give us the best opportunity to get
helpful material into their hands before they wander out into the wilderness
and we possibly have to go rescue them!" Through the use of educational
brochures, a historical museum, or just talking to informative staff, "We'll
have the chance to tell them who we are and why we value our surroundings and
our heritage so much."
While some business owners happily anticipate an increase in their
income from growing tourism, undesirable consequences can include strains on
existing services, rampant commercial development, and serious financial impacts
on existing infrastructure (police, fire and public facilities).
Apart from the opportunity to provide information to tourists,
a multi-purpose visitors and community center would also benefit many residents
and community organizations. CVC members have discussed incorporating some or
all of the following into a future building project: visitor information, maps,
and interpretive displays, a museum, public restrooms, community meeting facilities,
a Chamber of Commerce office, commercial space for a gift shop or coffee stand
or western-themed business, expanded public library space, archival storage
space for historical items, and meeting rooms available for community use.
Video copies of a presentation which served as the impetus to
form the group back in the summer of 2004 are available for anyone interested
in learning more about the gateway community model. "Gateway Communities:
Keys to Success" was hosted by Conservation Fund President Ed McMahon in
July 2004. In it, he reflects on the successes he's seen in a career centered
on successfully helping small communities preserve their heritage, contain runaway
development, and still capitalize on the economic boost that often follows when
growing numbers of tourists suddenly discover an area.
Those who have viewed the program enthusiastically agree it stimulates
discussions on thoughtful community planning. As towns situated near other national
monuments, parks, wilderness and historic sites have found, being a gateway
to such destinations can be a blessing or a curse depending on the foresight
of community leaders and business owners.
Surprise Valley, situated along the natural route for many who
visit the NCA is also becoming a popular choice for those looking for a new
travel experience away from better-known and more congested destinations within
California. Those factors alone are enough to earn it the distinction of being
a "gateway community".
"No one gets to vote on whether they want to be a gateway community. They
just are by virtue of their location near a point of interest or their perceived
desirability as a tourist destination", said McMahon. He added that such
communities are often "ground zero in the struggle between haphazard development
and planned growth." Towns near public lands inevitably face challenges
when dealing with expansion, tourism, transportation, pollution, and even increased
crime.
By beginning to carefully plan now, Surprise Valley is entering
a truly exciting era rich with possibilities. In the presentation, McMahon says,
"The most important question to ask is 'what should we, as a community,
do?'-- and then work toward those goals."
Everyone interested in helping bring a visitor's center to the area or who would like to join in a discussion of planning wisely for a brighter future is welcome to attend the January 25 meeting. For more information, please call Susie Bunyard at 279-2161 or Owen Billingsley at 279-6101.
Forest temporarily close for fuel-wood
Cutting Due to resource concerns and current ground conditions on the Doublehead, Devil's Garden and Warner Mountain Ranger Districts, fuel-wood cutting has been temporarily closed on these districts. Jim Irvin, District Ranger for the Warner Mountain and Devil's Garden Ranger Districts stated, "That due to saturated soils and poor road condition, in these areas, continued use will lead to resource damage.
These areas will be checked regularly and reopened as conditions change and the impacts to the resources can be minimized." Laurence Crabtree District Ranger for the Doublehead and Big Valley Ranger Districts stated," Due to the ground conditions on the Doublehead Ranger District and recommendations from district staff, the Doublehead Ranger District has been closed to fuel-wood cutting. The Big Valley Ranger District will remain open to fuel-wood cutting due to the proximity of the fuels to paved and solid road networks on the district. I would recommend that fuel-wood cutters use caution when cutting on the Big Valley District to prevent resource damage during the wetter periods. If the wetter weather pattern persists the Big Valley Ranger District may close for fuel-wood cutting."
Douglas Dale Dwyer
Douglas Dale Dwyer, 36, passed away on January 11, 2006, in Hillsboro,
Oregon, due to complications following a stroke in December. Mr. Dwyer had resided
in Hillsboro for the past eight years.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, January 21 at 2 p.m.
at the Alturas Baptist Church, 500 West Fourth St., Alturas, CA.
Doug was born to Alfreida and James Dwyer on January 19, 1969
in Ketchikan, Alaska. He spent most of his life in California and graduated
from Modoc High School in 1987.
He moved to Seattle, Washington in 1990, then Hillsboro, Oregon
in 1997. Doug worked for Wells Fargo where he was a Customer Service Representative
in their call center.
Doug will be greatly missed.
He was preceded in death by his mother in 2004, and his father
in 1989. Doug leaves behind his brothers and sisters, Dan Dwyer of Everett,
Washington, Debbie McGuire of Stockton, Diane Marcuerquiaga of Modesto, CA;
Dennis Dwyer of Alturas, CA and Dawn Dwyer of Seattle, Washington. He also leaves
behind his nieces Melissa Redding of Lodi, CA and Jessica Dwyer of Alturas,
nephews Brian McGuire of Stockton and Cody Helgerson of Modesto.
Erma Kennedy Conley
Services for Erma Kennedy Conley, a member of the Bieber community
for her entire life, will be held Monday, January 23 at 1 p.m. at Hillside Cemetery
in Nubieber. Pastor and Mrs. Jeff Bidwell will conduct the graveside service.
Mrs. Conley passed away of natural causes on January 16, 2006
at Fall River Mills, CA. She was 94. Survivors include her brother-in-law Joe
Potter of Lookout, cousins Bill and Emma Walker and family of Cottonwood; Muriel
Brown and family of Redding, nieces and nephews: Jeannine Potter Primorac of
Alturas and sons Roger and Kevin and families; Rick and Vicki Potter of Chugiak,
Alaska; Sherrell and Don Boyd and family, Klamath Falls; Patricia Kenyon and
family of Red Bluff.
Memorials can be directed to the Big Valley Museum, Bieber, CA 96009. Mrs. Conley's
obituary will be published next week.
Emma Lucile Stopp
Emma Lucile Stopp, 92 year-old Montague resident, passed away
in Meadowlark Assisted Living in Yreka, CA on January 15, 2006.
Lucile was born in lake City, California on December 18, 1913
to Oliver and Ollie Cramton. Lucile is a lifetime resident of Lake City until
1999, when she and her husband Clarence moved off their ranch to Montague. Lucile
worked nights as a nurse's aide at Surprise Valley Hospital and days beside
Clarence on the ranch. She loved people, but her life was centered around her
husband, family and the ranch. She was s member of Surprise Valley Seventh Day
Adventist Church.
Survivors include two children, Charlynn Long of Montague and
Cynthia Charles of Healdsburg; three grandchildren, Christopher Robertson of
Montague, Chester Robertson of Lake City and Leticia Brent of Phoenix, AZ and
four great- granddaughters. Lucile was preceded in death by her husband of 65
years, Clarence Stopp in 2001.
Inurnment will be in the Lake City Cemetery in Lake City. Contributions may be made to Stable Hands, P.O. Box 1852, Yreka, CA 96097. Girdner Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Sports
Braves beat Cougars 64-54
Modoc's boys varsity opened with a 24-19 lead in the first quarter Friday night
over the Weed Cougars and never looked back. The Braves led 40-32 at halftime
and 51-43 after three periods.
Micah Eppler led the scoring with 26 points, Taylor Dunn added 20 and Jace
Wheeler had eight.
The Braves increased the league winning record to 4-1 Tuesday night with a
51-46 win over Burney here.
Modoc led 11-7 in the first and 22-21 at halftime. The Braves used a solid
third period to go up 41-31.
Zeke Bonham led the scoring with 16 and Eppler added 15. One of Modoc's starters,
Ross Burgess has been out with an injury but is expected back this week.
Modoc faces Etna there on Friday and goes to Fall River next Tuesday.
Wood,
Crutcher top local wrestlers at Burney
Modoc's Sheridan Crutcher was named the Most Outstanding Middleweight wrestler
and Josh Wood earned the top Heavyweight Wrestler honor at the Burney Rotary
Invitational last weekend.
Modoc just missed winning the team title earning 214.5 points, edged by Corning
with 216.5 points.
Crutcher won the 135-pound championships when he beat Quincy's Joshua Nolan
10-4 in the finals. Nolan came into the tourney unbeaten and as the number one
ranked 135-pound wrestler in the North Section. According to coach Shaun Wood,
most of Nolan's points came on escapes and he could not get a handle on Crutcher.
Josh Wood pinned Corning's Curtis Johnson at the 5:54 mark in the 189-pound
title match. Wood, a freshman, has been steadily improving this season.
Wood's brother, senior Travis Wood, won the 152-pound championship when he
pinned Upper Lake's Robert McCutheon at 3:00 in the final match.
Modoc's Brian Weed won the 130-pound championship with a 8-0 victory over Chester's
Billy Anderson.
Modoc's Ian Jacques placed second, losing in the 215-pound finals to Central
Valley's Nick Leady. In the 171-pound finals, Modoc's Bill Hammerness lost a
tight 3-1 match to Corning's Jared Minnoletti.
Modoc's Chris Buchanan was third at 145 pounds, Cassidy Aarstad was fourth at
130 pounds, and Martin Corns was fourth at 125 pounds.
The Braves travel to Foothill this weekend.
Team scores at Burney were: Corning 216.5, Modoc 214.5,
Pleasant Valley 140, Upper Lake 119, Bonanza 93, Mt. Shasta 8.5, Burney 83, Portola 75, Etna 70, Trinity 60, Central Valley 59.5, Quincy 59, Chester 52, Fall River 51.5, Big Valley 28, Hamilton City 26, Bishop Quinn 11, Tulelake 8.
Girls beat Weed
Modoc's varsity girls' team beat the Weed Cougars in Weed 42-29 last Friday
night.
Modoc had a little trouble with the Cougars, leading 9-5 in the first and 18-10
at halftime. Weed fought back to trail 28-25 after three, but the Braves outscored
them 14-4 in the fourth. Catherine Lowrey led with 20 points, while Sarah Catania
and Alysha Northrup each added six. Tacie Richardson had five steals, four blocks
and four rebounds for the Braves.
Richardson led the Braves in Tuesday night's 50-3 win over Burney. She dropped
in 15 points and pulled down 11 rebounds for Modoc.
Modoc led 7-6 after one and led at halftime 23-10. Modoc led 33-17 after three. Lowry had 13 points, Kelly Campagna added eight and Catania had seven. Richardson also added four blocked shots to boost her section leading total to 66.
SV boys start 1-3 in league
The Surprise Valley Hornet boys opened the Evergreen loop winning one and losing
three.
The Hornets lost to Big Valley Tuesday in Cedarville, 65-58, succumbing to
a third quarter drought and turnovers. Big Valley led 17-14 after one and Surprise
Valley took a 33-21 lead at halftime. But the Cardinals went up 51-40 in the
third. Alex Melgar and Jim Bradford each had 23.
On Friday, the Hornets beat Happy Camp 67-57 after taking a 16-7 first period
lead and leading at the half 38-30. By the end of three, the Hornets led 55-45.
Melgar had 26 points and Bradford added 21. Jace Indrebo had 12 rebounds and
scored 11 points.
Tulelake beat the Hornets 78-42 and they lost their opening game to Dunsmuir.
Modoc junior varsity is 1-2
Modoc's junior varsity boys opened the Shasta Cascade loop with two losses
and one win. They lost their first two, 45-43 in Mt. Shasta and 77-62 in Trinity.
Tuesday, they beat Bishop Quinn 61-57.
Against Mt. Shasta, John Hughes led with 14 points, Dee Hunsaker added 10, Trent
Schmidt had seven and Daniel Morgan and Justin Estes each added six.
Against Trinity, Estes led the scoring with 24 points; Morgan added 13 and
Hunsaker had 10. Estes scored 21 to lead against Bishop Quinn, Schmidt added
18 and Hunsaker had 10.
They beat Weed 44-43 last Friday with Hughes netting 19 points and Hunsaker had 14. Tuesday night the jayvees beat Burney 46-37 with Hughes and Hunsaker each netting 12 points.
January 26th, 2006
News
Anklin bound over on felony charges
Modoc County Supervisor Ray Anklin was bound over to trial on four felony and
other misdemeanor counts Thursday and a pre-trial conference has been set for
Feb. 14.
Superior Court Judge Larry Dier denied a motion from Anklin's attorney Richard
Maxion, of Redding, to dismiss one felony charge and reduce the remaining charges
to misdemeanors.
During the preliminary hearing Thursday, Modoc Assistant District Attorney
Larry Barnes introduced evidence alleging that Anklin, age 26, had sexual contact
with a minor female, age 17, at least three times, that he had entered the girl's
bedroom through a window to commit a felony (sexual contact) and that he had
supplied the 17-year-old and her roommate, a 13-year-old female with alcohol.
Barnes also brought in evidence that Anklin had purchased two cell phones for
the 17 year-old-girl, the second one after being advised not to, and had also
sent roses to the girl while she was a student at Modoc High School.
Anklin entered a plea of "not guilty" to all the charges.
3rd Annual Home Show gearing up
The Third Annual Modoc Home show is gearing up for its March 25 event with the
theme, "Helping the community grow from the inside out."
The first two home shows were outstanding successes, eclipsing what organizers
Rendy Cockrell and Brooke Fredrickson imagined. They expect the third edition
to be bigger and better and have had a lot of interest early.
The event is held at Modoc High School, with the Griswold Gym, Shirley Oxley
Social Hall and the lawn all utilized for the growing number of participants.
The Home Show attracts thousands of people and is a great chance for local businesses
to show off their wares, crafts, products and talents.
The exhibitors aim to show local people what they have to offer from design,
the first part of building or remodeling to the finished product, including
home décor, appliances, landscaping and the latest technology, including
solar power configurations.
"We expect the participation to be better than last year, when it was
amazing," said Cockrell. "We advise people who want to exhibit, to
get their application in early, The placement and entry will be on a first-come,
first served basis."
Fredrickson said the Home Show is open only to Modoc businesses and this year
no "Internet only" businesses will be allowed.
The application period is now open and the deadline is March 13. Pick up applications
at the Modoc County Record, Modoc County Title and Altec Engineering. Entry
fee this year for exhibitors is $20. The entrants will also be asked to give
a door prize of at least $25 value. There is no admission cost for the public.
For more information, contact Fredrickson at 233-8472 or Cockrell at 233-2471.
Education meeting brings issues out into open
A Jan. 11 meeting of Modoc residents and education officials produced numerous
community-based opinions on what Lassen Community College should do to improve
its relationship with Alturas and Surprise Valley, while the college vowed to
continue its "temporary" closure of the local registration office.
In the end, the information session with some 60 in attendance left plenty
of questions, so another meeting is set for Feb. 15 from 3:30-5 p.m. at the
Modoc Office of Education to choose a course of action: Align with a community
college district; form an independent district; or remain part of LCC.
Dr. Vanston Shaw, Modoc Office of Education superintendent, called the meeting
to address concerns following the surprise closure of the Alturas LCC office
in November.
Faced with declining student enrollment and limited funds, LCC President Dr.
Homer Cissell and Dean of Instruction Dr. Karen Grosz remained committed to
a "realignment" of administrative personnel that led to the closure,
but stressed their intention to continue offering satellite classes in and around
Alturas, particularly those already scheduled this semester.
"(Restaffing) the office might be coming down the road, but they are not
at the place where they can say yet," Shaw said after the meeting. "I'm
not quite sure on that, so we'll have to wait and see."
Dr. Cissell noted at the meeting the state has limited funding for community
colleges, and other satellite locales like Westwood and Herlong in Lassen County
do not offer a registration counselor. He cited, for example, summer programs
such as physical education, which officials discontinued after determining the
courses were not legally offered, an issue addressed by community college employees
in the past.
"The state will no longer allow us to teach underage kids in the P.E.
class, so we have to make changes to the way we offer discounted lift ticket
packages and college credit for participation in our program," explained
Norm Wilson, a 23-year LCC employee and manager of Coppervale ski resort near
Westwood.
The discontinuance dropped Lassen's fulltime, equivalent (FTE) student enrollment
from 2,700 to 1,850, according to Dr. Cissell.
Members of the community, meanwhile, stressed the need for better communication,
accessibility, and support from the college. Other suggestions included increased
offerings in adult education and high school-college preparation, better student
counseling and access to registration materials and schedules, certifications,
and improved curriculum planning, among others.
Modoc and Mono counties are the only two in California not aligned with a community
college, meaning residents under the age of 21 (or veterans below 25) receive
a "maintenance allowance" from the state of $1,000 per year if they
enroll in a California community college on a fulltime basis. Dr. Shaw reported
that 45 students from Modoc received this allowance last year.
"We are considering whether to do some collaboration between community
colleges," Shaw said. "Shasta Community College has 30 or 35 instructional
television (IT) courses that run all day long and into the evening. College
of Siskiyou has some pretty good IT courses, and we have the capacity here to
do some of those in our offices. The question is can we expand it into the high
school?"
Dr. Shaw said at present, IT sets require high-speed Internet with lots of
bandwidth, and each costs around $8,000, an expensive proposition for a cash-strapped
rural area. Cost also plays a factor in the question of creating a unique Modoc
community college district.
"My understanding is it takes 1,000 full-time, equivalent (FTE) students
to be able to have a community college," he said. "It seems unrealistic
at this time, but it's something to explore in the February meeting. I think
it would be a rough road to hoe."
Dr. Shaw stressed his desire to move forward with a plan and begin opening
doors for local college students.
"I'm hoping on Feb. 15 we can talk about which courses are provided, and
do we need a different set of classes," he said. "My goal would be
to structure (our college offerings) so somebody could finish their associate's
degree in Alturas in about two years. I don't know if we can get there right
away, but it would obviously be helpful to our community."
In the final analysis, he noted the issue is really about "whether we
can get better service from another community college than from Lassen?
"And I'm not sure we can," he added. "If we are to align with
another community college, we would lose that maintenance allowance, so we would
need to gain something of equal or greater value."
Current LCC registration materials are available at the Modoc Employment Office in Alturas, while the Alliance for Workforce Development offers schedules. LCC's toll-free Modoc County telephone number is (530) 233-4404, and that rings to the Susanville registration office.
No hearing date set for Panner
While the California State Attorney General has filed accusations alleging
sexual misconduct against Dr. Owen Panner, of Alturas, no hearing date has yet
been set.
According to Medical Board of California officials, the accusations were filed
Dec. 20, and it's not unusual that a hearing has yet to be scheduled. The hearing
will be held in front of the Medical Board.
Panner had pled no contest to videotaping near naked or naked women, including
minors, at Modoc Medical Center and at a private practice office. He has used
concealed cameras in each case and he also admitted to installing a video camera
in MMC's doctor's quarters bathroom.
He was sentenced here to 60 days in the county jail and was released after
serving about 45 days of that sentence. He remains on probation.
The hearing before the Medical Board will determine the future of his license to practice medicine. That license was suspended and remains in suspension until the hearing on the AG's accusations.
Budget cuts facing SV schools
With state funding largely based on enrollment figures, Surprise Valley schools
are facing ominous new budget cuts in the future. "We have lost a total
of eighteen students since last year", reported business manager Robin
Teuscher at the January School Board meeting in Cedarville. "And projections
all indicate continued declining enrollment over the next three years at all
of our schools."
At the end of the second quarter, there were 48 students enrolled at SVHS,
9 at Great Basin, and 113 kindergarten through eighth graders at the elementary
school.
"The time is coming for real hard decisions to be made", warned board
member Steve Smith. "We'll have to discuss moving personnel around and
tightening our belts, or two years from now we'll be flat broke."
At current spending levels, the district has enough surplus funds set aside
to make up budget deficits through the 2007-08 academic year. But Thursday evening's
discussion left no one in doubt hard decisions await a district that has taken
budget hits from lost timber and mining industry revenue along with declining
enrollment. While the federal government instituted a program five years ago
to offset some of those losses, its impending renewal is in doubt. That leaves
many rural school administrators and governing boards alarmed at the prospect
vital funds will not be included in future Department of Education budgets.
Even with Teuscher beating the bushes for every cent the district is eligible
to receive under various state and federal programs, the coming years promise
to involve major changes. "This board needs to show leadership", said
Smith, who represents Fort Bidwell on the board. "Cuts will be tough but
I don't know any other way out of this situation."
Within the Surprise Valley Joint Unified School District, fixed personnel expenses
make up 76% of the current budget. "And that figure is lower than most
school districts", said Superintendent Dr. Mike Sherrod.
Jim Laacke explained that the looming deficit "is due to circumstances
beyond our control, not because of past or present mismanagement. The rules
have changed along the way." He went on to warn those present, "We've
got a real problem, folks and it's not going away. But we have time to make
some big, serious decisions because we still have a reserve fund."
Responding to concerns from parents at the meeting, Smith assured, "We're
not thinking along the lines of our schools dying. No matter what, our kids
and a quality education come first. But we need to open a dialogue within the
community. We'll continue to educate our students well as we become more fiscally
responsible."
The board directed Teuscher to form a budget advisory committee made up of
local community members and staff volunteers. The board will also plan a series
of public meetings in the future to explain the district's dilemma and seek
input from parents and residents. "The board, administration and community
need to set priorities together", said Smith. "What are our bare bone
needs? While we wish we could have everything, we just can't."
Teuscher would like anyone interested in serving on a Budget Advisory Committee
to call her at 279-6141, extension 21. There will be an organizational meeting
today at 3:30 PM in the high school's library.
Other Board News:
Teuscher reported that an updated Justification Study to allow the district
to continue collecting Developer Fees has been completed. The state is expected
to announce new state-wide rates before the board meets again in February.
The administration and board members have been getting very positive feedback
from people who already receive the monthly Hornet Newsletter. The next issue
will be not only be the first to include a Spanish edition, but the district
has approved mailing copies to every box holder in the valley. "This school
system needs everyone's awareness, interest and support. Distributing this newsletter
to every household is the best way to do that right now", said Laacke.
The extra costs of bulk mailing are expected to be offset by donations and advertising
revenue.
A surprise inspection of the high school's kitchen by a team from the public
health department would be a frightening prospect for any district. But when
Sherrod, on his way to meet the inspectors heard laughter, he knew his facility
had passed with flying colors. "They were absolutely ecstatic at the state
of our food service operation", he reported. "They said they'd never
seen such a squared-away kitchen!" He singled out the efforts of Shana
Konz who supervises food preparation for all the district's schools.
Terry Miller, who has overseen the operation of the school's PBS station along
with maintaining the broadcast equipment, reported that within two years the
transmitters would be obsolete because of a looming federal policy that mandates
digital signals. The board will make a decision regarding continued operation
of the station at their next meeting.
Ag Sciences Teacher Melinda Sandstrom received permission to apply for a grant
that would cover the cost of eight computers and related equipment to be set
up in the new shop building.
SVES Student Council officers Garrett Shoemaker, Steven Hattrup, Celeste Yamagiwa,
and Hanna Goodwin received the board's permission to accompany advisor Rikki
Lee Carey to a Leadership Training conference in San Jose next month. The students
have raised enough funds to cover the cost of the trip with the district picking
up their mileage expenses.
The board approved Jim Hill to coach basketball at the elementary school. Jenny
Grove will take on coaching duties for both the high school and elementary cheerleading
squads.
The board decreased the district's mileage reimbursement rate to reflect IRS
changes. The new rate is 44.5 cents per mile.
MHS Class of '66 planning reunion
Not wanting to leave out any Modoc High Class of 1966 alumni, the reunion committee
has provided the following list of classmates they would like to locate to invite
to the MHS Class of '66 Reunion to be held June 30 through July 2, 2006.
The reunion will begin Friday evening, June 30 in Alturas (location to be announced)
for a no host social. The class will move out to the Likely Links RV and Golf
Course on Saturday, July 1 after Fandango festivities in Alturas. A barbecue
dinner, music and gathering will take place under the starry skies at the Likely
Links RV Resort. Sunday, the group will gather for a "Bunkhouse Breakfast"
mid-morning at the same site.
Anyone who has information about how to contact the following classmates should contact LuRena at (530) 233-4333 or email: lssylva@frontier.net.net. The committee has used various website to try to gain the addresses of the following classmates. They are: Eddie Coonse, Jack Looper, Mark/Nelda (Vernon) Robinson, Doug Hite, Candy Porter, Al Morgan Harris, Gerrie Russell, Bill Ebbe, Belita Melendez, Ronnie Kelley, Shirley (Searway) Carlson, Lee Grove, Martha Newman, Kathy Goulding, Diane Nelson, Victor Mulkey. The following have been contacted, without response: Evaristo Duran, Cindy (Waterman) Bowling, Ronnie Clark, Betty (Hastings) McGinnis, Doug Plemons, Wilma (Shively) Adam, David Parsons, Larry Sykes, Norma Phillips.
Obituaries:
Bill L. Long
Billy L. Long, 74, of Alturas, passed away at Mercy Medical Center in Redding,
CA on December 13, 2005, a month after undergoing aortic valve replacement surgery.
Bill was born to Hazel and Herman Long in Lebanon, Missouri on February 23,
1931. When Bill was 12, the family moved to Napa, California, where Bill attended
Napa schools. In 1949, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army, reaching the rank of
Sergeant before he was Honorably Discharged in October, 1953.
On December 24, 1952, he married Delores Fontana, also of Napa. They had four
sons; Michael, Ron, Terry and Tim. In 1962, Bill and Tip Raneri started Raneri
and Long Roofing in Napa, which is now operated by son Tim. He also worked numerous
years for Del Webb at the (then) Sahara Tahoe, promoting a card room in Napa
and a small casino in American Canyon. He was active in many civic and fraternal
organizations and was particularly generous with children. Bill was voted Napa's
Man of the Year in 1987 and 1988. Delores passed away in 1997 and Bill began
the process of retiring in 1998.
In September of 1998, Bill moved to the ranch of his dreams on the slopes of
the Warner Mountains in Alturas, where he was joined by life partner Joann Smithson
of Newport, Oregon. They married January 6, 2001 in Minden, Nevada enriching
Bill's life further by adding two more sons and two daughters, along with their
children to his family. Bill and Joann made a new life for themselves in Modoc
County, making new lifelong friends, enjoying family visits, spoiling all their
animals and just enjoying each other and their life together.
Bill enjoyed the slower paced life he found in Modoc County having time to
"putter" on his ranch, play golf with his buddies, go on hunting an
fishing trips, making "friendly" bets on NFL games and having many
breakfasts or lunches with friends. Among Bill's greatest joys were his annual
trips to Missouri to visit family and friends and explore the old homesteads
of his youth.
Survivors include his wife Joann of Alturas; son and daughter-in-law Mike and
Nancy Long of Las Vegas, NV; son Ron Long and Isabelle Maclean of Napa, CA;
son and daughter-in-law Terry and Gena of Canby, CA; son and daughter-in-law
Tim and Karen of Napa, CA; son and daughter-in-law John and Joan Hays of Hermiston,
OR; daughter Christine Massingale of Unity, OR; daughter and son-in-law Debbie
and Ty Bennett of Baker City, OR; son and daughter-in-law Ryan and Amanda Hays
of Oreana, ID; two sisters, Louis Doshier and Jane Sparks of Napa, CA; 18 grandchildren,
Jennifer Long of San Francisco, CA; Geno Long of Las Vegas, NV; Nichole Long
of Napa, CA; Dorothy Long of Canby, CA; Taylor, Kaitlin, Madison, Meghan, Garrett
and Caroline Long of Napa, CA; Mary Hays of Hermiston, OR; Suzanne, Anthony,
Elizabeth and John Massingale of Unity, OR; Trevor and Morgan Bennett of Baker
City, OR; and Reata Hays of Oreana, ID; one great-grandchild, Toni Gitas of
Napa, CA.
A Memorial Service was held Saturday, December 17, 2005, at the Brass Rail
in Alturas, followed by a Recitation of the Rosary and a Mass of Christian Burial
at St. Apollonaris Catholic Church in Napa, CA December 18 and 19, 2005 respectively.
Entombment was at Tulocay Cemetery in Napa, CA.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Boys & Girls Club of Napa, 1515
Pueblo Ave., Napa, CA 94558 or to St. Apollonaris Catholic Church, 3700 Lassen
St., Napa, CA 94558.
Erma Kennedy Conley
Services for Erma Kennedy Conley, a member of the Bieber community for her
entire life, were held Monday, January 23 at 1 p.m. at Hillside Cemetery in
Nubieber. Pastor and Mrs. Jeff Bidwell conducted the graveside service.
Mrs. Conley passed away of natural causes on January 16, 2006 in Fall River
Mills, CA.
Born in Bieber, California on September 4, 1911, to Timothy John and Belle Herrick
Kennedy, she was the fourth of their five children. Erma was reared, educated
and continued to live in Bieber until her death at 94 years of age. Erma made
her home with her brother Merlin until her marriage to Robert Francis Conley
on December 22, 1956. Frank preceded her in death on August 19,1964.
Again she shared her home with her brother until his death December 20, 1985.
Erma and Merlin had a ranch in Bieber and for about five years, a ranch near
Canby.
While involved in the usual work of a cattle ranch, she worked as a cook for
the Bieber Elementary School for several years.
After becoming a widow, she was employed as a clerk/Telegrapher for the Great
Northern Railroad in Nubieber where she also mastered the "Key" using
Morse Code for communicating with the engineers.
Erma had been the curator of the Big Valley Historical Museum for the past 20
years. She truly enjoyed greeting and visiting with all who came in; giving
them guided tours through the treasures of local history, genealogy and antiques.
In 1992, she published a cookbook written in her own hand, using both new and
old recipes and remedies. There were only 100 copies made and she enjoyed giving
them to her family and friends, each autographed to them personally.
She always enjoyed cooking and shared her culinary treats with everyone.
Erma passed away at the Skilled Nursing Facility, Mayers Memorial Hospital
in Fall River Mills, CA, where she had been for the last four months.
Survivors include her brother-in-law Joe Potter of Lookout, cousins Bill and
Emma Walker and family of Cottonwood; Muriel Brown and family of Redding, nieces
and nephews: Jeannine Potter Primorac of Alturas and sons Roger and Kevin and
families; Rick and Vicki Potter of Chugiak, Alaska; Sherrell and Don Boyd and
family, Klamath Falls; Patricia Kenyon and family of Red Bluff.
Memorials can be directed to the Big Valley Museum, Bieber, CA 96009.
Joseph F. DiVittorio
Joseph Frank DiVittorio, age 91, a resident of Shingletown, CA, died on January
19, 2006, at his home.
He was born on May 12, 1914, in San Jose, CA. He worked as a sheet metal engineer
in Sunnyvale and in Mountain View on aircraft and spacecraft. He moved to Alturas,
CA, where he operated a cattle ranch for 20 years. He moved to Shasta County
in 1979, where he lived in Round Mountain for 20 years, and then in Shingletown.
He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed fishing and hunting.
He is survived by his wife, Carolina, at home; sons, Michael of Shingletown,
Vincent of Placerville, Joseph, Jr. of Lakewood, Colorado, and Stephen of Shingletown;
a daughter, Candid Cabral of Redding; eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by a brother, Dan DiVittorio, of San Jose; and two sisters,
Angie Burriesci, of San Jose and Theresa Chiaramonte, of Arizona.
Recitation of the Rosary will be at 4 p.m. on Thursday, January 26, in the Allen & Dahl Funeral Chapel in Palo Cedro. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 27, at 10:30 a.m., at our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Redding. Father Michael Hebda will be the celebrant. Arrangements are by Allen & Dahl Funeral Chapel in Palo Cedro.
Sports
Braves fall at Etna, beat Bulldogs
Etna's Lions were supposed to play like a middle-of-the pack team, but when
the Braves let the Lions jump out to a 46-21 halftime lead, it proved Modoc's
undoing.
Boys varsity coach Bunk Richardson said the team came out flat and cold, and
while they played better in the second half, it just wasn't enough. We couldn't
hit on offense, but our defense didn't do much to stop Etna.
Etna took a 27-15 first quarter lead and turned that into the 46-21 halftime
advantage. The Braves cut the Lions' lead to 61-45 after three and lost 75-68.
Micah Eppler led with 19 points, Ross Burgess added 15 and Taylor Dunn netted
12.
The Braves won a tough game at Fall River Tuesday night 71-70. Modoc had a
nine-point lead with two minutes left, but Fall River cut that to two as time
was running out.
Modoc led 18-7 in the first and 37-30 by half. The Braves were up 54-48 after
three. Eppler led the scoring with 22, Burgess had 12 and Zeke Bonham added
11.
Modoc faces Trinity Friday night at home and goes to Mt. Shasta Tuesday.
The Braves are now tied for the league lead, which Richardson said has turned into a real shoot-out, with nearly any team capable of coming out on top.
Modoc
wins Fall River invite
The Modoc Braves won the Fall River Invitational wrestling tourney last weekend
with five individual champions.
The Braves' Josh Wood, a freshman, won the 215-pound title and was named the
Most Outstanding Heavyweight for the second time this season.
Wood's brother, senior Travis, won the 160-pound division without difficulty.
Brain Weed won the 130 -pound title and Sheridan Crutcher won the 135 pound
title. Bill Hammerness won the title at 171 pounds.
Jose Madrigal took third at 140 pounds; Chris Buchanan was second at 145 pounds.
Jesse Harer was second at 215 pounds and Kevin Richardson was third at 112 pounds.
Team scored were: Modoc 121, Mt. Shasta 90, Trinity 68, Burney 53, Fall River
44, Big Valley 25 and Weed, 3.
Modoc now competes at the Central Valley tourney Friday and will travel to
the big Corning tourney Saturday.
Two Modoc girls competed in the North Section CIF girl's regional wrestling
tourney at Whitney High in Rocklin last weekend.
Over 350 female wrestlers from Northern California competed. Kim Parde, a senior, competed in the 126-pound division, going 1-2, and finished in the top 16. Freshman, Aurora Hall wrestled at 146 pounds and went 1-2 in the event. Both wrestlers competed against some nationally ranked wrestlers.
Turnovers cost Braves at Etna
Modoc's girl's varsity team couldn't keep control of the ball in Etna and 31
turnovers cost them dearly.
The game started close with Etna leading 10-9 in the first and 25-20 by halftime.
The game stayed winnable through three, with Etna leading 36-30. But in the
fourth, Etna put up 19 points to Modoc's nine for the 55-39 win.
Catherine Lowry had 13 points, Sara Catania added eight and Tacie Richardson
had six and nine blocked shots.
Fall River beat Modoc 49-44 there Tuesday night in a good game. Turnovers by
guards still remain a problem.
Fall River was up 12-4 in the fist quarter and 29-22 by halftime. Modoc trailed
35-33 in the third and took a lead in the fourth, but couldn't hold on.
Lowry led the Braves with 17, Alysha Northrup had had nine, Catania and Richardson
added eight each. Richardson pulled down 10 rebounds and blocked eight shots.
The Braves have Trinity at Modoc Friday.
SV boys even record with wins
Surprise Valley's boys varsity won two games this week, evening their Evergreen
League mark at 3-3 and their overall record to 7-7. They play Dunsmuir at home
Saturday, with the girls game starting at 1:30 p.m.
The Hornets beat Butte Valley 57-47, using solid first and third periods. They
led 17-12 in the first and 27-25 by half. They moved out to a 45-35 lead after
three. Alex Melgar led the scoring with 22; Jim Bradford added 13 and Jace Indrebo
had 12.
Tuesday night, the Hornets beat Hayfork in McCloud 61-58 with Melgar netting 28, Bradford 22 and Indrebo 11. Surprise Valley fought back from a 15-10 first period deficit to lead 28-27 by the half. Hayfork led 46-45 after three, but the Hornets. pulled it out in the fourth.
Hayfork whips Hornet girls
Hayfork's varsity girl's team proved their unbeaten prowess Tuesday night,
beating the Surprise Valley Hornets 58-23. The Hornets trailed just 10-6 in
the first, but lost ground from that point. Sarah Teuscher led the Hornets with
13 points.
Last Thursday, the girls beat the Butte Valley Bulldogs 42-40. Miranda Miura led the scoring with 13 and Patricia Soletti added 12. The Hornets beat the Big Valley Cardinals 48-27 with Teuscher scoring 17, Miura 11, Soletti and Tristan Teuscher 10 each.
Kayte Christensen: a globetrotter
Northeastern California's homegrown basketball star, Kayte Christensen, is
globetrotting once againthis time in South Korea.
A WNBA athlete who graduated from Modoc High School and University of California
Santa Barbara (UCSB), Christensen has most recently been playing professional
basketball abroad. "I went to Istanbul, Turkey to play starting September
15, 2005 and was there until the end of December."
Then, late last year, she changed agents. "In this business, your agents
can make or break you," said the 6'3" forward, who was the Big West
Conference player of the year in 2002. "It's about who you know and
my new agent is very respected, well known, and successful."
No sooner did she make the change than a new opportunity presented itself.
"While home at Christmas, I got an amazing offer from the team here in
Korea and couldn't pass it up," said Christensen, speaking from Seoul.
"The contract I signed here was (for) more than eight times what I was
making in Turkey as well as this league being more competitive. It was a no-brainer
as a career move for me. I will be playing here through the end of this season
which ends February 19 and playoffs may go until March 10."
In fact, her new job pays so well that she may not go back to play for Phoenix,
where she has been for the past three and a half seasons. "It is quite
likely I may forgo playing in the WNBA this upcoming season and (instead) return
to South Korea for their summer season which runs from the end of May to about
mid-August. As it is, South Korea pays better than the WNBA, so it makes
it very difficult to pass up the opportunity."
Christensen finds the entire living experience in South Korea to be remarkably
different than playing the U.S. or in Turkey. Almost everything the players
need is provided for them, including incidentals such as practice gear and cell
phones. "I've been here since January 1, and I haven't even had money in
my wallet yet because there is no need for anything. If there is anything
I want I just ask.
"The whole team lives in the same building. There is a cafeteria
that cooks all your meals if you so desire. However, if I choose to cook,
which I do more so than not, they do all the grocery shopping. If I eat
out, they pay for my meals."
However, if the perks are greater, so is the workload.
"They have two practices a day here and required treatment every night.
My treatment at night lasts anywhere from two hours to five hours depending
on what issues or injuries I've sustained," Christensen said. "We
play games two or three times a week as well, and you could imagine how much
that can wear on your body."
The greater level of care and attention given the individual players in Korea
impresses her. "In Turkey, our trainer didn't even have a training room
or any kind of ultra sound or stem equipment. It goes to show that when
they are paying you what they do to be here, they protect their investment and
take good care of you."
Christensen is well aware that the career of a professional athlete is typically
quite short, so she's making the most of it while it lasts. "I think I
am still playing because I have a plan in life and realize that basketball is
a tool I can use to get what I want for later in life," she said. "There
are times when I feel burned out and wonder if it's time to throw in the towel.
A lot of times that just happens to be when I'm dealing with an injury or something
like that."
Recognized as an intense player, Christensen puts her all into the game. "I've
always played the same every day at every level because I don't think I really
have grasped the concept of (giving) less than 100 percent. This is also
why I get beat up a bit more than your average basketball player. I have no
problem sacrificing my body during a practice or a game."
Referring to her height, Christensen said, "I choose my profession because
it choose me. I realize that God gave me a talent and right now, I am just taking
advantage of it to make a living. Like every job, there are things that
I love about it and things that I don't. I hate that it takes me away from my
home, my friends, my family and my boyfriend because these are the things that
really matter in my life. But, that is just the nature of the career I'm in
right now."
As for the people in her life who gave her the support and direction that led
to her remarkable career, Christensen had this comment. "I truly do feel
I wouldn't be where I am today without them. I can never say thank you enough.
That is a given. However, I think that of all the places in the world
that basketball has taken me and enabled me to see and experience, home is really
and always will be where my heart is. I absolutely love Modoc County and
feel blessed that I was brought up there."
In that same vein, she has high praise for her high school coach. "I also know for a fact that if Mike Martin had not come into my life as a coach, I would not be playing today. He pushed me to levels that I didn't know were possible. He guided me through the college recruiting process and not only pushed me on the court but in the classroom. He gave me confidence in myself as a student, basketball player and a person. I only wish that every student athlete could have someone like him in their life."
In summary, Christensen explains her philosophy and its origins, which may also explain her passion for her game play. "My role models are my parents who instilled in me the work ethic and passion to pursue everything in life with the same level of desire, that no matter what it is that I am doing I do it to my absolute best at all times. My theory is, if you do everything in life (school work, sports, relationships, etc.) to the best of your ability at all times, there is no way that you'll ever feel disappointment or regret, for you've given it your best effort and that is all you can ever really do."
News
Sheriff Mix will hang up badge
Modoc County Sheriff Bruce Mix will not be seeking re-election June 6 to a
sixth term in office. He said he decided this week to retire. Mix started as
a deputy with the Sheriff's Department in 1968, at the age of 21.
Mix is now recovering from heart surgery and said he enjoyed his 20-year term
as Modoc County Sheriff, but felt it was time to hand over the reins.
As of this date, at least two people are running to replace Mix, Undersheriff
Mark Gentry, and California Highway Patrol Officer Mike Poindexter. Poindexter
is set to retire from the CHP in March.
In another contested race, local public defender Richard Cotta has announced
he'll be a candidate for Modoc County District Attorney. DA Jordan Funk is seeking
re-election and local attorney John Lawson will also be in the race.
At least three other Modoc officials will not be seeking re-election: Auditor
Judi Stevens, County Clerk Maxine Madison and County Assessor Josephine Johnson.
No one has announced his or her candidacy for those offices.
The Modoc County Board of Supervisors is discussing whether to make the Clerk
to the Board an appointed position (it's now covered by the County Clerk) and
also whether to combine the County Clerk's Office with the Auditor/Recorder's
Office. Those issues are expected to be on Tuesday's agenda.
Treasurer/Tax Collector Cheryl Knoch is expected to seek another term in office.
Superintendent of Schools Vanston Shaw will seek election. He was appointed
to serve out the remaining term of retired Superintendent Carol Harbaugh.
County positions up for election in June are: District Attorney, County Clerk,
Auditor-Recorder, Sheriff/Coroner, Treasurer/Tax Collector, Assessor and County
Superintendent of Schools.
The Board of Supervisor seats of District One's Dan Macsay and District Five's
David Bradshaw are also up for election. Both are expected to run again.
In the City of Alturas, the council seats of Jerry Smith and John Vass will
come to term. City Treasurer Kathie Alves will be seeking re-election.
The first day to officially take out nomination papers is Feb. 13. There is
a filing fee for county offices, amounting to one percent of the annual salary
or candidates may collect signatures in lieu of the filing fee.
According to Madison, the nomination papers will have to be returned by March
10. The Primary Election is scheduled for June 6 and will include local, state
and national offices.
Snow levels not that great
Snow levels in the Warner Mountains are higher than last year, but still below
averages, according to the recent snow surveys.
The Warner surveys were completed January 25 by the U.S. Forest Service's Jake
Coffey and the Resource Conservation Service's Tom Hill. The Big Valley survey
was taken on Adin Mountain January 26.
Snow levels at Blue Lake measured 17.1 inches, containing 4.7 inches of water.
That's 68 percent of normal for snow depth (25 inches) and 61 percent of water
content (7.6 inches.) Last year Blue Lake had 15 inches of snow in January with
a water content of 3.4 inches.
Cedar Pass has 30.8 inches of snow at the 7,100 foot elevation, containing
8.3 inches of water. The annual average for that spot is 35 inches containing
10.7 inches of water. This year the snow level is 85 percent of normal and the
water content is 77 percent of normal. Last year in January, the area had 27
inches of snow containing 7.8 inches of water.
Adin Mountain, at 6,200 feet elevation measured 23.6 inches of snow with 6.6 inches of water. That 84 percent of average snow depth (28.2 inches) and 79 percent water content (8.32 inches).
Modoc's low housing costs make the big time
"Housing Bargains, at a Price" read the headline in the January 13
issue of the Los Angeles Times. "Rural Modoc County has California's cheapest
real estate. But its remoteness and lack of jobs make affordability a
relative concept'."
That article, written by Maria La Ganga, hit the Sacramento Bee and various
other state newspapers and as far east as the Boston Globe.
Last Thursday, KPIX Television, CBS, out of San Francisco had a news crew in
Modoc interviewing several people. They didn't exactly sneak into town. Political
Editor Hank Plante and press photographer Jennifer Mistrot arrived in town in
a Channel 5 van, complete with fancy paint, the station logo, and satellite
transmitters on the roof.
They were noticed.
Basically, the story is that Modoc's median price for a home has eclipsed the
$100,000 mark. Statewide, the median price is $458,000, so the story has gotten
out.
It's true that Modoc prices have passed the $100,000 mark, and that they've
probably risen about 40 percent in the year 2000. For instance, a three bedroom,
two-bath home listed in the Modoc Record this week is priced at $142,000. A
similar home listed in the Record in 2003 was priced at $84,500 and other three
bedroom homes were priced at just over $65,000.
Local real estate offices are noticing an increase in inquiries since the stories
have been published.
"I don't expect to see a land rush here," said Dean Neer. "We've
had a lot of calls and interest, but I can't say we've seen an increase in actual
sales. I do think we'll have some sales."Neer said his office received
more than a dozen calls after the articles were printed, many from California
Pines property owners trying to sell their lots at an increased price.
Neer said the increase in price is probably a good thing for local people who
want to sell their property, but it makes it much more difficult for some local
people to afford to buy a home. Many of the people buying into Modoc at this
time are retired and find the housing prices very attractive, especially on
a fixed income.
The problem for some people, who would like to locate here, especially younger
working people, is a simple lack of quality employment opportunities.
Some people who can bring their jobs with them are moving to Modoc and are
making that work.
Onalee Sweeny of Warner Mountain Realty said she hasn't noticed huge increase
in call volume, but there has been an up tick in the real estate market here
for the past year as more and more people find Modoc.
"We have received some calls and interest from the Los Angles and Bay Areas,"
Sweeney said. "But, honestly we've had a lot of interest from those areas
before the stories came out. We went through a real boom last year."Sweeney
said most of the people she sees are either retired and looking to relocate
or are going to soon be retired and are looking for a place to settle. The lower
prices in Modoc are certainly attractive."
"They are selling their homes down there for incredible prices, coming
up here and buying something for much less," she said. "They've been
down there, fighting the rat race for 30 for 40 years and they're looking to
get out. Our lifestyle, and what they can buy here, are certainly big drawing
cards."
As an example, Sweeney said she put a cute, well cared for two-bedroom home
on the market and it was sold for full price within 24 hours. It would not have
been unusual for it to take six months or longer in the past.
"I think we're seeing a leveling off, but I believe the market here is
going to be strong," said Sweeney. "I'd say right now it's a sellers
market in Modoc. The higher prices do make it harder from some of the local
people to buy."
Bryar Gullett, of United Country Stevenson Realty, said the office is handling
at least one or two calls daily as a result of the article. Once people realize
Modoc isn't anywhere near the Bay Area, the quest begins.
"I spend the first part of the calls trying to explain to people where
Modoc is located," she said. "If they know where Redding is, it helps,
but they are a little amazed when I tell them we're three hours from there."
Gullett said most of the people calling are looking for a very good deal on
land, are asking about an acre or so, and for the most part are either retired
or are going to retire.
She said she expects some sales to occur because of the articles, and stressed there has been "a lot" of interest in Modoc real estate.
Likely declines to serve Madeline
Shrinking pains, the opposite of growing pains, are largely to blame for the
loss of fire and emergency medical services for residents on the north end of
the Madeline Plains.
Declining numbers of residents on the Plains in recent years has forced some
uncomfortable decisions on emergency services providers in the area.
"I would suggest that the Madeline Fire Department has turned out to be
our proverbial canary in the mine, if you will," said Lassen County supervisor
for the Plains area, Jack Hanson, referring to the fact that the Madeline department
is only the first of many among the county's smaller volunteer fire departments
that are struggling with the same issue. "Consequently, Madeline has run
out of volunteers to man the fire trucks and has had difficulty in even getting
three members of a board together."
"In the past we've done medical response in Madeline to help out our neighbors
and to help out the Modoc ambulance, because they go down thereand they're
still going to go down there," said Dwayne Matthews, fire chief for the
Likely Volunteer Fire Department. "The (Modoc County) ambulance is still
running. It's just that they're not going to have our help. They'll still have
emergency (medical) services, it's just not quite as fast as it was."
In an effort to provide those vital services for the remaining residents, Likely's
fire department approached the Lassen authorities for additional funding to
cover their added costs. "We went to the Lassen Board of Supervisors on
a couple of occasions and asked for some (financial) help," said chief
Matthews.
Because Likely is the closest fire department to many Madeline residences,
Likely is the most logical choice to provide those emergency services. Yet,
a recent announcement by Modoc officials that the Likely Fire Department will
no longer send out first responders to the northern end of the Madeline Plains
in medical or fire emergencies, as they have customarily done in the past, is
the latest chapter in this ongoing saga.
"We're going to work within our district," said chief Matthews, succinctly,
"and not in Lassen County."
"We in Lassen County saw this as a district to district (issue),"
said Hanson of the negotiations, adding that he intends to become more involved
in order to resolve this problem. "We were trying to put the Madeline Fire
District to contract with Likely.
"In December, Likely fire protection wrote us a letter
Modoc County
CAO, Mike Maxwell, and county counsel, John Kenney, informed us that they can't
extend Modoc County funds to offer medical assistance to Lassen County, and
we understand that," said Hanson.
"Mutual aid doesn't really work between the two because they don't have
anything to help us with," said Matthews. "They wanted us to contract
with the Madeline Fire Department to do both fire and medical aid, and it's
just not possible for us to do. For starters, it's just too far to go for any
kind of fire. And, we still have our own fire district to protect."
Concerned about trying to stretch the services of one department to cover two
districts, Matthews pointed out that his own district must be his first priority.
"Luckily, it hasn't happen to where we have had two calls at the same
time, but, you know, eventually that is going to happen. Once we start down
the road to Madeline to take care of somebody, we can't turn around (because)
we have a call in our own district," said Matthews, explaining that such
a situation could become a legal nightmare and calling it "abandonment."
"I think Lassen County needs to get together with their own people down
there and try to figure out a way to keep at least one of those fire departments
(on the Plains) running," said Matthews. "It's not so much the money
reimbursement for us. It's the fact that we're doing a second mission when we're
paid to do one. We've decided that it's more important to take care of our district
and our taxpayers."
Hanson believes that it may yet be possible to strike a deal that will satisfy
the Likely department and assist them with the expense of calls to the Madeline
area. "I think we've got some room to negotiate in this thing. It's not
as though we do not want to pay them for their services rendered and pay them
for some sort of mutual aid agreement," said Hanson, who plans to make
contacts with Modoc County and Likely Fire District officials to explore any
potential for compromise and agreement. "Obviously, we would very much
like to contract with them, utilizing a mutual aid agreement between Madeline
and Likely."
Noting that there are some funding options available for a mutual aid agreement,
Hanson said, "I am definitely very willing and able to re-open the negotiations
on the issue. (Madeline) has some funds that they can expend for that.
"In addition to that, they can, as I understand it, levy a charge on each call they make," Hanson said, indicating that the individuals or their insurers can be charged to defray the costs of emergency medical and fire calls.
Register for Home Show soon
It's time to sign up for the Third Annual Modoc Home show set for March 25
at the Griswold Gym in Alturas. Registration is on a first-come, first served-basis,
so it pays to get in early.
The theme this year is "Helping the community grow from the inside out."
Organizers Rendy Cockrell and Brooke Fredrickson expect the third edition to
be bigger and better than the first two and have had a lot of interest early.
The event is held at Modoc High School, with the Griswold Gym, Shirley Oxley
Social Hall and the lawn surrounding the facilities. The Home Show attracts
thousands of people and is a great chance for local businesses to show off their
wares, crafts, products and talents.
The exhibitors aim to show local people what they have to offer from design,
the first part of building or remodeling to the finished product, including
home décor, appliances, landscaping and the latest technology, including
solar power configurations.
Fredrickson said the Home Show is open only to Modoc businesses and this year
no "Internet only" businesses will be allowed.
The application period is now open and the deadline is March 13. Pick up applications
at the Modoc County Record, Modoc County Title and Altec Engineering. Entry
fee this year for exhibitors is $20. The entrants will also be asked to give
a door prize of at least $25 value. There is no admission cost for the public.
For more information, contact Fredrickson at 233-8472 or Cockrell at 233-2471.
Obituaries:
Melissa (Oxley) Hart-Clayton
Longtime business owner and past Fandango Grand Marshal Melissa Jane (Oxley)
Hart-Clayton passed away January 26, 2006 of natural causes at Modoc Medical
Center, Alturas, CA. Mrs. Clayton had called Modoc County her home since 1934.
She was born Melissa Jane Oxley on April 3, 1909 to Arthur and Adah Oxley,
near Tribune in Greeley County, Kansas on the family homestead. She was the
fifth of six children: Herzel, Vera, Arta, Clark , Melissa and Kenneth Oxley.
From the homestead, the family moved to Larned, Kansas where they had a wheat farm, living through the Depression and the Dust Bowl. In the early 1920's, Melissa, her mother and younger brother Kenneth moved to Denver, CO. Melissa came to California as a "nanny," arriving in Dunsmuir, where she decided to stay when her employers moved on. She continued to take care of other children, while she finished high school.
She graduated from Dunsmuir High School in 1927.
Melissa went to work as a clerk in the new Sprouse-Reitz variety store where
she met Billy Hart, her boss. When Melissa became ill, she returned to Kansas
to stay with her sister Arta. Billy sent an engagement ring and proposal of
marriage and then followed her to Kansas. Bill and Melissa were married in 1934
in her sisters' home.
Bill and Melissa returned to California and moved to Alturas in 1934, where
they bought their own variety store. Billy passed away in 1971 and Melissa continued
to operated the business for many years known as Hart's 5 and Dime for a total
of over 50 years.
Melissa reconnected with a former suitor, Fred Clayton, who she married in
1973. They continued to live in Alturas while Melissa ran the store. Fred passed
away in 1974.
Melissa enjoyed being a business woman with buying trips and working with people.
She also loved to fish, walking and fishing streams along with her brothers
and husband for many years. When no one else could go, Melissa would go fishing
alone and share her catch. She also enjoyed hiking and four-wheeling the hills
around Cedar Pass. Melissa enjoyed reading and playing puzzle games. She played
the piano and accompanied the family in singing, especially during the holidays.
Melissa also enjoyed entertaining friends and strangers alike, inviting folks
home for Sunday dinner. She made many of her life-long friends because of her
trust, her desire to help and especially to teach others about her loving God
and Savior Jesus.
She is survived by one sister-in-law, Cronie Oxley, who is now 103 and the
last of the generation. All her brothers and sisters preceded her in death.
Melissa is also survived by several nieces and nephews, great and great-great
nieces and nephews.
Many years ago Melissa found a poem that she had kept in the family Bible to
read on her death. The following is that poem.
Miss me-but let me go; When I come to the end of the road, and the sun has
set for me. I want no rites in a gloom-filled room; Why cry for a soul set free!
Miss me a little- but not too long. And not with your head bowed low; Remember
the love that we once shared. Miss me-but let me go! For this is a journey we
all must take, And each must go alone; It's all part of the Master's plan, A
step on the road to home. When you are lonely and sick at heart, Go to the friends
we know. And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds. Miss me-but let me go. Author
Unknown.
Services for Melissa were held by Pastor Dewey Potter at the Church of Christ
in Alturas at 10 a.m. Tuesday, January 31. Burial was at the Alturas Cemetery.Obituary
Jeffery Warren Conger
A memorial service for Jeffery (Jeff) Warren Conger will be held on Saturday,
February 11 at 2 p.m. at Truth Tabernacle at 117 West Modoc Street in Alturas.
Mr. Conger, 47, passed away on January 28, 2006 at Modoc Medical Center, Alturas,
CA. He had beaten lung cancer, but was diagnosed with a brain tumor last October,
said his bride Jennifer.
Jeff, as he was known to his friends and family, grew up in Lakeview, OR. At
one time he owned an auto body shop in Lakeview and owned his own big rig as
an independent truck driver. He was a shop foreman and mechanic for Fitch Sand
& Gravel in Modoc County for some 13 years until the end of 2003. Over the
years, he enjoyed building transmissions, painting and building cars and was
an "awesome mechanic," his wife described.
Jeff loved to spend time with his children.
He also had a great lifetime love for flying and building remote control planes,
a passion that was fueled by his father. He kept the first plane he and his
father built and flew together. Over the years, he amassed a collection of some
30 planes he had built.
Jeff and Jennifer Salsbery were married on May 14, 2005 in Alturas, CA at Truth
Tabernacle.
He is survived by his wife Jennifer of Alturas; his parents Warren and Ora Conger
of Lakeview, OR; daughter Jordana Conger, Colleville, WA; son Jo Kline, Homer,
AK; son Jeffery Conger, Jr. Sandpoint, Idaho; daughter Briana Wallace-Conger,
Alturas, CA; daughter Lacey Conger, Alturas, CA; sons Colton and Ethan Conger,
both of Alturas, CA; brother Brian Conger, Lakeview, OR; sister Angela Yates,
Lakeview, OR; brother, Kenneth Conger, Lakeview, OR; sister Dawnella Riley,
Springfield, OR; three grandchildren, with one due in July and nieces and nephews.
Kerr Mortuary in Alturas is handling arrangements.
Jack Marius Patereau
Lookout resident Jack Marius Patereau, 82, passed away at Mayer's Memorial
Hospital in Fall River Mills, CA on January 28, 2006, after a long illness.
Services were held Wednesday, Feb. 1 at the Lookout Fire Department Hall with
his grandson Mr. Matt Patereau as officiant. Interment was at Lookout Cemetery.
Mc Donald's Chapel, Burney was in charge of arrangements.
Jr. Patereau was born June 30, 1923 in Mt. Hood, Oregon. He was a U.S. Navy
Veteran of World War II, serving on the USS Brown during most of the war. He
was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, American Legion Post #163, Alturas
and a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1900 in Ukiah. He
had moved from Willits, CA. to Modoc County in June 2002. He retired from Boise
Cascade as a truck driver.
He is survived by his wife Chlola Patereau of Lookout; son Rene Patereau and daughter-in-law Jane of Lookout, CA; eight grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Sports
Braves favored to win 7th straight SCL wrestling title
It's gotten to the point that the only way Modoc's wrestling team losses the
Shasta Cascade League title is if the bus breaks down on the way.
The Braves are going for their seventh straight SCL title in Trinity this weekend
and their 14th out of 16 years. The only real question will be who finishes
second.
The league tourney starts with duals on Friday and moves to the team championship
on Saturday. Modoc has the chance to win eight of the 14 individual championships
and more top placers.
According to coach Shaun Wood, the following wrestlers should be favored in
their eight classes: Travis Wood, 152 pounds; Josh Wood, 189 pounds; Brian Weed,
130 pounds; Sheridan Crutcher, 135 pounds; Jared Cox, 160 pounds; Bill Hammerness,
171 pounds; Ian Jacques, 215 pounds and Jesse Harer, heavyweight.
Other kids to watch include Chris Buchanan, Cain Madrigal, Martin Corn and
Josue Madrigal.
The Braves are coming off what was frankly a surprisingly good finish at the
huge Corning Invitational last weekend. Wood expected the Braves to finish in
the top six, and was quite pleased that they actually came in second with 189
points, to winner Corning's 202.
Travis Wood won the 152-pound championship and was named the Most Outstanding
Middleweight at the tourney.
Weed took a second at 130 pounds, Crutcher was second at 135, Buchanan was
second at 145 and Josh Wood was second at 189. Hammerness, 171 pounds, Jacques,
215 and Harer, heavyweight were all third. Cain Madrigal was sixth at 119 pounds.
Team scores: Corning 202, Modoc 185, Middletown 121, Live Oak 100.5, Central
Valley 99.5, Wheatland 98, Paradise 96, Enterprise 80.5, Corning II 80, Etna
70.5, Portola 54, Trinity 52.5, Quincy 51, Esparto 48, Golden Sierra 46, Mt.
Shasta 44.5, Los Plumas 41, Winters 38, Hoopa 33, Chester 26, Los Molinos 16,
Burney 13.4, Hamilton City 8 and Big 4.5.
On Friday night, Modoc beat Central Valley in a dual meet there, 48-33.
Braves
leave defense in locker room
Modoc's Braves played good on the offensive side of the ball, but apparently
left their defense in the locker room Friday night against Trinity, losing,
75-68.
The Braves led 19-12 in the first, but trailed 38-35 by the half. Modoc regained
the lead 54-53 after three, then allowed Trinity to hit 23 point sin the fourth
to their 14.
"We had been holding league teams to an average of 45 points, but over
the past few games that's jumped to 71," said coach Bunk Richardson. "That
won't get the job done."
Ross Burgess led the Braves' scoring with 29; Micah Eppler added 15, Jace Wheeler
had 11points and Taylor Dunn had 10. Burgess also pulled down 10 rebounds.
The boys beat the Mt. Shasta Bears Tuesday in Mt. Shasta 72-58 behind Dunn's
25 points and Burgess's 24.
The Braves led 21-13 in the first and 33-31 by halftime. Modoc increased its
lead with a 18-11 third period and a 21-16 fourth.
The Braves travel to Bishop Quinn Friday and have Weed at home Tuesday. They are 6-3 in the Shasta Cascade League and 12-7 overall.
Fourth quarter buries Braves
The Modoc Braves varsity girl's team played a solid three-quarters Friday night
against Trinity, but forgot about the final period, losing 45-37.
The Braves led 10-8 after the first period and 29-10 at halftime. Modoc maintained
a 28-25 lead going into the fourth. They allowed Trinity to score 20 points
to their nine in the final stanza. The Braves have been plagued by turnovers
this season and Friday night was no exception and they gave the ball away 25
times.
Shooting was also a problem for Modoc as they hit just 15 of 39 two-pointers
and one of 10 treys for 32 percent.
Catherine Lowry had 16 points and Alysha Northrup had eight points.
The Braves lost to Mt. Shasta there Tuesday night, 52-49, but coach Bill Hall
said they played a solid game. The Bears led 14-10 in the first and Modoc responded
to take a 24-19 lead at halftime. The Bears outscored the Braves 22-12 in the
third but Modoc came back to tie in the fourth, but couldn't get over the hump.
Alysha Northrup had 12 points and 11 rebounds in the game, with Kelly Campagna
getting12 points and Tacie Richardson and Catania each netting 10. Richardson
blocked eight shots.
Modoc travels to Bishop Quinn Friday and Weed comes to Alturas Tuesday.
Tigers beat Hornets
The Dunsmuir Tigers used a 24-9 first period to beat the Surprise Valley Hornet
Boys 78-70 at Cedarville Saturday.
The Hornets fought back to trail 41-20 by halftime, but still trailed 63-50
after three.
Jim Bradford led Surprise Valley with 32 points, Jace Indrebo added 15 and
Kevin Quick had 13.
The Hornets lost to Tulelake 71-32 Tuesday. Tulelake led 20-11 in the first and 43-16 by half. The Honkers led 63-28 after three. Indrebo had 12 to lead the Hornets who meet Happy Camp tonight.
SV girls split in league
Surprise Valley's girls team beat the Dunsmuir Tigers at Cedarville Saturday
51-44. They lost to Tulelake Tuesday 35-30.
In the Dunsmuir game, Sarah Teuscher had 16 points, 12 rebounds and 10 blocked
shots. The Hornets led 19-18 at halftime and still led by one after three. They
outscored the Tigers 19-13 in the fourth. Patricia Soletti had 11 points; Miranda
Miura added 10 and Tristin Teuscher had eight.
The quick Tulelake Honker team started a little slowly and Surprise Valley took a 16-7 first period lead. The Hornets cooled off and allowed the Honkers to get back in the game. Soletti led the Hornets with nine, Sarah Teuscher had eight and Karri DePaul added seven.
February 9, 2006
News
Da Funk will not seek re-election
Justice in Modoc County is going to see some changes following the June 6 Primary
Election.
District Attorney Jordan Funk has announced this week that he will not be seeking
re-election to a second term. This news follows an announcement last week that
Modoc County Sheriff Bruce Mix will also not be running for re-election.
In addition, Modoc County Clerk Maxine Madison, Auditor/Recorder Judi Stevens
and Assessor Josephine Johnson have also said they will retire after this term.
"I have been honored to serve the citizens of Modoc County these past
three years, but it is time to pursue other career opportunities. Public service
and law enforcement is gratifying work, but the time has come to provide for
my family's economic security," said Funk. "I came into office determined
to improve our standards for investigating and prosecuting crimes in Modoc County,
to improve our trial conviction rate and to send more of our serious criminals
to prison than was done in the past. I've done all that and will always remain
proud of those accomplishments."
Funk said he will complete his term through December and establish a private
law firm in Alturas.
"We have a number of important cases pending, including serial child molestation,
statutory rape by a County Supervisor and murder," said Funk. "We
also have some ongoing investigation into serious matters which are not complete.
I think it is important to finish these before leaving office."
Modoc Public Defender Richard Cotta has announced he'll be a candidate for
the DA's office along with local attorney John Lawson.
"I am grateful to my staff and to all those whose hard work and dedicated
professionalism have helped us improve our criminal justice system," said
Funk. "They have worked for three years now without much public recognition.
I am especially grateful to Larry Barnes, my Assistant District Attorney, for
his loyal and dedicated service. I am also grateful to those in law enforcement
who supported our effort to 'raise the bar' and have responded to the challenge
with greater professionalism and dedication than Modoc County has seen in the
past."Mix started as a deputy with the Sheriff's Department in 1968, at
the age of 21 and will have served 20 years as Sheriff. He is now recovering
from heart surgery and said he enjoyed his 20-year term as Modoc County Sheriff,
but felt it was time retire.
Two people are running to replace Mix, Undersheriff Mark Gentry, and California
Highway Patrol Officer Mike Poindexter. Poindexter is set to retire from the
CHP in March.
Treasurer/Tax Collector Cheryl Knoch is expected to seek another term in office.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Vanston Shaw will seek election. He was appointed
to serve out the remaining term of retired Superintendent Carol Harbaugh.
County positions up for election in June are: District Attorney, County Clerk,
Auditor-Recorder, Sheriff/Coroner, Treasurer/Tax Collector, Assessor and County
Superintendent of Schools.
Senior Clerk Diana McCulley has announced this week that she'll seek the Clerk's
position. The future of that position may change with current action by the
Board of Supervisors to consolidate the Clerk-Auditor/Recorder departments.
Both members of the County Board of Supervisors -- District One's Dan Macsay
and District Five's David Bradshaw -- are expected to run again.
In the City of Alturas, the council seats of Jerry Smith and John Vass will
come to term. City Treasurer Kathie Alves will be seeking re-election.
The first day to officially take out nomination papers is Feb. 13. There is
a filing fee for county offices, amounting to one percent of the annual salary
or candidates may collect signatures in lieu of the filing fee.
According to Madison, the nomination papers will have to be returned by March
10. The Primary Election is scheduled for June 6 and will include local, state
and national offices.
County moves to combine Clerk, Auditor departments
The Modoc County Board of Supervisors Tuesday passed the first reading of an
ordinance that would combine the County Clerk and County Auditor/Recorder departments
at the end of this year.
The Board will hold a second reading and possible final adoption of the ordinance
at the Feb. 21 meeting. If adopted at that meeting, the ordinance would go into
effect within 30 days.
The vote to adopt the ordinance was 4-1, with Dan Macsay, David Bradshaw, Mike
Dunn and Ray Anklin voting in favor and Patricia Cantrall voting against.
In addition to the ordinance combining the two departments, the county also
approved the first reading of an ordinance creating an appointed Clerk of the
Board position. The County Clerk has historically handled that position.
While there was some opposition voiced at the meeting Tuesday, concerning the
timing, lack of perceived study and lack of consultation with other elected
officials, the Board decided it was reasonable and financially prudent to make
the change.
"There is not any other time more appropriate to make this decision than
now," said Modoc County Chief Administrative Officer Mike Maxwell. "Neither
of the incumbents, (Clerk Maxine Madison or Auditor Judi Stevens) is seeking
re-election and the change would not be effective until the end of their terms."
Maxwell said the Board considered the action an effort to make both departments
more effective, especially if the Clerk of the Board responsibilities are removed
from the Clerk's office. Additionally, he said, the action would be taken before
the filing period for the June 6 election actually ends.
Candidates, in that case, would know what the position up for election would
be and what qualifications would be required.
According to the study the combined department structure would have an elected
Auditor with responsibility for Recorder, County Clerk and Registrar of Voters.
Under that position would be a Deputy Recorder and a Deputy County Clerk/Registrar
of Voters.
Maxwell presented the Board with a study detailing the costs and cost savings
involved in the switch which also stressed the number of other counties in the
state who have done the same thing.
A more detailed analysis of the study and proposed ordinance will be printed
in next week's Record.
22-lot subdivision proposed in Alturas
The Alturas Planning Commission will be hearing a proposal Feb. 15 that would
create a 22-lot subdivision south of the Carlos and Warner Street intersection.
The development is planned by Ron Farino, of Windsor, Ca. and includes 22 lots
of about 6,000 square feet, on which he plans to build single-family homes with
attached garages. The area is part of what's now called the Sunnyside Terrace
subdivision.
The area is now zoned TR, which is approved for 27 manufactured homes. Farino
cut the number of lots to 22 to meet the size requirement for the single-family
homes status of R-1.
According to Alturas Public Works Director Stacy Chase, the developer will
pave part of Warner Street south of Carlos and will put Henderson through to
Cedar Street in his planned subdivision. There are no plans to improve Cedar
Street to Carlos as access. He will also pave and gutter the subdivision streets
and will be responsible for utility infrastructure.
Chase said Farino would like to get started on the project as quickly a possible.
The Planning Commission will be asked to approve the tentative map at the Feb. 15 hearing. The hearing will begin at 5:15 p.m. at Alturas City Hall, 200 North Street. The public is invited to attend the hearing.
Medicine Lake geothermal project draws protests
Geothermal energy is often referred to as "green" or "clean"
when viewed beside high-polluting and potentially dangerous fossil fuels, but
a controversial geothermal project on nearby Native American ancestral land
has led to a fierce court battle and organized protests.
Geothermal production involves pumping hot water or steam from underground
sources and using it to generate power. Studies conducted since the 1980s suggest
that parts of Northern California may contain extensive geothermal reserves,
according to the U.S. Department of the Interior.
However, while California mandates a shift to green energy development and
offers tax incentives to see it through, some residents of this area feel exploited
by outside energy developers who claim the land for their own purposes, but
offer little in return.
Calpine Energy Corp. has two active lease areas in the Modoc National Forest
for geothermal exploration and development - Four-Mile Hill and Telephone Flat
- but its $200-million plans are on hold pending court litigation initiated
by Native American tribes residing around the Medicine Lake Highlands region
of Siskiyou County.
This is not the only geothermal proposal in this area. Amp Resources is in
the midst of exploring underground temperatures at the Hapgood Ranch in Lake
City, according to Modoc County District 1 Supervisor Dan Macsay, who represents
Surprise Valley.
The difference is magnitude. Opponents of the Calpine projects fought successfully
during the Clinton Administration to have Telephone Flat, a 15-acre site about
a mile from Medicine Lake Highlands - declared off limits. Now, they say, intense
energy lobbying led to the Bush Administration's 2002 reversal of that decision.
"The strategy paid off, and (this) could be the start of massive geothermal
development," states one opposition-group Website http://www.sacredland.org/endangered_sites_pages/medicine_lake.html.
"Calpine owns 43 federal leases covering 47,800 acresand can now move forward
with plans for clear-cuts, roads, drill rigs, transmissions lines, and at least
onepower plant."
According to Forest Service Realty Specialist Jayne Biggerstaff, this development
in the Modoc National Forest, a "highly used recreation area," involves
a "joint Bureau of Land Management/Forest Service project" because
geothermal leasing falls under the jurisdiction of the BLM, while surface management
is the purview of the USFS.
She said the agencies have already been through testing phases and environmental
impact reports are complete, so "both of these lease areas have been approved
for development." The EIRs, she explained, have been "the subject
of litigation in the Eastern District Court and the Court of Appeals."
The Medicine Lake Highlands caldera east of Lava Beds National Monument is a
collapsed, large-shield
volcano, the largest in the Cascade Range. It rises 7,900 feet above sea level,
and inside its bowl shape volcano sits the scenic, 408-acre Medicine Lake.
Calpine's proposal calls for 15 wells with a potential production of 48 megawatts
of electricity (one megawatt is enough power for about 1,000 homes). The lease
on the other site, Four-Mile Hill, also proposes a 48-megawatt generator.
In 2002, representatives of the Pit River, Klamath, and Shasta tribes joined
environmentalists and others on the Telephone Flat Geothermal Project Group
Oversight Committee, designed to monitor development activities there. They
joined project opponents in a reported demonstration outside Calpine's San Jose
corporate offices Jan. 28.
They argue that Medicine Lake Highlands, which received recognition from the
National Register of Historic Places as a Traditional Cultural District in 1999,
represents more than 10,000 years of use by Pit River, Modoc, Shasta, Karuk,
and Wintu tribes for spiritual, religious and healing ceremonies.
"The Pit River people believe that the Creator and his son bathed in the waters of the lake after creating the earth, and the Creator imparted his spirit into Medicine Lake," states information from the opposition Website.
"The water has power to heal and to renew, and the area around the lake
is used as a training ground for medicine men from the coast to the Rockies.
"The subsequent recognition of the Medicine Lake Area Traditional Cultural
Places District caused one of two proposed geothermal projects to be rejected
by the USFS and BLM in 2000," the Website states. "However, in November
2002, the Bush Administration scrapped those protections and approved a $120
million, 48-megawatt geothermal power plant at Telephone Flat."
As an added twist to the ongoing saga, Calpine filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy
Dec. 20, but company officials contend the projects will move forward, even
while key executives within the company resign (http://www.calpine.com). Calpine's
closest active power plant is in Yuba City.
According to a 2002 press release by the U.S. Department of the Interior, "the
approval is part of a reconsideration process involving the project. The increased
national and state focus on renewable energy, along with the further mitigation
measures required, justified approval of the project."
"The power plant will also help California meet its legislative mandate
of producing 20 percent of energy supplies from renewable energy sources by
2017," added Assistant Secretary of the Interior Rebecca W. Watson in the
statement, projecting enough power for about 50,000 homes from Calpine's Telephone
Flat plant.
"Calpine will be required to conduct several mitigation measures, addressing concerns raised by American Indian Tribes and others, including realigning its proposed power line to reduce visual and environmental impacts," the release continued. "The realignment will result in a 13-mile power line for the plant to be built east of the original proposed location (and not across the cultural district or Mount Hoffman inventoried road-less area)."
'Jungle Book' auditions for youths
Auditions for Jungle Book will be open to Kindergarten through high school
age students on Monday, February 20 (President's Day holiday), starting promptly
at 3:30 p.m. at the A.C.T. Niles Theater in Alturas. All youths are welcome
to audition; no experience or advance preparation required.
Auditions will continue until 5:30 p.m. Selected cast members will be asked
to stay later. The cast will present two performances on February 25 at 1 p.m.
and 5 p.m. after a week of after school rehearsals. This will be a Missoula
Children's Theater production.Among the roles to be cast are Mowgli (the man-cub),
his friends Bagheer (the panther) and Akela (the leader of the pack), the entire
wolf family, Shere Khan (the tiger) with his side-kick Tabaqui (the jackal),
Nag and Nagaina (the cobras), Darzee (the bird), Hathi (the master elephant),
Rikki-Tikki-Tavi (the mongoose), Kaa (the rock python), Buck (a buck) and of
course, the Monkey-People. Assistant Directors will also be cast to assist with
the technical aspects of the production.
Missoula Children's Theatre (MCT) touring productions are complete with costumes,
scenery, props and makeup. The MCT Tour Actor/Directors will conduct after school
rehearsals throughout the week, each day at the Niles Theater. The Missoula
Children's Theatre residency in Alturas is sponsored by Frontier Communications,
Modoc County Record and Carstens Motors this year. And presented by Antonio's
Cucina Italiana Restaurant, Modoc County Office of Education, Modoc County Arts
Council, Inc, Modoc, Surprise Valley and Tulelake Basin Joint Unified School
Districts, Alturas Community Theater, and by the California Arts Council.
Tickets for the February 25 shows will be $8 adults; $6 for students and senior citizens. Tickets will be available at the door or in advance from Antonio's. Ken G. Franklin, Director of the Modoc County Arts Council has coordinated this opportunity for Modoc youths, for many years.
Generate excitement with Home Show booth
Something new has been added to the third annual Modoc County Home Show. for
the March 25 event in Alturas.
To generate even more excitement, organizers Brooke Fredrickson and Rendy Cockrell
are adding a "Best Booth" decorating competition among the vendors.
Modoc County Title is sponsoring the prizes with $200 in Modoc Bucks for First
Place winner; $150 for second place and $100 for third place. The vendors will
be doing the voting.
"We want the vendors to start thinking about their entries and how best
to present their business and how they want to decorate," describes Cockrell.
"When the vendors show up the day of the Home Show, they will receive their
participant badge, so we know who is to be setting up that morning and a "Best
Booth" voting sheet. They can judge the entries during the Home Show and
turn it in at the end. We'll announce the winners in the Modoc Record.
This year's Home Show theme is "Helping Our Community Grow From the Inside
Out."
The Show attracts thousands of people and is a great opportunity for local businesses
to show off their products, talents, wares and what they can offer. Exhibitors
will range from landscaping and paving design options to roofing, planning,
home interior, appliances, existing and alternative heating and cooling options.
Deadline to register is March 13. Booths are available on a first come, first
serve basis. Registration fee is $20. Businesses will also commit to providing
a door prize of at least $25 value. The event will be held Saturday, March 25
from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Modoc High School.
Vendor entry applications are available at Modoc County Record, Altec Engineering and Modoc County Title. For more information please call Fredrickson at 233-8472 or Cockrell at 233-3471.
Obituaries:
Bonnie J. Ford
A memorial service for Bonnie J. Ford of Alturas will be held this Saturday,
February 11 at 1 p.m. at Faith Baptist Church in Alturas.
Bonnie Jean Ford passed away of natural causes on January 28, 2006 in Alturas,
CA. She was 43.
Born Bonnie Jean Horn on July 19, 1962 in Susanville, CA, she attended college
in Redding. She was artistic and loved to draw and read. She also enjoyed playing
video games. But most of all, "She was a beautiful foundation for our family,
a wonderful companion and a wonderful, loving mother," describe family
members. Coming from Redding, Bonnie had made Modoc County her home for the
past 13 years.
She is survived by her husband of 17 years, Robert S. Gross of Alturas; son
Brandon S. Horn of Alturas; daughter Christy L. Horn of Alturas.
Arrangements are under the direction of Kerr Mortuary, Alturas.
Irene M. Collin
Former Cedarville resident Irene Mayhew Collin passed away in her home near
Elk, California, on December 24, 2005, after a short illness. She was 95 years
old. Irene was born August 13, 1910, to William and Winnifred Wilson Mayhew,
in Moorpark, California, and grew up in Bishop and Ojai, California. She was
the youngest of four daughters.
She graduated from California State Teachers College of Santa Barbara in 1931.
While visiting her sister, Jessie Ritchie, in Alturas in the summer of 1935,
and waitressing at the Niles Hotel, she met Donald R. Collin, a surveyor for
the California Division of Highways. They were married in 1936. They both appreciated
a rustic lifestyle in many remote locales of various highway surveying assignments
throughout northern California. In 1945, they made their home near Redding,
where their three children were raised.
Irene began teaching in Shasta County in the 1950's. She pioneered and taught
an innovative, living-skills based special education program at Shasta High
School until her retirement in 1972. After retiring from teaching, Irene worked
as a docent at the Redding Art Museum.
In 1990 Irene relocated to Cedarville where she enjoyed gardening, her animals,
and excursions in the desert and mountains. In 2001, she moved to Elk, on the
Mendocino Coast, where she enjoyed the ocean, beach combing, and her cottage
in the redwoods where she continued to garden and care for her pets.
She is survived by her children: Sara Gooch of Cedarville, California; Pete
Collin of Stonington, Maine; Roger Collin of Elk, California; and grandchildren
Jeremy Judson of Redwood City, California; Ryan Collin of Stonington, Maine;
Walker Collin of Arcata, California, and Seth Tower of Elk. Donald predeceased
Irene in 1962.
In keeping with her wishes, no services were held. Donations are suggested
to the
High Plateau Humane Society, P.O. Box 1383, Alturas, CA, 96101.
Sports
Braves pin SCL title with 7 champions
Modoc's Braves pinned their seventh straight Shasta Cascade League wrestling
title with seven individual champions. They are idle until the Division 3 Championships
in Quincy Feb. 17-18.
Modoc won the team title with 254.5 points, well ahead of second place Mt.
Shasta with 136, Trinity with 133, Etna 91, Big Valley 57, Fall River 62.5,
Burney 55, Bishop Quinn 54, Tulelake 33 and Weed 3.
The Braves put nine wrestlers into the 14 finals spots, and won seven of those.
"I just can't be prouder of the team," said coach Shaun Wood, whose
two sons, Travis and Josh, have had outstanding years. "We practice hard
and it shows in the end. It was also nice that we were able to take 19 wrestlers
to the league meet and all of them contributed."
In the Division III tourney, the top four finishers move on to the Masters
Tourney in Redding Feb. 24-25. The top two there will go to the state championships.
Wood expects several of his wrestlers to qualify for the Masters and sees a
chance to take more than one to state.
Modoc's league champs were: Brian Weed, 130 pounds; Sheridan Crutcher 140 pounds;
Travis Wood 152 pounds; Bill Hammerness, 171 pounds; Josh Wood, 189 pounds;
Ian Jacques 215 pounds; and Jesse Harer, heavyweight.
Taking second for the Braves were Chris Buchanan at 145 pounds and Jacob Ketler
at heavyweight. Buchanan lost to Tulelake's Jon Luscombe and Ketler lost to
teammate Harer.
Modoc's Cain Madrigal was third at 119 pounds, Martin Corn was third at 125
pounds, Kim Partee was third at 130 pounds, David Holloway was third at 160
pounds, Lenny Gladu was third at 189 pounds, Kyle Hartman was fourth at 145
pounds Kevin Richardson was fourth at 103 pounds and Shawn Brownfield was fifth
at 189 pounds.
The league championship was Saturday in Trinity and the dual championships
were held the day before, also in Weaverville. Modoc had nine wrestlers go unbeaten
in the duals: Madrigal, Weed, Crutcher, Buchanan, T. Wood, Hammerness, J. Wood,
Jacques, and Harer.
Holloway went 2-1 while Richardson, Corn and Josue Madrigal all went 1-2.
Modoc topped Etna 64-18, Mt. Shasta 56-2, and Trinity 62-6 for the Big School
dual title.
Modoc
girls crushed by Bishop Quinn
Modoc's varsity girls team allowed Bishop Quinn to jump out to a 34-3 first-period
lead and couldn't recover, losing 65-31. Bishop Quinn is unbeaten in the Shasta
Cascade League.
The Braves trimmed the lead to 41-19 by half but Bishop Quinn outscored them
in the third 18-8 and in the fourth 6-4. The Braves shot just 12 for 56 from
the floor. And turned the ball over 22 times.
Sara Catania and Tacie Richardson each scored nine for the Braves.
The Braves beat Weed 57-45 here Tuesday night after taking an 18-8 first period
lead and led 30-20 by halftime. Modoc outscored Weed 16-12 in the third.
Catherine Lowry had 15 points, Richardson and Catania added nine each, Marlana
Bartram had eight and Alysha Northrup have seven.
Modoc travels to Burney Friday and has Etna at home Saturday.
Hornets lose close one to Cards
The Surprise Valley Hornet girls lost a close game to the Big Valley Cardinals
Tuesday, 41-39 after leading the entire way.
The next game will be against the Happy Camp Indians at McCloud Feb. 14.
At the Homecoming game Feb. 3, Butte Valley beat the Hornets 41-32, helped by a 15-3 first period. The
Bulldogs were up 21-12 by halftime.
Sara Teuscher and Miranda Miura led the scoring with 20 and six respectively.
Boys whip Bishop Quinn 64-42
The Modoc boy's varsity beat Bishop Quinn 64-42 Friday at Bishop Quinn.
The Braves started 15-11 in the first and led 30-24 at halftime. Modoc went
to 47-33 in the third and outscored BQ 17-9 in the fourth.
Ross Burgess led the scoring with 21 and Jace Wheeler added 10, Modoc only
had eight turnovers in the game. Wheeler also pulled down 12 rebounds.
Modoc coach Bunk Richardson has steered the Braves into a 8-3 record and first
place in the Shasta Cascade League after a tentative start. Mt. Shasta and Trinity
are tied for second at 7-4.
Richardson said that while Micah Eppler has not been scoring a much as in the
past, he is doing an excellent job running the floor and on defense and has
made a big difference in the overall success of the Braves.
Tuesday night the Braves beat Weed 53-50. They led 13-11 in the first and 31-25
by half. After three, Modoc led 43-32, but allowed he Cougars to make it close
in the fourth.
Burgess led the scoring with 20, Dunn added 12 and Eppler had nine.
Alumni gameset for SV
On Friday evening, February 10 at 7:00 p.m. in the Surprise Valley High School
gym, an intrepid though aging group of Surprise Valley High School graduates
will face off against the Varsity Boys' Hornets in a revived tradition, the
annual Alumni Basketball Game. Spectators are sure to be entertained by the
action and antics, making the event well worth the $1 admission charge.
"We used to do this every year. We'd like to get it going again",
said Charlie Stevens who has taken on the task of pulling together a team on
short notice. "When we decided to go ahead this season, we had very few
options for the date. We worked with coach and, with the team's schedule and
it looking more and more like they'll be going to the playoffs, Friday night
was our best choice."
So far, eight alumni have committed to playing. Anyone interested in joining the team should call Stevens at the high school where he is the Maintenance Supervisor. His number is 279-6141, ext. 43.
Modoc JVs split
Modoc's junior varsity boys team split in Shasta Cascade league action this
week, beating Bishop Quinn, 54-47, and losing to Weed, 61-58.
Justine Estes and John Hughes each scored 13 points to lead the Braves against
BQ. Dee Hunsaker added 11.
Estes and Hunsaker scored 14 each in the Weed loss. Daniel Morgan added nine.
The Braves are now 7-4 in the SCL.
February 16th, 2006
News
New faces in races for County, City offices
There are several new faces running for election to local offices in the June
6 Primary Election and candidates started taking out filing papers officially
on Tuesday.
In a change of heart, Auditor Judi Stevens has said she will seek re-election.
She had announced she would retire, but reconsidered that action over the weekend,
she said.
The county is considering combining the Clerk's Office with the Auditor's Office
and a public hearing on adopting the enabling ordinance is set for next Tuesday
at the Board of Supervisors meeting.
Senior County Clerk Diana McCulley has announced this week that she'll seek
the Clerk's position. The future of that position may change if the Board of
Supervisors consolidates the departments.
In a new development, Gary Jones, Tulelake Basin Joint Unified School District
administrator of Business Services, Adult and Alternative Schools, Transportation
and After School Program has taken out papers to run against County Superintendent
of Schools Dr. Vanston Shaw.
Jones began his teaching career in the Modoc Joint Unified School District
in 1989 and had held administrative positions as Modoc High School Dean of Students
and Tulelake High School Principal.
Shaw will seek election. He was appointed to serve out the remaining term of
retired Superintendent Carol Harbaugh.
District Attorney Jordan Funk will not be seeking re-election to a second term
and neither will Modoc County Sheriff Bruce Mix.
In addition, Modoc County Clerk Maxine Madison and Assessor Josephine Johnson
have also said they will retire after this term.
Funk said he will complete his term through December and establish a private
law firm in Alturas.
Modoc Public Defender Richard Cotta has announced he'll be a candidate for the
DA's office along with local attorney John Lawson, who now serves as the counsel
for the Alturas City Council.
Mix started as a deputy with the Sheriff's Department in 1968, at the age of
21 and will have served 20 years as Sheriff. Two people are running to replace
Mix: Undersheriff Mark Gentry, and California Highway Patrol Officer Mike Poindexter.
Poindexter is set to retire from the CHP in March.
Treasurer/Tax Collector Cheryl Knoch will seek another term in office.
County positions up for election in June are: District Attorney, County Clerk,
Auditor-Recorder, Sheriff/Coroner, Treasurer/Tax Collector, Assessor and County
Superintendent of Schools.
Both members of the County Board of Supervisors -- District One's Dan Macsay
and District Five's David Bradshaw -- will run again.
In the City of Alturas, the council seats of Jerry Smith and John Vass will
come to term. City Treasurer Kathie Alves is seeking re-election.
Alturas resident Rod Gately has announced his candidacy for City Council. Gately
is a past manager of the Arrowhead Golf Course and expresses his desire to improve
on required research and study in council decisions.
According to Madison, the nomination papers will have to be returned by March 10. The Primary Election is scheduled for June 6 and will include local, state and national offices.
Public hearing on Clerk/Auditor consolidation Tuesday
The Modoc County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on its proposed
consolidation of the Modoc County Clerk and Auditor/Recorders offices Tuesday
in board chambers.
The first reading of the new ordinance was last week and it has met with some
opposition, but it also has support. The public hearing is Feb. 21, 9 a.m.
Following the second reading the Board could adopt the ordinance and it would
go into effect within 30 days. In a change from last week, Modoc Auditor Judi
Stevens has reconsidered her retirement and will now seek re-election. County
Clerk Maxine Madison will not run for re-election, however Senior Clerk Diana
McCulley has taken out papers for County Clerk. If the ordinance passes it will
affect that position.
Tuesday McCulley told the Board she didn't feel the consolidation cost savings
accurately reflected reality. She said she felt the consolidation issue should
be decided by the voters. "I think that is a question that should be decided
by the voters of Modoc County, or are you afraid that the voters won't agree
with you?" she said. "The position of County Clerk is a public office
voted on by the public and I feel it should be left to the voters to decide."
The vote to adopt the ordinance at the first reading was 4-1, with Dan Macsay,
David Bradshaw, Mike Dunn and Ray Anklin voting in favor and Patricia Cantrall
voting against.
In addition to the ordinance combining the two departments, the county also
approved the first reading of an ordinance creating an appointed Clerk of the
Board position. The County Clerk has historically handled that position.
"There is not any other time more appropriate to make this decision than
now," Modoc County Chief Administrative Officer Mike Maxwell has said.
Maxwell said the Board considered the action an effort to make both departments
more effective, especially if the Clerk of the Board responsibilities are removed
from the Clerk's office. Additionally, he said, the action would be taken before
the filing period for the June 6 election actually ends.
Candidates, in that case, would know what the position up for election would
be and what qualifications would be required.
Maxwell said the potential annual savings to the county range from a low of
$50,000 to in the low $90,000 range, depending on variables.
According to the study the combined department structure would have an elected
Auditor with responsibility for Recorder, County Clerk and Registrar of Voters.
Under that position would be a Deputy Recorder and a Deputy County Clerk/Registrar
of Voters. The Auditor would receive an additional stipend for the increased
responsibilities.
According to the County, Madison estimates that 50 percent of the County Clerk's
time is providing service to the Board. With the Board adding an additional
meeting on the second Tuesday to handle Modoc Medical Center business, it will
increase that workload to about 70 percent.
"With the Board's desire to modernize and make county government more
efficient and accessible to the public, it has become evident that an appointed
Clerk to the Board will be the most efficient way of accomplishing that goal.
Approximately 90 percent of the 58 counties in California have established appointed
Clerk of the Board positions," the county states. "With removal of
the responsibilities of Clerk of the Board, the remaining responsibilities for
County Clerk are very diminished, leaving primarily issuing marriage licenses,
filing fictitious business statements and processing passports. With all things
considered, it becomes apparent that consolidating the County Clerk office with
the Auditor Record office would be an excellent match."
According to Maxwell, the Recorder responsibilities are to file and maintain
public documents associated with land transactions, including sale, lien, purchase
and easements; file and maintain documents associated with vital statistics,
including births, deaths and marriages and maintaining a cumulative record of
all official documents for the county.
"I believe the dollar savings will turn out to be much greater if the
changes are made," said Supervisor Mike Dunn. "When I researched this
issue, I found there are 19 other counties who have consolidated the County
Clerk Office with other departments as of 2002."
Madison is retiring after 24 years as County Clerk. "I have enjoyed serving
the public and working with the Board of Supervisors as County Clerk,"
she said.
The Board said it has also been very pleased with Madison's performance.
"As a new Supervisor in 2003, Clerk Madison was of great assistance to me to become an effective supervisor," said Supervisor Dave Bradshaw. "She has continued to support myself and all the board, drawing on her experience and keeping abreast of changes and new programs."
Reality check on FS schools money
Anxiety among north state area school administrators and county officials was
reduced recently when President Bush included the reauthorization of the funding
for the Secure Rural Schools and Communities Stabilization Act in his recently
released budget proposal. Still, they recognize that the bill still must weather
the adverse political climate in the United States Congress.
"I'm optimistic that it got included in the budget," said Dr. Vanston
Shaw, Modoc County's schools superintendent, calling the inclusion "a good
beginning."
"Our position is that this is a very, very important piece of legislation.
It's worthy of the congress and the president's support," said Bob Douglas,
president of the National Forest Counties and Schools Coalition, the organization
lobbying for the reauthorization of the legislation that provides much needed
funding for area schools and county governments. "The county commissioners
(supervisors), school and business leaders in the rural counties are still deeply
engaged in the coalition. We plan to advocate as strongly and powerfully as
we know how on behalf of the forest counties of this country.
"Our counties and our rural schools need (this funding) desperatelyas
much or more so than we did when we passed the original bill in 2000. And, we're
going to be pushing for Congress to fully fund it in the next five years, as
we called for in the legislation."
The funding provided by this act represents a substantial portion of the money
needed to run schools and maintain roads, in addition to a number of other programs,
in rural counties with national forests. Dr. Shaw indicates that it represents
about 10 percent of local schools districts' budgets.
"This has been a critical component for our county and for other counties.
I know that the funding, right now, helps support our schools and helps to make
a significant difference in the types of programs we offer," said Dr. Shaw.
"If we actually lose the funding, it would be devastating to our local
schools. There's no doubt about it."
Due to declining timber harvest receipts in national forests, which have dropped
85% in the last decade, rural schools and counties turned to the federal government
to replace that loss in 2000, based on a congressional agreement dating back
to 1908.
"Forests are a big part of the economy in Modoc County and have been for
years," said Dr. Shaw. "The idea was to help bridge (the gap) as we
move, helpfully, towards more forest reserve receipts. (But) I don't know if
we'll get back there."
"In Washington, D.C., things can have a lot of different kinds of labels
put on, and partisan ones seem to be easy ones to put on there," said Douglas.
"We're hoping that this bill will go forward in a bipartisan nature, as
it has in the past. We're not going to lean toward one party or another. These
counties and these rural schools belong to everyone."
"The good thing is that it's there," said Dr. Shaw of the president's
inclusion of this funding in his proposed budget. "If it wasn't put in
the budget at all then it would have been much more difficult to get legislators
to put it in the budget."
"There is some controversy surrounding the way he's proposing to pay for
it," said Douglas, referring to the planned sale of excess public lands
by the U.S. Forest Serviceabout 40,000 acres over the next five years,
according to him. "This is not a new idea. These lands have been proposed
for sale and/or exchange."
The Forest Service maintains that because of other, ongoing land acquisition
programs, this action would result in no net loss of federal lands and yet pegs
the potential revenue generated from such a sale at nearly $800 million over
the next five years.
While the funding proposal may be getting "a lot of negative publicity,"
according to Douglas, it is not the only means for paying for the bill. "That's
really up to congress. The president did a nice job by prioritizing this and
at least identifying a plausible and doable solution. It may not be the only
one or even the best one, but if others have better ideas, they need to step
forward and put those on the table."
The schools, the road departments, the RACs and the county budgets would be
directly impacted by loss of this funding. "Obviously, my concern, directly,
is the schools," says Dr. Shaw, adding that the loss would have a profound
negative impact on all aspects of the local economy. "It's not just the
schools."
Because of the widespread effect of such a funding loss, Dr. Shaw has set a
meeting to explain the situation to the general public on Tuesday, March 7 at
the Modoc High School Social Hall from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. "I'm hoping we'll
have board members and district superintendents attend the meeting and talk
about what the impact would be on the programs in the schools." He encourages
residents to become knowledgeable about the funding and what it does.
"We need your help to keep this funding to help our kids," said Dr.
Shaw. "Without it, it could be a devastating lost to our community. The
only way we can keep this is to get out and help influence our legislators."
If the reauthorization effort should fail, "the kids are the ones that will pay the price. There'll be fewer teachers to work with them, larger class sizes and less materials," said Dr. Shaw.
Register for Home Show soon
Registration for the Third Annual Modoc Home show set for March 25 at the Griswold
Gym in Alturas is going well and organizers suggest anyone interested get their
application in soon.
Registration is on a first-come, first served-basis, so it pays to get in early.
The show fills up quickly and space is limited. However, there is still time
to get into the event.
The theme this year is "Helping the community grow from the inside out."
Organizers Rendy Cockrell and Brooke Fredrickson are pleased with the early
interest in this show and figure it's going to have great and varied exhibitors.
The event is held at Modoc High School, with the Griswold Gym, Shirley Oxley
Social Hall and the lawn surrounding the facilities. The Home Show attracts
thousands of people and is always a great chance for local businesses to show
off their wares, crafts, products and talents.
Local people get a first-hand look at what exhibitors have to offer all the
way from design, the first part of building or remodeling to the finished product,
including home décor, appliances, landscaping and the latest technology,
including solar power configurations.
Fredrickson said the Home Show is open only to Modoc businesses and this year
no "Internet only" businesses will be allowed.
The application deadline is March 13. Pick up applications at the Modoc County
Record, Modoc County Title and Altec Engineering. Entry fee this year for exhibitors
is $20. The entrants will also be asked to give a door prize of at least $25
value. There is no admission cost for the public.
For more information, contact Fredrickson at 233-8472 or Cockrell at 233-3471.
Obituaries:
E. Keith Jacques, Sr.
A memorial service for E. Keith Jacques, Sr. will be held today, February 16
at 2 p.m. in the dining room of the Skilled Nursing Facility at Modoc Medical
Center in Alturas. The Rev. Patrick Henry of Sacred Heart Catholic Church will
conduct the service. All friends and family of Mr. Jacques are most welcome
to attend.
Alturas resident and former Police officer E. Keith Jacques, Sr. passed away
February 8, 2006, with his family at his side at Shasta Regional Hospital in
Redding, CA. He was 73.
A California native, Mr. Jacques was born in San Francisco on January 20, 1933
and was a longtime resident of Hollister, CA before moving to Alturas in 1974.
He graduated from San Benito High School and Gavilan College Police Academy.
He and his father operated the butcher department of the Hollister Public Drive-In
Market at South and San Benito Streets. His in-laws had operated the grocery
department. He was a butcher for most of his life, having worked in the store
from high school on. Mr. Jacques became a police officer in 1969 and had worked
as First Detective Sergeant for the Hollister Police Department. He moved to
Alturas in 1974 and worked with the Alturas Police Department.
Mr. Jacques was a veteran of the Korean War and served with the U.S. Airforce.
He loved the out-of-doors and enjoyed bird hunting, especially in Alturas.
His wife Barbara Filice Jacques who passed away in 1968 preceded him in death.
He is survived by his daughter Susan Rhyne and her husband Ross of Redding;
daughters Bette Carroll and husband Mike of Portland, Oregon; son Keith Jacques,
Jr. and wife Teresa of Alturas, CA; daughter Mary Jacques of Susanville, CA;
son Stephen Jacques and wife Shelly of Alturas, CA; grandchildren: Rachel, Ross,
Matthew and wife Laura, Barbara, Joseph, Gregory, Jennelle and husband Ben,
CJ, Daniel, and wife Sebrina, Ian and Filicia; great-grandson, Conner; brother
Allan Jacques and his wife Lorraine of Alturas, CA and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation was Sunday with services from the Grunnagle-Ament-Nelson Funeral
Home on Monday at 9:30 a.m. then proceeded to Sacred Heart Catholic Church for
a funeral mass at 10 a.m. Entombment followed at the mausoleum in Calvary Cemetery
in Hollister, CA.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.
Mary Rodman
A Celebration of Life for Mary Jeanette Rodman 82, of Cottonwood will be held at The Depot in Kenwood, CA on Sunday, February 19 at 1:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life will also be held in Alturas on Saturday, February 25 at 1 p.m., at the home of her daughter, Carol Brocco, at 209 N. W. "A" Street.
Mrs. Rodman passed away February 14, 2006 in Cottonwood, CA.
Jette, as she was known to friends and family, was born to Marjorie and Burton
Cochrane of Kenwood on January 6, 1924. She graduated from Santa Rosa High
School in 1941. Mary Jeanette and Walter T. Rodman were married in San Antonio,
Texas in 1942.
In 1946 they moved to Modoc County and then on to Burlingame in 1952. While
spending the better part of her life as a homemaker, Jette also loved her garden
and spent a good deal of time volunteering at Stanford Hospital and belonged
to the California CowBelles.
After Walt died in 1974, Jette worked at Ah Sam's in San Mateo, belonged to
the Children's Home Society and the Woodside Trail Club. She later moved to
Oakmont in Sonoma County, returning to enjoy her home town and longtime friends.
While in Oakmont Jette enjoyed belonging to PEO and volunteered at the Luther
Burbank Center.
Jette is survived by daughters Carol Brocco of Alturas and Nancy
Rodman of Cottonwood; sister and brother-in-law Martha and Ed
Geib of Kenwood; grandchildren Keith and Beth Weber, Kyle and Gerese Weber,
Janet and Michael Morgan all of Alturas; Jeanette and Danny Reagan of Palestine,Texas;
Kim and Doug Welander of Fall River Mills and Jon and Heather Arreche of Redding.
Also eight great-grandsons and one newborn great grandaughter.
Donations may be made to Mercy Hospice, 1544 Market St. Redding, CA 96001,
or the Luther Burbank Center of Santa Rosa.
Leo Donald McFarlan
Leo Donald McFarlan, a resident of Alturas, Ca since 1995, passed away at his
home February 7, 2006. Graveside services were held at Oak View Memorial Park
in Antioch, CA on February 13.
Mr. McFarlan was born March 18, 1920 to Frank and Celestine McFarlan, on Lone
Tree Way, Contra Costa County, Brentwood, CA. He was the youngest of three boys.
His brothers Frank and John preceded him in death.
Leo attended the one room schoolhouse at Lone Tree Way, through the eighth
grade. His teacher was his aunt, Florine McFarlan. He served as a janitor of
the school. He rode a horse to school, having to be there very early to build
the fire to heat the building.
Leo graduated from Liberty Union High School in Brentwood in 1938. In 1936,
he was honored as the first-ever MVP in football. In April 2002, he was inducted
into the Liberty Union Hall of Fame.
On May 30,1939, he married Edith Wightman of Byron, CA in Reno, Nevada. To
this union, two children were born: Sharon Lee Carey of Alturas, CA and David
Leo McFarlan of Reedley, CA.
He served as Motor Pool Sergeant, 662nd Field Artillery Battalion of the U.S.
Army from April 1944 to April 1946. He served in the European Theater of Operations,
earning a sharp shooting medal and WWII Victory Medal.
Leo and Edith made their home in Brentwood from the time of his return from
military service until Edith's death in 1993.
In 1995, Leo moved to Alturas, CA where he made his home. Leo's passion was
hunting and sports. He and his brothers had traveled to Modoc County for hunting
since the 1940s. In the late 1930s he played on a family semi-pro baseball team.
He watched every ball game that was broadcast on TV and loved to watch them
with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Many cousins of his generation
and their descendents as well as old hunting buddies will miss his humor and
wonderful stories.
Leo is survived by his daughter, Sharon Lee Carey and his son, David McFarlan; grandchildren: Tina Cockrell, Alturas, CA; Jim Carey and Edie DeBoer of Battleground, WA; Ellen Carey, Alturas; Kari McFarlan, Portland, OR; Sean McFarlan, Exeter, CA; sister-in-law Leona Wightman Callahan of Pleasant Hill, CA; 12 great-grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter.
Sports
Hight wins Pomona race
After a very rough start in the Funny Car qualifying rounds, Alturas' Robert
Hight came back to win the season-opening CARQUEST Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals
in Pomona over the weekend in Pomona.
Hight earned National Hot Rod Association Rookie of the Year last year and is
off to a great start this season. But he started to think he was snake-bit in
the first rounds.
According to the NHRA, Hight didn't qualify his Auto Club Ford Mustang until
the final time trial. He then had to beat teammate Eric Medlen and Del Worsham
and Phil Burkart Jr. in the way the final win of Ron Capps, a 4.763 to 4.775
nail biter.
Hight's issues started when he blew-up his engine against Worsham and destroyed
his primary car body. He crew managed to find a back up, but the troubles continued
when his fire bottles accidentally went off Justas they were pulling the car
out of the pits for ht semi-finals.
"We did have a few bad luck things happen today, but my team came though
like professionals," said Hight. "It was lucky for us that John Force
and Eric lost early because their crew guys cam over and helped us. If the hadn't,
we wouldn't have made it up there to the semifinals.
"We blew up the body in the lights in Round 2 and the guys had to get
the old one that triple-A had on display. Then the fire bottles went off and
those things take forever to change out. Jimmy (Prock, crew chief) was calling
us on the radio and when we told him the fire bottles went off, said we were
don. But everyone jumped I there and switched them out. It was awesome to see."
After running the quickest pass in NHRA history during qualifying, a 4.664
second blast, 13-time Funny Car Champion John Force fail dot back up the mark
and went out in the quarterfinals. NHRA rues say any potential record run must
be supported by another pass within one-percent f the original.
The next race is the Checker Schuck's Kragen NHRA Nationals in Chandler Az Feb. 24-26. It will be broadcast on ESPN 2 Feb. 25, 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. and on Feb. 26 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m..
Modoc
leads SCL going into final game
Modoc's boy's varsity leads the Shasta Cascade League going into the final
game against SCL bottom dweller Fall River Thursday night at home.
The SCL standings are: Modoc 9-4, Trinity 8-4, Mt. Shasta 8-4, Etna 7-6, Weed
6-6, Burney 5-7, Bishop Quinn 4-8, Fall River 2-10.
Modoc lost a game they shouldn't have Saturday night to Etna here 65-60. They
led 18-12 in the first and 39-30 at halftime. Etna blew them away with a 26-6
third period and Modoc fought back with a 15-9 fourth quarter.
Ross Burgess led the scoring with 19 and Taylor Dunn added 17.
Against Burney Friday, Modoc had little trouble after started down 14-13 in
the first. They came back to lead by halftime 3123, and outscored the aide 32-26
in the second half.
Dunn led he scoring with 26, Burgess added 21 and Micah Eppler had 11.
According to coach Bunk Richardson, he Braves are now ranked fifth in the section and will have a first playoff game in Alturas Feb. 22. Times and particulars will be announced later.
Girls win SCL pair
Modoc's girl's varsity won both games this week, to put them in fourth place
in the Shasta Cascade League and face a very tough Fall River team tonight at
home to close out the regular season.
Bishop Quinn's leading the SCL with a perfect 12-0 record, followed by Fall
River's 10-2, Mt. Shasta 7-5, Modoc 7-6, Etna 6-7, Trinity 4-7, Weed 2-9 and
Burney 0-12.
The girls beat Burney 68-51 Friday, there, after a slow start. Modoc trailed
17-12 in the first and at the half, the Braves were behind 40-39. Burney still
led 46-44 after three, but Modoc outscored them 24-5 in the fourth period for
the win.
Alysha Northrup led the scoring with 18; Catherine Lowry added 17 and Tacie
Richardson had 16.
On Saturday, the girls beat Etna 58-56 including a barn-burning fourth period.
The Braves trailed 15-12 in the first, but led 23-21 at halftime. They increased
their lead to 38-30 at the end of three. In the fourth, Etna score 26 points
and Modoc added 20, to win by just two.
Modoc shot just over 29 percent from the floor and turned the ball over 22
times. Their defense did pick up 27 steals.
Lowry led the scoring with 23 and Sarah Catania added 13. In total, 17 of their points came from the charity stripe.
SV boys beat Happy Camp
Surprise Valley's Hornets beat the Happy Camp Indians 71-61 Tuesday night.
The Hornets meet Hayfork Friday and a win there will cement a good spot in the
playoffs. A loss would still put the Hornets into the playoffs, but at a lower
seed.
Against Happy Camp, the Hornets led 17-9 in the first and 35-27 in the second.
Happy Camp cut into the lead, 51-47 after three, but the Hornets put up a 20-point
fourth period for the win.
Alex Melgar led the scoring with 25; Jace Indrebo added 24 and Kevin Quick had 13.
Hornet girls finish Friday
The Surprise Valley Hornet girls will complete their league basketball season
against unbeaten Hayfork at McCloud Friday.
Tuesday, the girls led Happy Camp for three quarters, but the Indians outscored them 14-8 in the fourth for the 30-26 win. The Hornets shot just 30 percent from the line. Sarah Teuscher and Patricia Soletti led the Hornets with nine and eight points respectively. Soletti pulled down nine rebounds and Teuscher had six blocks.
February 23, 2006
News
Family escapes fire unscathed
The Ted and Glenda Botello family was able to get out of their burning home
on Warner Street Saturday morning, but the house sustained major damage.
According to the Alturas Fire Department, the fire started in the attic, presumably
from a flue fire, and spread throughout most of the roof structure.
Fire crews were able to remove most of the furniture or cover it so that damage
was limited. There is smoke damage throughout the house.
Ted Botello, who is ill, was removed from the home and assisted by firemen
and ambulance crews, who transported him to Modoc Medical Center.
There were 17 firemen who responded to the 11 a.m. fire with four engines and
while they couldn't save the entire roof structure, did managed to keep the
fire contained to that area of the home.
A second fire Tuesday night about 8 p.m. caused minor injuries to the home's
resident, Jimmy Johnson, at 503 North East Street, and extensive damage to the
house.
The AFD reports the fire started in a bedroom and was apparently electrically
caused. The blaze spread quickly and went through the roof causing extensive
structural and interior damage. The house was in flames when firefighters arrived.
There were 19 firefighters who responded to the blaze with three engines and a rescue vehicle and they stayed on scene for about an hour and a half. Johnson sustained minor burns to his hands, according to the AFD. According to Police, firefighters did save Johnson's cat.
Candidates are filing for local offices
The official filing period is open for the local offices the June 6 Primary
Election and people are tossing their names into the ring.
The Board of Supervisors voted not to consolidate the Clerk/Auditor departments
on Tuesday. Auditor Judi Stevens has said she will seek re-election and senior
County Clerk Diana McCulley is seeking the Clerk's position.
District Attorney Jordan Funk, Modoc County Sheriff Bruce Mix, Clerk Maxine
Madison and Assessor Josephine Johnson will not be seeking re-election to a
second term.
Modoc Public Defender Richard Cotta has announced he'll be a candidate for
the DA's office along with local attorney John Lawson, who now serves as the
counsel for the Alturas City Council.
Two people are running to replace Sheriff Bruce Mix: Undersheriff Mark Gentry,
and California Highway Patrol Officer Mike Poindexter. Poindexter is set to
retire from the CHP in March.
Gary Jones, Tulelake Basin Joint Unified School District administrator of Business
Services, Adult and Alternative Schools, Transportation and After School Program
will run against County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Vanston Shaw. Shaw was
appointed to serve out the remaining term of retired Superintendent Carol Harbaugh.
Treasurer/Tax Collector Cheryl Knoch will seek another term in office.
County positions up for election in June are: District Attorney, County Clerk,
Auditor-Recorder, Sheriff/Coroner, Treasurer/Tax Collector, Assessor and County
Superintendent of Schools. In addition, the seats for the county Republican
and Democratic Central Committees are up for election.
Both members of the County Board of Supervisors -- District One's Dan Macsay
and District Five's David Bradshaw -- will run again. David Porter Misso of
Tulelake has taken out papers to run against Bradshaw. As of Wednesday, no one
had taken out papers to run against Macsay.
In the City of Alturas, the council seats of Jerry Smith and John Vass will
come to term. City Treasurer Kathie Alves is seeking re-election.
Alturas resident Rod Gately has announced his candidacy for City Council.
According to Madison, the nomination papers will have to be returned by March
10. In any office where an incumbent does not file, candidates have an additional
five days to file. The Primary Election is scheduled for June 6 and will include
local, state and national offices.
It will also include two local measures, one an increase in the Surprise Valley Hospital Assessment from $150 to $225 per year and another for an increase in the Alturas City Mosquito Abatement assessment from .50 cents per month to $1.50 per month. Both of those issues require a two-thirds majority to pass.
Supes reverse course, do not combine departments
Modoc County Supervisors reversed course on their plans to consolidate the
offices of county clerk and county auditor after hearing from the public in
a heated debate that lasted nearly two hours last Tuesday.
The vote to appoint a clerk to the Board of Supervisors, to take that administrative
burden off the county clerk's shoulders, was unanimous in favor of the proposal.
However, the vote to consolidate the clerk and auditor offices in a cost-cutting
measure was defeated in a three to two vote against the proposal.
There was some disagreement over whether or not the clerk's position should
be appointed or elected by the people, but other issues overshadowed this question
in the end.
Rod Gately observed that the proposed changes would cause undo problems in
both offices. "Let's keep the departments the way they are. Let's keep
the people who know what they're doing in there doing it."
The arguments that carried the day against the consolidation focused on the
timing of the change and the conflict it raised in the procedure for filing
for the combined office for county clerk and auditor.
Diana McCulley, presently a clerk in the county clerk's office and a registered
candidate to replace the current county clerk, Maxine Madison, spoke emotionally
of her desire to run for an office that was about to be consolidated, and she
raised the issues regarding the timing of her filing with the consolidation.
"No one came to talk to me about it. This board has known for several months
that I intended to run for that office," she said. "Yes, I feel like
the rug has been yanked out from under me.
"I cannot go in and file for a position that is not there," said
McCulley, complaining that her filing will be made null and void if the offices
are combined. "I cannot go in and file for auditor/county clerk. For one
thing, I don't meet the qualifications of the auditor. Secondly, the position
isn't there. I have filed for county clerk. You tell me what you're going to
do about it."
"(If) a filing fee must be paid on a percentage of the office set, then,
how can you file for a combined office when no salary has been set?" asked
supervisor Patricia Cantrall, whose observation brought applause from the audience.
"That is kind of a good point," said Ed Greene. He then went on,
speaking to the board. "You've established the people that are going to
run for offices; you've established the offices that are going to be on the
ballot. But then, six days later you establish a new position that comes into
law, how does that get put on the ballot and how do the people file for that?
You can't file for a position that doesn't exist."
One attendee, Mark Halverson, threatened a lawsuit if the board proceeded with
the proposed ordinance, saying that he felt it was illegal due to the conflict
in timing of the change with regard to filing requirements. "All I see
here is litigation," he said, " some big time litigation."
"These questions need to be answered," said Cantrall, declaring that
the board should not act in haste.
When it became apparent to Supervisor Dave Bradshaw that there were serious
questions as to the timing and merit of the proposal, he offered the opinion
that the proposal should be more closely examined before enacting it. "There
is the perception out there that when we do something with elected office that
the public should have something to say about it. When we get rushed into doing
somethingand not intentionally but when the time is shortwe're looking
at an electionit really makes the decision tough. And sometimes we make
a decision we (later) wish we didn't make. "
In my mind," said Cantrall, "I certainly feel that the whole public
of this county was not prepared for this. In my opinion, it is too hasty a maneuver.
It still, in my opinion, should go to the voters to decide if they do or do
not want one office."
The one supervisor opposed to the proposal from the outset, Cantrall also pointed
to a possible conflict with state law governing such changes. She asserted that
the proposal was ill advised, and she was voting against it because the constituents
from her district were overwhelmingly opposed to it. "I don't think we
should do this is such a hasty manner," she said. "Maybe it should
be done further down the road.
Speaking of his constituents, Bradsaw said, "I've always had the perception
that they were afraid of losing an office without some say. And I think that's
a valid perception. It wouldn't bother me to have a clerk to the board and a
county clerk"
David Porter Misso spoke to the board against appointing a clerk rather than
being an elected position. "I don't think it's right to eliminate a position
that I get to vote for. I don't want the person taking the minutes to be directly
responsible to you.
"You're eliminating my ability to pick the person who runs the clerk's
office. That's my objection."
The most vocal advocate for the change, supervisor Mike Dunn, felt the questions
had been adequately answered. "Part of my responsibility is to make county
government more efficient and more responsive to the public."
Dunn went to great lengths to explain the justification and the process behind
the proposed changes, but to no avail. He also explained the need for a clerk
for the board is due to the additional burdens of managing the hospital the
board recently assumed. "The only staff that (we) actually have is the
clerk to the board. And Maxine (Madison) has done an outstanding job."
He reminded the board members that the opportunity to consolidate the two offices,
thereby saving money, would be lost if they did not take advantage of this opportunity
now. "Are we timely in doing this consolidation at this time?" Dunn
asked, rhetorically. "We've done all the groundwork. We've done all the
research into this. You cannot do a consolidation in the middle of a term of
office. You can only do it upon the end of a term of office. We have Maxine
retiring. This is the idea time to do it."
Seab McDonald, citing "a lot of rumor mills out there" questioned
the board's motives behind the proposed ordinance. He also said that he understood
the need for a clerk to assist the board.
Supervisor Dan Macsay answered, denying any hidden agenda or attempt to deceive
the public. "I think that we've tried to be very, very open in everything
we've done. We're not trying to hide anything; I'm not trying to hide anything
by any means whatsoever." He also spoke to the added burden the supervisors
now have, saying that a clerk for the board was now a necessity. "When
we took over the board of trustees for the hospital, we picked up, obviously,
a lot of additional duties and extra time that we're now spending with the hospital."
Along with Dunn, Macsay voted for the proposed ordinance to consolidate, saying that it could be rescinded in a subsequent action if any of the questions raised in the hearing were found to have merit. Supervisors Bradshaw, Cantrall and Anklin voted against it.
SV hospital fee increase on June 6 ballot
Following a series of public meetings designed to gauge the level of support
of residents of the valley, the Board of Directors of the Surprise Valley Health
Care District announced last Thursday that they will seek to increase the special
tax assessment for valley home owners to $225 per year.
Board President John Erquiaga and members Sonia Macsay, Sandra Rosendahl, and
Carol Willett voted unanimously to ask voters to increase the current $150 levy
by $75 per year, assessing the owners of each dwelling within the hospital district.
The new assessment must pass by a minimum 2/3 majority of the voters in the
June 6 election.
"One thing we heard from one end of the valley to the other was that if
you own a dwelling, you should pay the assessment", said Erquiaga. Currently,
owners of "homes, rentals, mobile homes, etc" or any other types of
shelter not occupied more than ninety days each year are exempt.
While many people who attended the meetings favored doubling the current tax,
others were concerned such an increase would be a burden for those living on
fixed incomes. "The board decided to split the difference on the recommendations
we heard from people attending the five public meetings", said Erquiaga.
Valley residents have overwhelmingly supported the district's requests for
funding in past elections, passing the current assessment by 89%. Voters must
renew the tax every four years.
If the proposed increase is approved, it is expected to add approximately $73,500
to the $102,000 currently collected each year. Dannette DePaul, the district's
Administrator, said the increase will help offset the loss two years ago of
annual grant funding amounting to $78,000. At that time, the district became
ineligible for a portion of grant funding when the state decided the clinic
is not a free standing rural health clinic, but a hospital-based facility.
"There are not a lot of grant dollars out there right now, either at the
state or the federal level", pointed out former administrator Joyce Gysin.
However, DePaul's assistant Bill Bostic said the district has "leveraged"
the income from the public assessment to gain as much additional funding as
possible. Because of the willingness residents have shown to tax themselves
for the good of their hospital district he said, "From Eureka to San Diego,
whenever mention is made of hospitals with community support in this state,
they talk first about Surprise Valley!"
Earlier this month during the Greater Surprise Valley Chamber of Commerce's
"State of the Valley" presentation, Bostic reported on the challenges
faced by the district which will celebrate its 20 year anniversary in May.
While the hospital employs 78 local residents, the skilled nursing facility's
22 beds are currently full, and residents enjoy 24-hour ambulance service, Bostic
said the district faces an onerous mandate to retrofit its current acute facilities
to much higher seismic standards. "The hospital was built in 1951 and there's
no way we can bring it up to current standards with simple renovations. We have
to prepare and plan to address these new state compliance laws."
Board members were heartened to hear the near-unanimous view that maintaining
the district's services is tremendously important to residents in Surprise Valley.
"I wouldn't be alive today if not for the hospital, and I'm not the only
one who can say that", declared Ray Page of Cedarville who was recently
seriously injured while working with livestock.
Bostic , who is also an EMT, has seen firsthand how essential the facilities
and the medical staff are to residents in the valley. He concluded his remarks
at the chamber event by commending the top-notch care provided by the hospital's
three physicians, "who have all dedicated their lives to country doctoring."
While the board members and administrators appreciate the public support they
have experienced in the past, they plan a door-to-door campaign to ensure the
new assessment is passed in June.
City mosquito program on June 6 ballot
The Alturas City Council will place an increase in the mosquito abatement program
fee to the voters in the Primary Election June 6.
The City is asking voters to approve an increase from the current .50 cents
per month fee to $1.50 per month. The issue will raise the yearly amount collected
from $6 to $18 and is assessed on the sewer and water bills. It will take a
two-thirds majority to pass.
According to City Treasurer Kathie Alves, the current operating budget for
spraying is $9,000 per year, including labor, and the increase would be to $27,000
per year.
She said the increase will allow the city to spray more often, getting closer
to the zero mosquito target, and will allow for continued maintenance of the
spraying equipment.
Crews will be able to keep up with the required pesticides and upgrade the equipment when necessary.
Obituaries:
Beulah Clark Blevins
Beulah Clark Blevins, 90, a life-long resident of Modoc County, CA. and former
Alturas City Treasurer, passed away February 18, 2006 in Klamath Falls, OR.
Her services will be held today, February 23, at 11 a.m. at Kerr Mortuary Chapel
in Alturas. Immediately following the service, friends are invited to gather
at the Alturas Elks Lodge on Main Street.
Beulah was born December 6, 1915, in Adin, California, to George Munroe Clark
and Edna Wayman Clark. Her early years, with the passing of her mother, were
spent with her grandmother, Rilla Taylor, in Adin, CA, and at the family ranch
in Fitzhugh Creek, south of Alturas.
Beulah graduated from Modoc High School with the class of 1934, and from the
Reno Secretarial School in 1936. In 1937, she married Allen Blevins from Likely,
CA. They had two children, Stephen Allen and Robert Dean.
Beulah worked for the California Public Service Company as a secretary for
eight years. She then went to work for Lambie and Molatore Accounting for 10
years. In 1960, she was elected as City Treasurer for the City of Alturas, serving
for 18 years in that capacity. She retired in 1978.
Beulah was a member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority in Alturas for 45 years. She
was also a member of the Business and Professional Women of America, and served
as Den Mother for Alturas Boy Scout Troop #32. She enjoyed her yard with her
many flower gardens, was an excellent cook, and loved to go camping throughout
Modoc County and the Nevada and Oregon desert. Beulah especially enjoyed visiting
with her many Modoc friends and also meeting new people. She was a true "people
person."
Her husband, Allen Blevins, son Stephen Blevins, and sister Pauline Ash, preceded
Beulah in death. She is survived by her son, Robert Dean Blevins and wife Marlene,
her grandson Steven Blevins and great-grandson Calvin Blevins, all from Klamath
Falls, OR; niece Genie Smith and husband Don, nieces Athena Killenbeck and Eugenia
Smith of Alturas, CA.
Memorial donations may be made to the Alturas Elks Lodge or the Modoc County Historical Society, 600 So. Main St., Alturas, CA 96101.
Roland E. Smith
Roland Eugene Smith, known as "Rolly" to his friends and family,
passed away on February 11, 2006 at his Alturas home. He was 65.
Born in Alturas, CA to Irene and Gene Smith on August 25, 1940, he was raised
in Alturas and graduated from Modoc High School with the Class of 1959. He entered
the U.S. Army just out of high school and served during the Berlin Crisis while
stationed in Germany.
Rolly began his survey career working with Wickenden Engineering in Alturas.
He later worked for McIntire & Quiros where he started in Ukiah, CA and
later was sent to Hawaii with the same company. He worked on the Big Island
of Hawaii then on Kauai. His son Robert being born on Kauai. Rolly loved Hawaii.
His career spanned over 30 years, and he did "very well" with positions
that called him to travel and live in other parts of the country, while building
such projects as a copper refinery in Texas, a Taconite, iron/ore plant in Minnesota,
and a nuclear power plant in Michigan. Mr. Smith spoke "eloquently"
as a Bechtel representative before the Nuclear Regulatory Commission explaining
an error in the containment building and how it could be corrected at a time
when the NRC questions were arising about the facility. Mr. Smith also worked
for the U.S. Forest Service in Alturas.
Rolly had always maintained his residence in Alturas over the years, even though
he worked in various parts of the United States. Due to poor health, he spent
the last part of his life living in Alturas during his retirement. He enjoyed
tending bar at he Niles Hotel and the Alturas Lance Lounge.
For the past three years, his wife Carol provided the comfort and care he needed
to keep him at home. He was preceded in death by his mother in February 1995,
his father in November 2002, in addition to many close friends.
He is survived by his wife Carol of Alturas; son Robert Smith of Hawaii; granddaughter
Alexandria Smith of Hawaii and grandson Elliot Smith of Hawaii; step-daughter
Sheryl Phillips of Redding; step-grandson George Phillips of Alturas, CA; step-
grandsons Lucas Stafford and Marcus Stafford of Portland; and step granddaughter
Casey Stafford of Alturas, CA.
At Rolly's request, no services will be held.
Katherine Cecilia Quigley
Graveside services for Katherine Cecilia Quigley, 83, of Oroville, CA will
be held Thursday, February 23, 2006 at 10 a.m. at Memorial Park Cemetery in
Oroville.
Katherine was born September 1, 1922, in Astoria, Oregon to Orin and Margaret
Medley. She married Earl Quigley and the couple lived in Jewell, Oregon, then
in Alturas for 15 years, moving to Canby, CA. where they ranched, logged and
owned a Texaco gas station.
Katherine worked at Modoc High School while rearing her three sons. They moved
to Oroville in 1971. After raising her sons, Katherine returned to college to
pursue a nursing degree. She became and Licensed Vocational Nurse and served
faithfully at Oroville Hospital for 25 years.
Katherine enjoyed gardening, traveling and was an avid Sacramento Kings Fan.
Most of all she loved to spend time with her family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Katherine is survived by three sons: Larry Quigley of Modesto, Jerry Quigley
and wife Marsha of Phoenix, AZ and Earl Quigley and his wife Marlene of Oroville;
one sister Dorothy Harris of Oregon; five grandsons Dennis, Jeff, Darin, Glenn
and Garrett Quigley; one granddaughter Julie Quigley, 15 great-grandchildren
Arrangements are under the direction of Scheer Memorial Chapel. Remembrances
may be directed to the Quigley family at 1123 Grand Ave., Oroville, CA 95965.
Valorie Lynn Orner
Services for Valorie Lynn Orner, 32, of Anderson, CA., were held Friday, Feb.
17 at Allen & Dahl Funeral Chapel in Redding.
Valorie died Saturday, Feb. 11, 2006, in Redding as the result of an automobile
accident.
Born May 8, 1973, in Los Angeles, she lived in Modoc County from 1998 to 2001,
before moving to Redding.
She worked for Cascade Union Elementary School District in Anderson, for the
past three years. Survivors include husband Mike; daughters Lilly and Kylie,
both of Redding; brother Westly Bentley of Napa; and mother Chrissie Bentley
of Napa.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Valorie Orner Memorial Fund at any
North Valley Bank branch.
Condolences can be posted at www.allenanddahl.com. Arrangements are being handled
by Allen & Dahl Funeral Chapel in Redding. Interment was at Whiskeytown
Cemetery.
Sports
Braves third in Small School, head to Masters
this weekend
Modoc's Wrestling team placed third in a very competitive North Section Small
School Championships in Quincy last weekend, and head to Redding this weekend
for the North Section Masters Championship. The top two place winners at Masters
qualify for the state tournament in Bakersfield March 3-4.
Modoc's best chances for a state berth are coach Shaun Wood's two sons, senior
Travis Wood, who is ranked number one in the north section at 152 pounds, and
freshman Josh Wood, who is ranked fourth at 189 pounds.
Wood is justifiably proud of both sons. Travis and Josh both won Small School
Championships last weekend.
Travis has been on top of the north section for most of his high school career,
winning the small schools title the last three years. He was heavily favored
to repeat and is favored at the Master's tourney this weekend. Wood has had
an outstanding season and has several colleges very interested.
For freshman Josh, the season is no less remarkable. Coach Wood can't remember
a freshman winning the 189-pound small schools title before. The competition
at Masters is going to be extreme, but the younger Wood has stepped up and improved
all year. Neither Travis nor Josh is easily intimidated.
While the Wood brothers will lead the team into the Masters, coach Wood said
he has a host of other top wrestlers who could move on.
"We will do well, overall," said Wood. "Some of the guys have
really strong weight divisions, and there are no real pushovers once you get
to this level. I expect us to surprise some people."
In addition to the Woods, Jesse Harer won the individual heavyweight championship
at Small Schools. He won by injury default over Shane Lezzini of Durham.
Wrestling starts in Redding at 12 noon Friday, and Saturday at 10 a.m. The
finals matches are set to start at 6 p.m. Saturday.
Travis Wood pinned Max Struble of Durham and Josh Wood beat Burney's Matt Schottell
13-3 for their titles.
Tulelake's John Luscombe won the 145-pound championship by beating Blake Pulliam
of Durham.
Modoc's 130 pound Brian Weed placed second, losing to Tye McDaniel of Durham.
Sheridan Crutcher took a third at 135 pounds, beating Evan Deluca of Durham.
Bill Hammerness was third at 171 pounds when he beat Hamilton City's Ryan Schimkel.
Martin Corns took third at 125 pounds with a win over Josh Payan of Durham.
Ian Jacques took a fourth place at 215 pounds and Cain Madrigal was fourth at
119 pounds.
All of the above wrestlers, by placing in the top four, qualify for the Masters
this weekend. Alternates for Modoc are Chris Buchanan and Josue Madrigal, who
each placed fifth. The top two finishers in each weight class at Masters move
on to the state finals.
Top team scores for the Small School Championships were: Willows 237, Durham 213.5, Modoc 189, Mt. Shasta 98.5, Esparto 61.5 and Trinity 57.
Braves win varsity boys title
Modoc bet Esparto in the first round of the playoffs 78-65 at Modoc. They
now play at Quincy Feb. 24. Quincy beat East Nicolaus 77-46 in the first round.
Modoc's Braves won the Shasta Cascade League varsity boys basketball title
with a 10-4 SCL mark and a 16-8 overall record. That placed them fifth in the
North Section Playoff picture, where they faced Esparto at home, after Record
press time last night.
If they won that game, they'll probably be heading to Quincy to face the number
four Trojans. Modoc coach Bunk Richardson believes the team should do well in
the tournament,
The rankings for the North Section playoffs (with records) for Division V are
as follows: Liberty Christian 1 (22-4), Pierce 2 (21-4), Redding Christian 3
(23-3), Quincy 4 (21-5), Modoc 5 (16-8), Etna 6 (14-12), Biggs 7 (15-11), Tulelake
8 (18-6), Weed 9 (14-12), Mercy (11-12), Hamilton City 11 (10-13), Esparto 12
(12-12), East Nicolaus 13 (10-12), Bishop Quinn 14 (10-15), Burney 15 (10-12)
and Williams 16 (9-14).
The Braves won their final league game against Fall River 74-64 to win the
league title outright. Modoc led 19-14 in the first and by half led 41-29. At
the end of three, Modoc led 59-43.
Ross Burgess led the scoring with 22, Micah Eppler added 21 and Taylor Dunn had 11.
Portola knocks Braves from playoffs
The Modoc Braves varsity girl's basketball team came close to pulling an upset
at Portola, but was knocked out of the playoffs in the first round, 56-55, Tuesday
night in Portola.
Modoc played the number six seeded Portola Tigers tough. The score was knotted
at 14-14 in the first and Modoc led 29-21 by half. The Tigers cut into the lead
44-37 after three and went on to outscore Modoc 19-11 in the final period, thanks
in part to five three-pointers. They won the game on a free throw in the final
seconds.
Catherine Lowry led Modoc's scoring with 26 and had 12 rebounds, Alysha Northrup
added eight, Sarah Catania had six and Taci Richardson and Marlana Bartram added
five each. Richardson also had 11 blocked shots and pulled down 11 rebounds.
The last league game of the season for the Modoc girl's varsity wasn't even
as close as the final score of 49-38 suggests.
The Braves trailed 13-6 in the first and by half were down 29-14. At the end
of the third period, Modoc trailed 40-16.
Catherine Lowry had 17 for Modoc; Tacie Richardson added 11 and Alysha Northup
had six. Modoc's nemesis all year showed up again as the girls turned the ball
over 27 times.
The Braves finished the Shasta Cascade League season at 7-7 and in a tie for
fourth place with Trinity. Bishop Quinn won the league with a 14-0 mark, Fall
River was second at 12-2, Mt. Shasta third at 8-6; followed by Trinity and Modoc
7-7, Etna 6-8, Weed 2-12 and Burney 0-14.
Modoc managed to sneak into the North Section Division V playoffs as the 11th
seed. The seeding in order and with (overall records) is follows: Liberty Christian
1 (26-0), Hayfork 2 (25-1), Fall River 3 (16-6), Hamilton City 4 (18-7), Mercy
5 (14-6), Portola 6 (16-7), Pierce 7 (13-11), Champion Christian 8 (20-6), Williams
9 (14-11), Tulelake 10 (18-7), Modoc 11 (12-11), Chester 13 (11-14), Esparto
14 (9-14), Weed 15 (8-18), and East Nicolaus 16 (6-20).
The playoffs started Tuesday and the title game is set for Shasta College on March 4.
Hornet boys fall at Maxwell 57-52
The Surprise Valley Hornet boys varsity team, seeded 11th, lost in the first
round of the North Section CIF basketball playoffs 57-52 to sixth-seeded Maxwell
there Tuesday night.
According to coach John Christie, the Hornets played a good game, leading up
to the 4:44 mark of the final period. He said 10 traveling calls and unforced
turnovers caused some problems.
The Hornets led 13-12 in the first and 23-21 by half. After three, Surprise
Valley led 40-38.
Alex Melgar led the scoring with 17, Jim Bradford added 13 and Jace Indrebo
had 10,.
The Surprise Valley Hornet girl's varsity met the Westwood Lumberjacks last night after the Record went to press in Westwood in the first round of their basketball playoffs.
News
Districts voice concerns on rural forest funding impacts
County educators are taking a hard look at their budgets to see
what cuts might be needed if the Secure Rural Schools and Communities Stabilization
Act is not reauthorized this year.
"It's very important that everyone understands how serious
an impact this will have on all the schools in Modoc County," says Bill
Figgess, superintendent of the Tulelake Basin district, one of three in the
Modoc Joint Unified School District. "Along with declining enrollment,
it will have a severe impact."
Funding from this act, which passed in 2000 and expires this year
if not reauthorized, represents about 6.3 percent of the Tulelake Basin district's
funding, or $254,223. "We're taking a look at our budget, and we're trying
to trim as much as possible without impacting personnel," says the beleaguered
superintendent, who does double duty, also serving as the high school principle.
The situation is even more dire for the Surprise Valley district,
the smallest in the county, which has already taken a substantial budgetary
hit due to declining enrollments. "Our funding has been going away for
30 years," says superintendent, Mike Sherrod. "We just keep doing
what we do."
Surprise Valley gets $141,923 annually from the act, or about
7.9 percent of its funding.
Taken together, the potential for losing the forest reserve moneys
and the recent drops in funding for the Surprise Valley School District constitute
a double whammy for that small district. "We'll do what we can to maintain
the courses," says Sherrod, dejectedly.
Doug Squellati, superintendent of the Modoc district, says that
the future for area schools is uncertain if funding is reduced annually in the
reauthorization, as the Bush administration proposed. "It doesn't look
good," he says glumly. "It creates a very serious hardship on our
district.
"This bill, for rural communities like ours, will have a
drastic impact on how schools look and how they operate if it were to pass (as)
it's being proposed."
The Modoc district, the county's largest, presently receives $725,004
annually from the act, about 10 percent of its budget. "(The president's
budget) is just a proposal; it's not for certain. But, if it were to (pass)
that way, it could have a great impact on this district and this community.
It can hurt our entire operation to the degree that we will have to downsize
and do some things that we really don't want to do," says Squellati. "The
president put the bill to get refunded in his new budget, but it depends upon
what the congressmen and the senators want to do in terms of how they want to
budget."
Noting that the president's new budget decreases subsidies each
year for the next four years until there is none, unless forest sales increase,
Sherrod says, "But, you would need a magic wand to know what would happen
there."
Given what he sees coming down the road, Sherrod says, "We
have to let staff go, and we have to have fewer classes."
Part of his solution is to double up on certain courses. For example,
freshman and sophomore English would both be offered in one class, and junior
and senior English in another. "We're running some double classes in math
this year," he says.
But that strategy has limitations. "You just can't double
up everything," explains Sherrod. "Obviously, there are classes where
you can't do two different things at once. (We will do) as much as we can do
and still keep the integrity of the programs."
"As these cuts become deeper and deeper, there comes a point
when you can no longer take your money away from things, and you have to take
a look at programs and people," says Figgess, citing declining enrollment
for forcing recent budgetary belt tightening, say nothing of what looms on the
horizon. "Like most school districts, about 82 percent of our budget is
programs and people. There's only so much fat you can take out of 20 percent
before you run out of fat.
"We will be trimming the technology budget," he says,
along with " how we fund our athletics and what kind of field trips we
go on."
Squellati notes that anything short of full funding, as in past
years, is unfair to students in county schools. "When the legislation was
put into effect over a hundred years ago and then the last five years when it
was reauthorized, it was to provide rural counties, that have forest areas,
money to go into schools.
"Those funds were designed to help schools in rural areas
because their resources were very limited. We're real dependent upon those resources
to maintain programs, and provide our kids with a well balanced education to
prepare them for the future."
In spite of budgetary woes, Sherrod maintains, "We're doing
the job. California is above the middle point in testing of the United States,
and yet in the bottom three in funding. But, there's no excuse (for it) because
we do have the money."
To politicians, he says, "Quit lying and hiding the facts
of why we're in this position. We're the sixth largest economy in the world,
and yet, we're one of the lowest per capita educationally funded states in the
whole union."
Figgess' advice to parents: "Anytime they can visit with
their legislators, both in Sacramento and (Washington), I think that would be
a good move on their part."
"Please contract our senators and congressmen and encourage
them to have their colleagues fully fund this bill to the level it is right
now," urges Squellati. "It's an investment in our future, the children
of California, and they deserve a good education."
"What I encourage people to do when I talk to them face to
face is to get out there and start demanding that we fund our education,"
says Sherrod. "We want all these results and everything, but we want them
on a shoestring budget."
A stakeholders meeting has been set to inform the public of the situation. It will be held on Tuesday, March 7 at the Modoc High School Social Hall from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
County will reconsider Clerk/Auditor deal
Modoc County Supervisors will reconsider the ordinance to combine
the Modoc County Clerk and Modoc County Auditor offices at their meeting March
7.
The County Board voted 3-2 against the consolidation at their
last meeting, but Supervisor Mike Dunn asked that the issue be put back on the
table for reconsideration.
The Board did vote unanimously to enact an ordinance creating
a separate appointed Clerk of the Board, and that issue will not be up for discussion.
Several people in the audience spoke out against the consolidation plan at the last meeting. Supervisors Patricia Cantrall, Ray Anklin and Dave Bradshaw voted against while Supervisors Mike Dunn and Dan Macsay voted in favor.
New faces popping up in election
New faces have entered the races for local offices in the June
6 primary election. Cheri Budmark has filed papers to run for Modoc County Assessor.
She is at yet unopposed in the Assessor's race.
Four people have taken out papers for the two seats on the Alturas
City Council, incumbents Jerry Smith and John Vass and challengers Rod Gately
and Keith Jacques.
The race for Sheriff between current Undersheriff Mark Gentry
and retiring California Highway Patrolman Mike Poindexter could possibly have
one more challenger.
The Board of Supervisors voted not to consolidate the Clerk/Auditor
departments last Tuesday. However, that question could be on the agenda again
next week.
Auditor Judi Stevens has said she will seek re-election and senior
County Clerk Diana McCulley is seeking the Clerk's position. If the Supervisors
vote to consolidate the departments, the county clerk only position would not
be up for election.
District Attorney Jordan Funk, Modoc County Sheriff Bruce Mix,
Clerk Maxine Madison and Assessor Josephine Johnson are not seeking re-election
to a second term.
Modoc Public Defender Richard Cotta and local attorney John Lawson,
who the counsel for the Alturas City Council, have announced they'll run for
the DA position.
Gary Jones, Tulelake Basin Joint Unified School District administrator
of Business Services, Adult and Alternative Schools, Transportation and After
School Program will run against County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Vanston
Shaw.
Treasurer/Tax Collector Cheryl Knoch will seek another term in
office.
County positions up for election in June are: District Attorney,
County Clerk, Auditor-Recorder, Sheriff/Coroner, Treasurer/Tax Collector, Assessor
and County Superintendent of Schools. In addition, the seats for the county
Republican and Democratic Central Committees are up for election.
Both members of the County Board of Supervisors -- District One's
Dan Macsay and District Five's David Bradshaw -- will run again. David Porter
Misso of Tulelake has taken out papers to run against Bradshaw. No one had taken
out papers to run against Macsay.
In the City of Alturas, City Treasurer Kathie Alves is seeking
re-election.
According to Madison, the nomination papers will have to be returned
by March 10. In any office where an incumbent does not file, candidates have
an additional five days to file. The Primary Election is scheduled for June
6 and will include local, state and national offices.
It will also include two local measures, one an increase in the Surprise Valley Hospital Assessment from $150 to $225 per year and another for an increase in the Alturas City Mosquito Abatement assessment from .50 cents per month to $1.50 per month. Both of those issues require a two-thirds majority to pass.
Hospital debt up to $5 million
While there have been some rather rosy comments from management
about the success of Modoc Medical Center since September, Modoc County Auditor
Judi Stevens said her figures show an increase in the debt to the county.
According to her records, the debt Modoc Medical Center owes to
the county is $5,071,818.73 as of Feb. 27. That's an increase from September,
2005's debt of $4,690,812.46.
The debt is fluid and did drop in November to $4,585,423.21. Month
by month the debt looked like this: September $4,690,812; October $4,741,129;
November $4,585,423; December $4,867,652; January $4,793,393; and February $5,071,818.
The increase from September to February is $381,006. The Modoc Record will publish the actual debt at the end of each month.
O'Malley named MHS Principal
The Modoc Joint Unified School District has hired Tom O'Malley
as Modoc High School Principal effective July 1, 2006.O'Malley will have just
completed his first year as MHS Assistant Principal when he takes over the top
spot. He was selected after an interview process, including a community panel
and the Board of Trustees.
O'Malley is a Modoc High School graduate and graduated from Chico
State University. He has taught at both Willows and Corning High Schools in
mathematics. In addition, he coached at the junior varsity and varsity levels
in both baseball and football.
O'Malley, his wife Julie and their two children reside in Alturas.
Obituaries:
Letha Colton Morley
A Memorial Service for long-time Alturas resident Letha Morley
will be held at 1 p.m. today, March 2 at Kerr Mortuary Chapel in Alturas. Dr.
Ben Zandstra will conduct the service. Mrs. Morley passed away with heart failure,
at the age of 88 on February 25, 2006, at Modoc Medical Center's Skilled Nursing
Facility in Alturas.
Born Letha Colton on August 29, 1917 in Kimbal, Nebraska, she graduated from
Modoc Union High School with the class of 1937 in Alturas, CA. She married Alturas
native, George Morley, in Reno, Nevada in 1942. They were married for 60 years,
when George passed away May 5, 2002.
Mrs. Morley was a homemaker, a noted seamstress and an avid fisherman.
She served on local Election Boards for many years.
She is survived by her brother Eugene M. Colton and sister-in-law
Mary Ann Colton of Condon, OR; nephews Ronald Nichols, Springfield, OR; Byron
Nichols, Randell, WA; and Steven Nichols, Springfield, OR; Kessner Funk, Tahoe,
NV; Aaron Colton, Morgan Hill, CA; Kevin Colton, Hollister, CA; nieces Ramona
Seright and Christine King of Redding, CA; Pamela Groves, Lexington, Kentucky;
Julie Britt, and Carrie Cota, Hollister, CA.
Donations in Mrs. Morley's memory may be directed to Warnerview
Long-term Nursing Care or a charity of the donor's choice. Kerr Mortuary is
in charge of arrangements.
Claudine Francis Schafer
Alturas resident Claudine Francis Schafer passed away February
25, 2006 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The family will gather for a service at a
later date in Salt Lake.
Claudine Morrissey was born on February 11, 1915 in Steiner, Nebraska.
She received her education in Nebraska and attended college in Chicago to study
to become a nurse, a profession in which she later worked.
Claudine and Edmund Schafer were married November 20, 1946 in Nebraska. He preceded
her in death December 5, 2005. The couple had made Alturas their home for the
past 25 years, where their daughter Phyliss Miller and son Bob Schafer reside.
Mrs. Schafer is also survived by daughter Jeiwie Munoz, Salt Lake; son Larry
Durante, Garden Grove, CA and son Jim Schafer, Milomar, CA.
Sports
Late News: Liberty Beats Braves 64-44
The Liberty Christian Patriots, ranked number one in the North Section boys
loop proved their mettle, although it took a big fourth period, to beat the
fifth-seeded Modoc Braves 64-44 in Redding Wednesday night.
The game was close through three with Modoc trailing 15-14 in the first and
26-24 by half. Liberty increased its lead to 40-34 in the third. In the fourth,
they outscored Modoc 24-10.
Ross Burgess and Micah Eppler led Modoc with 11 each. Four of Modoc's players fouled out in the fourth: Burgess, Eppler, Taylor Dunn and Grant Hall.
Travis
Wood wins section, heads to state finals
Modoc senior Travis Wood won the 152-pound North Section Championship in the
Master's Tournament last weekend in Redding and will compete this weekend at
the California State Championships in Bakersfield.
Wood became the first MHS Wrestler to wins the North Section title three years
running and he placed fourth as a freshman. His brother, current freshman Josh
Wood, matched his brother's feat this week by placing fourth at the Masters
in the 189-pound division.
Both wrestlers are sons of Modoc head coach Shaun and Patty Wood. "I'm
obviously very proud of both of them," Wood said this week. "We have
never had a wrestler win section three years in a row and place in his freshman
year. Josh has a shot at the same history."
Travis has a current season record of 40-3 with 35 by pin. He also set the
career win mark with 150, breaking Robert Flournoy's 127. He held the freshman
win record at 34, but Josh just broke that with his 37-9 season, with 33 by
pin.
"Travis wants to improve on last year's eighth place finish," said
Wood. "It's certainly possible and I expect him to wrestle well."
He beat Jake Cordona, of Foothill, 6-4 in the Championship match at the Masters.
He came back from being down 4-2 on what coach Wood said was a questionable
award of points to Cordona in the first round. He opened the tourney by pinning
Mt. Shasta's Jeremy Cooper at 2:32, beat Max Struble of Durham 16-0, and pinned
Paul Nevarez of Live Oak at 2:57.
Josh Wood opened the tourney by pinning Chax Alexander of Anderson at 2:28,
and then beat Shasta's Zach Koutik 6-3. He lost to the top seed Enterprise's
Hasem Mirholi 15-6, then pinned Dan Owens of Oroville at 2:45 and lost to second
seeded Danny Campos of Winters 10-3.
Ian Jacques had an excellent Master's tourney and placed sixth at 215 pounds.
He opened the event by pinning Anderson's Zack Gibbons and was then pinned by
second seed Troy Robison of Sutter at 1:56. He then beat Corning's Cory Lamb
6-4, beat Andrew Thurman of Mt. Shasta 13-0; was pinned quickly by Anthony Winn,
Foothill and was then pinned by Gibbons.
Tulelake's Johnny Luscombe won the 145pound championship by pinning each
of his opponents: John Ellsmore, Anderson; Kent Thayer, Willows; Jake Pulliam,
Durham, and Foothill's Jason Post.
According to Wood, 130-pound Brian Weed wrestled well, but was in one of the
toughest weight classes. He lost to fourth-seeded Brandon Livingston of Orland;
won by technical fall over Corning's Brent Bickley 18-3 and lost to Mykal Foland,
Anderson, 2-1.
Sheridan Crutcher, at 135 pounds, was pinned by West Valley's Nick Brewer;
beat Gridley's Deniko Sisk 6-5 and was pinned by Lassen's Drew Lipton.
Bill Hammerness, 171 pounds, lost to Live Oak's Brandon Hammel 7-5; beat West
Valley's Chris Beauchman 15-l and lost to Shasta's Austin Myers 4-2.
Martin Corn, 125 pounds was pinned by second-seeded Derke Ellis, Red Bluff;
and lost to Mt. Shasta's Robbie Kreowski 8-4.
Cain Madrigal, 119 pounds, was pinned by Quest Cummings, Pleasant Valley and
then by Allan Holbrook of Enterprise.
Modoc's Jesse Harer was unable to qualify for the heavyweight division. He
had been ill and dropped 10 pounds to about 183. In order to make the minimum
weight for the heavyweight division, he had to weigh in at 191, but couldn't
regain the bulk. Wood said Harer would have probably placed had he been able
to make weight.
For the season, Jacques had a record of 23-14; Crutcher was at 37-12; Weed at
28-10; Hammerness 23-15; and Harer 12-5.
Modoc dominates in first two playoff games
Modoc's Braves met the number one seed in the Division V Tourney last night
at Liberty Christian, after Record press time.
The Braves stated strong in the first round of the playoffs, beating Esparto
78-65 at home and followed that with a 80-62 win at Quincy. Liberty Christian
had no trouble in their first two games, beating Williams 69-33 and Tulelake
81-47.
"We know Liberty Christian will be tough," said Modoc coach Bunk
Richardson. "But, if we keep playing the way we've played the past two
games, we should be able to knock them off. We'll put a different defense on
them and try to stop their leading scoring. Their players who aren't used too
carrying the scoring will have to step up."
Richardson said he's been very please with the team's attitude and believes
they're confident going into the Liberty game. "The key is everyone is
playing team ball now," he said. "We pretty solid and we probably
have the best shot at knocking Liberty out of the tourney."
Having to play at Liberty is a problem, since the gym is small, but Richardson
said the team will adjust.
Modoc had little trouble against a quick and solid Quincy team Friday. The Braves
took a 23-10 lead in the first and maintained a 42-30 lead by half. Modoc put
the game away in the third with a 63-44 lead and cruised through the fourth.
Ross Burgess led the scoring with 24 and Micah Eppler added 23. The defense,
led by Taylor Dunn and Zeke Bonham held Quincy's top scorers to one three-point
shot in the game an 15 points between them.
In the Esparto game last Wednesday, Modoc took a 22-13 first quarter lead and
built that to a 36-20 halftime advantage. By the end of three, Modoc led 64-47
and went on for the 78-65 win.
Burgess led the scoring with 22, Eppler added 17 and Dunn added 14.
If Modoc beat Liberty, they would play in the section title game at Shasta
College March 4. The other semi-final match-up has Redding Christian meeting
Pierce.
The Modoc girls were knocked out of the playoffs by Portola in the first round. Portola lost in the second round to Fall River 66-62.
Dunn, Wood on All-star team
Modoc's Taylor Dunn and Travis Wood have been selected for this year's Lion's All-Star football game. Dunn is a lineman and Wood, a quarterback. Central Valley Coach Matt Hunsaker is the coach of this year's team. He was formerly the Big Valley Cardinal coach.
March 9, 2006
News
County combines Clerk, Auditor departments
In a reversal of a reversal, the Modoc County Board of Supervisors Tuesday
voted to pass an ordinance combining the Modoc County Clerk and Modoc County
Auditor/Recorder Departments.
Supervisor Ray Anklin of Canby, was the deciding "yes" vote Tuesday,
changing his position from the no side. He joined with Supervisors Dan Macsay
and Mike Dunn in favor of combining the offices. Supervisors Pat Cantrall and
Dave Bradshaw voted against, consistent with their last vote.
The County Board had voted 3-2 against the consolidation at a Feb. 21 meeting,
but Supervisors Dunn and Anklin asked that the issue be put back on the table
for reconsideration. In that vote, Cantrall, Bradshaw and Anklin cast no votes.
County Counsel John Kenny was not present during Tuesday's vote, but had sent
a memo to the Board outlining his legal opinion that the consolidation of the
department was legal and that the timing was appropriate, even if unacceptable
to some people.
One of the major issues brought up by those people opposed to the consolidation
is the fact that the change is being made during the candidate filing period,
which closes March 10, but the ordinance will not be come law for 30 days.
With the change, the elected position of Modoc County Clerk would be absorbed
into the Clerk/Auditor position, eliminating the election for Clerk. The elected
position on the June ballot would be for Clerk/Auditor only.
""While the timing of the Modoc County ordinance may be inconvenient
to some, it does not deprive the supervisors of the authority to consolidate
offices," Kenny wrote. "The power to consolidate found in Government
code has been found to be consistent with the California Constitution. In my
opinion, the filing of candidates for office does not deprive the Board of Supervisors
off the authority to consolidate offices. There exists no vested right or private
interest in a public office."
He further states that, "The concern was that the ordinance, if adopted,
would be effective after the close of the filing date for the June election.
The suggestion was that filing by candidates precluded the supervisors from
thereafter consolidating the offices. It is to be remembered that if the offices
were consolidated, the consolidation would not occur until the beginning of
the next term for the consolidated offices." That would be January, 2007.
The issue comes up as Deputy Clerk Diana McCulley has filed nomination papers
for the County Clerk position, which would have been in the June 6 ballot. County
Auditor Recorder Judy Stevens has also filed for re-election. With the consolidation
of offices, McCulley would not be qualified to run for the combined position,
because of the requirements for the auditor position.
"I was looking forward to serving the people of Modoc County as their
Clerk, but I am truly disappointed for the voters," McCulley said Wednesday.
"They have lost their right to vote for the people's elected position of
Modoc County Clerk, not the Board of Supervisors' position to do as they want.
Obviously, the Board has deprived the people's voice for this elected office.
"The position of Modoc County Clerk has been an elected public office
since the county seeded from Siskiyou County in 1874. A part of Modoc history
is being abolished. My concern is which elected office will the Board take control
of next?"
Local citizen Mark Halverson filed a complaint in Modoc Superior Court Tuesday
seeking a preliminary injunction to stop the application of the ordinance. Filing
the injunction, in itself, has no effect on the ordinance until a court hearing.
He argues that the ordinance would be in violation of state law and that it
has the "potential to change the upcoming June elections and leaves less
than three days for individuals to declare their candidacy."
He also argues that the Board did not publicly release in board packet form
documents detailing some potential costs savings to the public. Those cost savings
estimates were reported in at least two separate newspapers.
Halverson, who is not an attorney, states, "If this ordinance is applied,
there are individuals that have already filed nomination papers for the position
of County Clerk and others that have filed nomination papers for County Auditor/Recorder.
The Board of Supervisors incorrectly believes that they can simply change the
printing of the ballot to reflect the ordinance, even though the names and positions
were set when those individuals seeking elected offices filed their declaration
for nomination...simply put, how can one file for the position of County Auditor/Recorder/Clerk
when, in fact, it will not exist for 30 days from March 7, 2006?"
The Board had voted unanimously to enact an ordinance creating a separate appointed
Clerk of the Board, and that issue was not up for discussion this week and remains
on the books.
Several members of the audience spoke out against the proposal to combine the
offices. Some questioned the timing, with the change being done in the middle
of a candidate nomination period, whether the board had the legal authority
to make the change and whether the issue should go to a public vote.
Supervisors listened, and answered questions concerning the legal issues, and the majority voted in favor. The ordinance is now published in the Modoc County Record and the public has 30 days to comment or take other action before it is formally made law.
Desert bandit was Canadian
The infamous desert bandit, who hit several places in eastern Nevada west of
Surprise Valley in 2003-2004 has been identified as Canadian George Robert Johnston.
Johnston, age 43, led law enforcement had a long, mysterious, and arduous chase
through Nevada, parts of California, Oregon and Utah that made him near legendary.
The massive manhunt ended in July, 2004, just outside Death Valley when, surrounded
by police on the ground and in the air above him, Johnston shot himself in the
head. His death cleared up the string of burglaries, but since he had no identification,
created a whole other investigation.
The Modoc County Record and several other newspapers ran news and feature
stories on the "Bandit".
Following the suicide, Inyo County Inspector Dave Van Norman, of the San Bernardino
County Coroner's office would spend more than a year trying to identify the
remains. His break came when he looked outside the United States into Canada
and contacted the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
In turned out that in 1997, a man named George Robert Johnston was arrested
for cultivating 4,000 marijuana plants on Prince Edward Island. While he argued
the marijuana was for his wife in her struggle with cancer, he was convicted
and sent to prison. He jumped parole in 1999 and headed to the Untied States.
He surfaced in 2003 in Death Valley and started a string of thefts in and around
the ghost town of Ballarat, earning him the nickname of the "Ballarat Bandit".
From there the chase led law enforcement through four states for almost a year.
He was tracked on foot, on horseback, using all-terrain vehicles, four-wheel
drives and airplanes. The looked for him during daylight and used night vision
scopes at dark.
What made him legendary was he managed to elude officers and they marveled
at what appeared to be superhuman endurance. It was said he could run five miles
uphill at solid speed and would cover 60 miles of snow-covered northern desert
on foot in a day.
He was buried in San Bernardino and his family has the right to claim his remains and move them to Canada.
Deadline for some candidates is Friday
The deadline for candidates to file papers for the June 6 primary election
is March 10 and some races are being set, while other positions remain unchallenged.
There is interest in the race for the two seats on the Alturas City Council.
Incumbents Jerry Smith and John Vass have filed with challenges from Rod Gately,
Keith Jacques and Rollie Gilliam also took out papers this week.
The race for Sheriff is currently between Undersheriff Mark Gentry and retiring
California Highway Patrolman Mike Poindexter.
The Board of Supervisors voted not to consolidate the Clerk/Auditor departments
last Tuesday. That would eliminate a race for County Clerk.
Auditor Judi Stevens has said she will seek re-election and senior deputy clerk
Diana McCulley was seeking the Clerk's position. Stevens remains unopposed.
Cheri Budmark has filed papers to run for Modoc County Assessor.
She is at yet unopposed in the Assessor's race.
District Attorney Jordan Funk, Modoc County Sheriff Bruce Mix, Clerk Maxine
Madison and Assessor Josephine Johnson are not seeking re-election to a second
term. In those races, the nomination period is extended for five days.
Modoc Public Defender Richard Cotta and local attorney John Lawson, who is
the counsel for the Alturas City Council, have announced they'll run for the
DA position.
Gary Jones, Tulelake Basin Joint Unified School District administrator of Business
Services, Adult and Alternative Schools, Transportation and After School Program
will run against County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Vanston Shaw.
Treasurer/Tax Collector Cheryl Knoch will seek another term in office.
County positions up for election in June are: District Attorney, Auditor-Recorder,
Sheriff/Coroner, Treasurer/Tax Collector, Assessor and County Superintendent
of Schools. In addition, the seats for the county Republican and Democratic
Central Committees are on the ballot.
Both members of the County Board of Supervisors -- District One's Dan Macsay
and District Five's David Bradshaw -- will run again. David Porter Misso of
Tulelake has taken out papers to run against Bradshaw. Macsay remains unopposed.
In the City of Alturas, City Treasurer Kathie Alves is seeking re-election.
She is also unopposed.
According to Madison, the nomination papers will have to be returned by March
10. In any office where an incumbent does not file, candidates have an additional
five days to file. The Primary Election is scheduled for June 6 and will include
local, state and national offices.
It will also include two local measures, one an increase in the Surprise Valley Hospital Assessment from $150 to $225 per year and another for an increase in the Alturas City Mosquito Abatement assessment from .50 cents per month to $1.50 per month. Both of those issues require a two-thirds majority to pass.
Man arrested for DUI following injury accident
An Alturas man was arrested Tuesday afternoon alleging driving under the influence
following a two-vehicle injury accident at the County Road 54 and County Road
60 intersection (road to Cal Pines and the turn to the Alturas Landfill).
According to the California Highway Patrol, Amanda Derner, age 21, Alturas,
was driving a 1993 Toyota 4Runner eastbound on CR 54 at about 55 m.p.h. approaching
the intersection. Danny Fitch, age 34, was driving a 1989 Chevy pickup northbound
on CR60 and was stopped at the intersection. Derner saw the Fitch vehicle and
slowed to about 45 m.p.h., unsure of what Fitch was going to do.
The CHP reports that Fitch pulled onto CR54 and turned west. He crossed over
the centerline into the path of the Derner vehicle. The vehicles struck head
on.
Derner and a one-year-old child, Kayla Derner, were transported to Modoc Medical
Center by a passing motorist, both sustaining moderate injuries. Fitch was removed
from his pickup by ambulance crews and transported to Mercy Hospital in Redding,
also sustaining moderate injuries. The CHP reports he was charged with DUI.
The CHP reports that Fitch was involved in another minor accident just minutes
before the injury accident. He was driving his pickup on CR60 and had turned
into a private residence. He backed out of that driveway and knocked over a
fence post. He fled the scene and then was involved in the other accident.
The CHP reports moderate injuries in a single-vehicle accident March 3, 4:50
p.m. west of the Cedar Pass Summit.
According to the CHP James Davis, age 49, Alturas, was driving a 1994 Chevy
eastbound on a snow-covered road when he broke traction. He lost control and
the vehicle ran off the road and collided with a tree.
Davis had moderate injuries and was transported to Surprise Valley Hospital.
A passenger, Leah Davis, 51, Alturas, sustained minor injuries.
There were no injures in a separate accident March 3, 3:35 p.m. on State Route
299 west of Cedarville. The CHP reports that Christina Martell, age 22, Cedarville
was driving a 1996 Chevy westbound on a snow and ice-covered highway. The car
broke traction, Martell lost control and the vehicle ran off the road and struck
a tree, Martell and three passengers were using safety restraints and were not
hurt.
Minor injuries were reported in a two-vehicle accident March 1, 12:15 p.m.
on SR299 west of Cedarville. The CHP reports that Bruce Blum, age 30, Lake City,
was driving a 1998 Dodge pickup eastbound on SR99 west of Cedarville. A 1992
Lincoln Towncar, driven by John Leonard, age 67, Ft. Bidwell, was westbound
on SR299. Blum made a U-turn from the eastbound shoulder directly in front of
Leonard.
Leonard tried to stop turned right to avoid the collision. He missed the Blum
car, but ran off the road and struck a Caltrans sign and a tree. Leonard and
a passenger, Charolette Brown, age 66. Ft., Bidwell sustained minor injuries.
All parties were properly seatbelted. The collision is under investigation.
There were no injuries in a solo-vehicle accident March 4, 8:30 a.m. on US395,
one mile north of County Road 53.
According to the CHP, James. B. MacPhee, age 34, Portland, was southbound in
a 2000 Nissan pickup at 45-50 m.p.h. when he lost control on the icy road. The
pickup wet off the west shoulder and overturned. The pickup had moderate damage.
No injuries were reported in a single-vehicle accident March 3, 6:51 p.m. on
US 395 south of Madeline.
The CHP reports that Steven Humphreys, age 25, Sparks, was northbound on a snow
and ice-covered road at about 35 m.p.h. He said he felt he hit a rut and the
rear of the truck started to slide across the road. He could not regain control,
the vehicle slid of the side of the road and down a steep embankment. The 1997
Chevy rolled three-fourths over and came to rest on its passenger side
Obituaries:
Lois Brundige
Lois Brundige, 85, of McArthur and Alturas, CA, died March 5, 2006
at Applewood Inn care home.
Born on February 25, 1921 in Bremerton, Washington, she was a retired Licensed
Vocational Nurse and an accomplished sportswoman.
She is survived by daughters Louise Winn of Kona, Hawaii, Nancy Lively of Reno,
Nevada, and Lorraine Haas of Redding, as well as seven grandchildren and three
great-grandchildren. She is predeceased by her husband of 65 years, Harold Brundige,
and son William.
Arrangements are by the Neptune Society. Memorial services will be held at a later date.
Frederick E. Kauffman
Frederick Eugene Kauffman died in Sacramento, CA on February 23, 2006, at the
age of 93. Born in Alturas in 1912, son of Frank and Effie Kauffman, Fred grew
up just down the hill from his grandparents', Clarence and Josephine Estes.
Fred attended Modoc Union High School and played on the football team. As a
young man, he was given the nickname "Sundown," given to him by "Hippie"
Burmeister, while working haying on the Flournoy ranch in Likely.
After World War II, Fred attended University of California Berkeley and settled
in Sacramento, where he worked for the Federal Housing Administration. His one
week of vacation per year he spent in Alturas, at his parents' place, going
fishing in the mornings and evenings in the surrounding creeks and lakes. In
his life-long absence from Alturas, Fred and his brother Harold, in their retirement,
made two annual "pilgrimages"-one at Memorial Day and one on Labor
Day-to visit their favorite sites in Modoc County: East side Road, Centerville,
Pit River, Jess Valley, the Warner Mountains, Cedarville.
During Labor Day the two Kauffman brothers would join their cousin Ron Smith
of Alturas, to help him harvest the delicious Modoc wild plums and turn them
into a year's worth of jams and preserves. Old timers being scarce, on their
last visit to Modoc, in June 2001, Fred chanced to meet Rob Flournoy, his old
friend and a lifelong resident of Likely, where they excitedly caught up and
reminisced about old times. Nothing went deeper in Fred's being than his love
of home-the meadows and cattle, the sagebrush and juniper, bluffs, canyons,
streams, the wide-open spaces, the sweet smell of the air in the summer. His
ashes will rejoin Earth in the canyon of the South Fork of the Pit River.
Fred is survived by his brother Harold Kauffman of San Francisco, son Douglas, daughter Terry Davison of Davis, CA; grandchildren Tracy and Mark and four great-grandchildren.
Peggy L. Thomson
Peggy L. Thomson of Madeline, CA passed away in Alturas on March 2, 2006. Funeral
services will be held at the LDS Church in Alturas, at 11 a.m. on Saturday,
March 11, 2006. Interment will follow at the Likely Cemetery. Refreshments will
follow at the Madeline Fire Hall.
Born Peggy L. McDaniel on April 24, 1927 in Cove, Arkansas, her family moved
to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she attended high school and then Portland,
OR, where she graduated from high school. She remained in Portland during her
adult life.
A warm and loving person, expert seamstress and quilter, Mrs. Thomson was proud
to serve as the President of the Relief Society while living in Portland. She
was also a genealogy buff. She and her husband of 17 years, Orion L. Thomson,
have made Madeline their home since their marriage November 27, 1988 in Sacramento,
CA.
She is survived by her husband, Orion L. Thomson of Madeline; her mother, Violet
E. McDaniel of Shelton, WA; three children: Yvonne Willers, Sparks, NV; Sharon
Danner, Shady Cove, OR; Thomas Thomson, Fremont, CA; eight grandchildren, 10-great-grandchildren;
three brothers, Lee V. McDaniel of Madeline, CA; Billie R. McDaniel of Portland,
OR; Paul T. McDaniel of Auburn, CA; two sisters Zetta Wike of Sacramento; Mary
Radziski of Shelton, WA; many nieces and nephews. Her eldest daughter Eupha
Lynn of Alaska, preceded her in death.
Service for Lowell Nelson Jones
A memorial service for Lowell Nelson Jones will be held at the Student Union building on the Oregon Institute of Technology's campus in Klamath Falls, Oregon on Saturday, April 8 at 2 p.m. Mr. Jones was active in Modoc County for more than 50 years and had many friends in this area
Sports
Wood goes 4-2 at state, just misses medal
Modoc's Travis Wood injured his knee in his fifth match at the California State
Wrestling Championship last weekend, and wasn't at full strength for his last
match.
Wood wound up finishing 4-2 at the tournament just one win out of the medals.
He had a tough seeding to begin with, and his coach and father Shaun Wood, was
very proud considering the circumstances.
Travis lost his opening match to Jordan Abed, of Alhambra, 6-4 in overtime.
He won his next four matches. Coach Wood wasn't overly pleased with the officiating
of the match.
Wood then pinned George Lopez, of Calexico, at the :40 mark and beat George
Munoz of West Covina 14-3. Travis beat Rio Linda's Robert Caruthers 8-2 and
then pinned Greg Ferrer of Colton at the 3:39 mark.
In his final match of the tourney, a knee injury didn't allow him to use his
legs effectively and he lost to Nolan Rege of Hillsburg 6-7.
Tulelake's John Luscombe wrestled extremely well and took a second at the state finals.
Modoc opens baseball at Etna tourney
Modoc's baseball team will open the season at the Etna tournament
March 10 against the Burney Raiders. On March 11, they'll meet Tulelake and
West Valley.
Modoc travels to Bonanza on March 14 and has a double-bill against Mt. Shasta
here March 17.
The weather has been less than ideal for practice and many players are just
joining the team following the basketball and wrestling section playoffs.
The Braves are under new coach Tim MacDonnell this year. Seniors on the team
include Travis Wood, Taylor Dunn, Tim Cruse, Jered Cox, Landin Hagge, Justin
Mason and Danny Guitron.
Juniors out this year are: Bill Hammerness, Garrett Chapman, Arturo Guitron,
Michael Gaskey, Brandon Anderson, Jesse Cuevas and Jesse Harer. Sophomores on
the team are Trenton Schmidt and Jeremy Anselmi.
Liberty ends Braves' season, 64-44
The Liberty Christian Patriots, ranked number one in the North Section boys
loop proved their mettle, although it took a big fourth period, to beat the
fifth-seeded Modoc Braves 64-44 in Redding last Wednesday night.
The game was close through three with Modoc trailing, 15-14, in the first and
26-24 by half. Liberty increased its lead to 40-34 in the third. In the fourth,
they outscored Modoc 24-10.
Modoc's Ross Burgess, Micah Eppler, Taylor Dunn and Grant Hall fouled out of
the game in the fourth period. Liberty hit most of its fourth period points
from the foul line an only made three fourth period field goals.
Ross Burgess and Micah Eppler led Modoc with 11 each.
The Braves, under coach Bunk Richardson, won the Shasta Cascade League wan
won their first two section playoff games, going farther than any team in recent
history.
In the North Section title Game, Redding Christian beat Liberty Christian 58-49.
Redding Christian meets International (of San Francisco in the north state tourney and Liberty Christian moves on to face Branson of Ross, Ca.
March 16th, 2006
News
Races set for June 6 election
The races are set for the June 6 Primary election, with contested races for
several offices. The deadline to file for many offices closed March 10, but
remained open until yesterday in offices where the incumbent did not file.
In a new development, attorney Gary Woolverton, listing an Adin address, has
taken out papers to join the race for Modoc District Attorney. Modoc Public
Defender Richard Cotta and local attorney John Lawson, counsel for the Alturas
City Council, have filed for the DA position.
The race for Sheriff will be between current Undersheriff Mark Gentry and retiring
California Highway Patrolman Mike Poindexter. A possible third candidate chose
not to file.
Cheri Budmark, appraiser II, has filed papers to run for Modoc County Assessor.
Ron Imbach, a former Modoc Assessor's office appraiser, has emerged as a challenger.
Gary Jones, a Tulelake Basin Joint Unified School District administrator will
run against County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Vanston Shaw. Shaw was appointed
to fill out the term or retired Carol Harbaugh.
There is interest in the race for the two seats on the Alturas City Council.
Incumbents Jerry Smith and John Vass have filed. Challengers are Rod Gately
and Keith Jacques.
The Board of Supervisors last week voted to consolidate the Clerk/Auditor departments,
effectively eliminating a race for County Clerk.
Auditor Judi Stevens has said she will seek re-election and senior deputy clerk
Diana McCulley had planned to seek the Clerk's position. Stevens remains unopposed.
District Attorney Jordan Funk, Modoc County Sheriff Bruce Mix, Clerk Maxine Madison and Assessor
Josephine Johnson are not seeking re-election to a second term.
Treasurer/Tax Collector Cheryl Knoch will seek another term in office.
County positions up for election in June are: District Attorney, Auditor-Recorder,
Sheriff/Coroner, Treasurer/Tax Collector, Assessor and County Superintendent
of Schools.
Both members of the County Board of Supervisors -- District One's Dan Macsay
and District Five's David Bradshaw -- will run again. David Porter Misso of
Tulelake has taken out papers to run against Bradshaw. Macsay is unopposed.
In the City of Alturas, City Treasurer Kathie Alves is also unopposed.
The Primary Election is scheduled for June 6 and will include local, state and national offices. It will also include two local measures, one an increase in the Surprise Valley Hospital Assessment from $150 to $225 per year and another for an increase in the Alturas City Mosquito Abatement assessment from .50 cents per month to $1.50 per month. Both of those issues require a two-thirds majority to pass.
Alturas woman hurt in mishap
Stephanie Northrup, age 24, Alturas, sustained moderate injuries in a single-vehicle
accident March 19, 9:55 a.m. on State Route 299.
According to the California Highway Patrol, Northrup was driving a 1994 Jeep
westbound on SR299 at between 50 and 55 m.p.h. when she hit a patch of ice and
slush. The vehicle started to spin suddenly and she was unable to regain control.
The Jeep went off the north edge of the road and overturned in a ditch.
Northrup was transported to Modoc Medical Center in Alturas. A passenger in
the vehicle, Joshua Woznack, age 23, Canby, had minor injuries.
There were minor injuries in an accident March 14, 6:10 a.m. on U.S. 395 south
of SR 299. Sage Oakley, age 39, Alturas, was northbound in a 1995 Ford pickup
at 35-40 m.p.h. when he lost control on the ice and snow covered road. The vehicle
left the road and overturned. The driver had minor injuries and a passenger
was not hurt.
No injuries were reported in a single-vehicle accident March 14, 11:50 a.m. on US 395 south of Madeline. R. Crew, age 42, Keno, Or., was southbound in a 2004 Dodge Dakota at about 35 m.p.h. when he lost control on the snow and ice. The vehicle slid off the road and rolled onto its top. Both driver and a passenger were seatbelted and not hurt.
Home show set for March 25
The Third Annual Modoc Home Show March 25 is full of exhibitors and the stages
are being set for another exciting year.
Organizers Rendy Cockrell and Brooke Fredrickson are putting the final touches
on the show are finalizing the map and locations of the variety of exhibitors.
Cockrell reminds exhibitors and helpers that they must stop in at the Home
Show booth the morning of March 25 and pick up a participant badge. They will
also receive a ballot to vote on the best booth of the show.
The show is filled, and anyone getting in now will be because of a cancellation.
There will be as many entrants as last year and there are more than a dozen
new businesses in the show.
The show highlights a wide variety of goods and services available in Modoc,
all the way from home construction, design and decoration, to landscaping and
other necessities. The show attracts thousands of people for the one-day event.
It opens at 9 .am. March 25 and closes at 3 p.m.
This year the second annual Kitchen Wars cooking competition will be held in
a large tent between the Griswold Gym and Shirley Oxley Hall. Putting the Kitchen
Wars under a big top allowed the organizers more space for the remaining exhibitors.
Both the Gym and Social Hall will be full of exhibitors and there are plenty
of things to check out and plenty of door prizes. Admission to the show is free.
The Home Show is open only to Modoc businesses and this year no "Internet
only" businesses will be allowed.
For more information, contact Fredrickson at 233-8472 or Cockrell at 233-3471.
Consultant tells county Clinic is vital
In a detailed report to the Modoc County Board of Supervisors Tuesday, Dr.
Stephen L. Barr, a consultant hired by the county, said the Modoc Medical Center
Clinic needs to be treated as the cornerstone of health care.
Dr. Barr, of Susanville, was highly specific in his report, and offered a wide
array of findings and solutions. Time restraints will not allow the Record to
report everything this week, but a more detailed account of his findings will
be published in the next edition.
"The clinic is the cornerstone of health care in the community and sustains
the acute and extended care hospitals, and emergency services, another fact
not adequately appreciated," Dr. Barr reported. "The real threat to
losing all or most of these critical services and resulting impact on the community
does not seem fully appreciated. The lack of systems, basic management tools
and coherent stable routine creates a paralyzing overload on clinic management
and staff which must be corrected."
Dr. Barr pointed to "many signs" that the clinic has suffered "chronic
mismanagement" and when misbehavior issues involving one of the doctors
surfaced, it added to the problems.
"The present conditions in the clinic make it difficult to recruit and
retain stable, qualified support staff and practioners (doctors)," he states.
"Nonetheless, by hard work and commitment the clinic staff has continued
to serve the community with critically needed primary care. This important fact
has not been fully appreciated by many individuals due to recent scandals and
chronic operational criticism, some of which may be deserved."
Barr is concerned that treating the clinic as a "mere hospital department"
serves to diminish the clinic's overall importance to the entire health care
structure.
"Correction and optimum function will take long-term commitment to staff
and system development," said Dr. Barr. "A stable, competent management/governance
structure with expert assistance is needed for this to occur. Narrow self-interest
and the proverbial small town politics must be permanently set aside for the
sake of the community's health and welfare. Given with opportunity and proper
leadership, the clinic should be able to generate enough revenue and special
funding to serve most community health needs well, contributing to longevity
and quality of life."
Barr said there have been some positive changes recently and he feels "confident
that the inherent and created challenges can be successfully overcome with persistence
and community commitment."
"The rural health clinic structure is very well suited to the community needs and should thrive with proper management," he said.
It's been a wet start to March
With March only half over, the precipitation levels are nearing the average
of 1.55 inches for the month. And the temperatures have been in the very cold
range, although not setting any records.
As of March 15, 1.21 inches of moisture was measured in Alturas, with the full month average being 1.55 inches. The temperatures have dropped into single digits, but the record low for March was set in 1971 when
it dropped to seven below zero. The low so far this month was three degrees.
The forecast for the rest of the week doesn't look good for any spring sports, with snow showers forecast through Saturday.
Obituaries:Dean Francis Gloster
Dean Francis Gloster passed away March 10, 2006 in Carson City, Nevada.
Dean was born in Alturas, CA on January 22, 1928, to Joseph J. Gloster and Kathryn Cloud Gloster. Dean was the youngest of five boys. He joined the Navy at age 16 and served aboard the USS Boxer during WWII, participating in the liberation of the Phillipines. He was released from service with an honorable discharge just before Christmas in 1947. Dean attended the University of Nevada and graduated in 1952 with a Bachelor's degree in Economics. He then worked in various jobs in the gaming industry.
He joined the staff of Harrah's Club (as it was then known) in March 1954. He worked in different capacities from Keno Manager to Vice President in charge of services. He firmly settled in the job he loved--Casino Manager. He worked in that job until 1984, when he went to the Holiday Hotel on the river as Vice President and General Manager. Dean retired in 1992, and spent time on golf, travel and with family.
His favorite hobbies included piloting small airplanes, snow skiing, boating and especially playing golf. Dean managed to get three holes-in-one during his lifetime.
Dean is survived by his wife: Sylvia Russell Gloster of Carson City, NV; four sons: Vance (Kathy) of Arcadia, CA; Dean (Nancy) of Berkeley, CA; Mark (Donna) of Bandon, OR; and Skip (Charlie) of Sparks, NV. He is also survived by two daughters: Cheri Cordova (Paul) of Reno, NV and Stormy Draney (Frank) of Lawrence, KS, eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 20 at Fitzhenry's Funeral Home, 833 N. Edmonds (the street name is changing to Fairview), Carson City, NV.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations sent to: St. Mary's Hospice, 520 W 6th St., Reno, NV 89503; Meals on Wheels, Carson Senior Center (attn: Finance),911 Beverly Blvd., Carson City, 89706 503; Meals on Wheels, Carson Senior Center (attn: Finance),911 Beverly Blvd., Carson City, 89706
Stanley W. Harris
Stanley W. Harris died on December 19, 2005, at the age of 78 years. He was
a long-time resident of Belmont, CA, and was born and raised in Sacramento.
Mr. Harris served in World War II after enlisting in the Navy. He returned to
Sacramento after the war and attended American River College and Sacramento
State College, where he received his degree in Chemistry. He went to work as
a chemist at Central Valley Scientific and later became a salesman for the company.
CVS was acquired by Van Waters and Rogers, and Mr. Harris continued with them
for another 30 years, until he retired in 1989, as Scientific Glassware Manager.
Once retired, Mr. Harris was able to devote more of his time to his favorite
avocation, horticulture. He joined SIRS (Sons in Retirement) and became an enthusiastic
and valued member. During this time, he developed an interest in computers and
turned this new skill into a tool for discovering his family history through
genealogical research.
Mr. Harris was introduced to Modoc County in the mid-1950s by his wife, Gwen
Harris, a descendant of some of the early settlers to Surprise Valley. He enjoyed
his time in Cedarville and Alturas, visiting in-laws and listening to stories
about the early days in the county. Once involved in genealogy, he began compiling
information on his wife's family history and spent many hours at the Modoc County
Courthouse, Modoc County Museum, and local businesses gathering information
on these families, primarily the Garretts, Fitzgeralds and Bushes.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Gwen Harris, of Belmont; his daughter,
Melissa, son-in-law, Doug Kennedy, and granddaughter, Sydna Kennedy, of Lake
City, CA; and nieces, nephews, and cousins of California ,and Canada. A memorial
was held on January 17th at Crippen and Flynn Mortuary in
Belmont. Mr. Harris' ashes will be interred at Cedarville Cemetery in early
June. Donations in his memory may be made to: The International Myeloma Foundation,
12650 Riverside Dr., Suite 206, North Hollywood, CA, 91607-3421, or The Modoc
County Historical Society, P.O. Box 1689, Alturas, CA, 96101.
Death Notices
Donna Marie DiSario, 57, passed away at her Alturas home on March 14,
2006. Services are pending. Mrs. DiSario's obituary will be published in a future
issue. She is survived by her husband Edward of Alturas and numerous family
members. Please call Kerr Mortuary's recorded service message at 530-233-5797.
Gladys Troy, 93, of Cedarville passed away March 14, 2006 at Surprise Valley Hospital, where she had been a resident. Interment will be at the Adin Cemetery on Friday.
Sports
Spring sports stalled by snow
It's not unusual to have a few baseball or softball games rained or snowed
out in a Modoc spring, but his year is a bit extreme. The weather doesn't look
all that inviting for the remainder of the weekend either.
Modoc's baseball and softball tourney at Etna was canceled last weekend, as
was a Tuesday game against Bonanza. The Braves had a varsity baseball game scheduled
against Mt. Shasta Friday, but getting that game in is highly doubtful. On March
21, the varsity baseball and softball teams are scheduled in Lakeview and the
junior varsity teams are scheduled for Modoc. The teams are set for Weed March
24.
The Braves baseball team is coached by Tim MacDonnell and the softball team
by Keith Jacques.
The Record assumes Modoc will have a track team this year, but has not heard from any coach.
Modoc
gets in first golf match
Modoc High School's golf team opened with a tourney at Riverview Golf Course
in Redding against Enterprise and Chico. Chico won the match with a score of
385, Modoc was second at 452 and Enterprise third at 457.
Individual scorers for Modoc were as follows: Brian Weed 85, Keith Montague
87, Micah Eppler 88, Dustin Philpott 92, Taylor Dunn 100 and Dustin Oates 112.
The Braves open league play March 16 at Eagle Point Golf Course against Fall
River, Trinity and Mt. Shasta High. The Braves are also scheduled to host a
league match at Arrowhead March 23.
There are 19 people out for the gold team this season. Returning seniors are Dunn, Eppler, Weed and Matt Williams; returning juniors are Montague, Oates and Dustin Philpott; sophomores are Cassidy Aarstad, Jeff Barclay, Josue Madrigal and Daniel Morgan; freshmen are Dee Hunsaker, Sara Jo Montague and Jeff Solomon; newcomers are Dillon Flournoy, Cam Hall. John Hughes, Claire Crenshaw and Jack Veverka.
Braves named to All-league
A pair of Modoc boy's varsity players, Taylor Dunn and Micah Eppler, was named
to the Shasta Cascade All-League team. Another Brave, Ross Burgess, missed the
first five league games or would have also been eligible. Modoc won the Shasta
Cascade League title.
The Most Valuable player for the boys was Jamien Jones of Trinity. Modoc coach
Bunk Richardson was named Coach of the Year.
Modoc's Catherine Lowry was the only Modoc girl named to the All-League team. The MVP for the girls was Fall River's Shawna Truan.
Modoc Middle School and Youth Tournament placing
The following are winners of last week from the Modoc Youth Wrestling tourney.
Six and under: First Place
Josh Vieria. Jess Picatte, Jordan Royce, Wyatt Larranaga, Daniel Staton, Dillon
Valenna, Case Picotte, Kaden Knight, Jeffery Gouveia, Zack Bickford, Jon Irish,
Brandon Hays.
Eight and under:
Kyle Royce, Brandon Hays, Jarrett Royce, Christian Torres, Paden Smith, Alex
Valencia, Troy Culp, Marcus Williams, Thane Forrester, Alan Weber, Quentin Bocanegra.Ten
and under:
Cameron Johnston, Felicia Torres, Travis Northrup, Jessie Holloway, Matt Weber,
Justin Valena, Lucas Bocanegra
Twelve and under:
Riley Larranaga, Ben Bevil, Andrew Culp, Alex Moreo, James Lincoln, Travis
Johnston, Trent McQuarrie, Jeff Williams, Wyatt Valena, Brandon Thompson, Ethan
Haas.
Fourteen and under:
Alex Moreo, Cody Book, Gabe Fletcher, Kyle Voth, Zach Holloway, Denae Steiger, Tyler Hammerness, Matt Mayes, Tyler Wood, Miguel Torres, Oakley Anson, Jesse Urzua.
March 23rd, 2006
News
Report details strengths, weaknesses of Modoc hospital
A report presented to the Modoc County Board of Supervisors last week gave
a detailed account of the strengths and weaknesses of Modoc Medical Center.
Dr. Stephen O'Barr, of Susanville, was contracted by the county to produce
the "Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats," SWOT analysis.
He felt the Modoc Medical Center Clinic needs to be treated as the cornerstone
of health care. He also later stated that the line staff at the clinic has done
a remarkable job under some sometimes adverse conditions.
"The clinic is the cornerstone of health care in the community and sustains
the acute and extended care hospitals, and emergency services, another fact
not adequately appreciated," Dr. O'Barr reported. "The real threat
to losing all or most of these critical services and resulting impact on the
community does not seem fully appreciated. The lack of systems, basic management
tools and coherent stable routine creates a paralyzing overload on clinic management
and staff which must be corrected."
According to Dr, O'Barr, the strengths of the clinic include the fact that
it is the only major primary care facility serving the remote region, plus it
lacks competition. The hours have also been extended to 7 p.m., five days per
week.
"The new Chief Executive Officer has demonstrated the commitment, values
and ability to bring about needed changes," O'Barr states. "Positive
changes are already evident. The present governing body (Board of Supervisors)
has demonstrated the needed political will and commitment to act effectively
and enable continued access care via the clinic. Recent actions have demonstrated
the ability to recognize the deficiencies and the need to reach out for solutions."
In addition, he says the current clinic staff appears to be hard working and
committed to providing good care. He also states that Dr. Ed Richert has high
standards for care. He also offers praise for Patty Manzer, the new Clinic manager,
who is a Registered Nurse with clinical background.
When it comes to the weaknesses, Dr. O'Barr said the facility itself is: unattractive,
dirty, cluttered, disorganized, drab, tacky. But, he points out there have been
some recent improvements.
As far as staffing goes, Dr. O'Barr cites "high turnover, discontinuity,
loss and skills and knowledge base, inadequate training, lack of teamwork and
consistency of process" as problem areas.
"The above factors cause inefficient use and function and excessive friction
and frustration and multiplication of workload," he said.
O'Barr also said repeated past instances of profanity, obscenity and serious
accusations of malfeasance against other staff in presence of patients create
a bad working environment. He also points out there were and are instances of
abusive and derogatory statements from clients, both to the staff and public
condemnation of the level of care.
"Public media and personal encounters in the community result in feelings
of blame and stigma due to association with the clinic and past scandals and
alleged failures," he states. He also said there is a lack of an effective
computer system.
O'Barr also suggests that clinic employees had perception of being "second
class" employees or the "unwanted step child" within county government.
"Perceptions stated by staff appear valid in fact, or at minimum, in appearance,"
O'Barr said. "Negative work environment is present due to systems failures
and personal and public interaction, based on past lack of adequate management
performance and unprofessional conduct by some providers and other staff. The
medical director is vastly overburdened between responsibilities at all three
facilities and physically unable to adequately address these issues personally."
Dr. O'Barr pointed to "many signs" that the clinic has suffered "chronic
mismanagement" and when misbehavior issues involving one of the doctors
surfaced, it added to the problems.
As far as the operation of the clinic, O'Barr states the productivity of staff
is low and workload is high. He says patient care flow is fragmented even though
patient clinic time is not excessive.
He also states that paper charts are poorly organized with some patient documents
misfiled. He said the computerized record-keeping software is not used consistently
or by all the staff.
"There is a widespread lack of community respect and appreciation, based
both on fact and inaccurate accusation," he said. "Operational issues
have likely caused some valid criticism, and some invalid or self-serving accusations
may rise to actionable levels of slander and libel. While there are initial
attempts to improve public image, there is presently no highly developed communication
strategy is place."
O'Barr also stresses there are serious shortcomings in the billing and possible
loss of charges because of failure to document services. He's also concerned
with the possible of large Medicare/MediCal payback demands because of a lack
of compliance.
In the opportunities area, he suggests expanding services and certification
of expert chronic disease management, such as diabetes, respiratory disease
and hypertension. He suggests community outreach through public education and
informational events. He also said that the clinic and hospital management need
to look into and apply for Rural Health grants. He suggests bringing back the
dental program that had been removed.
"The clinic is a critical component of county health care, but presently
does not appear to be fully appreciated due to a history if internal deficiencies
and public scandals," Dr. O'Barr said. "The clinic provides a reasonable
level of care compared to similar facilities. The fact the clinic is the foundational
institution is not adequately recognized or appreciated. Without it, there will
be no physician base for critical outpatient primary care and the acute care
and skilled nursing facility cannot exist."
Overall, he said years of mismanagement of the clinic and related facilities
has led the county to a point where a near emergency exists to maintain the
health care facilities. He said the county's recent action to change management
was not only justified, but unavoidable."
"The present conditions in the clinic make it difficult to recruit and
retain stable, qualified support staff and practioners (doctors)," he states.
"Nonetheless, by hard work and commitment the clinic staff has continued
to serve the community with critically needed primary care. This important fact
has not been fully appreciated by many individuals due to recent scandals and
chronic operational criticism."
Barr is concerned that treating the clinic as a "mere hospital department"
serves to diminish the clinic's overall importance to the entire health care
structure. He said management must delineate between clinic operations and the
two hospitals, acute and long term, and not blend the operations or financial
conditions.
"The fact that decent and crucial primary care is being provided doesn't
appear to be universally appreciated even though many clients know that,"
he said. "The past is just that, the only relevant topic should be present
and future performance. The community needs to understand the real, potentially
rapid, and grave impact of losing the clinic or any of the three health care
facilities...The public also deserves to know any major deficiencies and all
corrective actions planned and fulfilled."
"Correction and optimum function will take long-term commitment to staff
and system development," said Dr. O'Barr. "A stable, competent management/governance
structure with expert assistance is needed for this to occur. Narrow self-interest
and the proverbial small town politics must be permanently set aside for the
sake of the community's health and welfare. Given with opportunity and proper
leadership, the clinic should be able to generate enough revenue and special
funding to serve most community health needs well, contributing to longevity
and quality of life."
Barr said there have been some positive changes recently and he feels "confident that the inherent and created challenges can be successfully overcome with persistence and community commitment."
Campaigns heating up for June election
The June 6 election in Modoc County is set and the campaigns are starting to
perk up.
Modoc Public Defender Richard Cotta, local attorney John Lawson, and attorney
Gary Woolverton, listing an Adin address, are running for District Attorney.
The race for Sheriff is between current Undersheriff Mark Gentry and retiring
California Highway Patrolman Mike Poindexter. Poindexter will officially retire
from the CHP today.
Cheri Budmark, appraiser II, and Ron Imbach, a former Modoc Assessor's office
appraiser are running for Modoc County Assessor.
Gary Jones, a Tulelake Basin Joint Unified School District administrator and
County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Vanston Shaw are in a race for that office.
The race for the two seats on the Alturas City Council includes incumbents
Jerry Smith and John Vass and challengers Rod Gately and Keith Jacques.
The Board of Supervisors consolidated the Clerk/Auditor departments, effectively
eliminating a race for County Clerk.
Auditor Judi Stevens and Treasurer/Tax Collector Cheryl Knoch are unopposed
as is City Treasurer Kathie Alves.
District Attorney Jordan Funk, Modoc County Sheriff Bruce Mix, Clerk Maxine
Madison and Assessor Josephine Johnson are not seeking re-election to a second
term.
Both members of the County Board of Supervisors -- District One's Dan Macsay
and District Five's David Bradshaw -- will run again. David Porter Misso of
Tulelake is running against Bradshaw. Macsay is unopposed.
The Primary Election is scheduled for June 6 and will include local, state and national offices. It will also include two local measures, one an increase in the Surprise Valley Hospital Assessment from $150 to $225 per year and another for an increase in the Alturas City Mosquito Abatement assessment from .50 cents per month to $1.50 per month. Both of those issues require a two-thirds majority to pass.
Modoc Home Show full of ideas, excitement
Everything is in order and the third Annual Modoc Home Show is set for the
9 a.m. opening at Modoc High School Saturday.
Interest from the business community was high and there are new entries in
this year's show, along with most of the businesses and organizations who participated
the first two times.
Both the Gym and Social Hall will be full of exhibitors and there are plenty
of things to check out and plenty of door prizes. Admission to the show is free.
Organizers Rendy Cockrell and Brooke Fredrickson are both excited about Saturday's
event. They expect thousands of people to make it through the exhibits, as usual,
and are pleased with the variety of the participants and their booths.
Cockrell reminds exhibitors and helpers that they must stop in at the Home
Show booth the morning of March 25 and pick up a participant badge. They will
also receive a ballot to vote on the best booth of the show.
The show highlights a wide variety of goods and services available in Modoc,
all the way from home construction, design and decoration, to landscaping and
other necessities. Door prizes will be awarded throughout the day. The show
attracts thousands of people for the one-day event. It opens at 9 .am. and closes
at 3 p.m.
This year the second annual Kitchen Wars cooking competition will be held in
a large tent between the Griswold Gym and Shirley Oxley Hall. Putting the Kitchen
Wars under a big top allowed the organizers more space for the remaining exhibitors.
The following businesses and organizations will be showing their wares and
services at the Home Show:
Alturas Chamber of Commerce, Alturas Mini Storage, At Home America, Bank of
America, Bethel's Propane, BMW Rentals, Caltrans, Chapman Roofing, Cooper Insurance
Services, Cottage Yarns, Creative Printing, Cygnus Mortgage & Investments,
Inc., Dean Neer Modoc Realty, Eagle Peak Rock and Paving, Ed Staub & Sons,
Fisher-Dubois Accounting and Tax Service/Dubois Photo, Four Seasons Supply Center,
Frank's Carpet and Furniture Company, Inc., Girl Scout Troop 491, Guy Williams
Construction, Heard Plumbing, Inc. & Modoc Drilling, High Desert Online,
High Plateau, Humane Society, Home Interiors, Janie Erkiaga Real Estate, L&B
Ranch Supply, Larranaga Construction, Inc., Likely General Store, Main Street
Antiques & Collectibles, Maxwell's Nursery, Modoc County Library, Modoc
County Public Health Lead Program, Modoc County Title Company , Modoc Independent
News, Modoc Insurance Services, Modoc Sanitation, Modoc Steel & Supply LLC,
Personally Yours, Phillips Appliance, Plumas Bank, Project Graduation 2006,
Romesha Water Systems, Rose's Country Quilts & Crafts, Seab's True Value
& Electronics, Soul Creations, Sturdy Built Structures, The Gift Gallery,
The Oak Mill, United Country Stevenson Realty, US Bank, Walt Smith Landscaping,
Wild Mustard/North State Homes
Secretary of State pays a visit
California Secretary of State Bruce McPherson paid a visit to Modoc County
Monday afternoon, stopping in to check with Modoc County Clerk Maxine Madison
and members of the Board of Supervisors.
McPherson was on a northstate trip to familiarize himself with the various
counties and to check on the election status of each clerk's office. He had
traveled from Lassen to Modoc and was headed to Yreka Monday evening before
turning back south.
According to Madison, McPherson's visit was the first for a Secretary of State
in the past 40 years.
One of his main goals was to check on the readiness of the county's election
process. Madison assured him, as she has in the past, that Modoc is set up and
ready for the June 6 primaries.
McPherson said he certified the Diebold Election System this year after a review
of their security and feels confident in their accuracy.
"We have more stringent security controls than any other state in the
nation," he said. "We have to insure the integrity of the vote. That's
what is most important. I feel comfortable with the systems."
On Tuesday, several groups filed suit against McPherson's certification of
Diebold's TSX touch-screen system. Modoc does not use the touch screen system,
but at least seven counties are slated to use it this year.
The suit seeks to block the purchase of the TSX systems and a reversal of the
Secretary of State's certification. In 2004, Diebold, paid $2.6 million to settle
a lawsuit alleging it had provided false information about security and certification
to obtain payments for its electronic voting equipment in California.
McPherson said California's voting registration system is undergoing changes
and should work to avoid fraud or problems. For instance, the state is instituting
a new voter registration data bank that will help county registrars. Voters
will be getting a four-digit unique identification number, probably the last
four digits of a driver's license or their social security number.
McPherson explained that once the data bank is fully operational, if a voter
moves from one county to another, he'll be identified by the voter I.D. number
and his voter registration will be canceled in the county he left.
Interestingly, said McPherson, voter registration is up, and the biggest movement
is in the Decline to State registration, up to about 18 percent. Madison said
she was seeing the same trend in Modoc voters.
Cotta files protest against DA contender
Richard Cotta, a Modoc County Public Defender running for the District Attorney's
Office in Modoc has filed a formal protest with Modoc County Clerk Maxine Madison,
challenging Susanville Attorney's Gary Woolverton's entry into the DA race.
According to Cotta, Woolverton may not be qualified to run for the office because
his domicile is not at the Adin address that he claimed when he filed his nomination
papers. Woolverton does own that property.
The protest was filed Wednesday afternoon with Modoc County Clerk Maxine Madison.
Cotta, local attorney John Lawson and Woolverton are in the DA's race.
Donna Marie DiSario
A memorial service for Donna Marie DiSario will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday,
March 25 at Kerr Mortuary Chapel in Alturas. The Rev. Patrick Henry of Sacred
Heart Catholic Church will conduct the service.
Mrs. DiSario passed away from natural causes at the age of 57, on March 14,
2006 in Alturas, CA. She had made Alturas her home for the past 24 years and
enjoyed sewing, making crafts and dolls and was known as "Donna Mae"
to her friends and family.
She was born in Whittier, CA. on February 5, 1949 and completed high school
at La Mirada, CA. She also took classes through Lassen College Extension in
Alturas. She married Edward DiSario in La Mirada on April 20, 1968 and the two
have shared 37 years of marriage.
She is survived by her husband Edward of Alturas, CA; son Eddie DiSario of
Alturas; father and mother Paul and Marie Violette of Banning, CA; brother David
Violette and sister-in-law Roxanne, Arkansas; sister Mary Violette of Merrill,
OR; sister Shari Burpee and brother-in-law Steve of Denver, CO; brother Richard
Violette, Banning; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Fred and Sue DiSario of
California Pines; step-mother-in-law Sandra DiSario, Anaheim; step-sister-in-law
Laurie Morgan, Yorba Linda, CA; step-brother-in-law George Morgan, Yorba Linda;
10 nieces and nephews; 12 great- nieces and nephews.
Memorial donations may be directed to the American Heart Association.
Howard Les' Welt
Former Alturas resident Howard "Les" Welt passed away January 23,
2006 in Kent, Washington. "Les" was born in Massachusetts on February
26, 1939 to Howard and Gertrude Welt. They moved to Antelope Valley, California,
where he later met and married Diane Dickinson. They had five children: Clyde
Welt, now of Cottonwood, Arizona; Richard Welt of New Mexico, Edward Welt of
San Luis Obispo, CA, Bill Welt of Alturas, Ca and daughter Cindy Welt of Independence,
Oregon.
In 1975, the family moved to Alturas, CA where "Les" opened a television
repair store called Cinema T.V. and Radio Repair, next to the Niles Theater,
until 1984, when he and Diane parted ways and he moved to Kent, Washington.
He remarried and was semi-retired and working as an apartment complex manager.
Les is survived by his second wife, Kathy Welt of Kent, WA., his five children
listed, named above; nine grandchildren, three of which live in Alturas: Alisha
Lamez, Candace Welt and Krysten Welt; two great-grandchildren, Hayley "L.C."
Lamez and Cierra Lamez of Alturas. A memorial service was held on January 27,
2006 in Kent, WA. In lieu of flowers, donations will be appreciated to the American
Cancer Society.
Frank Carpenter
Frank Carpenter, 83, passed away of natural causes on March 18, 2006 in Chico,
CA. Frank was a long-time resident of the Big Valley area. Then he lived in
Woodland for many years and had been in Chico since 2002.
Frank was a World War II veteran with service in the Asiatic Pacific Campaign.
He later worked as a carnival ride operator, in construction, and last as a
fire equipment operator for the California Division of Forestry and Fire Prevention.
He formerly owned Frank's Lookout Motors and the Bieber Mobile Home Park. He
was a member of the Oddfellows and Masonic Lodge in Woodland.
Frank was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Joan. He is survived by
his daughter, Ardell Joiner of Durham; son, Dave Carpenter of Oroville and sons,
Cliff and Jim Carpenter of Bieber. He had numerous grand and great-grand children.
No memorial services will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made
in his memory to the Shriner's Hospital. The family is thankful for all the
thoughts and prayers during their loss.Bernard J. Palermo
Bernard J. Palermo of Ontario, CA. passed away March 8, 2006 in Ontario, at
the age of 85. Mr. Palermo loved visiting Alturas and the family's California
Pines property. He loved Cal Pines and had been coming to Alturas every year
since 1969, except the past two years while he was ill.
He was born October 17, 1920 in Chicago, Illinois. He is survived by his wife
Sara and son Jerry of Ontario.
Services were held at 11 a.m. March 15 at Draper Memorial Chapel in Ontario,
CA. Interment at the Holy Cross Cemetery, Pomona, CA. Services entrusted to
Draper Mortuary of Ontario.
Kacie Renea Price
Graveside Services for new born Kacie Renea Price of Alturas, will be held
at the Lake City Cemetery at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 25. Pastor Destry Campbell
will officiate. Kacie passed away from unknown causes at UC Davis Medical Center
in Sacramento, CA on March 21, 2006. She was 10 days old. The daughter of Kendra
and Jeremy Price of Alturas, was born at Mercy Redding hospital, Redding, CA
on March 11, 2006 at 3:31 a.m. She weighed 6 lbs., 9.6 ozs. and measured 19.8
inches long. The origin of her name is Irish Gaelic meaning "Watchful."
She is survived by her mother and father, and grandparents James and Barbara
Hill of Cedarville and Karen and Bill Price of Lake City, CA.
Memorial donations may be directed to her family at P.O. Box 456, Alturas, CA 96101.
Sports
Modoc tops SCL golf teams
Modoc's Braves topped the competition at the Eagle Point Golf Course March
16, playing well considering the lack of actual practice time without snow.
Modoc competed in league against Fall River, Trinity and Mt. Shasta.
Modoc shot a 221 on the front and a 217 on the back nine. Mt. Shasta shot 229
on the front and 228 on the back. Trinity shot 322 on the front and 319 on the
back. Fall River forfeited.
Brian Weed led all scorers with a solid 77, followed by Micah Eppler's 81,
Jeff Solomon's 90, Keith Montague's 923, Josue Madrigal's 98 and Taylor Dunn's
103.
On March 21, the team hosted a 13-team tourney at Eagle Point under cool conditions.
The format was to play four golfers and count the best two scores per hole.
Eppler led all Modoc golfers with an 82.
Modoc Coach Harold Montague is hoping to get the team out this week and get
some practice on the ground without the snow. He expects Modoc and Weed to be
the top teams in the league.
The Braves host Burney and Bishop Quinn today at Arrowhead beginning at 12 noon.
Hight
watch
Alturas' Robert Hight lost to teammate and boss John Force in the final elimination
round of the Gainesville National Hot Rod Association Funny Car race Sunday.
Force ran a 4.752 second quarter and Hight a 4.770. Force then lost to Ron
Capps in the final of the event. Hight had come into the final round in fourth
position.
Capps leads the PowerAde point standings with 280, Force is second with 249 and Hight is third at 221.
Pair named to All-Star squad
A pair of Modoc Braves, Micah Eppler and Taylor Dunn will represent the Modoc
Braves in the Lions North/South All-Star Basketball game March 26 at Shasta
College in Redding with game time at 6 p.m.
In addition, Eppler played in the All the Best All-Star game sponsored
by Adidas in Chico March 19.
Weather still messing with spring sports
The weather just does not want to cooperate with spring sports in this part
of the state.
So far, Modoc High School has not been able to get a baseball or softball game
in as cold, snow and rain remain the norm. Cold and wet weather is projected
to the weekend. None of the MHS fields are playable and it's going to take a
week of warmer weather to get them dried out enough for practice, much less
a game.
So far, six games have been canceled and a Mt. Shasta game has been rescheduled for April 11. There is a chance that a Weed game set for Friday could be played. That will all depend on what happens during the current spate of storms.
Teuscher named to All-Star team
Surprise Valley's Sara Teuscher has been selected to play in the Lions All-star
game Sunday. 4 p.m. at Shasta College.
Tuescher was also named to the Max Preps North State Division V second team. She led the Evergreen League and North Section in blocked shots and was ranked 10th in the state.
March 30th, 2006
News
DA protest forwarded to County Counsel
Last week, Richard Cotta, a Modoc County Public Defender running for the District
Attorney's Office in Modoc, filed a formal protest with Modoc County Clerk Maxine
Madison, challenging Susanville Attorney Gary Woolverton's entry into the DA
race.
According to Cotta, Woolverton may not be qualified to run for the office because
his domicile is not at the Adin address that he claimed when he filed his nomination
papers. Woolverton does own that property.
This week Madison said she has forwarded the complaint to County Counsel John
Kenny for an opinion.
Woolverton this week said he used the Adin address it to establish his residence
when he registered to vote March 14 in Modoc County. Woolverton contends that
he is eligible to run for the DA office and meets the test of the law even though
he may never have lived at the Adin home. He also said that he has rented and
will be living in a home outside of Alturas.
Cotta's challenge is that Woolverton did not meet the "domicile"
requirement to become a registered voter in Modoc; since his domicile was in
Susanville at the time he registered to vote in Modoc. Cotta cites Election
Code 2032 that states: "if a person has more than one residence but has
not physically resided at any one of the residences within the immediate preceding
year, the residence not resided in is merely a residence and not a domicile."
Cotta contends that since Woolverton was not legally entitled to register to
vote in Modoc, he would not be eligible to run for county office.
"We are confident that we have sufficient evidence to show beyond a reasonable
doubt that Mr. Woolverton has committed perjury in his application for voter
registration and in his application for candidacy for District Attorney,"
Cotta charges. "It is entirely possible that Mr. Woolverton and his supporters
have attempted to perpetuate a fraud upon your (the Clerk's) office as well
as upon the voters of Modoc County by filing false information pertaining to
his voter registration and candidacy."
If, in fact, Woolverton's voter registration and candidacy survives the legal
framework, Cotta said he "shall look forward to the challenge of his candidacy
. . .In light of the facts, however, this seems unlikely."
In his complaint, Cotta has several statements from Adin residents saying that
Woolverton never lived at the Adin home.
Woolverton this week said he has homes in Redding, Susanville and now Alturas
and is required by his Worker's Comp law practice to attend hearings in Redding
and Susanville. His law practice is currently being sold to another attorney.
"There is no question that at 9:00 a.m. on March 14, I was still a voting
resident of Lassen County," he said. "There is also no question that
by 11:00 a.m. of March 14, 2006, I had filed the necessary papers to change
my voting residence from Lassen to Modoc County and designated a mailing address
and physical address in Modoc County. This was a deliberate change of domicile
and primary residence."
Woolverton said he spoke to Alturas Realtors March 13 to secure a rental home
in Alturas, but was unable to find suitable housing so he chose the Adin address
to establish residency.
"Not realizing that the Adin house (which I have owned for many years)
was run down, I selected it as my residence for Modoc County," Woolverton
said. "On March 15, I had one of the staff members (Susanville office)
obtain a helper and go to Adin to set up the house. I was not able to do it
personally because of conflicting legal business. When she returned, she indicated
that they had done the best they could but in her opinion, it would not be a
suitable place for a long-term residence. I decided to go ahead and take one
of the two available rentals in Alturas."
He said the lease of the Alturas rental was completed March 24 and the move
to that rental was completed March 25.
"It has always been my understanding that a change of residence/domicile from one county to another was accomplished if there was an intent to make a change," Woolverton states. "It is largely a matter of intention and there is no waiting period when one is moving from one California county to another and motive or reason is generally irrelevant. In this case, I declared my residence and did my best to establish a residence in Adin, which has been changed to Alturas due to the poor condition of the Adin home. I did not try to hide the fact that I was a voting resident of Lassen County up until 11 a.m. on March 14, 2006. I am not trying to hide the fact that my motive for changing my primary residence and voting residence to Modoc County was to run for District Attorney."Cotta, local attorney John Lawson and Woolverton are in the DA's race. Lawson has made no comment on the issue.
Alturas Rancheria plan for Yreka Casino hits Governor
snag
The Shasta Mountain Casino in Yreka, proposed by the Alturas Rancheria was
dealt a losing hand by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's office this month.
The Governor's Legal Affairs Secretary Andrea L. Hoch sent a letter to the
Rancheria legal counsel alleging they had made false statements concerning the
proposed casino and effectively demanding the tribe relinquish any unused gaming
licenses.
Alturas Tribal Chairman Phil Del Rosa on Wednesday said the construction of
the Yreka facility is on hold, voluntarily by Alturas Rancheria, until the legal
issues are resolved.
Del Rosa said nothing going on with the Yreka facility will affect the Alturas
Casino.
"The allegations in the Governor's letter are completely false,"
said Del Rosa. "We have filed a response to that letter that addresses
each of the points."
Del Rosa said he would discuss the situation with legal counsel and possibly
forward that letter of response to the Record at the earliest convenience. He
stressed the Yreka project was not stopped, simply delayed.
The Alturas Rancheria owns and operates the Desert Rose Casino on Rancheria
property just east of Alturas. The Shasta Mountain Casino was first scheduled
as a Class III operation, but in January, the tribe allegedly told the state
it was going to be operated as a Class II casino "at this time." The
Indian Gaming Regulatory Act limits the state's ability to regulate a Class
II facility. That facility would consist of games like bingo, non-banked card
games and games played exclusively against other players. A Class III facility
includes slot machines, black jack, craps and roulette.
The state is taking the position that opening the Shasta Mountain Casino as
a Class II facility is an effort to "forestall the State's efforts to resolve
the Indian lands dispute until after construction of the gaming facility is
complete."
In the letter, Hoch states "The Tribe's conduct over the past year gives
the state reason to believe that the tribe intends to operate the Shasta Mountain
Casino as a class III facility. Beginning in February, 2005, and for the next
10 months, the Tribe repeatedly assured the state that construction activities
on the Benter Allotment (where the Casino is planned) were related to a planned
pharmaceutical compounding plant and tribal offices and did not include construction
of the Shasta Mountain Gaming Facility.
"On December 8, 2005, the Tribe conceded for the first time that what
it had repeatedly told the state over the preceding months was false. Specifically,
the Tribe informed the state that the construction activities on the Benter
Allotment had included the preparation of the casino's foundation and that the
casino and pharmaceutical compounding plant would be co-located within the same
structure. Moreover, your representation that the Tribe now intends to operate
the Shasta Mountain Casino as a class II facility is at odds with the Tribe's
actions over the past year, and with the fact the Tribe retains class III gaming
licenses that are presently unused at the Tribe's existing gaming facility and
were presumably acquired for use in the Shasta Mountain Casino."
The state alleges that since the Tribe plans to operate Shasta Mountain Casino
as a class II facility, the unused class III licenses should be relinquished
to the California Gambling Control Commission and returned to the pool of licenses
available to other tribes.
"If the Tribe does not wish to relinquish the licenses, those licenses
that are not in commercial operation within 12 months of their issuance shall
be canceled once those 12 months have expired. We understand that a number of
the tribe's licenses may be subject to immediate cancellation."
A letter dated March 17 was also sent to Del Rosa from the National Indian Gaming Commission and that letter warns that NIGC does not believe the Alturas tribe is authorized to conduct gaming at the Yreka site. A formal opinion has apparently not been sent to the Tribe. That warning letter, however, urges the Tribe to permanently cease construction of the casino and discontinue plans for future game activity on the site.
Make sure to correct voter registration
During the signature checking on several candidates' nomination papers, Modoc
County Clerk Maxine Madison discovered several people who needed to make corrections
in their voter registration.
In addition, voters who registered before last year may need to contact the
County Clerk to insure they have a proper voter identification number. That
number could be part of a driver's license number or the last four digits of
a person's social security number. Madison asks voters to contact her office
before April 14. Voters who do not have a voter ID number may not receive the
voter information packets.
The final day to register to vote for the June 6 Primary Election is May 22.
That's also the final day to make registration changes. One of the major areas
needed attention is voters' addresses matching up with their current registration.
If someone has moved or had a name change, he needs to make the voter registration
change.
Madison said it's very important for people to make those changes soon, in
the next week or two, so that they insure they'll receive their state information
pamphlet as well as a sample ballot.
People can make changes at the County Clerk's Office. For more information
call 333-6201.
The June 6 election races have been set and the campaigns are well underway.
Modoc Public Defender Richard Cotta, local attorney John Lawson, and attorney
Susanville Gary Woolverton, listing an Adin address, are running for District
Attorney. Cotta has challenged Woolverton's entry into the race, charging the
Adin address does not represent Woolverton's actual domicile.
The race for Sheriff is between current Undersheriff Mark Gentry and retiring
California Highway Patrolman Mike Poindexter. Poindexter will officially retire
from the CHP today.
Cheri Budmark, appraiser II, and Ron Imbach, a former Modoc Assessor's office
appraiser are running for Modoc County Assessor.
Gary Jones, a Tulelake Basin Joint Unified School District administrator and
County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Vanston Shaw are in a race for that office.
The race for the two seats on the Alturas City Council includes incumbents
Jerry Smith and John Vass and challengers Rod Gately and Keith Jacques.
The Board of Supervisors consolidated the Clerk/Auditor departments, effectively
eliminating a race for County Clerk. County Clerk Maxine Madison said the ordinance
does not take effect until April 6, so the actual, ballot entry has not yet
been decided.
Auditor Judi Stevens and Treasurer/Tax Collector Cheryl Knoch are unopposed
as is City Treasurer Kathie Alves.
District Attorney Jordan Funk, Modoc County Sheriff Bruce Mix, Clerk Maxine
Madison and Assessor Josephine Johnson are not seeking re-election to a second
term.
Both members of the County Board of Supervisors -- District One's Dan Macsay
and District Five's David Bradshaw -- will run again. David Porter Misso of
Tulelake is running against Bradshaw. Macsay is unopposed.
The Primary Election is scheduled for June 6 and will include local, state and national offices. It will also include two local measures, one an increase in the Surprise Valley Hospital Assessment from $150 to $225 per year and another for an increase in the Alturas City Mosquito Abatement assessment from .50 cents per month to $1.50 per month. Both of those issues require a two-thirds majority to pass.
Budget cuts threaten RC&D existence
Proposed cuts in President Bush's budget would see funding for the Resource
Conservation & Development Councils drop by about 75 percent across the
nation and here at home, according to Terry Williams, chairman of the North
Cal-Neva Resource Conservation and Development Council.
"To do that, they've decided that they could eliminate a number of RC&D
coordinators and make the coordinators that are left work in two or three RC&D
areas instead of one," said Williams, lamenting the proposed cutbacks of
the 368 funded RC&Ds across the country. "It's almost an impossible
job for them to do."
The Department of Agriculture, inaugurated the RC&D program in 1962 to
help people care for and protect the natural resources in their local area.
They were also tasked with improving the economy, the environment and living
standards at the same time.
Williams believes that cutting the program would not be wise. "The RC&D
program is very unique. It's a federal/private partnershipthe idea being
that these nonprofit organizations would get federal support through coordinators
to assist them throughout."
He sees the RC&Ds as very productive for little expense. "A lot of
our work is volunteer from every area. People come in and donate their time
for any projects that we set up.
"It's local. That's the main thing. It's not a government thing. It's
done by local people, and they get the projects done that need to be done locally."
"It's a shame," said Mark Steffek, coordinator for the North Cal-Neva
RC&D, speaking of the proposed cuts. He explained that the councils are
a real bargain for taxpayers. While the Natural Resources Conservation Service
provides some financial and staffing support to the RC&D councils, most
of their funding comes from grants received from local, state and other federal
agencies.
"The work that the RC&Ds do in this country is just unbelievable,"
said Williams, emphasizing the profitability of the agency. "I think they
figure that we earn nine dollars to every one dollar (of funding) that we get
in projects and accomplishments. There's no other government agency can even
top that for making money."
The loss of the agency funding would impact five local counties. "North
Cal-Neva RC&D includes most of Modoc County, Lassen and Plumas Counties,
eastern Shasta County and northern Washoe County," said Steffek. "We're
one of the two, two-state RC&Ds in California. Ours is the oldest."
Williams pointed out that this is the second time in as many years that the
agency has come under budgetary scrutiny. "Last year they decided to cut
our funding by 50 percent by cutting out the oldest RC&D area coordinatorsjust
flat dropping them. Ours is 39 years old, so we were on the hit list."
But he noted that the crisis was averted, thankfully. "We would just cease
to exist here," said Williams, "because there would be no funding
to support the office or the position.
"I think they just took an arbitrary number," he said, continuing.
"And that didn't work. They got a lot of pressure to drop that. So, that's
why they came up with the idea to drop 273 coordinator positions."
If the recommend cuts take effect, Steffek's coordinator position is in jeopardy.
Williams is quick to point out that without a coordinator, the program would
be dead in the water. "He does everything," says Williams of Steffek,
who has only one assistant. "He sets up meetings; he organizes everything
the council does. He goes out and meets with various groups to find out from
the community what needs to be done or what we can do to help get done and he
runs the office here."
The planned budget cuts reflect a core difference of opinion as to the mission
of the RC&Ds.
The administration sees them as temporary programs, meant to spur local involvement
and initiative. But, they reason that if the program has not achieved the desired
results after 20 years, it should no longer be funded.
The councils' that guide the RC&Ds believe the program will always be necessary
as long as there are unidentified and unfunded projects in the community.
"I think that's one of the big items that congress, the president, whoever
They're not looking at that," said Williams. "They're just looking
at this little outlay they have for the coordinator, that he's spending to help
local groups put together these projects."
Williams sees this move as a shortsighted view of budgeting, and he has dedicated
considerable time and effort to lobbying for continued funding. "I've contacted
everybody that could possibly help us."
Furthermore, he urges public support. "Write a letter to your member of congress and request that the funding be whole for the RC&D groups throughout the U.S. In particular, contract your local congressmen. That's the person to talk to, and it needs to be done soon," Williams said, concluding. "It's an immediate type thing that needs to be done."
Obituaries:
Virgie Rea Meyer
Services for life-long Modoc resident Virgie Rosalind Rea Meyer will be held
this morning, March 30, at 10 a.m. graveside at the Alturas Cemetery. Dr. Ben
Zandstra will officiate.Mrs. Meyer had been the last living charter member of
the Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary to Pete Christensen Post 3327.
She enjoyed her 100th birthday party on August 8, 2005. Her unfailing energy
well into her 90s, kept her active as a strong, dedicated and patriotic member
of her community. Virgie, as she was known to young and old, passed away on
March 23, 2006 at the Skilled Nursing Facility at Modoc Medical Center, Alturas,
CA.
Born Virgie Rea at Parker Creek, Modoc County on August 8, 1905, she was the eldest child and never shunned hard work, working beside her father on the family's Parker Creek Ranch. She preferred outdoor work. Until age nine, she attended Hopewell School at Parker Creek, then the family moved and she attended Alpine School on the old road to Cedarville, then Lindale School in Davis Creek. Nothing is left of either school. She graduated from Modoc Union High School in June 1924. She had planned to become a teacher, but met her husband John Meyer at a New Year's Eve Dance at the old Orpheum Theater, where Frank's Carpets is today. They married June 14, 1924 at the old Baptist Church, where Federated Church is today.
Virgie worked for the PUCC Telephone Co. when Social Security cards were first
issue and she received hers. She and John remodeled and added onto their Alturas
home. Virgie wanted a fireplace in the kitchen, so she built it herself. Both
enjoyed rock hounding as a hobby. An amateur geologist, miner, lapidary artist
and gardener, Virgie operated a rock and jewelry shop out of a separate cabin
on their property. During war time, when her daughters were in high school,
Virgie organized a volunteer ambulance corps through the Red Cross and loved
the excitement of being the ambulance driver. She was also allowed to carry
a concealed weapon following an incident in 1945 when picking up an escaped
convict on an ambulance run. For 10 years, she volunteered to drive patients
to San Francisco, Reno and destinations south. She also organized the community
blood drives sponsored by the VFW Auxiliary 3327. Virgie earned a silver badge
as Deputy Sheriff under Sheriff John Sharp and worked as a Matron under Sheriff
Buck Server.
After her husband John retired from the railroad, the two enjoyed traveling
for the 15 years that followed, until he passed away Feb. 8, 1983 at the age
of almost 81. Virgie continued her work with the VFW Auxiliary, as publicist
for the events and blood drives and kept track of the Auxiliary business for
years. She started the VFW Auxiliary's giant rummage sale to raise funds to
purchase stuffed Teddy bears for local agencies to give to children they come
in contact with during emergencies and traumatic situations.
She is survived by her daughter Phyllis M. Olson of Alturas, CA; grandson Richard
J. Partin, Lakeview, OR; granddaughter Becky L. Dederick, Alturas, CA; four
great-grandchildren, five great-great grandchildren, three nieces and one nephew.
She was preceded in death by her husband John Meyer; daughter Betty Meyer Partin;
grandson Gary M. Partin; brother Lloyd Kirk Rea; sister Nellie Mildred Haney.
Memorial donations may be directed to the "VFW Auxiliary 3327" at
414 Archer Way, Alturas, CA 96101, for the Auxiliary's Street Flag Fund which
helps replace and maintain the many Alturas Main Street flags flown during Fandango
and patriotic holidays.
James 'Jim' Ardenel Bagwell
Graveside services were held for James "Jim" Ardenel Bagwell on Wednesday,
March 29, 2006 at the Alturas Cemetery. Pastor Curtis Barber officiated. Jim
passed away on Thursday, March 23, 2006, at his home in Alturas, CA, after a
short battle with cancer. He was 75.
Jim was born April 4, 1930, in Earlsboro, OK. He was a horse trader, worked
in floor covering, was an avid hunter in his younger years, and was happiest
spending time drinking coffee and talking with his friends. He also served in
the United States Army from May of 1946 until December of 1946 when he received
an Honorable Discharge. He spent more than 50 years in Modoc County where he
owned and operated The Beacon Coffee Shop.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Nell Bagwell, his son Scott Bagwell,
and his brother Clovis Bagwell. He is survived by his wife Pat Bagwell of Alturas;
his mother Recy Hicks of Alturas; son Robert Bagwell of Roseville; daughter
and son-in-law Linda and Roy Harris of Toelle, UT; stepdaughter Rita Merino
of Roseville; stepdaughter Patricia Merino Griffin of Bethany, OK; stepson and
daughter-in-law Butch and Judy Merino of Oklahoma City, OK; stepdaughter and
son-in-law Michelle (Merino) and Kendell Ayers of Yukon, OK; 17 grandchildren;
17 great-grandchildren; and numerous other friends and family.
Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart
Association.
The family would especially like to thank Leonard Sykes, Karla Yancey, the doctors and nurses at Merle West Medical/Cancer Center and at the Modoc County Hospital for their support and dedication to his care. We would also like to thank all of Jim's friends for their outpouring of love during this difficult time. Services for
Kittie Eades
Pastor Steve Black will officiate services Friday, March 31 at 11 a.m. at the
Lookout Church in Lookout for Kittie Eades. Mrs. Eades passed away March 26,
2006 at Mayers Memorial Hospital in Fall River Mills, CA. Memorial donations
may be directed to the Bieber Historical Museum.
A potluck will follow at the Lookout Fire Hall. McDonald's Chapel in Burney
has charge of arrangements.
Edmund Henry "Bert" Schafer
August 22, 1914 to December 5th, 2005
Claudine Frances Schafer
February 11, 1915 to February 25, 2006
Edmund Schafer, "Grandpa Bert", was born on the family farm Nebraska,
August 22, 1914. He was a simple, wise man with an incredible work ethic. He
grew up on a farm in Steinauer, Nebraska, after his parents emigrated from Germany
in the early 1900s. He was a farmer at heart, always going to bed early and
rising with the chickens, working seven days a week.
Bert owned and operated a Chevron service station in Southern California for
thirty years, retiring in the summer of 1981, and then moving the family to
Alturas, California, where their youngest son, Robert Schafer, was already residing.
Their daughter, Phyllis, and her family followed shortly thereafter.
In Modoc, Bert enjoyed fishing, card playing, gardening, sports and watching
Fox News. He and Claudine also enjoyed Happy Hours with their Modoc friends
throughout the years at Benny's and King Wah. Bert kept himself going through
the years by creating special goals to live for including living to see the
new millennium, seeing a Republican back in the Presidency, the Angels winning
a World Series, and celebrating his 60th wedding anniversary with his sweetheart.
The most special and important goal he lived for was to take care of Claudine.
He took care of her until the day he died... it was a "labor of love."
For this act, he is Claudine's and his family's hero for eternity.
Claudine Frances Schafer, "Grandma Claudine", was born Claudine Morrissey
, in Columbus, Nebraska, on February 11, 1915. She and Grandpa Bert both graduated
from the same high school in Steinauer. She attended nursing school at St Anthony's,
in Sabetha, Kansas, from which she graduated in 1935.
She cherished being a nurse, specializing in Emergency Room nursing and Labor
& Delivery. She loved the excitement and adrenalin, and most of all helping
put people back together. She was loved and respected by all her colleagues.
In her later years of nursing, she worked as an Industrial Nurse for TRW where
she later retired and was greatly honored for her career by having her name
etched on a plaque which was sent into space.
Claudine married Angelo Durante in 1940 and had two children, Jeannine and
Laurence Durante. She later divorced and married Edmund "Bert" Schafer,
her childhood friend, in 1946. They had three children, Phyllis, James and Robert.
The family left Nebraska in 1951, moving to California, eventually settling
in Santa Ana where they both worked and retired.
In the late 1960s, Claudine and Bert took in and reared Matthew and Barbara
(Phyllis's oldest two children). After Claudine retired, she spent all her time
with her grandchildren...they gave her life! Matt and Barb and all the grandkids
were envied by the neighborhood children who adopted Claudine as their own "Grandma
Claudine."
After moving to Alturas in 1981, Bert spent the next four years taking care
of Matt and Barbara, making sure they woke up for school in time to catch the
"yellow bomber," and then greeting them when school was out. "During
this time, we really grew to love and respect him for the wonderful person he
was."
Besides her grandchildren, another passion in Grandma Claudine's life was to
hop into the car and drive, drive, drive...anywhere at anytime. She was the
most adventurous, outgoing woman of her time! She carried on this pleasure-seeking
tradition until the day she forfeited her driver license in 1996. There are
so many adventures to treasure... one special road trip was to Jackson Hole,
Wyoming, in 1978 when she spent a week with four of her grandchildren tooling
around the Tetons, Yellowstone, and Jackson Hole. It was the summer Jimmy Carter
was also on vacation with his family out there. With Grandma Claudine's luck,
they all met the president, his wife, and Amy. Claudine became friends with
the ABC cameraman, David Garcia, and called into a nationally syndicated radio
talk show to give the world all the details of the president's vacation. This
was one of the most special vacations of her life...she talked joyfully about
it for years.
In Modoc, Claudine volunteered for ten years at the Modoc Senior Center. She
loved this experience, her co-workers, and meeting all the folks around town.
In the later years, Grandma and Grandpa looked forward to family visits during
the holidays and summer vacations. We would all sit around the table, playing
cards, gazing out the window at the blue spruce, and arguing over how much longer
the turkey needed to be cooked. When Grandma was able, she would stay up all
night cooking a feast fit for a royal family. We will greatly miss all the "quirky"
family traditions. One of our favorites was turning the corner of Pencil Road
and Mountain Quail, honking the horn and looking at the excitement on their
faces through the dining room window, or having them greet us on the deck or
at the front door. The saddest times were always saying 'goodbye', and wondering
if that would be the last time seeing them.
We were all blessed to have had them for so very many years. They lived long
full lives, gave lots of love, and were dearly loved in return. They left an
impact on each and every one of us, more than they will ever truly know. While
they have left us physically, they spiritually remain in our hearts, minds,
and photos forever.
I would like to extend a special and deep thanks to all their caregivers in
Alturas, and a special thanks to Father Patrick Henry and Rhea Jones for the
weekly spiritual commitment and prayers throughout the years. Bert and Claudine
are both preceded in death by numerous family members, including their parents
and siblings. They are survived by their five children: Mary (Bob) Salt Lake
City, Utah; Larry (Suzie) Garden Grove, CA; Phyllis, Alturas, CA; Jim (Joyce)
Wildomare, CA; and Robert, Alturas; 10 grandchildren: Mike, Lisa, Matt, Dino,
Barbara, Paula, David, Larry, Patrick and Edrie; 11 great-grandchildren and
many more family and friends who will miss them dearly. A Catholic service and
Mass will be held in their honor on March 31 and April 1, 2006 at Christus St.
Joseph Villa Chapel, 451 Bishop Federal Lane Salt Lake City, Utah.
"The longer you live, the more you are loved. The longer you are loved, the more memories you create, and the harder it is to say goodbye." With Love, Barbara Girgen.
Michael Gardell Estis
Michael Gardell Estis, son of Rosalie (Wallbaum) Estis of Alturas, and the
late Harold Estis, passed away of natural causes at his home at Dry Creek Basin,
outside Alturas, CA on March 26, 2006. He was 47.
Born in Napa, CA on June 1, 1958, at Queen of the Valley Hospital, he attended
school in Napa and graduated from Vintage High School in 1977.
He worked for Kaiser Steel in Napa for a number of years and also on a number
of other construction jobs in Napa. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved to
hunt. He had semi-retired when he moved to Modoc County five years ago. His
father Harold passed away in 1995.
In addition to his mother, Michael is survived by his three aunts: Beulah Acarregui of Caldwell, Idaho; June Matisohn of Oakdale, CA and Pat Barton of Napa, CA.; numerous cousins and many loving friends also mourn for him, especially Terry Long of Alturas, Ron Long of Napa and Shane Rossmoore of Alturas.
Sports
Crane Count at Refuge a treat
By Lynda Demsher
Volunteers who take part in the Modoc National Wildlife Refuge's Crane Count
Saturday, April 8, will get treated to coffee and donuts, a great day of bird
watching, and get a chance to learn about the newly-formed Friends of the MNWR.
The Friends will be up early to serve while Refuge Biologist Shannon Ludwig
gives a brief overview of the Sandhill crane counting effort and hands out maps
of the areas that need to be surveyed. Only breeding pairs will be counted,
and those should be easy to distinguish from the juveniles who tend to group
together, said Refuge Manager Steve Clay.
"For some reason, the young cranes are sticking around longer than they
usually do," he said. "They usually take off by the time we start
counting the breeding pairs, but some may be around this year. Shannon will
have maps showing where known breeding pairs are though, and since they are
very territorial and tend to return to the same nesting grounds year after year,
the breeding pairs shouldn't be too hard to spot."
Four large areas on the west side of the Warner Mountains will be targeted,
he said. Those include Likely, Canby, Goose Lake and Jess Valley. Surprise Valley
will be covered by a separate group of volunteers who will be going out April
1, he said.
Volunteers will be asked to drive their assigned area and count the number
of pairs they see. There should be two volunteers per car, and they should bring
binoculars or spotting scopes. Lunch, a camera, and a clipboard might come in
handy as well. Crane counters will only look for breeding pairs from county
roads, but may pull off to the side occasionally to set up a scope or scan with
binoculars. If residents of the four targeted areas see people along side the
road with binoculars April 8th, they will merely be crane counters, Ludwig said.
Property owners in the four areas are also encouraged to call the Refuge, at
233-3572, and report any nesting cranes that may be missed by volunteers driving
by. Sandhill cranes love to nest in Modoc County because agricultural practices
here provide them with their favorite habitat, says Ludwig. He said the last
survey of breeding pairs on private land was done in 2001, and he would like
to find out if there has been an increase in the population. Many people believe
that agriculture and wildlife conservation are at odds, but that doesn't seem
to be the case here, he said, and he'd like to prove that.
"It's important to find out how private land management contributes to
crane habitat," Ludwig said.
Crane counters will be provided with a form for entering the number of pairs
they see, and a self-addressed, stamped envelope, so they can take their time
during the count without worrying about having to report back at a certain time,
Ludwig noted.
Volunteers who join the crane count will also have an opportunity to become
a member of the Friends of the Modoc National Wildlife Refuge. Friends groups
have been in existence for many years, providing volunteer help with projects
that might not otherwise get done, especially in these tight financial times,
according to Friends of MNWR President David Mason. The group recently got its
non-profit status and can now take tax-deductible donations, he said. With only
about 12 members so far, the fledgling group of volunteers has already started
a landscaping project at the Refuge entrance, a photo blind project on one of
the Refuge ponds, not normally accessible to the public, where photographers
can get close-ups of the migratory birds, and has plans for several rustic,
wood benches to be placed along the tour route. The Friends will also be a resource
for volunteers for the Adopt-A-Watershed program that provides outdoor education
opportunities for area students, and will be involved with the annual Migratory
Bird Festival held in September.
The Refuge has the potential of drawing "eco-tourists" to Modoc County
where their dollars can help local businesses, Mason said. Improvements on the
Refuge will make it more attractive to tourists, as well as provide local visitors
with more amenities, he added. There are also a number of grants available to
Friends groups to help with Refuge projects, so this is one group that won't
have to raise all its funds from the community, he said.
Anyone wishing to volunteer for the crane count can call the Modoc National
Wildlife Refuge at 233-3572. Those who would like to join the Friends can call
233-5505 and leave a message, or show up for the crane count and pick up an
application.
Modoc
track team opens March 30
The Modoc High School Track team will start its season at the Mt. Shasta Time
Trials March 30.
Coaching the track team is Wendi Lowrey, with assistants Mike Martin, Don Mason,
Steve Tate, Loren Ambers and Kathy Hall.
Team members this year are: Travis Wood, Zeke Bonham, Grant Hall, Cam Hall, Catherine Lowry, John Lowry, Rachel Kerbergen, Stacey Parnow, Stacey Main, Merielle Nardoni, Kelly Campagna, Jennifer Joyce, Danielle Moriarity, Michel Funk, John Crnkovic, Rachel Field, Kieran Porter, Lacey Conger, Kyle Hartman, Seth Hartman, Chrissy Abbott-Hall, Kim Partee, Micah Eppler, Amanda Hess, Alisha Hayes, Robert Spedding and Lenny Gladu.
Luscombe is 2-2 at Nationals
Tulelake's John Luscombe, who placed second in the California State Championships
at 145 pounds, went 2-2 in the National High School finals at Pittsburgh Pa.,
last weekend.
Luscombe lost to Mike Haxton of Ohio 4-3, after pinning Florida's Michael Weiss
and beating Nevada's Bryce Saddoris 6-4. He lost to Ohio's Andy Lanacusa 6-5.
Modoc's Travis Wood, wrestling at 152 pounds, lost to Minnesota's Michael Rubbena 12-4 in an opening match and lost 1-0 to Louisiana's Matthew Cotaya in the second match.
News
County Counsel says voter residency definition very lenient
Modoc County Counsel John Kenny Friday issued an opinion stating that Susanville
Attorney Gary Woolverton is a qualified candidate for Modoc District Attorney.
Modoc County Clerk Maxine Madison asked Kenny for an opinion concerning a challenge
from local Pubic Defender Richard Cotta, a candidate for DA, to Woolverton meeting
the Modoc residency requirement.
Woolverton may have never actually lived in the home at 100 Main Street, Adin,
when he registered to vote in Modoc March 14 and used that as his residence.
Cotta had challenged that since he did not live at that residence, he was not
qualified to run for office because his domicile was not in Modoc County at
the time.
Apparently, according to Kenny's opinion, that didn't really matter.
"For the purposes of election law, domicile and residence mean the same
thing and are determined in part by the intention of the party. Registration
to vote itself implies an intention to reside permanently," he states.
"The courts can be very lenient in determining what is sufficient for residency.
A voter listing a park as a residence for purposes of registration was found
to be sufficient even though there was an ordinance prohibiting camping in the
park."
Cotta had cited election code stating, "Residence for voting purposes
means a person's domicile. The domicile of a person is that place in which his
or her habitation is fixed, wherein the person has the intention of remaining,
and to which, whenever he or she is absent, the person has the intention of
returning. At a given time, a person may have only one residence."
Kenny said it would be risky for Madison to disqualify Woolverton and that
Cotta would still have court remedies.
In his opinion, Kenny states that the "reason for the proposed disqualification
is not expressly stated, but it appears the concern has to do with one party's
residence . . . It appears that the concern of the party complaining (Cotta)
deals with whether the other candidate is a resident of Modoc County. As such,
his complaint would be directed at whether the candidate should be a registered
voter.
"A voter' is an elector who is registered to vote. An elector'
means any person who is a United States Citizen 18 years of age or older and
a resident of an election precinct at least 29 days prior to an election."
While Kenny states that the reason for proposed disqualification is not expressly
stated, Cotta had presented a specific complaint and a 28-page investigation
report detailing his views and findings.
On Monday, Woolverton said he was please with Kenny's opinion, and it mirrored
what he had researched. He has established a residence outside of Alturas as
of March 25 and according to the Clerk's office has changed his voting residence
to that address. He said he will leave it to Modoc voters as to whether he is
a "carpetbagger" in the June 6 election.
Cotta said there are several options open to him, including a lawsuit, but he hasn't made the decision which option to take. He said he is studying case law cited by Kenny.
DA helped Woolverton collect signatures
Modoc County District Attorney Jordan Funk assisted Susanville Attorney Gary
Woolverton, and DA candidate in June, in obtaining signatures for his nomination
papers, and as such forwarded a complaint by candidate Richard Cotta to the
Attorney General.
"Approximately two weeks ago, Richard Cotta tendered to me a complaint
alleging election law violations by District Attorney candidate Gary Woolverton,"
Funk said. "Because I assisted Mr. Woolverton in obtaining signatures on
his nomination papers, I deemed it inappropriate for me to act on the matter
since my impartiality might be called into question. I, therefore, forwarded
the matter to the Attorney General."
Funk said he forwarded Woolverton's response to Cotta's complaint and Friday's
analysis and conclusion by County Counsel John Kenny to the AG as well.
"The Attorney General has instructed me to inform interested parties that he is reviewing the matter," Funk said.
February, March snows push levels past normal
A wet weather pattern from February through March pushed mountain snowpack
levels to well above averages in Modoc.
The Modoc National Forest snow surveys for April were completed at the end
of last week and show a marked increase in both snow depth and water content
since the January measurements.
Adin Mountain has 43.5 inches of snow, with 15.4 inches of water content. That's
30 percent higher than the normal snow depth of 33.6 inches and 21 percent higher
for water content of 12.8 inches.
Cedar Pass now has 54 inches of snow with 18.9 inches of water. The annual
average for Cedar Pass at this time is 44 inches of snow and 16.7 inches of
water. The snowpack is 122 percent of normal and the water content is 113 percent
of normal.
Blue Lake has 32 inches of snow containing 11 inches of water. The yearly average
is 28 inches of snow and 10.1 inches of water. This year snow depth is 116 percent
of normal and water is 106 percent of normal.
Medicine Lake is buried under 134.8 inches of snow containing 46.3 inches of
water. That's 163 percent of the normal 82.5 inches of snow and 141 percent
of the normal 32.8 water content.
The snow survey point at Medicine Lake is at 6,700 feet; it's 6,200 feet at
Adin Mountain, 7,100 feet on Cedar Pass and 6,800 feet at Blue Lake.
Last April's surveys showed less snow: Cedar Pass, 44 inches containing 14.2
inches of water; Blue Lake, 18 inches of snow with 5.7 inches of water; and
Medicine Lake, 76.6 inches of snow with 30.5 inches of water.
The January surveys showed the following results:
Snow levels at Blue Lake measured 17.1 inches, containing 4.7 inches of water,
68 percent of normal for snow depth (25 inches) and 61 percent of water content
(7.6 inches.) Last year Blue Lake had 15 inches of snow in January with a water
content of 3.4 inches in January.
Cedar Pass had 30.8 inches of snow, containing 8.3 inches of water. The annual
average for that spot is 35 inches containing 10.7 inches of water. The snow
level was 85 percent of normal and the water content 77 percent of normal. Last
year in January, the area had 27 inches of snow containing 7.8 inches of water.
Adin Mountain, measured 23.6 inches of snow with 6.6 inches of water. That was
84 percent of average snow depth (28.2 inches) and 79 percent water content
(8.32 inches).
National Power biomass project moving forward
The proposed National Power biomass power plant project is moving forward,
carefully, although somewhat tediously.
National Power is proposed to construct a 20-40 megawatt biomass power plant
on city-owned property north of the existing structures at the mill site, near
the Alturas airport. The project also includes a small log sawmill.
According to National's Len Wohadto, the biggest issue at this moment is National
Power's contract with Sierra Pacific. While the bidding process is complete,
the contract still has to be approved by the Nevada Public Utilities Commission,
which has about 135 days for approval. He expects that approval to come in June
or July.
Once the 20-year power contract is in place, National will start a full Environmental
Impact Report on the project and file all the necessary applications with the
local planning department. The EIR process will include the required and necessary
public scoping meetings and hearings. Wohadto said the process will be transparent
and the community well informed and involved.
The City and County have been working on this power plant project in a joint
effort for well more than a year.
The entire project is expected to create more than 100 new jobs in Modoc County,
from actual plant workers to the logging and trucking industries.
September 7, 2006
News
Interest in Anklin's seat grows
At last two people have made application to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
to replace former District IV Supervisor Ray Anklin.
Shorty Crabtree, a local rancher, and Ron McCullough, a businessman and driver
for the Modoc Senior Center, have both field the necessary paperwork, although
the Governor's office has not actually posted the correct filing papers on its
Internet site.
Anyone wishing to fill Anklin's position must file an application with the
Governor, who will make the appointment.
Anklin, of Canby, formally resigned his seat in August after entering a "no
contest" plea in Modoc Superior Court on charges of having sexual intercourse
with a 17-year-old girl last spring and summer.
As a part of his plea deal, Anklin had to resign from the Modoc County Board
of Supervisors.
According to County Clerk Maxine Madison, a notice of vacancy to Governor Arnold
Schwarzenegger has been sent. Madison said an election is not allowed, and the
appointed Supervisor would serve Anklin's remaining term, through 2008. There
is no indication on how long the Governor will take to make an appointment.
All registered voters in District IV are eligible to apply for appointment
and must make application online at http://www.gov.ca.gov/index.php?/appointments/application.
Government Code 2500 requires each county to have a Board of Supervisors consisting
of five members.
Anyone who makes application to fill the vacancy is asked to notify Modoc County Clerk Maxine Madison at 233-6201.
Voter registration open for Nov. election
Voters interested in voting in the November 7 General Election have until October
23 to register to vote. Any changes in voter registration should also be made
at that time, including name and address corrections.
The November 7 election is shaping up and a pivotal point in national state
and local politics. Nationally, U.S. Representative John Doolittle is facing
one of his biggest challenges from retired Air Force Officer Charlie Brown.
Doolittle has been heavily implicated in the Jack Abramoff lobbying scandal.
There will be local elections in November in the Modoc Joint Unified School
District, Tulelake Joint Unified School District, California Pines Community
Services District and the Fort Bidwell Fire District.
Incumbent Karen Hays has filed for re-election in the Modoc Joint Unified School
District and two challengers have filed, Erin Bevil and Eric Sittig. Incumbent
Pat Swanson is not seeking re-election.
There are four seats on the ballot for the Surprise Valley Joint Unified School
District. There will not be an election in that four people have filed for those
seats and there is no competition. In Cedarville, the seats of Gene Erquiaga
and James Laacke expire. Laacke and a challenger, Penny Borghi, have filed,
but Erquiaga did not run. Bill Bostic has filed for re-election and Alissa Fee
has filed in Fort Bidwell. Ft. Bidwell's incumbent, Steve Smith, did not file.
Incumbent Roy Wright has filed for re-election on the Tulelake Basin Joint
Unified School Board. Two challengers, Venencio Hernandez and Randall Bailey
have also filed. Incumbent Donald Kirby did not file.
On the County Board of Education: District Two's Rebekah Ingraham; District
Three's Dixie Server; and District Five's Marcella Haynes have filed and will
not have to face an election.
There will be an election for one seat on the Fort Bidwell Fire District. Incumbent
John Drew is being challenged by John Brauner.
An election is also set for the California Pines Community Services District
where three seats are up. Incumbent Lola Milliron and Bruce Rodgers are running
for re-election, but Robert Lyons has not filed. Three challengers have filed:
James Ganoe, Stanley Ehlinger and Hank Drury.
Julie Gagnon has filed for re-election to Big Valley Joint Unified School District Board of Trustees.
Hospital debt goes up nearly $400,000
Modoc Medical Center's debt to the county increased at the end of August to
$5,989,192.44, up $387,234 from July's $5,601,957.81 according to Modoc County
Auditor Judi Stevens.
That's up from June's $5,355,838.60. The debt from September, 2005 has increased
by $1,298,380.
By month the debt looked like this: September $4,690,812; October $4,741,129;
November $4,585,423; December $4,867,652; January $4,793,393; February $5,071,818,
March $5,366.613 and April $5,531,096.
The Modoc Record will continue to publish the actual debt at the end of each
month.
Birdfest takes wing Sept. 15
Ever wish you could go on a safari to a strange and fascinating place? Your
wish will be granted Friday, September 15, and you don't even have to leave
Alturas. At 7 p.m. Stefan Savides will present his collection of fascinating
wildlife photos during the "International Bird Safari" in the social
hall at Modoc High School. Savides, a taxidermy artist from Klamath Falls, recently
returned from Africa where he photographed many kinds of fascinating birds and
animals. After the presentation, the Friends of the Modoc National Wildlife
Refuge, who are sponsoring the event, will serve coffee and cheesecake with
a variety of toppings. The event is free to the public. However, donations for
Friends' projects at the Refuge will be welcomed, along with people interested
in joining the Refuge supporters.
Saturday, the annual Wings of the Warners Modoc Migratory Bird Festival rolls
to a start with a "Birds and Bikes" bicycle ride at 8:30 a.m. Riders
will gather in the Modoc Museum parking lot (near the train engine) and ride
to the Refuge, around the auto/walking tour route to observe the wildlife, and
back to the Veterans' Park where the Festival begins at 9:30 a.m. The First
Baptist Youth Group will have Krispy Kreme donuts and coffee available for returning
bike riders and early Festival arrivals.
This year's artistic offerings will include Jim Walker's wood carvings, Linda
LaNeve's creative gourds, Sandy Higa's jewelry, and Dick Mackey's Canyon Creek
pottery. Informational booths will feature the latest happenings from the Alturas
Chamber of Commerce, Surprise Valley Chamber of Commerce, Friends of the Library,
and Modoc Historical Association, as well as the Modoc National Wildlife Refuge,
The River Center, and other wildlife agencies. The annual "Tub of Treasures"
will also be available at the Information Booth as a fund-raiser to help with
Festival expenses.
New at the Festival this year will be music featuring talented local musicians
from the Country Jammers. A lunch break has been scheduled so people won't have
to worry about choosing between listening to music or attending a workshop.
Several food booths will be available so no one need leave the park for a meal.
Also new at this year's event is a nature-related scavenger hunt for anyone
who wants to participate.
Bird watching is becoming a popular hobby nowadays, and those interested in
finding out more about this fascinating pursuit can join a bird-watching clinic
Saturday morning, shortly after the Bird Festival opens. Following that, bats
have their due as John "The Batman" Ranlett leads a workshop explaining
the myths and wonders of the furry fliers. For real live wildlife, catch Redding's
Turtle Bay Museum's display of raptors on Saturday afternoon. Owls, hawks, a
golden eagle, and a very dignified buzzard are usually featured, with Turtle
Bay docents available to give information about each one.
Children's activities include face painting and a variety of hands-on nature
craft projects. They can also get their picture taken as an antelope or crane,
participate in the scavenger hunt, and make a bird house to take home. The hilarious
"Quack Me Up" duck-calling contest winds up Saturday's activities
with judges determining who comes closest to sounding like a real duck.
On Sunday, at 7:30 a.m. a Guided bird watching tour begins at the Refuge. At
8:30 a.m. a mist netting demonstration at the Refuge (trained people will demonstrate
how songbirds are caught and banded). Those seeking adventure will have a chance
to participate in The River Center's annual River Clean-Up Day. Those interested
simply show up at The River Center, Henderson Street in Alturas, at 10:30 a.m.
for an approximately two-hour escapade along the banks of the Pit River and
its watershed area.
Sharon Kormier Blick
Former Alturas resident, Sharon Kormier Blick of Mojave, CA, passed away at
her home on September 3, 2006. A memorial service for Mrs. Blick, will be held
Wednesday, September 20 at 2 p.m. at Stickel Mortuary in Mojave.
A former resident of Alturas, CA and a 1955 graduate of Modoc Union High, Mrs.
Blick was born July 16, 1937 in Reno, Nevada. She attended Reno Beauty College
in 1955.
She met and married Morris Blick of Virginia and the couple celebrated their
golden anniversary on July 22. Mrs. Blick was a wonderful homemaker and mother,
who traveled the world through her husband's Air Force career over the years.
She was the daughter of George and Blanche Kormier of Alturas.
She is survived by her husband Morris of Mojave; brother James Kormier of Healdsburg;
sons David Blick of Mojave, James Blick of Wyoming and Kenneth Blick of Nebraska.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to any favorite charity of the
donor's choosing.
The small log sawmill is an integral part of the project, said Wohadto. In
most cases, he said, the power plants were used to generate electricity to run
the sawmills. In this case, the sawmill will be the main supplier of fuel for
the power plant, and the electricity will be sold to Sierra Pacific. The value
of the plant is expected to be above $50 million.
The plant is projected to need about 150,000 tons of fuel per year, but will
be operating more efficiently than existing biomass plants and it must meet
California emission standards. National Power states the plant will use one-third
less fuel to produce the same amount of electricity as existing biomass plants.
National hopes the first draft of the EIR can been finished by the end of this
year and all the permitting and land use issues settled and in place by the
end of 2007. Construction could start in 2008 with the plant possibly coming
on line in 2010.
The current effort to manage juniper in this neck of the woods is one of the
driving forces behind the biomass plant project. National believes there is
sufficient and renewable fuel resource to meet the long-term needs of the power
plant. In addition, the state's move towards more "green energy" sources
is a big part of the project.
National Power describes itself as an owner and operator of environmentally
sensitive electric generating facilities which has existing facilities in Australia
and United States. The company was founded in 1991 and is privately owned.
The site for the proposed power plant is on 103 acres of city-owned property
at the mill site adjacent to the airport.
National Power projects include in the Big Valley Mill power plant, which is
up and running. That plant had been closed and shut down when Big Valley Lumber
Mill was sold and dismantled, but the power plant remained intact. It is a biomass
power plant, burning wood products.
The City of Alturas is currently working to resolve a variety of serious sewer
plant issues, not the least of which is satisfying a state cease and desist
order. Those issues are being addressed and rectified.
The City hired Wendy Johnston of Vestra Resources, Inc., out of Redding, as their project manager. A lot of the work on the sewer project may dovetail with the power plant as plans are to make use of the sewer wastewater for the cooling towers. By using that water, the plant should not have an adverse impact on the available water resources.
Hospital debt up to $5.36 million
Modoc Medical Center's debt to Modoc County increased to $5,366,613.58 for March, 2006 as reported by
Modoc County Auditor/Recorder Judi Stevens Monday. That's up from $5,071,818.73
reported by the Record for February, an increase of $294,794.80.
That's a $665,801.10 increase from September, 2005's debt of $4,690,812.46.
The debt is fluid and did drop in November to $4,585,423.21. Month by month
the debt was: September $4,690,812; October $4,741,129; November $4,585,423;
December $4,867,652; January $4,793,393; and February $5,071,818.
The Modoc Record will continue to publish the actual debt at the end of each month.
Leah Estill to represent Modoc as Beef Princess
It was a big night for Leah Estill of Eagleville and Claire Crenshaw of Alturas,
both 16 who were vying for Modoc County CattleWomen's fourth annual Modoc County
Beef Princess title and scholarship at the Modoc District Fairgrounds in Cedarville
last Saturday night.
The two young women spoke eloquently before a dinner crowd of 165 people. "It
was a very close competition," described Modoc County CattleWoman Sharon
Crabtree of the point outcome, in which Leah Estill, daughter of John and Lani
Estill of Eagleville, was announced as the new Modoc County Beef Princess for
2006/07.
Both contestants showed their keen interest and knowledge of the beef industry
from diverse backgrounds in the beef industry and impressive involvement over
the years with FFA and 4-H, as both officers and members. Crenshaw is the daughter
of David and Patricia "Patty" Crenshaw of Alturas.
The Beef Princess will represent the Cattlemen and CattleWomen of Modoc County
and surrounding areas for the coming year. Estill is required to attend many
functions and events to promote public awareness regarding the benefits of beef
and the beef industry. She will participate in Ag in the Classroom programs
by visiting schools, attending field days and horseback riding in special events.
The purpose of the competition is to educate the public about the industry.
Estill received a $500 scholarship, $100 savings bond, silver buckle, impressive
hat tiara and sash, a complete western outfit, bootbag and various gifts donated
by businesses and members of the CattleWomen's Association.
Surprise Valley FFA provided the steak dinner. Julie McDonell, Modoc High FFA Advisor/Ag teacher, won the grand prize, a guided salmon fishing trip on the Sacramento River by C&A Guide Services from Anderson, CA.
Obituaries:
James Duane Davis
Services for Alturas resident James Duane Davis will be held Sunday, April
9 at the Alturas Baptist Church, 500 West Fourth St., Alturas, with a traditional
dinner at 2 p.m. and services to follow at the church. Burial will be at Ft.
Bidwell Cemetery following the services.
Mr. Davis, passed away on his fiftieth birthday April 2, 2006, at Mercy Medical
Hospital in Redding, CA. He had battled with a lengthy illness.
The well-educated Mr. Davis had a history of helping people and the world around
him through his professions as a Fisheries Research Biologist, Legislative Lobbyist,
Cultural Consultant, Water Director and Ranger and Defensive tactics instructor
and legal advocate. He had also worked in the field of construction and was
an independent business owner-operator. He was fluent in and understood the
Paiute Indian Language.
Born on April 2, 1956 in Reno, Nevada, he was listed in the "Who's Who"
Among American High School students in 1973 and 1974. He earned three scholarship
awards toward his college education and graduated with a Bachelor of Science
degree in Biology and numerous certificates from University of Nevada, Reno,
of which he was an Alumni Member. As a former saddle bronc and bareback rider,
he also enjoyed skiing and horseback riding and enjoyed watching the sport of
rodeo and air racing. He also enjoyed doing carpentry, fishing, cooking, reading
and was interested in computer technology. He had specialized weaponry training
and handling skills and was a people watcher.
James was a kind and loving husband, married to Leah Louanne Wyatt on March
4, 1989 in Carson City, NV. Although he had grown up in Nevada, James and Leah
moved to Alturas three years ago. He was known as "The Fun Marshall."
He is survived by his wife Leah Louanne Wyatt-Davis of Alturas, CA; stepson
James Paul Preston, Oroville, CA; son Jason Davis, Nixon, NV; daughter Marie
Davis, Durant, Oklahoma; son James-Adam Davis, Nixon, NV; daughter Rachel Davis,
Durant, Oklahoma; grandmother Emmelina Lowry, Nixon, NV; uncle Ferman Lowry,
Nixon, NV; uncle Ellwood Lowry, Sutcliff, NV; great-uncle Manuel "Gil"
Noneo, Fallon, NV; and his special pets, Kitty and Elvis, Alturas.
His mother Adeline Davis predeceased her son in 2003.
Services are under the direction of Kerr Mortuary in Alturas. Memorial donations may be directed to a charity of the donor's choice.
Stephen David Standart
Services for Stephen David Standart of Lookout, will be held at 2 p.m. Friday,
April 7, graveside at the Adin Cemetery. Mr. Standart, 55, passed away of natural
causes at his home in Lookout, CA on March 31, 2006.
Born November 2, 1950 in San Jose, CA. he had lived all but four years of his
life in Big Valley. He graduated from Big Valley High School, Bieber. Stephen
devoted hours to working on cars and enjoyed working on cars entered in Destruction
Derbys. He also was passionate about being outdoors and he loved to hunt. He
is survived by his soulmate, Kathy Reymer of Lookout; brother Jim Standart of
Adin, CA; sons Stephen D. Standart, II of Newport News, VA and Arthur J. Standart
of Sacramento, CA. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Services are under the direction of Kerr Mortuary, Alturas, CA.
Sports
Modoc, Weed tied in golf
The Modoc Braves and Weed Cougars are tied at 11-1 for the Shasta Cascade League
golf lead this week. Modoc is set to play today at Fall River against Trinity,
Fall River and Mt. Shasta.
The golf team, one of the few teams to get any action because of the weather,
lost in a practice match with Lakeview April 4 at Arrowhead by the score of
537-494.
On March 30, the Braves split with Weed at Lake Shastina. Conditions were cool
and gusty and caused the players some trouble. Modoc scores were: Brian Weed
87, Micah Eppler 85, Jeff Solomon 87, Keith Montague 100, Daniel Morgan 102,
Matt Williams 103. Team scores were Modoc 237-218 (455), Weed 235-223 (448).
March 29, the Braves beat Bishop Quinn and Burney at Arrowhead by the following
scores: Modoc 211-209 (420), Burney 310-297 (607) and Bishop Quinn (no team).
Individual scores were: Weed 77, Eppler 78, Solomon 89, Josue Madrigal 81, Montague 95 and Dustin Philpott 102.
Braves
lose three ball games
Modoc's baseball team has yet to get on the home baseball field, save to shovel
snow, which might explain three opening losses at the Etna tournament last weekend.
This week is not turning out much better for the Braves weather-wise as snow
and rain are forecast through Saturday. "Overall, I was pleased with how
the team played this weekend," said coach Tim MacDonnell. "Once we
get in a groove, I think we'll be just fine."
In Etna the Braves lost to Yreka 5-0, collecting just three hits. Cox, Bill
Hammerness and Justin Mason each had a hit.
Jered Cox got the loss on the mound. He allowed six hits, gave up a pair of
walks and struck out five.
The Braves lost to Tulelake 2-0 with Tim Cruse getting the only hit. Jesse Harer
was the losing pitcher, allowing four hits and a walk, while striking out three.
"Tulelake is a solid, well-coached team that plays small ball very well,"
said MacDonnell. "We were excited to finally get a game in and I was extremely
pleased with our pitching."
Modoc lost to West Valley 8-2. Cruse and Harer each had a hit. Cruse got the
loss, allowing six hits, walking five and striking out three.
The Braves are schedule to play Trinity here Friday with a 2 p.m. start time.
Reservoir Fisheries Management Meeting April 13, 2006
The Modoc National Forest, Bureau of Land Management - Alturas Field Office,
and California Department of Fish and Game will be hosting a reservoir fisheries
management meeting on April 13, 2006. The meeting will be held from 7:00 -9:00
pm at the BLM conference room, 708 W. 12th St., Alturas.
This will be an information sharing meeting and will allow public input to reservoir fisheries issues on public lands of the Modoc National Forest and BLM - Alturas Field Office. For more information contact Marty Yamagiwa at 530 233-8833.
April 13th, 2006
News
New Clerk/Auditor Ordinance in effect
The new ordinances combining the Modoc County Clerk's Office with the Auditor/Recorder's
Office and establishing an appointed clerk of the Board are now in effect.
In spite of assurances to the contrary, as late as last Thursday, from opponents
of the ordinances, Modoc County Clerk Maxine Madison said individuals who had
taken out papers for a referendum against the ordinance failed to show up. Without
the referendum being filed on time, the ordinances became law and will actually
become effective when Madison retires in January.
Madison said she is checking with legal counsel for what she will actually
place on the June 6 ballot. No one actually filed for the new position of Auditor/County
Clerk, but current Auditor Judi Stevens did file and will qualify for both positions.
There will not be an election for County Clerk.
Madison reminds voters who registered before last year to contact her office
to insure they have a proper voter identification number recorded.
That number could be a driver's license number or the last four digits of a
person's social security number. Madison asks voters to contact her office before
Friday. Voters who do not have a voter ID number may not receive the voter information
packets. It's probable that voters who registered over the last year were asked
to include the voter ID number.
The final day to register to vote for the June 6 Primary Election is May 22.
That's also the final day to make registration changes. One of the major areas
needing attention is voters' addresses matching up with their current registration.
If someone has moved or had a name change, he needs to make the voter registration
change.
Madison said it's very important for people to make those changes soon, in
the next week, so that they insure they'll receive their state information pamphlet
as well as a sample ballot.
People can make changes at the County Clerk's Office. For more information
call 233-6201.
The June 6 election races are in place and several local races are contested
and heated.
Modoc Public Defender Richard Cotta, local attorney John Lawson, and Susanville
attorney Gary Woolverton, are running for District Attorney.
The race for Sheriff is between current Undersheriff Mark Gentry and recently
retired California Highway Patrolman Mike Poindexter.
Cheri Budmark, appraiser II, and Ron Imbach, a former Modoc Assessor's office
appraiser are running for Modoc County Assessor.
Incumbent Superintendent of Schools Dr. Vanston Shaw is being challenged for
that office by Gary Jones, a Tulelake Basin Joint Unified School District administrator.
The race for the two seats on the Alturas City Council includes incumbents
Jerry Smith and John Vass and challengers Rod Gately and Keith Jacques.
Auditor Judi Stevens and Treasurer/Tax Collector Cheryl Knoch are unopposed
as is City Treasurer Kathie Alves.
District Attorney Jordan Funk, Modoc County Sheriff Bruce Mix, Clerk Maxine
Madison and Assessor Josephine Johnson are not seeking re-election to a second
term.
Both members of the County Board of Supervisors -- District One's Dan Macsay
and District Five's David Bradshaw -- will run again. David Porter Misso of
Tulelake is running against Bradshaw. Macsay is unopposed.
The Primary Election is scheduled for June 6 and will include local, state and national offices. It will also include two local measures, one an increase in the Surprise Valley Hospital Assessment from $150 to $225 per year and another for an increase in the Alturas City Mosquito Abatement assessment from .50 cents per month to $1.50 per month. Both of those issues require a two-thirds majority to pass.
Water managers pleased with current picture
While the overabundance of water received this spring is a grave concern elsewhere
in the state, causing flooding and levee damage in places, local water officials
here are unanimously delighted.
"We're in great shape. My understanding is that most everybody's reservoirs
are full. The ground is supersaturated. There's just water everywhere,"
said Steve Clay, the wildlife refuge manager who closely monitors Dorris Reservoir
above Alturas.
As for the reservoir, "it's full," said Clay. "Basically, it's
been full since about the beginning of March."
Jerry Wendland, watermaster for the West Valley Reservoir, said, "On the
sixth, the reservoir spilled. I shut the diversion ditch off yesterday because
it's full." The diversion ditch carries water from the South Fork of the
Pit River to the reservoir. "I just put it in the river and let it go down
to PG&E. They'll be happy."
"It's been a exceptional runoff year for the reservoir," said Willy
Hagge of the Hot Springs district, who manages water in Big Sage Reservoir.
"A normal runoff year for Big Sage Reservoir is about 16,000 to 17, 000
acre-feet. This year, we've already received 33,000 acre-feet into the reservoir.
So, we're almost double our normal runoff into the reservoir. That shows you
what an exceptional year we've had."
None of the managers seemed concerned that there might be too much water for
the system to handle.
"I really don't look for that to happen," said Wendland, tersely.
He remembered the swollen streams due to late season storms in May last year.
"It was up to the top of the banks," he recalled. Yet, he is apparently
confident that a repeat this year would be manageable. "I think the system
can handle it."
"I don't see anything on the scope of last year," said Clay, noting
that the refuge is a natural flood plain, providing a safety valve for excess
flows. "Everything looks very manageable right now. The refuge will probably
see some minor flooding at some point this spring, depending upon how the weather
goes. But, that's typical for us.
"Because we have the ability to shut off two of the inflows coming into
the (Dorris) reservoirthat being Pine Creek and Parker Creekwe have
some control," said Clay. "We're trying to keep it so that we can
preclude a flooding event by having too much water coming into Dorris that we
can't deal with. We've been keeping an eye to the weather and an eye to what's
going on in the reservoir so that we can keep ahead of an event."
Noting that the 77,000 acre-feet capacity of Big Sage is not likely to be reached
in one season, no matter how wet, Hagge dismisses any potential for flooding
in his part of the Pit River system. "We're not even to half full yet with
Big Sage. The more water the better. A huge runoff like this is not going to
affect us in any way with any kind of potential to hurt our infrastructure.
There is so much more capacity in the reservoir still. We couldn't have that
much runoff to have Big Sage spill."
All are in agreement that the snow pack will be sufficient to supply downstream
irrigators with ample water late into the season.
"I think we have a good snow pack," said Wendland, assessing the
situation. "So, unless we get some real warm weather coming up right away,
we're going to have a pretty decent flow in the river up until I'm hoping up
into the middle of May or longer."
Hagge feels that an ample snow pack promises "a real benefit to the farmers
and ranchers. I think the whole country is pretty much in that same categorya
lot of water this year with reservoirs filling up nicely. So, it makes it a
lot nicer than the drought situations we've been in. That's for sure."
Managers are more concerned with saturated fields that can't be plowed or planted
due to excess water. "If people aren't happy, it's not going to be because
of a lack of water," said Clay. "It's probably going to be from too
much water."
All agree this has been a banner water year. "It's all good news for us," said Hagge, who believes that his reservoir will likely end the season with over 40,000 acre-feet. "It's nice to see Big Sage get back to a situation where it has some reserve built into it."
Only one dry day to start April
April precipitation has exceeeded the monthly average of 1.11 inches. As of
Wednesday, only one day of the month was dry.
According to the Modoc National Forest measurements, 1.42 inches of precipitation
was recorded from April 1 trough April 11.
Thursday was supposed to clear off and warm up, but the forecast is for another .50 inches of precipitation this weekend. April 7 was the only day so far in the month that did not have measurable rain.
Prepare for higher gas prices this summer
It may be hard to believe, but gas prices are predicted to go even higher this
summer. The experts are talking about gas over $3 per gallon. Modoc has already
exceeded that price.
On Tuesday, unleaded regular gas in Alturas ranged from $2.95.9 to $2.97.9
per gallon; plus unleaded was $3.05.9 to $3.07.9; premium was $3.15.9 to $3.17.9
and diesel was $3,09.9 to $3.11.9.
The average price of gas in northern California is $2.84, with Redding showing
$2.86 and the highest price, according to Triple A, was in South Lake Tahoe
at $3.10.
According to the U.S. Energy Department's "seasonal outlook" the
projection is that regular grade gas will be about $2.80 nationwide this summer.
Gasoline costs have increased about 40 cents nationwide since a year ago. The
federal agency says gas prices will vary region to region and state to state
and expects some areas to hit $3.00 per gallon during the peak driving season.
In Modoc, several local residents are saying the cost of home heating fuel is creating severe hardships with the budgets. The cost of heating fuel here as of Tuesday was $2.49 for routed customers and $2.59 for others with a 100-gallon minimum. The fact that winter is not loosening its grip is creating more problems.
MHS Jazz Band could be history
The popular Modoc High School Jazz Band program could suffer a fate similar
to Katrina's on New Orleans.
MHS Music instructor Jay Jones is faced with the requirement that he have 15
students sign up for the Jazz Band class. If not, school administrators will
fill that slot with a different class and Jazz Band will be a fading memory.
Several parents and students have protested the cut of the program. Jones believes
it's a valuable program for the music department and especially important for
those students who are interested in advancing their abilities and understanding.
MHS Principal Don Demsher said he supports the Jazz Band program, but doesn't
feel it can be continued unless there is enough student interest. He said he
felt the 15-student minimum was reasonable. There has not been a minimum number
of students required for the class in the past.
Demsher said the issue was not a predominately money or budget problem. He
said the success or continuation of the program will depend largely upon whether
Jones can attract enough advanced students for the class.
Several parents, including Linda Aarstad said the program is invaluable and
gives serious music students chance to progress and learn. She said she felt
Jones was an "excellent" music teacher.
Parent Robert Haggard said the Jazz Band program has been very beneficial and
it's also popular with the public. He also felt Jones had improved the quality
of the music program overall, and felt the Jazz Band has been a valuable asset
for music students. He said he has been very impressed with the time spent,
improvement, energy and talent of the music department.
Demsher said there are some issues surrounding the music department and the
Jazz Band's future could well depend on whether Jones can attract the required
number of qualified students.
Aarstad said she understands the need for sufficient students, and believes
that the students should be able to meet the requirements and level of play
at Jazz Band. She doesn't agree that setting an arbitrary number is a good idea.
"If we lose the Jazz Band, it will be especially detrimental to the serious
music students," she said. "There may not be 15 students, but there
are many who have signed up and who would benefit greatly from the program.
Jazz Band is not for every student and it's demanding. Jones expects more from
the Jazz Band members. There are times he can be tough. What's most important
are the results and the concerts Mr. Jones puts on are incredible. No one can
deny that."
Nationally, schools have been cutting programs in the arts and music areas, in order to meet testing requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act. That does not appear to be the issue at Modoc High School.
Lions roll out Easter eggs, prizes for Saturday kids'
event
The annual Easter Egg Hunt for all children on Saturday, April 15 starts at
1:00 p.m. sharp at Veterans' Park, South Main Street, Alturas. No matter what
the weather, the "hunt" is always held.
The Alturas Lions Club sponsors the event and Chairperson Pat Schluter recommends
families arrive early to find their child's age-designated location. Lawn signs
will help adults and children locate the five, designated age-category areas
for the hunt.
Children ages one to 10 years old should bring a basket to join in the hunt.
Dozens of colored eggs will be scattered across the lawns, along with 300 plastic
eggs filled with candy. Three prize baskets will also be given in each age group.
A dedicated group of Lions Club members will start their Saturday morning at
7:30 a.m. at Kelley Hot Springs where they will boil the eggs, then color them
in large tubs. The eggs cool as they are transported back to Alturas at noon.
The Leos Youth Club (teen) members will help with crowd control and place the
eggs on the park lawns, which takes about an hour.
It doesn't take the young participants long to scoop up the eggs. Seven years
ago, the Lions clocked the event as taking one minute and 10 seconds.
Several years ago, the Lions Club members moved the Egg Hunt project from Sunday to Saturday. This allows Lions to celebrate Easter with their own families and also does not conflict with local family celebrations and church services.
Tenor, baritone home to give concert
A special concert Wednesday, April 19, at 7 p.m. at the Niles Theater in Alturas,
will be An unforgettable evening of beautiful music, humor and vocal fireworks
on Wednesday, April 19 at 7 p.m. at the Niles Theater in Alturas will feature
native sons Jeran Micheal Brown, baritone, and Zachary Stains, tenor, with piano
accompanist Melissa Johnson from the Nevada Opera in Cantiamo, Opera's Greatest
Arias and Duets!
Timeless works of music will be performed from operas by Puccini, Verdi, Bizet,
Mozart, Handel, Gilbert & Sullivan and American composers in duets and melodic
solos.
Stains, who has been described by the New Yorker, as "A commanding tenor
with charm to burn," will travel from his residence in New York, where
his 2006 engagements include lead tenor roles in several operas in the U.S.
and Italy, with the Virginia Opera, the Green Mountain Opera Festival in Vermont
and the lead tenor role of Telamonte in Vivaldi's Hercules in Spoleto, Italy.
Handel's Radamisto CD, released in November 2005 on Virgin Classics, features
Stains and has won several important awards including the London Times Classical
Music CD of the week, and is an Editor's Pick in the March 2006 edition of Opera
News.
"Zak" as he is known to family and friends, was born in Alturas to
Valerie and Rody Stains and has many relatives in Alturas. "I'm truly excited
to finally have this opportunity to sing for my hometown and also to sing with
the extremely talented Jeran Michael Brown," says Stains.
Zak attended schools in Seattle, Washington. He studied for three years with
bass-baritone John Shirley-Quirk at the Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins
University in Baltimore, MD, where he received his Bachelor of Music degree
and was accepted into the graduate program of the University of Cincinnati College
Conservatory of Music. A month after meeting eminent musicologist and conductor
Alan Curtis in Massachusetts, Mr. Curtis offered Zak the first of several opportunities
to sing in Italy and further contracts. He has moved several times and lived
in Nashville, Tennessee where he was involved with Nashville Opera; Washington,
D.C. where he worked as Assistant to the Director of the National Music Center
and Museum Foundation; and more recently to Brooklyn, NY, where he is studying
voice with Steven Smith, a faculty member at Julliard School in Manhattan.
Brown will arrive from Fresno, where he is a full-time student at Fresno City
College and is active with Fresno Grand Opera. This May, Jeran will sing in
Guiseppe Verdi's Otello. He is the son of Teri and Steve Brown of Alturas and
a graduate of Modoc High and was involved with Modoc Performing Arts Theater
productions while growing up in Alturas. While attending CSU at Humboldt, he
studied Vocal Performing Arts.
A reception for ticket holders will follow the performance at the Alturas Elks
Lodge. The event is being produced by the Brown family and the Stains family
of Alturas.
Tickets are $10 each at the door or in advance from Modoc Farm Supply, Modoc County Record, Antonio's, Main Street Coffee, Hair Dimensions, Country Hearth in Cedarville, Warner Mt. Realty, Top Hat Video.
Obituaries:
Homer Shelby Ward
Long-time Alturas resident Homer Shelby Ward, 72, passed away April 6, 2006
in Alturas, CA., his home for over 47 years. He was born in Almyra, Arkansas
on April 10, 1933 and married the former Betty Young on January 27, 1952 in
DeWitt, Arkansas. The two have shared 54 years of marriage. They had been married
for just a few years, when Homer served with the U.S. Army. He was discharged
after two years, as a Corporal on May of 1955, during the Korean War.
He was a professional truck driver for many years, both with local companies
and long haul companies. For a time he was owner and operator of his own big
rig. After he retired from trucking, he enjoyed spending time fishing.
He is survived by his wife Betty of Alturas, CA; son Richard Ward of Alturas,
CA; son Kenneth Ward of Tulare, CA; daughter Lynda Colesworthy, Conrad, Montana;
son Dennis Ward, Alturas, CA; sister Iva Jane Maier, DeWitt, Arkansas; Brother
and sister-in-law Steven and Sondra Young, Visalia, CA; brother and sister-in-law
Don and Beverly Young, Alturas, CA; sister and brother-in-law Vicki and Dave
Smith, Alturas, CA; brother-in-law Alfard Johnson, Alturas; 11 grandchildren,
14 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Memorial service was held at Kerr Mortuary Chapel in Alturas, CA on April
12 at 2 p.m. with Pastor Clint Pittman.
Ruth Earlene Conklin
Services for Ruth Earlene Conklin were held Wednesday, April 12 at 2 p.m. at
the Alturas Baptist Church. Pastor Curtis Barber officiated.
Mrs. Conklin, 67, passed away peacefully, at Washoe Medical Center, Cardiac
Intensive Care Unit, Reno, NV on April 4, 2006, due to her heart condition.
Ruth was born in Lake City, CA to Earl and Francis Ruth Vernon (Bachtel) on
January 10, 1939. She was reared in Surprise Valley and helped her parents on
their dairy farms. She graduated from Surprise Valley Union High School on June
5, 1958 and married Willard E. Conklin, son of Wilson E. and Lucille (Chase)
Conklin on November 15, 1958. They had three sons Elzie, Curtis and Willard.
Ruth loved to go camping, fishing and rock hounding. She also loved to crochet,
embroider, and do latch hook rug art. She loved taking walks with her sons while
she was able to get around.
Ruth loved her little and big dogs. She said goodnight and good morning to
her eldest son's snakes, birds and oversized lizards. Ruth was a great homemaker,
mother and friend. She loved to keep a neat and tidy house. She was close to
her wonderful sister Nelda Robinson and Nelda's husband Mark Robinson of Klamath
Falls, OR.
"Ruth was a great mother. She loved her rose bushes. She was also a great
friend," describes her husband. She will be dearly missed by her family
and many friends.
She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Willard Conklin of Alturas; son
Elzie Conklin of Alturas; sister Nelda and brother-in-law Mark Robinson of Klamath
Falls, OR.; sister-in-law Lola Rogers of Modesto, nieces Teresa and Paula; sister-in-law
and brother-in-law Wilma and Robert Andrews of Alturas; niece Kathy Brown, Alturas;
nephew Bob Andrews, San Francisco.
Ruth was preceded in death by her sister Mable (Vernon) Clark of Lake City,
CA; her brother E.E. "Sarge" Vernon and her two sons, Willard E. Conklin
and Curtis Willard Conklin.
Memorial donations may be directed to the American Heart Association, Diabetes
Foundation or to Washoe Medical Center, Reno, NV.
John Anthony Vasko
A memorial service for John Anthony Vasko "Johnny Chop" will be held
May 6 at 1 p.m. at The Firehouse in Felton, CA. John was the grandson of Tony
and Nancy Vasko who owned the Golden Rule Store in Alturas. The Vasko Family
moved to Alturas from Tulelake in 1951.
Johnny's journey began in Roseville, CA when he was born on May 3, 1971. He
went to school in Ripon and Modesto, graduating from Davis High in 1990. His
love for all things with wheels took him from unicycles to VW's to custom Hot
Rods. Surfing and custom rods ruled his time. He found his true calling fabricating
custom motorcycles. His unique talent earned him a place among the nation's
top custom bike builders. He passed away March 28, 2006.
Johnny's family includes his mother and father Barbara and Mark Vasko of Oakdale, CA; sister and brother-in-law Suzie and Reid Miller, favorite niece Izabell Johnnylu Miller, also of Rough and Ready, CA.; His Texas family, the Bob Densmores and his Oakley family the John Densmores; his dear, special friend Andrea Bradshaw of Jacksonville, FL.; grandmother Nancy Bell of Reno, NV, grandparents Bob and Jeanne Densmore of Ripon. Remembrances may be made to HOME, 1100 Welch Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304. This is a home away from home for critically ill patients and families at Stanford University Hospital.
Wanda Dunn
Wanda Dunn, 76, of Cedarville, CA. passed away April 11, 2006 at Surprise Valley
Hospital, Cedarville, CA. She was born November 19, 1929 and was a member of
the Paiute Indian Tribe. Kerr Mortuary in Alturas has charge of arrangements,
which are pending at this time.
Barbara McNeeley
Barbara McNeeley, 71, of Alturas, passed away April 11, 2006 at Modoc Medical Center, Alturas, CA. She was born November 9, 1934 in Des Moines, Iowa. Her daughter is Rebecca Ruiz of Alturas. A memorial service is pending. Kerr Mortuary has charge of arrangements
Sports
Braves beat Trinity, lose to Etna
Modoc's Braves lost a doublebill to Etna April 5, but turned around on April
7 and beat Trinity in a pair.
They lost to a solid Etna squad there 11-0 and 12-3 and beat Trinity 7-2 and
2-0, in a game played at Fall River because Modoc's fields were still under
water.
In the second game, the game was scoreless through two and tied at 3-3 in the
third. Etna went up 4-3 in the fourth and added a seven-run fourth to take an
11-3 lead. They added one in the sixth.
Tim Cruse got the loss for the Braves. He went four and a third innings, allowing
12 hits, fanned one and walked a pair.
Bill Hammerness led the Braves hitting, going two-for-three with a homerun.
The Braves collected eight hits in the game.
"We did a much better job swinging the bats this game," said coach
Tim MacDonnell. "The boys are starting to get more comfortable at the plate.
Our boys played pretty well, we just have to find a way to stop the big inning,
and we also had a lot of scoring opportunities that we just couldn't take advantage
of."
In the first Etna game, Modoc was shut out 11-0. Etna scored eight in the third,
one in the fourth and two in the fifth. Jesse Harer got the loss. He allowed
seven hits, walked five and struck out four.
Harer tossed a no-hit shutout against Trinity in the first game. He walked
four and struck out 10 Wolves. The Braves scored two in the second for the 2-0
win. Harer, Hammerness, Michael Gaskey, Jesse Cuevas and Cruse each had a hit.
"Harer did a great job getting ahead of the hitters all day," MacDonnell
said. "I was extremely proud of his poise and presence on the mound."
Modoc won the second Trinity game 7-2 with Cruse notching the win. He allowed
two hits, struck out five and walked one, Cuevas was three-for-four at the plate,
Jered Cox was two-for-three and Mason was two-for-four.
Modoc played at Lost River April 12 and goes to Weed April 18.
Modoc
leads SCL golf loop
Modoc's Braves hold the lead in the Shasta Cascade League golf loop with a
17-1 record after four of the six weeks. Weed is in second place at 15-1 and
Mt. Shasta takes up third at 12-6.
The Braves next match is today at Mt. Shasta Resort against Bishop Quinn and
Burney. Bishop Quinn has yet to win a match and Burney is 4-11-1.
Modoc went 6-0 on the Fall River Golf Course April 6, shooting 216 on the front
nine and 217 on the back. Because of the poor weather conditions, the entire
league played on the same course the same day.
Modoc's scores at Fall River were as follows: Micah Eppler 77, Brian Weed 81, Jeff Solomon 91, Josue Madrigal 92, Keith Montague 98 and Daniel Morgan 92. Team scores were: Modoc 433, Mt. Shasta 463, Trinity 583 and Fall River 642.
Braves split in softball action
Modoc Braves split in softball action last week, losing to Etna and beating
Trinity.
The Braves lost to Etna 2-1 in the first game and 1-0 in the second contest.
Megan Thompson got the losses on the mound. Thompson had three hits in game
one and Emily Conner went 2-3 in the second game.
Conner got the win against a weak Trinity team. The Braves won game one 12-2 and the second game 11-1. Leading hitters for the day were Sarah Catania 4-4, Jennifer Joyce 3-4, Alysha Northrup 3-4 and Thompson 4-4.
April 20th, 2006
News
Absentee ballots available May 8
Absentee ballot applications should be available May 8 for the June 6 election.
Many Modoc voters are now voting permanent absentee and several precincts vote
by mail only.
Those mail precincts are: Fort Bidwell, Lake City, Eagleville, Stateline-Willow
Ranch, Davis Creek, Parker Creek, South Fork, Canby, Adin, Lookout, Little Hot
Springs (Day). Voters will go to the polls in Cedarville, in Alturas A, B, C
and D, North Fork, Hot Spring, Cal Pines and Newell.
The final day to register to vote for the June 6 Primary Election is May 22.
That's also the final day to make registration changes. One of the major areas
needing attention is voters' addresses matching up with their current registration.
If someone has moved or had a name change, he needs to make the voter registration
change.
Modoc County Clerk Maxine Madison said it's very important for people to make
those changes so that they insure they'll receive their state information pamphlet
as well as a sample ballot.
People can make changes at the County Clerk's Office. For more information
call 233-6201.
Candidates are in the midst of campaigns, with rhetoric building. The Record
will be sending questions to candidates in the next three weeks, and publishing
their responses on a week-to-week basis, beginning the first part of May. The
Record will publish responses from separate races each week.
Modoc Public Defender Richard Cotta, local attorney John Lawson, and Susanville
attorney Gary Woolverton, are in the race for District Attorney.
Undersheriff Mark Gentry and recently retired California Highway Patrolman
Mike Poindexter are waging the battle for Sheriff/Coroner.
Cheri Budmark, appraiser II, and Ron Imbach, a former Modoc Assessor's office
appraiser are running for Modoc County Assessor.
Incumbent Superintendent of Schools Dr. Vanston Shaw is facing a challenge
from Gary Jones, a Tulelake Basin Joint Unified School District administrator.
The race for the two seats on the Alturas City Council includes incumbents
Jerry Smith and John Vass and challengers Rod Gately and Keith Jacques.
Auditor Judi Stevens and Treasurer/Tax Collector Cheryl Knoch are unopposed
as is City Treasurer Kathie Alves.
District Attorney Jordan Funk, Modoc County Sheriff Bruce Mix, Clerk Maxine
Madison and Assessor Josephine Johnson are not seeking re-election to a second
term.
David Porter Misso of Tulelake is running against incumbent County Supervisor
in District 5, David Bradshaw, of Big Valley. District One's Dan Macsay is unopposed
for a second term.
The Primary Election is scheduled for June 6 and will include local, state and national offices. It will also include two local measures, one an increase in the Surprise Valley Hospital Assessment from $150 to $225 per year and another for an increase in the Alturas City Mosquito Abatement assessment from .50 cents per month to $1.50 per month. Both of those issues will require a two-thirds majority to pass.
Pair of major court cases moved to August
The unlawful sexual contact trial of Modoc County Supervisor Ray Anklin and
a homicide trial of David Brunnemer have been moved to August, according to
the Modoc District Attorney's Office.
Anklin is accused of having sex with a 17-year old girl, when he was age 25,
last summer.
The case includes three counts of unlawful sexual contact with a minor, providing
alcohol to a minor and burglary to a residence. The last accusation is that
Anklin entered a home with the intent to commit a crime (the sexual contact
with a minor).
Anklin has pled not guilty to the charges. That trial is set for August 15,
with a trial management conference July 24.
Brunnemer, age 53, of Malin, Or., is accused of homicide in the death of an
infant in 1979. He has entered a not guilty plea in the case. A trial management
conference is set for July 31 with the trial in August.
Alturas Police Officers arrested Brunnemer, June 10, 2005 alleging murder in
the death of infant David Dickson, which occurred November, 1979, in Alturas.
In 1979, it was determined after autopsy to be a possible SIDs death, but the
current investigation ruled that out. The cause of death is now determined to
be blunt force trauma. The coroner case had originally been handled by the Modoc
County Sheriff/Coroner's Office. The baby had been at the Brunnemer's home for
childcare.
Modoc District Attorney Jordan Funk has stated the Modoc County Sheriff's Department failed to investigate the case thoroughly in 1979, then eight years ago and again a year ago. When the case was turned over to the Alturas Police Department, the new information that had been provided by a witness was verified and the autopsy record re-examined.
City annexation of mill site done
The City of Alturas' annexation of the mill property on West Fourth Street
was completed through the Modoc LAFCO (Local Agency Formation Commission) process
on August 25, 2005.
Contrary to rumors circulating around Alturas last week, the files for that
annexation were not misplaced or lost. They have always been in the hands of
LAFCO's Amy Mickelson-Beauchane, the Executive Officer of the Commission.
This week, she said the first filing had a paperwork issue, which is not uncommon,
and the filing will be completed within the week. The annexation is filed with
the County Recorder and then with the State Board of Equalization for tax purposes.
In addition, a ridiculous separate rumor saying the city never purchased the
mill property surfaced. City Treasurer Kathie Alves just chuckled when she heard
about that rumor. The deed is in the City's safe.
The rumors centered around the National Power Plant project, which is proposed
for the mill property.
National Power is proposing to construct a 20-40 megawatt biomass power plant
on city-owned property north of the existing structures at the mill site, near
the Alturas airport. The project also includes a small log sawmill.
Once the 20-year power contract with Sierra Pacific is in place, National will
start a full Environmental Impact Report on the project and file all the necessary
applications with the local planning department. The EIR process will include
the required and necessary public scoping meetings and hearings.
The City and County have been working on this power plant project in a joint
effort for well more than a year.
The entire project is expected to create more than 100 new jobs in Modoc County,
from actual plant workers to the logging and trucking industries.
The small log sawmill is an integral part of the project. In most cases, he
said, the power plants were used to generate electricity to run the sawmills.
In this case, the sawmill will be the main supplier of fuel for the power plant,
and the electricity will be sold to Sierra Pacific. The value of the plant is
expected to be above $50 million.
The plant is projected to need about 150,000 tons of fuel per year, but will
be operating more efficiently than existing biomass plants and it must meet
California emission standards. National Power states the plant will use one-third
less fuel to produce the same amount of electricity as existing biomass plants.
National hopes the first draft of the EIR can been finished by the end of this
year and all the permitting and land use issues settled and in place by the
end of 2007. Construction could start in 2008 with the plant possibly coming
on line in 2010.
National Power describes itself as an owner and operator of environmentally
sensitive electric generating facilities, which has existing facilities in Australia
and United States. The company was founded in 1991 and is privately owned.
The site for the proposed power plant is on 103 acres of city-owned property
at the mill site adjacent to the airport.
National Power projects include the Big Valley Mill power plant, which is up and running. That plant had been closed and shut down when Big Valley Lumber Mill was sold and dismantled, but the power plant remained intact.
Economic vitality plan subject of workshop
The draft Modoc Economic Vitality Plan will be the subject of a community workshop
April 24, 8 a.m. at the Veteran's Memorial Hall in Alturas. The workshop is
open to the public.
The plan is the brainchild of the Modoc Economic Vitality group, which states,
in part that: "Growth be orderly, beneficial and complementary to the existing
communities, citizens and natural resources of the county that the health, diversity
and productivity of public lands are sustained to meet the needs of present
and future generations by utilizing natural resources to provide economic benefits
to the community that education systems foster our youth and encourage life-long
learning citizens are able to enjoy the small town qualities of friendliness,
community pride, quality health care, cultural enrichment, nurtured youth and
civic involvement that regulatory and economic environments are open and inviting
to business an job creation."
The Modoc Economic Development Corporation, MEDC, is the designated lead in
the economic development field, but cannot be the only "economic force"
in the community, the plan contends.
The theory is to foster more collaboration of local and regional organizations,
city and county government and local, state and federal agencies in support
of economic development.
Some of the goals are to improve the communication and cooperation between
the county's Chambers of Commerce and continue to develop strategies to support
tourism and development.
The plan suggests hiring an economic development/grant writer to serve as the
point person for economic development and support an environment that encourages
business development in "entrepreneurial optimism" in the county.
It also suggests the promotion and support of local retail and services businesses
to decrease retail leakage. Part of the plan is providing increased customer
service training to businesses and their employees.
The plan also calls for more information on the recreational possibilities
of Modoc County, and the overall improvement of the visual appearance of the
communities. One of the suggestions is a community "clean-up" program.
The plan also emphasizes the need for more marketing of the county's positive
elements, including the lowest power rates and real estate prices in the state.
Revitalizing communities to make them more attractive to investors is also a
key.
The plan also encourages the improvement of health care in the county, as well
as enhanced services to provide for the health welfare and social needs of senior
citizens.
"The goals are proposed to help provide direction for an expanded economic development program in Modoc County," the plans states. "It is understood that many of these goals may take five years or longer to realize. In some cases, efforts to realize certain goals are never actually completed' because these efforts entail such on-going tasks as the provision of support services or the continued maintenance of valuable community resources."
Obituaries:
Barbara L. McNeeley
A Memorial Service for Barbara Louise McNeeley, 71, of Alturas, will be held
today, April 20 at 1 p.m. at Faith Baptist Church in Alturas. Pastor Rod Bodmer
will officiate.
Mrs. McNeeley passed away April 11, 2006 at Modoc Medical Center, Alturas, CA. She was born Barbara
Louise Scoles on November 9, 1934 in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa.
She was a homemaker who loved to crochet and care for her animals. Barbara
was also an avid reader. For the past 25 years, she had lived in Modoc County,
near two of her children.
She was preceded in death by her son Larry Stafford of Alturas on September
14, 2003. She is survived by her son Bob Stafford, address unavailable; daughter
Rebecca Stafford Ruiz of Alturas, CA; daughter Jennifer Rosen of California;
sons Danny Rosen and David Rosen of Idaho and daughter Melissa Meng (Lahr) of
California; and one brother in Illinois. She also has many grandchildren and
great-grandchildren, as well as close family friends in Alturas and Illinois.
Memorial donations may be directed to Faith Baptist Church.
Roland Lindahl
Roland Lindahl, a resident of Modoc County for the past 25 years, passed away
April 16, 2006, at Modoc Medical Center Skilled Nursing Facility, Alturas, CA.
He was born in Nebraska on November 8, 1917 and reared there. As a youth, he
and his family worked their way from Nebraska to California, laboring as fruit
and crop pickers.
Mr. Lindahl later owned and operated a sheet metal business in Los Alamitos,
CA, before retiring and relocating to Modoc County.
He and Beverly Jean Hansen were married on December 16, 1972 in Las Vegas,
NV.
In addition to his wife in Alturas, he is survived by his daughters Paula Lindahl
of Tennessee and Christine Whittle of Las Vegas, NV; granddaughters Varina Whittle
of Hawaii and Talia Whittle of Las Vegas; stepsons Scott and Todd Foster of
Colorado; sister Lillian Lattin of Grand Island, Nebraska.
Services will be private. Memorial donations may be directed to the Alzheimer's Society of Northern California, P.O. Box 1824, Sacramento CA 95812.
Sports
Braves beat Lost River 10-8
Modoc's Braves beat the Lost River Raiders, 10-8, April 12 there, collecting
nine hits in the game. The will play Fall River at Fall River April 21.
Modoc opened with a 1-0 lead against Lost River, and took a 7-1 lead in the
third. They got up 9-1 in the fourth, but Lost River scored five in the fifth
and added two in the sixth. Modoc added an insurance run in the sixth. Trenton
Schmidt got the win for Modoc, going three innings, allowing two hits walking
one and striking out four. Jered Cox came in relied and tossed three innings,
giving up seven runs on five hits and four walks. He fanned a pair. Leading
hitters for the Braves were Jesse Cuevas 2-for-4 and Jesse Harer 2-for-5. Harer
and Brandon Anderson each hit a home run for Modoc.
Modoc coach Tim MacDonnell said the team hit the ball really well and he feels
the team is getting better with each game. He was pleased with Schmidt's pitching
and the overall play of team.
Modoc lost a pair of games to Weed April 18, 9-0 and 8-6. Modoc collected just four hits in the first game, and 14 batters struck out. In the second game, Modoc hit the ball better, getting 14 hits. More details on both games next week.
Braves
beat Weed
Modoc's Braves beat the winless Weed Cougars, 15-1 and 10-2, April 18 with
Megan Thompson getting the win in each game.
Leading hitters were: Alysha Northrup 4-4, Thompson 3-4, Emily Conner 3-4 and
Amy Cruse 3-3.
The Braves had three starters out for spring break and well as a couple on the
injured list.
Modoc, Weed will battle for golf lead
Modoc and Weed will square off at Arrowhead Golf Course April 27 for the probable
Shasta Cascade League championship. Modoc is in first by one and a half matches,
with two matches to play, and both against Weed.
The Braves went 4-0 on April 13 at the Mt. Shasta Resort, shooting 208 and 200
on the front and back nines.
Modoc's individual scores on the par 70 course were as follows: Micah Eppler
73, Brian Weed 75, Jeff Solomon 85, Josue Madrigal 84, Daniel Morgan 93 and
Taylor Dunn 94. Team scores were: Modoc 208-200 (408), Mt. Shasta 217-214 (431),
and Weed 235-214 (449). Bishop Quinn did not field a full team.
Eppler and Weed finished 1-2 at the event, and Solomon and Madrigal were in
the top 10,
The Braves compete April 21 at the Running Y in Klamath Falls in a tournament
hosted by Henley High School.
League standings as of this week are: Modoc 21-1, Weed 15-2-1, Mt. Shasta 13-6-1,
Trinity 8-14, Burney 5-14-1, Fall River 4-15-1 and Bishop Quinn 0-20.
Hunter Safety classes repeated
A repeat series of the Hunter Safety classes will be offered starting on Monday,
May 1 and continue on Wednesday, May 3 and Thursday, May 4 at 6 p.m. each night
at the Alturas Elks Lodge, 619 North Main St., Alturas. The class is being sponsored
by the Alturas Elks Lodge 1756, for anyone who plans to obtain a hunting license.
Participants must attend all three nights to receive credit for the course,
which is required for obtaining a California hunting license.
California Hunter Safety Training materials are certified by the Department
of Fish and Game, State of California. A donation of $3 will be accepted to
help cover the cost of course materials.
Minors will have a permission certificate which needs to be signed by a parental/legal
guardian, prior to the minor's participation in the course. The form allows
the Hunter Safety Training Instructors to furnish a firearm to the minor for
the purpose of instructing him in the safe handling of firearms and safe shooting.
Hunter Safety materials, booklets and consent forms should be picked up in advance from Belligerent Duck and Sports Hut in Alturas or the first night of classes at the Alturas Elks Lodge. Anyone up to age 18 must have the form signed by the parent/guardian, prior to the start of the class. The class is taught by trained and certified volunteer instructors: Gary Bagnaschi, Phil Vermillion, Paul Bailey, Vern Seevers, Ron Prevette and Richard Wellemeyer.
April 27th, 2006
News
Forest reserve funding blues
The outcome of a recent meeting of the National Forest Counties and Schools
Coalition in Reno could have been better, in the view of several Modoc County
officials.
The coalition seeks the reauthorization of the 2000 Secure Rural Schools and
Communities Stabilization Act, which represents about $3 billion in needed funding
for counties nationwide and nearly $3.5 million for Modoc.
The undersecretary of agriculture, Mark E. Rey attended the coalition's annual
meeting, representing the Bush administration. Senator Larry Craig (R) of Idaho,
who has championed the reauthorization, gave the keynote speech.
"What I heard (them say) was that there will probably be some sort of
funding, but it may not be at the level we've been accustomed to," said
Doug Squellati, superintendent of the Modoc School District.
"I think there'll be some money, but I think it will be less. What that
amount will be, I don't know," said Modoc County supervisor, Mike Dunn,
concurring.
"I think funding at 80 percent probably has a fair chance at passage,"
said Sean Curtis, chairman of the Modoc County RAC and Land Use Committee who
is also a member of the coalition's board. "The further you go up from
there the less likely that that will happen."
"That was the first time that anybody had heard that from anyone in a
position of power," said Squellati, who was surprised at the change of
view. "When I heard that, the realization came to me that this is very
possible.
"Based on what's going on, it's going to be funded. But, it's probably
going to be funded looking differently\ than what it is now. What that means,
I have no idea at this point."
Squellati is concerned that even a small reduction will be hurtful. "I
was a little disappointed because I'm concerned about us in Alturas and all
the other rural communities that are dependent upon these funds to provide quality
service to our communities and our students," he said. "It's really
going to have an impact on the infrastructure. No matter what the reduction
is, it's going to affect everybody."
According to Dunn, the presentation made at the coalition conference represents
a change of position by leaders of the movement to reauthorize and in the Bush
administration's position, and he is clearly dismayed. "These are the main
supporters, movers and shakers of the thing six years ago. Now, they're calling
it 'welfare,' or 'entitlement.'"
He noted that these same people who once spoke of the federal government's
"obligation" to replace lost income to forested counties are now seemingly
less supportive of the idea. "There seems to be a whole different attitude
in regards to the funding that comes to the counties," said Dunn, woefully.
"It is absolutely owed; it is a compact that the federal government made
with the counties."
"The realistic side of me says that there will probably be funding but
it may not be at the level that we're used to," said Squellati. "I
don't know what that is. Right now, it's just a big question mark. Is it five
percent less? Ten percent less? Twenty?
"But what I do know is that any less funding than what we are getting
now is going to have an impact on
this county and every rural community
that receives funding. Unless it's fully restored, it's going to impact everybody
to some degree."
"We're looking at losing one third of our road department budget.
The county would be looking at potentially laying off road department employees,
and, of course, road maintenance would slow way down," said Dunn. "I
think our road department does a good job for the budget that they have and
the manpower that they have.
They're going to be crippled if you take
a third of that budget away from them."
Dunn recalled a bit of history that explains the current problem, pointing
the finger of blame at politicians and coalition members who failed to work
on solving the funding problem, as they promised. "This legislation, that
was enacted six years ago, was a safety net to keep the counties afloat while
they came up with a permanent fix. They knew the 25 percent timber receipts
were not going to work any more; there is no timber industry left in this country.
So, they knew at that time that this was a temporary fix; (they) put it place
for six years to give them time to come up with a permanent solution for this."
But, that didn't happen, according to Dunn. "No one worked on that! They
wanted to lay low. Now, we may end up reaping what they sowed."
Dunn also noted that the reasons given in the meeting for cutting or reducing
the act's funding was the extreme cost of last year's hurricane season. "One
of the big excuses down there was Katrina. We have all this terrible hurricane
damage," said Dunn, laying out his logic. "Granted, but you don't
have a compact with those folks. You do have a compact with the forested counties."
Exploring alternatives, Curtis offered, "Funding at
let's say 80
percent of what we're getting now, would fully fund roads and schools. It just
wouldn't fund the RAC and the Title III projects."
Speaking of the seemingly unpopular idea, floated by the Bush administration,
to fund this act by selling off portions of public land, Curtis laid out the
coalition's reason for opposing that idea. "The board's had several lengthy
discussions about whether we should become involved in either supporting or
opposing a particular funding source or even whether we should get involved
in trying to find a funding source. I think we came to the correct conclusion
that that's really outside of our expertise. What we know is what will happen
if it doesn't get reauthorized. That's our expertise, and we need to stay with
that. That needs to be the message that we give to congress along with the fact
that this is really important. Therefore, we ask congress to use its expertise
to find the funding."
"I'm happy that the coalition is moving forward and fighting on behalf
of our district," said Squellati, more optimistically. "There is going
to be some more rallying in Washington, D.C. On the political action side, the
coalition is really making some great efforts to put some pressure on congress
to reauthorize this bill fully."
"We think it's important to try and get some teachers to go back
because they really have the firsthand story to tell from the impacts at the
classroom level," said Curtis, who laid out schedule for a strong lobbying
effort, including "four or five scheduled trips to Washington" between
now and September, "strictly geared towards working the hill."
Smith withdraws from city race
Alturas City Councilman Jerry Smith has withdrawn from the June 6 election.
Smith and fellow councilman John Vass are up for re-election. Challengers are
Rod Gately and Keith Jacques.
"The reasons are many, and will be detailed over the next few weeks,"
Smith said. "It is not because I have lost the drive to serve you. On the
contrary, one of my deepest desires was to continue in service to you to improve
our job and housing opportunities, transportation and infrastructure, and recreation
and education services for our children."
Smith said up until two years ago, he felt the city was on the right track.
"Now I believe the Council majority is putting the City in financial and
possible legal peril," he said. "Most agendas (and votes) seem to
be decided before meetings begin. Contracts are being negotiated without prior
authorization from Council, and then being 'rubber stamped' as 'urgency' measures.
Hiring decisions are being done in haste, with any consideration of alternatives."
Smith said he will make an effort to inform citizens of other questionable
items and actions before the election.
"Please understand that I have been deeply honored by your choice of me
to serve you the past four years," Smith said. "That is why I feel
a moral obligation to let you know why I will not pursue my re-election. Please
feel free to contact me at home of through City Hall."
Absentee ballots available May 8
Don't firget that Absentee ballot applications should be available May 8 for
the June 6 election. A large number of Modoc voters are now voting permanent
absentee and several precincts vote by mail only.
The final day to register to vote for the June 6 Primary Election is May 22.
That's also the final day to make registration changes. One of the major areas
needing attention is voters' addresses matching up with their current registration.
If someone has moved or had a name change, he needs to make the voter registration
change
Modoc County Clerk Maxine Madison said it's very important for people to make
those changes so that they insure they'll receive their state information pamphlet
as well as a sample ballot. For more information call 233-6201.
A new development in the race for Alturas City Council, incumbent Jerry Smith
has withdrawn from the race, That leaves incumbent John Vass, and two challengers,
Rod Gately and Keith Jacques.
Those mail precincts are: Fort Bidwell, Lake City, Eagleville, Stateline-Willow
Ranch, Davis Creek, Parker Creek, South Fork, Canby, Adin, Lookout, Little Hot
Springs (Day). Voters will go to the polls in Cedarville, in Alturas A, B, C
and D, North Fork, Hot Spring, Cal Pines and Newell.
The Record will be sending questions to candidates in the next three weeks,
and publishing their responses on a week-to-week basis, beginning the first
part of May. The Record will publish responses from separate races each week.
The first responses will be from the Sheriff's race on May 4 and the District
Attroney race will be featured May 11.
Modoc Public Defender Richard Cotta, local attorney John Lawson, and Susanville
attorney Gary Woolverton, are in the race for District Attorney.
Undersheriff Mark Gentry and recently retired California Highway Patrolman
Mike Poindexter are waging the battle for Sheriff/Coroner.
Cheri Budmark, appraiser II, and Ron Imbach, a former Modoc Assessor's office
appraiser are running for Modoc County Assessor.
Incumbent Superintendent of Schools Dr. Vanston Shaw is facing a challenge
from Gary Jones, a Tulelake Basin Joint Unified School District administrator.
The
Auditor Judi Stevens and Treasurer/Tax Collector Cheryl Knoch are unopposed
as is City Treasurer Kathie Alves.
District Attorney Jordan Funk, Modoc County Sheriff Bruce Mix, Clerk Maxine
Madison and Assessor Josephine Johnson are not seeking re-election to a second
term.
David Porter Misso of Tulelake is running against incumbent County Supervisor
in District 5, David Bradshaw, of Big Valley. District One's Dan Macsay is unopposed
for a second term.
The Primary Election is scheduled for June 6 and will include local, state and national offices. It will also include two local measures, one an increase in the Surprise Valley Hospital Assessment from $150 to $225 per year and another for an increase in the Alturas City Mosquito Abatement assessment from .50 cents per month to $1.50 per month. Both of those issues will require a two-thirds majority to pass.
Public comment meetings on BLM land plan set for
late May, early June
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has released for public review and comment
draft resource management plans/environmental impact statements (RMP/EIS) for
nearly three million acres of public land in northeast California and extreme
northwest Nevada.
The plans affect lands managed by the BLM's Alturas, Eagle Lake and Surprise
field offices in Alturas, Susanville and Cedarville. BLM Planning Team Leader
Sue Noggles said the draft plans contain a range of management alternatives,
including preferred alternatives for these lands. Each draft plan includes a
draft EIS which analyzes the environmental effects of each planning alternative.
The BLM will accept public comments until July 27, 2006. Comments must be in
writing and addressed to: Bureau of Land Management, 2950 Riverside Dr., Susanville,
CA 96130, attention: Resource Management Plans. Comments may be submitted via
email to necarmp@ca.blm.gov.
The draft plans have been mailed to requesters. Copies are also available at
www.blm.gov/ca/pa/planning/landuseplanning.html. Printed or compact disc copies
are also available by contacting the Alturas Field Office, (530) 233-4666; the
Eagle Lake Field Office, (530) 257-0456; or the Surprise Field Office, (530)
279-6101.
The BLM will hold public meetings to enable anyone interested to get more information
about the plans and to provide comments. Meetings will run from 7 to 9 p.m.
in these locations:
Cedarville: Wednesday, May 31, BLM Surprise Field Office, 602 Cressler St.
Alturas: Thursday, June 1, BLM Alturas Field Office, 708 W. 12th St.
Fall River Mills: Tuesday, June 13, USFS Hat Creek Ranger District Office,
43225 Highway 299 East.
Dorris: Thursday, June 15, Dorris City Hall, 301 South Main St.
Comments will be considered as the BLM considers proposed final plans and final
EIS documents for release later this year.
"We will incorporate all comments received into proposed plans and final EIS documents," Noggles said.
"We appreciate the input people have provided during the issue scoping
stage of the planning process, and we look forward to continuing this working
relationship as we work on development of the final plans."
When completed, the resource management plans will provide broad guidance for
management of the public lands over the next 20 years. They address issues including
vegetation management, livestock grazing, recreation, wildlife habitat, off-highway
vehicle use, wild horse and burro management, energy and mineral development,
fire and fuels, forestry, water quality and quantity, scenic values, cultural
and historical resources and others.
The new plans will replace several older management plans.
For more information, contact BLM Public Affairs Officer Jeff Fontana at (530) 252-5332.
Obituaries:
James B. Maddox, III
Former Alturas resident James B. Maddox, III, age 28, passed away March 12,
2006 in Pinedale, Wyoming. A memorial service was held in the community of Lansing,
Iowa, where he was well thought of as a member of the volunteer fire department
there.
James attended schools in Alturas, CA from sixth grade through high school
and graduated with Modoc High's Class of 1996. He was a member of MHS Football
Team.
He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps after high school graduation and was based
in San Diego and Okinawa, Japan. He attained the rank of Corporal and received
his discharge in 2000, after four years of service.
James was employed as a mechanic with the Dodge dealership in Pinedale, Wyoming,
where he had lived for the past year. He is the father of two young sons. He
is survived by his parents, James "Jim" Maddox, Jr. and Bobbie Maddox
of Pinedale, Wyoming; and his two sons, Theron Wyatt, age 4, and Kellen James,
age 2, both of Lansing, Iowa.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been set up for his two sons, care of: James B. Maddox Memorial Fund, Kerndt Bros. Savings Bank, 370 Main Street, Lansing, Iowa 52151.
Jerome 'Toge' Young
Remembered as a "real cowboy and all around good man," Jerome Raymond
"Toge" Young, 72, passed away at his home in Lakeview, OR on March
2, 2006.
Services were held at the First Presbyterian Church in Lakeview. Interment
was at the family plot at Westside Cemetery in Lakeview. Ousley Osterman Huffstutter
Funeral Chapel, Lakeview was in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Young was born June 8, 1933 in Klamath Falls, OR to George E. and Phoebe
Rachel (Coffer) Young. He was ninth of their 12 children. His family moved to
Lakeview that same year from Bly, where his father was employed at a lumber
mill. He lived most of his life in and around the Lakeview area.
He was a ranch hand, who worked for Jack Rice in Alturas for a good many years.
Mr. Rice, now of Elko, NV. has nothing but praise for "Toge." He was
also a timber faller and contract fence builder and in later years, devoted
most of his time to his cattle.
In his younger years, he enjoyed participating in rodeo events in which he
rode saddle, bareback broncos, bulls and did team roping.
He was a great hand with colts and enjoyed the cowboy life. His grandchildren
were the true joy of his life and he always had one of them in the front seat
of his truck when he did chores or went for a ride.
He was married twice, first to Nita Joy Walls in November 1961 in Reno. They
had one child, Desin Cherane, and Nita brought two sons, Quirt and Quip Risley,
from a previous marriage. The two were divorced in 1967.
His second marriage was to Barbara Boone of Klamath Falls. That marriage ended
in divorce in 2005.
He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Desin and Derek Riley; stepsons
Quirt and Quip Risley; grandchildren Quintin Riley and his special friend Raylene
Cooley, Quest Riley and his special friend Amy Collman, Cherlane Young, and
Kalsea, Kasea, Talon, Tanel, and Tashyn Risley; great-granddaughter, Keyla Marie
Riley; sisters Bonnie Jelley, Loretta Simpson, and Carmen Wilson; brothers Bert
and Melvin Young; and many nieces, nephews and lifelong friends.
He was preceded in death by brothers George, Charles, Chet, and Nate Young
and isters Ell Young and Emma Huskey.
Memorial donations may be made to Lakeview Home Health and Hospice, 700 S. J St., Lakeview, OR 97630, or the charity of the donor's choice.
Service for 'Norman' Bettandorff
Family and friends of Charles "Norman" Bettandorff will gather Saturday,
May 6 at 11 a.m. at the Ft. Bidwell Community Church in Ft. Bidwell, CA to honor
his memory. Interment will follow at the Ft. Bidwell Cemetery. The Rev. Dr.
Ben Zandstra will conduct the service. Mr. Bettandorff, who died November 21,
2005, in Reno, Nevada, grew up in Alturas and was a rancher in Surprise Valley
for many years before becoming a Brand Inspector for the State of California.
Death Notice
Jerry Ellis Gardner
A memorial service for Jerry Ellis Gardner of Alturas, will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, April 28 at Kerr Mortuary Chapel in Alturas. Mr. Gardner, 67, passed away April 25, 2006, in Alturas, CA. He had lived in the Canby and Alturas areas since 1965 and had retired from a career with the U.S. Forest Service. He was born in Westwood, CA August 17, 1938. Private burial will take place in Chester, CA. His obituary will follow in next week's Record.
Sports
Braves beat top-ranked Fall River
Modoc's Braves knocked off the Fall River Bulldogs 3-2 in the first game of
a doubleheader here last Friday, giving the Bulldogs their first Shasta Cascade
League loss.
The Bulldogs won the second game 12-1. Modoc meets Bishop Quinn here Friday
and travels to Burney May 1.
In the win, Modoc scored one run in the first, Fall River took a 2-1 lead in
the third and Modoc scored two in the sixth for the win. Jared Cox drove in
two of Modoc's runs and Tim Cruse added the third. Jesse Harer got the win for
Modoc. Cox had a pair of hits in the game,
"I was very proud of the boys," said Tim MacDonnell. "Fall River
was 11-1 overall and 8-0 in league coming in to play us."
The Braves fell victim to six walks in the first inning of the second game
and the Bulldogs scored five runs. They added three in the second inning, one
in the fourth and three in the fifth. Modoc scored one run in the game, a home
run by Harer.
Cox got the loss for the Braves. He allowed eight runs, two hits, fanned two
and walked three and hit three batters with a pitch. Travis Wood had two hits
for Modoc.
"This game got away from us early," said MacDonnell. "We cannot
afford to give up six free passes in the first inning. Overall, though, I'm
extremely proud of the kids."
Weed beat Modoc twice April 18, 9-0 and 8-6. The Braves collected just four
hits in the opening game while Braves' pitchers gave up a dozen to Weed.
Harer got the loss for the Braves. He went four and a third innings, allowed
six runs, and eight hits. Weed's Moser fanned 14 Braves while giving up just
three hits.
According to MacDonnell, the first Weed game was "by far" the worst
offensive performance of the year. Of the 14 strikeouts, he said eight of them
were on called third strikes.
MacDonnell was much happier with the Braves' performance in the second game.
Modoc collected 14 hits in the nightcap. The Cougars led by three in the third,
but Modoc tied it. Weed added five in the fourth and Modoc added two to trail
8-4. The Braves picked up two runs in the seventh.
Cruse got the loss for Modoc, going six innings, allowing 12 hits, eight runs and he struck out four. Justin Mason and Jared Cox went 3-for-4 at the plate, Jesse Cuevas was 2-for-4 and Garret Chapman was 2-for-3. Mason and Cox each had a pair of RBI. Mason, Cox, Chapman and Taylor Dunn each doubled.
Modoc
shoots well at Henley invitational
Modoc's golf team played well in last weekend's Henley Tournament at the Running
Y in Klamath Falls.
The team shot a collective 339 with the following individual scores: Micah Eppler,
Brian Weed 81, Keith Montague 87, Josue Madrigal 90, and Matt Williams 97.
The team finished sixth, behind Pleasant Valley 306, Henley 311, Shasta 316,
Central valley 318, Lakeview 327, Enterprise 338.
The top individual of the tourney was Blaine Corkill of Henley with a 71.
Modoc hosts Weed and Fall River at Arrowhead today and needs to win one of
its two remaining matches with Weed to capture its sixth consecutive Shasta
Cascade League title.
On May 1, the team travels to Chico to play in a tournament hosted by Pleasant Valley High School. The top 10 golfers in the SCL will meet in league play at Arrowhead May 2 to determine MVP and All-league honors. That match will start at 1 p.m.
Braves drop pair to Fall River
Modoc's softball team battled well defensively in the opening game against
the league leading Fall River Bulldogs, but pitcher Shawna Truan tossed a solid
game to beat them 2-0.
Truan faced 21 batters in seven innings, didn't allow a run, or walk and fanned
14 Braves. The game was tied at 0-0 though six and Fall River scored two in
the top of the seventh for the win. Modoc pitchers allowed just six hits.
Fall River fully dominated the second game, collecting 17 hits and scoring
14 runs. The Braves scored one in the first and one in the sixth. Fall River
scored one in the first, four in the second, three in the third, one in the
fourth and fifth and four in the sixth. Modoc only had two hits in the game
and nine batters struck out.
"Fall River is ranked sixth in the North Section and number 14 in state,"
said coach Keith Jacques. "Truan is the number two ranked pitcher in the
state for strikeouts. We played extremely well in the first game and were tied
at 0-0 until the top of the seventh. They scored and we just couldn't catch
up with the pitching. They have been blowing teams out and we hung right with
them. We were also missing some starters."
Modoc meets Bishop Quinn here Friday with the first game starting at 2 p.m.
News
Late News: An arrest was made Wednesday in Redding in the 1992 murder case involving Betty Lou Parks, who was killed in Modoc at age 13. The California Department of Justice concluded its lengthy investigation. According to Modoc District Attorney Jordan Funk, because the accused was 17 years old when the crime was committed, his name cannot be released to the public. In cases where the charges are serious and an accused was nearly 18 at the time of his crime, it is not uncommon to ask the court to find the person "unfit" to be adjudicated as a minor. "I intend to file such a motion in this case. If the juvenile court grants my request, the accused will be prosecuted as an adult and his identity will no longer be confidential. Further information will be provided as circumstances warrant."
Baby's remains exhumed for investigation
On a bright, cool Tuesday morning, the Alturas cemetery crew of Ed Coronado
and Johnnie Northrup began the grim process of digging up David Dickson's remains.
The same crew had buried the baby boy 26 years ago.
The crew was respectful of the process, taking care not to damage the coffin
as they removed the earth from around the small box. Once the body was removed
from the grave, it was placed in the hands of a renowned forensic anthropologist
who will try to unlock whatever evidence he can to more fully determine the
cause of the boy's death.
David Brunnemer, age 53, of Malin, Or., has been charged with homicide in the
death of Dickson. The baby was in child care at the Brunnemer's Alturas home
at the time of his death in November, 1979. Brunnemer's trial is scheduled in
August and he has pled not guilty.
Alturas Police arrested Brunnemer last June following new evidence in the case.
An autopsy in 1979 listed the cause of death as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome,
but subsequent investigation has determined the death to have been from blunt
force trauma.
Modoc District Attorney Jordan Funk has been critical of the Modoc Sheriff's
Department handling of the case in 1979, and also when new evidence surfaced
eight years ago and as recently as of one year ago.
When the Alturas Police Department took over the case last year, it determined
there was enough evidence to request Funk file a homicide charge against Brunnemer.
County puts muzzle on Canine Country
It appears that Judy Ford's Canine Country may be nearing the end of its existence
as an animal rescue center. The Modoc County Board of Supervisors Tuesday approved
a 30-day period for her to "abate" the public nuisance of barking
dogs.
According to Modoc County Planner Joe Hunter, Ford's property is zoned rural
residential and that zoning does not permit dog kennels. Hunter said consistent
complaints from neighbors prompted the county to require the action that may,
in fact, close the facility. Supervisor Ray Anklin brought a tape recording
from a Ford neighbor's home to the Board meeting Tuesday. The home was one-half
mile from Ford's center, the windows were closed and at 11:30 p.m., the sound
of the center's barking dogs was unnerving.
Canine Country has been the subject of board meetings in the past, and was
allowed to continue operating under the conditions that the noise levels be
lessened. According to Hunter, the issue of the barking dogs has not been solved.
He said he understands the need for the facility and what Judy Ford does for
animals. But, he said the zoning for her property does not allow kennels and
her neighbors have a right to peace and quiet.
Ford may now appeal the decision to the Code Compliance Committee. Hunter is
meeting with Ford this week and will be discussing her options with her.
Ford disagrees with the county's definition of her operation as a kennel. "I
do not run a shelter," she said. "I run a half-way house. From 80
to 90 percent of the dogs we save are transferred to other humane societies
where they have a much larger population base and therefore they get adopted.
All of them get adopted. Last week alone, we transferred out 19 animals to the
Oregon Humane Society in Portland, the Medford Humane Society and the Klamath
Falls Humane Society."
According to Ford, in the past five years, her operation has saved at least
1, 000 animals from certain death. She said two-and-a-half years ago she promised
to house no more than 15 dogs at Canine Country. She said she has kept that
promise.
Hunter said the county understands the value and the need for the facility,
but said it just is not permissible under the zone structure. Ford, he said,
simply has too many dogs at one time and people who move into that area have
a right to expect peace and quiet.
Ford said she is responding to a need in the community: too many dogs for the
local population. And she takes a practical approach at the moment.
"There are two things I want to public to please try and do," she
said. "First, please spay or neuter your animals. This is the key to the
overpopulation we have here and secondly, please donate whatever you can to
the High Plateau Humane Society. We need to build our shelter so the killing
of at last five dogs per week, if not more, will stop. We have access to a well,
we have the land, and we have almost $85,000, but we need a lot more."
Ford said she is a "very sad lady" at the moment, but won't give
up on trying to protect the dogs.
Hunter said that while Canine Country may have to close its current level of
operations, the county and the city will have to address the issue of stray
and unwanted animals.
Candidates working hard in June 6 election
The local campaigns for the June 6 election are in full swing and absentee
ballots should be available next week, said Modoc County Clerk Maxine Madison.
The change in the ballot, which will remove the County Clerk position and replace
it with the new combined position of Modoc County Clerk/Auditor/ Recorder has
been made. The Board of Supervisors adopted a new ordinance last month combining
the offices.
The remaining Modoc County Farm Bureau Candidates' Nights are as follows: for
Assessor, District Attorney, Sheriff, Superintendent of Schools and District
5 Supervisor, the second will be May 4, 7 p.m. at the Adin Chamber of Commerce;
and the third will be May 9, 6 p.m. at the Newell Elementary School.
The candidates will be given a five-minute opening statement and then will take
written questions from the audience. They will also get a five-minute closing
statement.
The Record has sent questions to candidates and in the next three weeks, will
be publishing their responses on a week-to-week basis The first responses will
be from the Sheriff's race this week and the District Attorney race will be
featured May 11. The Superintendent of Schools race may also be featured May
11.
The final day to register to vote for the June 6 Primary Election is May 22.
That's also the final day to make registration changes. One of the areas needing
attention is voters' addresses matching up with their current registration.
If someone has moved or had a name change, he needs to make the voter registration
change
Madison said it's very important for people to make those changes so that they
insure they'll receive their state information pamphlet as well as a sample
ballot. For more information call 233-6201.
In the race for Alturas City Council, incumbent Jerry Smith has withdrawn from
the race, that leaves incumbent John Vass, and two solid challengers, Rod Gately
and Keith Jacques.
Those mail precincts are: Fort Bidwell, Lake City, Eagleville, Stateline-Willow
Ranch, Davis Creek, Parker Creek, South Fork, Canby, Adin, Lookout, Little Hot
Springs (Day). Voters will go to the polls in Cedarville, in Alturas A, B, C
and D, North Fork, Hot Spring, Cal Pines and Newell.
Modoc Public Defender Richard Cotta, local attorney John Lawson, and Susanville/Redding
attorney Gary Woolverton, are in the race for District Attorney.
Undersheriff Mark Gentry and recently retired California Highway Patrolman Mike Poindexter are running for Sheriff/Coroner.
CHP captures stolen Porsche driver
The California Highway Patrol arrested a man following an accident on County
Road 58 at CR56 April 27, 12:17 p.m. Priot to the crash, he allegedly drove
a stolen 1990 Porsche at speeds of up to 180 m.p.h.
The driver, Jayson M. Fraley, age 23, evaded capture for eight-and-a-half hours
after he wrecked the Porsche. CHP officers with the use of the Canine unit captured
him.
The CHP reports that Fraley was driving at a high rate of speed in an attempt
to evade CHP officers. He lost control of the vehicle and the car ran into a
ditch when he tried to turn from CR56 to CR58. He left the vehicle and fled
on foot.
A Department of Motor Vehicles check found the Porsche was stolen. In addition,
numerous stolen identification cards, credit cards and other property were located
in the car. Fraley was booked into the Modoc County Jail on numerous felony
and misdemeanor charges.
The CHP arrested Gloria Dee Felver, age 30, of Alturas, alleging driving under
the influence following a single-vehicle accident May 1, 7:30 p.m. on CR56 at
Dorris reservoir.
The CHP reports the Felver was northbound from Alturas to Dorris Reservoir
at about 35 m.p.h. when a deer ran in front of her. She tried to miss the deer,
and due to her intoxication, lost control of the 2003 Chevy. The car ran off
the road, struck a fence and overturned. She was seatbelted and sustained minor
injuries.
There were no injuries in a two-vehicle accident April 26, 4:30 p.m. on CR1
just north of Eagleville.
The CHP states that Sean Blom, age 31, Eagleville, was northbound in a 1996
Isuzu and was slowing to make a left turn. A 1993 Peterbilt, driven by Carl
Brynin, age 33, Central Point, Or., was behind the Blom vehicle.
Blom failed to make sure it was safe to make the left turn and did not have
working turn signals on his trailer. The big rig had started to pass on the
left and saw Blom start to turn. He slammed on his brakes when the truck struck
the rear of the Isuzu, causing moderate damage to both vehicles. No one was
hurt, and Brynin left the scene without exchanging information and was caught
several hours later.
No injuries were reported in an accident April 30, 9:45 a.m. on CR54 west of CR60. According to the CHP, Tera Alexander, age 37, Alturas, was driving a 2001 Hyundai westbound on CR54 and was unable to avoid a tree limb dropped in the road. Because of oncoming traffic and a downhill embankment, she was unable to avoid the branch.
Obituaries:
Jerry Ellis Gardner
A memorial service for Jerry Ellis Gardner of Alturas, was held at 6:30 p.m.
on Friday, April 28 at Kerr Mortuary Chapel in Alturas. Mr. Gardner, 67, passed
away April 25, 2006, in Alturas, CA. Born August 17, 1938 in Westwood, Lassen
County, CA., he was the son of Ellison Gerald and Beatrice Bernice Gardner.
Jerry graduated from Chester High School in Chester, CA. in 1956. Later that
year, he joined the U.S. Army and spent 13-plus months in Korea as a Personnel
Specialist. Discharged in November 1958, he returned home and was employed by
Collins Pine Company for a short time. Jerry then began a career with the U.S.
Forest Service which lasted 27 years, mostly in Fire Suppression. Jerry came
to Modoc County in 1965 and has been a resident since that time, first residing
in Canby and then in Alturas. He was an avid fisherman and loved to dance.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, and brother Robert Dean Gardner
and one daughter Charissa Louise in 1960.
He is survived by four daughters: Bonnie Gardner of Shasta Lake City, CA; Beverly
Allison of Kent, Washington; Alisha Grijalva of Alturas, Ca and Amber Gardner
of Redding, CA; three grandsons Aaron and Andrew Gardner, Michael Grijalva and
granddaughter Kendra Hopkins. Private burial will be in Chester, CA.
Floyd "Smokey" Dowell
Graveside services were conducted for Floyd Dowell, 80, of Bieber, CA on Wednesday,
May 3, 2006 at the Foothill Cemetery in Nubieber at 1 p.m. A memorial potluck
and service followed at the Bieber Memorial Hall. The Rev. Jeff Bidwell of Grace
Bible Church, Bieber conducted the service.
Mr. Dowell passed away of natural causes on April 26, 2006 at Mayers Memorial
Hospital in Fall River Mills, CA. He was born on September 27, 1925, in Pomona,
CA and moved to Bieber in 1954.
He was a veteran of World War II in the United States Marine Corps and a lifetime
member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion, serving in Okinawa,
Saipan, Tenyan, and Hiroshima.
Floyd was a warden for the California Department of Fish and Game from 1950
until 1980. From 1980 until 1992, he sold firewood as well as operated the Big
Valley Nursery with his wife Ethel which they owned and managed together for
44 years. Floyd was also employed by Big Valley Lumber Co. from 1992 until 1996.
Floyd was very active in the Big Valley community, donating a large amount
of his time helping others. Floyd was a photographer for school graduations,
individual portraits, events, and once even for a design and for a potential
patent in the late 1950s. He was a member of the Big Valley Fire Department
Ambulance and Rescue crew in the 1960s and 70s. He was a member of the Big Valley
Chamber of Commerce, the Pit River Rod and Gun Club and helped sponsor and teach
hunter safety courses for Big Valley residents. Floyd was a board member for
the Big Valley Joint Unified School District from 1970 to 1976. He was an ROP
instructor for the Big Valley High School from 1976 to 1978 for the Wildlife
and Soil Science fields. He was an honorary member of Big Valley and Pomona
Chapters of the Future Farmers of America; a Bieber 4-H Club leader and project
leader for vegetable gardening, wildlife, sheep and entomology fields. He served
on the Fish and Game Commission Board of Directors from 1985 to 1989. Floyd
was a board member for the Lassen County Water and Sewer District. He was the
coach for the Bieber Farm team and Little League in the 1970s. He also had a
long history of well dowsing in the Big Valley area, locating over 300 drilling
sites in his lifetime.
Floyd is survived by his wife of 50 years, Ethel Dowell of Bieber; son Daniel
Dowell of Sacramento; son Kurt Dowell of Bieber; son Kerry Dowell of Bieber;
daughter Cheryl Harris of New Palestine, Indiana; grandchildren Bret Horsley,
Jeffery Dowell, Thomas Dowell, Alyson Dowell of Sacramento, Jennifer Dowell,
Victor Dowell, Matthew Dowell, Karli Dowell, Evan Dowell of Bieber, Waylon Dowell
of Reno, NV. and five great-grandchildren.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Pit River Rod and Gun Club (contact:
Hellen Wolters, P.O. Box 65, Adin, CA 96006) or Bieber Museum c/o Big Valley
Historical Museum, P.O. Box 463, Bieber, CA 96009. McDonald's Burney Chapel
was in charge of arrangements.
Andrew Jackson Pearce
Andrew Jackson Pearce passed away on April 30, 2006 at the Surprise Valley
Long-Term Care Facility in Cedarville, CA, after a long and painful battle with
Parkinson's Disease. He was one month shy of 74. Andy was born May 26, 1932
in Pleasant Plains, Arkansas.
He served in the United States Navy during the Korean War. After his discharge
he owned and operated two barber shops in Long Beach, CA until arthritis began
attacking his shoulders. He then went to work for the City of Long Beach at
the Alamitos Bay Marina. While working there, he received his AA degree in Police
Service. Andy transferred to the Harbor Patrol for the Port of Long Beach. Eventually
he became a Wharfinger for the Port and retired in 1988 as Assistant Chief Wharfinger.
Andrew is survived by his wife of 52 years, Lois Pearce of Cedarville; his
son, Marcus Drew Pearce and daughter-in-law Tracey of Cedarville, CA; his four
granddaughters Amber Kovich, Cara Pearce, Jaynie DeKruyf and Victoria Cochran-Pearce;
and two grandsons-in-law Richard DeKruyf and Jason Kovich; four great-grandchildren
Jacob, Jordan, Jaxson and Austin. He is also survived by six sisters, Mary Hanson
of Love's Park, Illinois; Ann Lawson of Battle Creek, Michigan; Betty Cornelison
and husband Frank of Portland, OR; Hester Johnson, Lutie Livingston and husband
Walt, Faye Wells and husband Doyle, all of Bradford, Arkansas, plus numerous
nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his daughter Joanna Pearce, his parents George
Henry II and Pearl Pearce, his brother George Henry III and wife Waneva, his
sister Marge House and husband Sherman.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. The family requests that in
lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to either Surprise Valley Health Care
District, P.O. Box 246 Cedarville, CA 96104 or Surprise Valley Community Church,
P.O. Box 187, Cedarville, CA 96104 in remembrance of Andy.
Joseph John Bohdan
Joseph John Bohdan died of natural causes on April 28, 2006, at the Sponseller
Ranch in Alturas, CA, while working cattle with his family. He was 64 years
old.
Joe was born June 17, 1941 in St. Paul, Minnesota to Joseph Cyprian Bohdan,
Sr. and Doris Schreiber Bohdan. He attended high school in Stillwater, Minnesota,
then joined the U.S. Marine Corps and was stationed as Camp Pendleton, CA. and
served during the Vietnam War.
After his tour of duty, he stayed in Santa Barbara for several years, and then
moved to Tuolumne County where he lived for about 10 years, managing the Double
C Ranch and framing houses. He then spent about eight years in Plumas County
where his daughter Dylan was born and then moved to the Madeline Plains and
Alturas areas, where he spent the next 13 years.
Joe had a lifetime worth of construction experience and was well regarded for
his exceptional framing abilities. Working in California, Nevada, Arizona and
Washington.
He was a proud member of the Sierra Pony Express Riders and a former member
of the Tuolomne County Sheriff's Posse. Joe enjoyed people and would travel
many miles to help friends in need. Wherever he went he seemed to run into someone
whom he'd known from years before. He knew no strangers.
Joe was a wonderful, caring father to his daughter Dylan whom he loved with
all his heart.
His passions were old cars, hunting, branding calves and cutting firewood.
He is survived by his daughter Dylan Bohdan Sponseller, her mother and best
friend, Dyan Sponseller of Alturas; daughter Dorthy Bohdan of Santa Barbara;
brother James Bohdan and sister Elizabeth Bohdan, both of St. Paul, MN; a sister
Doris Urbanski of Chaska, MN, a sister Judy Hirdler of Becker, MN; his beloved
niece Denise (Bohdan) Henderson of Groveland, CA; nephews Sean and Kevin Bohdan
of St. Paul, MN, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at "Repin' for the Lord" Church, 316 West Eighth
St., Alturas, CA on May 13, at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to "Repin' for the Lord Ministries"
c/o Destry and Shirley Campbell, Box 985, Alturas, CA 96101.
Joe was much loved by his family and many friends and will be greatly missed.
Service for 'Norman' Bettandorff
Family and friends of Charles "Norman" Bettandorff will gather Saturday,
May 6 at 11 a.m. at the Ft. Bidwell Community Church in Ft. Bidwell, CA to honor
his memory. Interment will follow at the Ft. Bidwell Cemetery. The Rev. Dr.
Ben Zandstra will conduct the service. Mr. Bettandorff, who died November 21,
2005, in Reno, Nevada, grew up in Alturas and was a rancher in Surprise Valley
for many years before becoming a Brand Inspector for the State of California.
Celebration of Life for Stopps
Friends are invited to a celebration of the lives of Clarence and Lucile Stopp
at the Lake City Cemetery, Memorial Day, Monday, May 29 at 1 p.m.
Their immediate family welcomes you to participate in the personal closure
of this unique Surprise Valley couple. Expressions of remembrance are welcome.
Tea will be served by Ms. Lynn's Tea of Montague, CA.
Sports
Modoc wins 6th straight league title
Modoc's golf team shot its best nine holes ever as it cemented its sixth straight
Shasta Cascade League golf title at Arrowhead last Friday.
Led by Micah Eppler and Brian Weed who had 18-hole scores of 74 each, the team
shot a 204 on the front and finished with an 18-hole total of 393. Jeff Solomon
shot 81 and Daniel Morgan and Keith Montague each shot 83. Josue Madrigal shot
an 86.
Modoc beat the second place Weed team, who shot 222 and 226 for 448 total.
Modoc had to only win one of the nine hole match-ups for the title.
On Tuesday, Eppler shot a 70 at Arrowhead to claim the SCL MVP award for the
second year. Players earning All-league honors were: Modoc's Brian Weed with
a 76 and Jeff Solomon with a 90, Scott Lassen of Weed with an 81, Tom Fox of
Bishop Quinn with a 77 and Will Russell of Mt. Shasta with an 87.
The teams from Modoc and Weed will represent the SCL in the North Section Division
II championship May 9 at the Likely Links, starting at 11 a.m.
The top two teams from that tourney and top four individuals and anyone who shoots 79 or better will advance to the North Section Golf Championships May 16 at Whitehawk Ranch Golf Course.
Modoc
evens SCL mark at 5-5
Modoc's Braves beat Bishop Quinn 16-6 and 11-0 Friday in Alturas to even their
Shasta Cascade League record at 5-5. They met Burney last night after presstime
and host Mt. Shasta Friday in Alturas with gametime set for 2 p.m.
In the first game, Modoc scored two in the first, one in the second, three
in the third and five in the fourth on 11 hits.
Jesse Harer got the win for Modoc, going three innings, allowing one hit and
struck out six. Justin Estes pitched two shut out innings in relief, striking
out three.
Tim Cruse, Travis Wood and Taylor Dunn led the Braves' hitting, each going
2-for-3 with Wood knocking in three runs, Justin Mason, Jesse Cuevas, Cruse,
Jared Cox, Dunn and Garrett Chapman each getting at RBI.
The Braves won the second game 16-6, scoring their runs on 13 hits. Modoc led
3-1 in the first, 6-2 in the second, 11-6 in the third, 13-6 in the fourth and
16-6 in the fifth.
Trenton Schmidt got the win for Modoc, going two-and-two-thirds innings, allowing
no runs or hits, and striking out six.
Cruse went 3-for-4 at the plate; Mason and Harer were 2-for-4 and Anderson
was 2-for-3. Cuevas knocked in four runs, and Cruse had two RBI.
Coach Tim MacDonnell said Schmidt pitched well in relief and the Braves hit
the ball well all day.
The current standings of the SCL are: Etna 12-0, Fall River 9-3, Weed 8-4, Modoc
5-5, Mt. Shasta 5-5. Trinity 4-10, Burney 3-9 and Bishop Quinn 0-10.
Girls win Burney track meet
The Modoc Varsity Girls won the track meet of twelve other track teams with a team score of 148 to Trinity's second place of 115 at the Burney Invitational last weekend.
The junior varsity boys came in fourth with a team score of 46 just missing third place by 10 points. The J.V. girls came in fifth with just two girls competing, Rachel Field and Kieran Porter. The varsity boys could not pull it out over Big Valley and Trinity. Indivudal result for the meet were as follows(No times or distances reported): Varsity Girls: Danielle Moriarity placed second in the mile and fourth in the 800 meters Kim Partee placed second in the 100 low hurdles, third in the 300 hurdles and fifth in the 100 meter dash. Catherine Lowry placed first in the 800 meters second in the 400 meters, and third in the long jump. Stacey Main placed third in the 400 meters, second in the 800 meters, and second in the 200 meters. Jennifer Joyce placed fifth in the 400 meters third in the 800 meters and meters in the 200 meters. Chrissy Abbott-Hall placed first in the shot put and discus, placed fifth in the 100 low hurdles and fourth in the 300 hurdles Amanda Hess placed second in both the shot put and discus. Stacey Parnow placed fifth in the discus and sixth in the shot put and sixth in the 300 hurdles. Marielle Nardoni placed sixth in the 100 meter dash and sixth in the 200 Meters. Rachel Kersbergen placed third in the mile and fifth in the 300 hurdles J.V. Girls: Rachel Field 2nd place in the shot put and discus Varsity Boys Grant Hall won both the shot put and discus and Zeke Bonham placed fourth in the long jump, fifth in the triple jump and fourth in the pole vault. Travis Wood placed fourth in the 110 high hurdles, fifth in the 300 hurdles and fifth in the pole vault. Robert Spedding placed sixth in the long jump, sixth in the triple jump and sixth in the 200 meters. J.V. Boys Spencer Fullerton placed third in the triple jump and sixth in the 100 meter dash. Cam Hall placed third in the 400 meters, fifth in the 110 high hurdles, and third in the 300 hurdles. Cain Madrigal placed third in the mile and sixth in the 800, while David Holloway placed third in the shot and fifth in the 400 meters. Kyle Hartman placed fifth in the long jump.
The J.V. Boys 4x400 relay team of Cain Madrigal, David Holloway, Kyle Hartman and Cam Hall as anchor placed second with a time of 4:19.51. Varsity Girls won with a time of 4:46.75 the team was made up of Jennifer Joyce, Stacey Main, Danielle Moriarity and Catherine Lowry. Varsity boys relay placed third with a time of 4:19.50 the team was made up of Robert Spedding, Zeke Bonham, Dustin Oates and Travis Wood.
Braves lose three of four league games
Modoc's softball team lost three of four softball games this week, making them
a long shot to earn a playoff berth.
Bishop Quinn beat Modoc Friday here 3-0 and 9-0. Megan Thompson got the loss
in each game.
On May 2, Modoc lost the first game to Burney 5-1 and won the second game 8-2.
Thompson got the loss in the opening game and the win in the nightcap.
In game one, Emily Conner went 2-for-3 and in the second game Sammie Schmidt
was 3-for-3 and Jennifer Joyce was 2-for-4.
Coach Keith Jacques said the girls played badly in the opening game against
Burney, a carryover from the worst games they've played all season against Bishop
Quinn. He was pleased that they fought back and regained their composure in
the second game against Burney. They meet Mt. Shasta on Friday and may need
to win both games to make the playoffs.
The standings for the SCL softball loop are as follows: Fall River 12-0, Etna 11-3, Bishop Quinn 7-3, Burney 7-7, Modoc 5-5, Mt. Shasta 3-7, Trinity 3-11 and Weed 0-12.
May 11th, 2006
News
Man arrested in Betty Lou Parks murder
"I've been going through hell for the past 14 years, now it's his turn,"
said Bonnie Dukes the week.
She was referring to Christopher Bradbury, age 31, who was arrested in Redding
last Wednesday on suspicion of murdering Duke's daughter, Betty Lou Parks, in
1992.
Bradbury was booked into the Modoc County Jail Friday and his arraignment Monday
was continued until May 15 at 1 p.m.
Parks was 14 years old when she disappeared from Alturas June 25, 1992. Her
remains were not recovered until May 16, 1993 on an isolated Modoc Estates lot.
DNA tests confirmed the remains were Betty Lou's on Oct. 12, 1993. Further examination
confirmed the cause of death as blunt force trauma.
Bradbury was age 17 years old at the time of the crime, said Modoc District
Attorney Jordan Funk, who would not release his name. However, his identify
has been reported by several news organizations.
The arrest came about thanks to an investigation by the California Department
of Justice. The Modoc Sheriff's Department had attempted an investigation, but
made little, if any, progress.
"I'm relieved that arrest has been made," said Dukes. "I feared
this day would never come. I'm still not sure I believe it, but it does bring
some level of closure. I don't know the details, but I'm thankful for the work
of the Attorney General's office."
The case was turned over to the DOJ about four years ago as a "cold case"
file, in hopes that they might be able to break through the deadlock. According
to the DOJ, the arrest was the result of "old-fashioned police work"
as the leads they uncovered all pointed in Bradbury's direction.
While neither the DOJ nor Funk would say much about the details of the investigation,
DOJ investigators have said the case is not closed with the arrest of Bradbury.
Bradbury apparently moved to Modoc with his family in 1982, but had been gone
from the area and worked in the Redding area.
The Betty Lou Parks case has been tugging at the community for several years
and this arrest may start bringing it to conclusion. Local law enforcement officials
say they don't remember much contact with Bradbury when he did live here. Rumors
ran fairly rampant around the community concerning the case and Bradbury's name
never came to the forefront.
Parks disappeared after telling her mother she was going to a friend's house
for the night, while the family went on a fishing trip. Dukes said that when
her daughter didn't return the next morning, she was somewhat concerned, but
became frightened when Betty Lou didn't come back the next day and she hadn't
heard from her.
The Alturas Police Department originally handled the case. There were complications during the first year, because several reports of sightings of Betty Lou in various locations came in to police. They ran down those leads down, some from her relatives, but to no avail. When her body was found in Modoc Estates by a hiker, the Sheriff's Office took over the case because it was in county jurisdiction.
Sample ballots will be out next week
Sample ballots for the June 6 election will be in the mail the first part of
next week, said Modoc County Clerk Maxine Madison. All registered voters will
be receiving their sample ballots.
She reminds permanent absentee and mail-in only voters that they do not have
to return the absentee ballot application. Voters who want to vote absentee
and are not a permanent absentee may request the absentee ballot by sending
in the application form.
The change in the ballot, which will remove the County Clerk position and replace
it with the new combined position of Modoc County Clerk/Auditor/ Recorder has
been made.
The Record has sent questions to candidates and in the next two weeks, will
be publishing their responses. The District Attorney and the Superintendent
of Schools races are featured in this issue.
The final day to register to vote for the June 6 Primary Election is May 22.
That's also the final day to make registration changes. One of the areas needing
attention is voters' addresses matching up with their current registration.
If someone has moved or had a name change, he needs to make the voter registration
change.
Madison said it's very important for people to make those changes so that they
insure they'll receive their state information pamphlet as well as a sample
ballot. For more information call 233-6201.
The mail only precincts are: Fort Bidwell, Lake City, Eagleville, Stateline-Willow
Ranch, Davis Creek, Parker Creek, South Fork, Canby, Adin, Lookout, Little Hot
Springs (Day).
Voters will go to the polls in Cedarville, in Alturas A, B, C and D, North
Fork, Hot Spring, Cal Pines and Newell.
Modoc Public Defender Richard Cotta, local attorney John Lawson, and Susanville/Redding
attorney Gary Woolverton, are in the race for District Attorney.
Undersheriff Mark Gentry and recently retired California Highway Patrolman
Mike Poindexter are running for Sheriff/Coroner.
David Porter Misso of Tulelake is running against incumbent County Supervisor
in District 5, David Bradshaw, of Big Valley.
Cheri Budmark, appraiser II, and Ron Imbach, a former Modoc Assessor's office
appraiser are running for Modoc County Assessor.
Incumbent Superintendent of Schools Dr. Vanston Shaw is running against Gary
Jones, a Tulelake Basin Joint Unified School District administrator.
The Primary Election is scheduled for June 6 and will include local, state
and national offices. It will also include two local measures, one an increase
in the Surprise Valley Hospital Assessment from $150 to $225 per year and another
for an increase in the Alturas City Mosquito Abatement assessment from .50 cents
per month to $1.50 per month. Both of those issues will require a two-thirds
majority to pass.
In the race for Alturas City Council, incumbent Jerry Smith has withdrawn from
the race that leaves incumbent John Vass, and two challengers, Rod Gately and
Keith Jacques.
New fuel wood cutting regulations take affect
Fuel woodcutting reopened on May 8, 2006 for the Big Valley and Devil's Garden
Ranger Districts on the Modoc National Forest.
For 2006 there is a new fuel wood cutting policy for the Modoc National Forest.
Some of the new limitations in the policy include cutting of live juniper more
than 30 inches in diameter and the reopening of area C-1 where live lodgepole
pine may be cut on the Warner Mountain Ranger District.
Please use caution if visiting the forest this spring to prevent resource damage
and ruts from being created in roads and meadows. Please avoid driving on muddy
roads for your own safety and the protection of fragile resources. Emergency
services and roadside assistance are not readily available.
Awareness of environmental concerns has been growing for decades. It has affected
how we relate to the outdoors. It affects those who use off-road vehicles, and
it affects those who manufacture and sell off-road vehicles. Everyone has a
stake in safe, responsible riding and land use.
Dead standing white fir, incense-cedar, lodgepole pine, and juniper trees (snags)
less than 30" in diameter, and downed trees of any species may be cut on
the Modoc National Forest, except for the following situations:
Within 300 feet of any riparian area (lake, spring or stream) or State
Highway.
Within areas posted as active timber sales, or with "no fuel wood
cutting" signs.
Within 100 feet of campgrounds, power lines, or administrative sites.
No trees designated as wildlife trees or any trees marked with paint
shall be cut.
Areas within the South Warner Wilderness, Sugarhill Research Area or
the Devil's Garden Research Natural Area.
Standing Ponderosa Pine, Western White, Jeffrey, Washoe, or Sugar Pine
snags may not be cut. Downed Pines may be cut, but falling of Pines is prohibited.
The definition of a dead tree (snag) is a tree with no live branches or green
foliage.
Live juniper under 30" diameter may be cut:
Anywhere on the Devil's Garden, Warner Mountain, and Big Valley, and
Doublehead Ranger Districts except in the areas excluded above.
Live Lodgepole Pine may be cut in the "C-1" area on the Warner
Mountain Ranger District.
Woodcutters must have a valid permit in their possession at all times and the
permit holder must be present during cutting or the transporting of firewood.
All chainsaws must have approved spark arrestors. Possession of a shovel or
fire extinguisher while cutting is required. Piling of debris is not required.
Road shall be kept clean of woodcutting debris.
Restrictions on chainsaw use due to fire danger during the fire season will be posted daily and also available by calling 233-8819, as will closures due to soft roadbed conditions during the wet season. It is the responsibility of the woodcutter to check whether there are any restrictions due to those reasons by calling the number or visiting a Forest Service office. The restrictions for firewood cutting due to fire danger correspond to the National Fire Danger Rating System: on days of Low, Moderate, and High fire danger, woodcutting is allowed all day. On days of Very High fire danger, woodcutting is allowed until 1 p.m. On days of Extreme fire danger, no wood cutting is allowed, except: The "DG1" area on the Devil's Garden District will be open for fuel wood cutting even during times of fire restrictions elsewhere on the forest.
Childrens' Fair has fun schedule
Joanie Lee and Branding Iron will headline the entertainment for the Modoc
County 19th Annual Childrens' Fair Saturday, May 20 with its theme of "Back
to the Future".
The Childrens' Fair takes place on the grounds of Modoc High School. It opens
at 9 a.m. and closes at 3 p.m. A talent show with local folks performing starts
at 11 a.m. as the fun begins.
Final preparations are in full swing. New booths have been added, some fun
costumes have been purchased, a variety of food will be sold at low cost and
four inflatable games from Prime Time are on the agenda. Fair t-shirts and other
goodies will be on sale at the fair committee's booth.
Games and activities abound for the young and young-at-heart. Dime toss, fishing
booth and bingo are three of the favorites. Modoc National Forest will bring
a trailer loaded with exhibits from San Bernardino to dazzle local folks and
the balloon man and juggler will wander the grounds entertaining. Emergency
vehicles will be on display and the BLM will show off one of its horses available
for adoption.
Inside the high school gym will be a variety of demonstrations including the square dancers, chess, and archeology. Classes from Alturas Elementary School will display their art exhibits. A prize will go to the entire class that best illustrates the theme of the fair. And prizes will go to the booths, which are best decorated according to the theme.
One home boosts Modoc building
A new home valued at over $1 million boosted Modoc County's April Building
totals to $1,842,921. There were 21 building permits issued by the building
department, with $14,238 in fees collected.
In addition to the one home, installation of manufactured homes accounted for
$401,094. Modoc County's Building Department issued 20 permits in March, worth
an estimated $364,055.
The Alturas City Building Department issued 14 permits in April, worth an estimated
$163,866. That's up from only five permits in March, worth $37,081. A new building
amounted to about $96,000 in the April totals.
In February, Alturas issued nine permits valued at $75,748.
The county issued seven building permits in February, worth an estimated
$279,392.
Obituaries:
Services for Glenn Coughran
Memorial services for Glenn G. Coughran will be held at the Lake City Cemetery on Saturday, May 20 at 11 a.m. A potluck lunch will follow at the Lake City Fire Hall. Mr. Coughran was born May 22, 1914 in Albany, OR and moved to Lake City, CA when he was 17 years old. He was the Building and Grounds Superintendent for Modoc County. He had relocated to Yuma, AZ, where he passed away October 31, 2005. He is survived by his wife Leona (Coffey) Coughran, of Fallon, NV; daughter Dean (Coffey) Rogers of Fallon, NV; son Jake Coffey, Alturas, CA; daughter Janice (Coughran) Edgar of Nehalem, OR; grandchildren Sherrie Balmer and family, Scott Jacobs and family; Tamie Chamber and family; Tena Jacobs, and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
Luke Daniel Lay
Luke Daniel Lay passed away May 1, 2006 in Redding, CA. He was born in Alturas,
CA on March 17, 1979, and attended Alturas Elementary and Modoc Middle School.
He moved to Moreno Valley to live with relatives and attend high school. He
entered the ROTC program there. He then moved to Redding, to live with his father
and finished high school through a home study program. He served in the U.S.
Army, and was stationed in Tennessee, during which time he married, but was
later divorced. After his discharge, he returned to Alturas, CA in June of 2005,
and lived with his grandmother for a number of months. He worked for York Ranches.
The 27-year-old loved to fish.
He is survived by his mother Sally Wallis of Alturas, CA; his father Joe Allen
of Redding, CA; his brother Adam Lay of Alturas and brother Cody Allen of Redding;
his two sisters Rose Ann and Naomi Wallis of Alturas; his grandmother Mae Walz
of Alturas; aunt and uncle Bess and Charles Walz of Perris, CA; aunt and uncle
Mae and John Van Natta of Iowa Park, Texas; aunt and uncle Sue and Fred DiSario
of Alturas, CA and many cousins and two second cousins in Alturas and Texas
and his fiancé Michelle Forst, Alturas.
He was preceded in death by his grandfather Charlie Walz of Alturas and uncle
Samuel Walz of Moreno Valley, CA and aunt Evelyn Bradford and Uncle William
Bradford of Alturas.
Memorial Services were held Wednesday evening, May 10 at 6 p.m. at Faith Baptist
Church, Alturas. Pastor Rod Bodmer conducted the service.
Dallas Upton
Alturas resident Dallas Upton, 54, passed away at her home on May 7, 2006,
due to cancer. Mrs. Upton had lived most of her life in Modoc County. She was
born Dallas Hasting on April 4, 1952 in Auburn, CA. Mrs. Upton enjoyed playing
music, fishing and spending time with her family. At her request, no services
will be held.
She is survived by her sister Betty McGinnis, Thompson, IL; brother Ricky Hasting,
Eureka, CA; daughter Stacey Smith and son-in-law Chris Colt, Alturas, CA; son
Aury Smith, Susanville, CA; daughter-in-law Cindi Parker and grandchildren Danielle
and Corey Smith of Alturas, CA and Gary, A.J. and Hunter Smith of Susanville.
She was preceded in death by her mother Maxine McClurg, Fallon, NV; brother
Gary Hasting, Alturas, CA; and father Clyde "Bud" Hasting, Likely,
CA.
Memorial donations may be directed to the American Cancer Society.
Service for Joseph Bohdan
Services for Joseph John Bohdan will be held at "Repin' for the Lord"
Church, 316 West Eighth St., Alturas on Saturday, May 13 at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to "Repin' for the Lord
Ministries" c/o Destry and Shirley Campbell, Box 985, Alturas, CA 96101.
He is survived by his daughter Dylan Bohdan Sponseller, her mother and best
friend, Dyan Sponseller of Alturas; daughter Dorthy Bohdan of Santa Barbara;
brother James Bohdan and sister Elizabeth Bohdan, both of St. Paul, MN; a sister
Doris Urbanski of Chaska, MN, a sister Judy Hirdler of Becker, MN; his beloved
niece Denise (Bohdan) Henderson of Groveland, CA; nephews Sean and Kevin Bohdan
of St. Paul, MN, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Arthur Green
Arthur Smith Green, 79, of Cedarville passed away May 5, 2006 at Surprise Valley
Hospital there. Burial with military honors will take place Friday, May 12 at
the Golden Gate Cemetery in San Bruno, CA. Services were held Tuesday in Cedarville.
The well-liked Mr. Green had been a vital community volunteer and was honored
for such by the Greater Surprise Valley Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Green's obituary
will appear in the May 18 Modoc Record.
Celebration of Life for Stopps
Friends are invited to a celebration of the lives of Clarence and Lucile Stopp
at the Lake City Cemetery, Memorial Day, Monday, May 29 at 1 p.m.
Their immediate family welcomes you to participate in the personal closure
of this unique Surprise Valley couple. Expressions of remembrance are welcome.
Tea will be served by Ms. Lynn's Tea of Montague, CA.
Service for Andrew Pearce
A memorial service for Andrew Pearce of Cedarville will be held Saturday, May 13 at 3 p.m. at the Surprise Valley Community Church in Cedarville. Dr. Ben Zandstra will officiate. A potluck will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Surprise Valley Health Care District, P.O. Box 246, Cedarville 96104 or Surprise Valley Community Church, P.O. Box 187, Cedarville, CA 96104.
Sports
Braves split in final series with Bears
Modoc's Braves split their final series with Mt. Shasta winning the first game
12-2 and losing the second game 9-7.
Jesse Harer got the win in the opener, allowing seven hits, walking one and
striking out eight.
Modoc jumped up 4-0 in the first, led 6-1 in the third and 7-2 in the fourth.
The Braves added a five-run fifth. The Bears scored one in the third and in
the fourth.
Bill Hammerness was 4-for-4 at the plate with a home run; Michael Gaskey, Harer
and Travis Wood were each 2-for-4 and Justin Mason had a home run.
In the second game, Mt. Shasta put together one in the second, six runs in
the third and fourth innings and added a final two in the fifth. Modoc led 2-0
in the first, scored in one the fourth and fifth and three in the sixth. The
Bears scored their nine runs in seven hits and Modoc scored their seven on 10
hits.
Tim Cruse got the loss for Modoc. He allowed seven hits, walked six and struck
out four.
Gaskey was 2-for-4 for the Braves while Brandon Anderson, Garrett Chapman, Mason,
Cruse and Taylor Dunn each had a hit.
On May 3, Modoc beat Burney 11-1 in the opening game, but lost the nightcap
10-8. "It's been frustrating," coach Tim MacDonnell said this week.
We 10-run a team in the opening game and then come out flat in the second game."
Jesse Harer got the win in the first game. He allowed four hits, struck out
four and walked two. Modoc was down 1-0 in the second but scored six in the
third and five in the fifth.
Jared Cox was 3-for-4, Dunn was 2-for 3 and Wood was 2-for-4.
In the second game, Burney went up 2-0 in the first, but Modoc took a 4-2 lead
in the second. Burney tied the score at 5-5 in the third and went up 10-5 in
the fourth. Modoc added one in the fifth and two in the sixth.
Cruse got the loss for Modoc, allowing 10 runs on nine hits, while fanning five
and walking two.
Mason was 2-for-4, Cruse was 2-for-4 and Dunn was 3-for-4. Modoc committed six
errors in the second game and struck out 12 times. The Braves finished the season
at 8-10 and 7-7 in the SCL.
Modoc
track team competing
Modoc's Track team apparently did well at the Mt. Shasta Twilight Invitational
May 5, but coaches reported no individuals times or distances, or team scores.
Grant Hall, Zeke Bonham, Stacey Main, Michel Funk, Catherine Lowry, Kim Partee,
Chrissy Hall and Amanda Hess are said to have competed well.
The JV boys and girls varsity have a shot at winning the Shasta Cascade League title, according to coaches.
Likely golf winners
The team of John and Wendy Benner of Cedarville won the Likely Links Cinco
De Mayo tournament.
In second place was the team of Dennis Tate and Wayne Bethel, of Alturas, while
Bob and Cheryl Cronemiller of Mineral were third. The longest drive was by John
Benner and closest to the pin was Ygnacio Azcarate if Juarez, Mexico.
The field of the tourney was very diversified. The next tourney will be on Mother's Day, May 14, with all Moms golfing free. A barbecue steak dinner will follow.
Hight second in Georgia
Alturas' Robert Hight just narrowly lost the Funny Car finals race at the Summit
Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals in Atlanta, Georgia Sunday to Tony
Pedregon.
Pedregon blasted through the quarter-mile run at 325.69 m.p.h. and Hight was
about five feet behind at 321.81 m.p.h. for second place.
Hight is having an excellent year. He is third on the PowerAde Championship points standings. Ron Capps is leading with 634 points; John Force follows with 538, Hight 416, Eric Medlen 409 and Del Worsham 376.
May 25th, 2006
News
City, county meeting resolves little
A joint Alturas City Council and Modoc County Board of Supervisors meeting
Tuesday night concerning the proposed National Power Biomass project didn't
do much to resolve issues.
What the city did do was vote to instruct LAFCO Executive Director Amy Mickelson
not to file the mill property annexation papers until some zoning issues were
resolved.
National Power is proposing to construct a 20-40 megawatt biomass power plant
on city-owned property north of the existing structures at the mill site, near
the Alturas airport. The project also includes a small log sawmill.
The City and County have been working on this power plant project in a joint
effort for well over a year.
City Public Works Director Chester Robertson recommended the city renegotiate
the tax structure with the county on the biomass project, using a third party
consultant. That suggestion went nowhere with county officials.
He stated the city's property tax share of the project, estimated at about
$50 million value, would only be $55,000 the first year and some $16,000 each
year thereafter, according to a Chico State study.
County Chief Executive Officer Mike Maxwell countered that he had the Modoc
Auditor's Office run an actual apportionment estimate based on a $50 million
project and the additional tax annually to the city would be at $93,812. He
also explained that the Modoc Joint Unified School District would receive an
additional $188,792 and the County about $103,266.
Maxwell said he felt the chance of renegotiating the tax structure would be
slim, primarily because the tax amounts were close. County officials would not
rule out an agreement with the city to help fund the project, but that issue
never came up at the meeting.
When the project was started a redevelopment district was envisioned, but that
part of the project has been removed because it did not qualify. The redevelopment
district actually would have covered more than just the biomass plant project
and could have provided more tax revenue to the city.
Maxwell also gave the city an allocation study showing that if the biomass
plant were built outside the city limits, the city's share of the property tax
would be just $799 annually, while the county's share would be $128,547. That
possiblity is not currently under study nor suggested.
Robertson said he felt the tax figures from the county could make a major difference
in the project.
The major stumbling block for the city, according to councilman John Vass is
the interim costs for planning, legal experts, engineering and infrastructure.
He said the city doesn't have the funds to cover those costs. Vass wants to
renegotiate those costs with the developer, saying that money has to come from
National Power. The problem for the city is an agreement they signed with the
developer, where it agreed to some of the costs.
The original roadmap for the project included securing those funds through
grants and other means, but none of those steps have been taken by the city.
In the beginning the completion of the city's housing element was an issue,
but that has been done.
Maxwell said the city needs to do much more work on what costs are actually
going to be before trying to renegotiate those with National Power. He said
it's possible for the city and county to join and "move the project forward"
but there are a variety of issues on the table that will need resolution.
"There really hasn't been a lot done on the project (by the city) for
the past four and a half months," Maxwell said. "I'm not saying the
city doesn't have legitimate questions, but I'm not sure you can go back to
the table, you just don't have the numbers."
Vass said the city cannot go forward with the project until they have the correct
costs figures and go back to the developer.
The entire project is expected to create more than 100 new jobs in Modoc County,
from actual plant workers to the logging and trucking industries.
The small log sawmill is an integral part of the project, said National's Len
Wohadto. In most cases, he said, the power plants were used to generate electricity
to run the sawmills. In this case, the sawmill will be the main supplier of
fuel for the power plant, and the electricity will be sold to Sierra Pacific.
The value of the plant is expected to be above $50 million.
The plant is projected to need about 150,000 tons of fuel per year, but will
be operating more efficiently than existing biomass plants and it must meet
California emission standards. National Power states the plant will use one-third
less fuel to produce the same amount of electricity as existing biomass plants.
National hopes the first draft of the EIR can be finished by the end of this
year and all the permitting and land use issues settled and in place by the
end of 2007. Construction could start in 2008 with the plant possibly coming
on line in 2010.
The current effort to manage juniper in this neck of the woods is one of the
driving forces behind the biomass plant project. National believes there is
sufficient and renewable fuel resource to meet the long-term needs of the power
plant. In addition, the state's move towards more "green energy" sources
is a big part of the project.
National Power describes itself as an owner and operator of environmentally
sensitive electric generating facilities which has existing facilities in Australia
and the United States. The company was founded in 1991 and is privately owned.
The site for the proposed power plant is on 103 acres of city-owned property
at the mill site adjacent to the airport.
National Power projects include the Big Valley Mill power plant, which is up and running. That plant had been closed and shut down when Big Valley Lumber Mill was sold and dismantled, but the power plant remained intact. It is a biomass power plant, burning wood products.
Alturas precinct polling places reversed
The Modoc sample ballot has the wrong polling places for Alturas Precincts
280 and 320, according to Modoc County Clerk Maxine Madison.
Precinct 280 which normally votes at the Senior Center has its polling place
listed as Alturas City Hall and Precinct 320 which normally votes at City Hall
has its precinct listed as the Senior Center. Those are wrong. Precinct 280
will vote at the Senior Center, as usual, and Precinct 320 will vote at City
Hall.
"We apologize for the confusion," said Madison. "The polling
places are the same as usual, we just had the error on the sample ballots."
According to Madison, the number of registered voters in Modoc has climbed
to 5,720, up from 5,596 in the last election.
The June 6 election ballots have been mailed. According to Madison, more and
more voters are choosing to vote absentee.
She reminds permanent absentee and mail-in only voters that they do not have
to return the absentee ballot application. Voters who want to vote absentee
and are not a permanent absentee may request the absentee ballot by sending
in the application form.
The mail-only precincts are: Fort Bidwell, Lake City, Eagleville, Stateline-Willow
Ranch, Davis Creek, Parker Creek, South Fork, Canby, Adin, Lookout, Little Hot
Springs (Day).
Voters will go to the polls in Cedarville, in Alturas A, B, C and D, North
Fork, Hot Spring, Cal Pines and Newell.
Modoc Public Defender Richard Cotta, local attorney John Lawson, and attorney
Gary Woolverton, are in the race for District Attorney.
Undersheriff Mark Gentry and recently retired California Highway Patrolman
Mike Poindexter are running for Sheriff/Coroner.
David Porter Misso of Tulelake is running against incumbent County Supervisor
in District 5, David Bradshaw, of Big Valley.
Cheri Budmark, appraiser II, and Ron Imbach, a former Modoc Assessor's office
appraiser are running for Modoc County Assessor.
Incumbent Superintendent of Schools Dr. Vanston Shaw is running against Gary
Jones, a Tulelake Basin Joint Unified School District administrator.
The Primary Election is scheduled for June 6 and will include local, state
and national offices. It will also include two local measures, one an increase
in the Surprise Valley Hospital Assessment from $150 to $225 per year and another
for an increase in the Alturas City Mosquito Abatement assessment from .50 cents
per month to $1.50 per month. Both of those issues will require a two-thirds
majority to pass.
In the race for Alturas City Council, incumbent Jerry Smith has withdrawn from the race leaving incumbent John Vass, and two challengers, Rod Gately and Keith Jacques.
Measure I improves mosquito program
Measure I on the June 6 ballot is asking Alturas voters to raise the city mosquito
abatement fees by one dollar per month.
City residents now pay a .50 cent per month fee on their water bills to fund
the mosquito spray program, but Modoc Agriculture Commissioner Joe Moreo said
that fee just doesn't cover the costs. That fee was imposed in 1980. If approved,
Measure I would increase the assessment to $1.50 per month. That works out to
$18 per year, about the same cost as three to four cans of mosquito repellent.
The City needs more funding to cover the program and to make it more effective,
Moreo said this week. He is a strong supporter of the mosquito spraying program.
He said the city crews would like to spray about three times per week during
hatches, which would mean pretty solid control.
City crews will spray the Modoc High football field prior to the MHS graduation
ceremony, and plan regular spraying starting on June 9.
Measure I will take a two-thirds majority in favor to pass. Moreo said the spraying program is a quality of life as well as a health issue.
Local immigrants study constitution, apply for
citizenship
The students in Analuisa Orozco's citizenship class are Hispanics studying
to become United States citizens. "They're looking for an opportunity,
just like most immigrants to this country, to do something with their life,"
she said.
Orozco, who works in the Big Valley Family Resource Center in Bieber as a family
support specialist, began by teaching English classes for immigrants. "I've
been giving 'English as a second language' classes for about two years now.
Because I am dealing in immigration issues, they asked me about citizenship
classes. So, that's how the thought came."
Seeing a need, Orozco put together a citizenship program for immigrants in
the Big Valley area. "This is my pilot program. I did it pro bono, gathered
the resources that I could gather and I had six pupils come and graduate from
my class."
The eight-week course required the class to meet twice a week for two hours
in the morning "My students were exceptional. They came to every class
and did their homework. I was just really proud," said Orozco. "A
couple of students still have a ways to go, and one needs a little more brushing
up on English. But, they're working towards it."
In the end, Orozco is certain her students will be ready for the required citizenship
test. "In every class we had a test because I wanted them to get prepared
for this test-taking thing," she said. "That's what they're going
to have to face."
Typical of her students are Margarito "Jesse" Bautista, 54, and his
wife Martha, 44, originally from Zacatecas, Mexico. They have been in the U.S.
for about 35 years.
"I came here to the United States when I was 14 years old," said
Jesse, explaining that he entered the country without a visa. "My dad died,
and I had no way to support the family in Mexico. So I came over here and started
working. I was making $1.25 an hour at that time.
"I came with only 10 pesos. So, a guy bought me a loaf of bread and a
package of baloney. I finished that baloney and the bread in one week. After
that first week, I was drinking (nothing but) water and going to work."
"He had no food for one week," said Martha, emphasizing her husband's
sacrifice for his family.
"If they have family up here, then the word gets down that the work is
here. They come up for the work and the opportunity," said Orozco, explaining
how Mexican families typically go about immigrating to the U.S. "It usually
happens that the father comes up first. They are separated from their families.
They're trying to immigrate the rest of their family. But, because there is
this long wait, it's really difficult to have the family separated for so long."
"When I came over here," said Jesse, "I had a hard time even
to feed my brothers over there. I used to send them the money over there to
support them."
Small in stature, Jesse did all he could to find work. "I even wore two
pants, two shirts and a big coat so they would give me a job. (That way) I looked
bigger."
Jesse later returned home to Zacatecas, met and married Martha and then returned
with her to the U.S.
"When we came from Mexico, we were illegal aliens," said Martha, who
is now an American citizen. "We came to the United States with no papers.
We suffered a lot."
Recalling the gauntlet they had to run at the boarder crossing, Jesse said,
"You've got to make the money for the coyotes (smugglers). It's not cheap
either."
He shook his head as he recalled the danger from Mexican robbers that prey
upon immigrants. "They come across just to rob people when they come across
walking. If you don't give them what they want, they hurt you. They wait for
people just to steal their money or their stuff. You're risking your life."
While they feared being caught by immigration officers, "they just deport
you," Jesse said. "They don't hurt you."
It's the Mexican robbers he feared the most. "The othersour own
peoplethey do this stuff. Some even take your wife away. You don't want
that. You give your life for your wife. A lot of people, they get killed. So,
it's dangerous."
What made them want to take the risk to come to the U.S illegally? "Oh,
for a better life," they said in unison.
"It means a lot to us," said Jesse. "We get protection here,
a better life for the kids, better benefits and better food."
Life was not as good in Mexico. "Over there you work hard, and they don't
appreciate it."
Even though they knew immigration was going to be tough, they also knew it would
be well worth the sacrifice.
"We're happy to be here. Everything costs, but we work hard every day,"
said Jesse, explaining that they are well established in Big Valley. "We
own a house, now. We have two or three pickups. We've got the kids in the school.
And, we are happy to be here in America."
"And we're going to keep working hard," said Martha.
"
work hard and get along with everybody," said Jesse.
In 1987, they became residents. Then, in 1998, Martha won her citizenship,
hoping to sponsor her ailing father. "It was my hope to get my father legal
so he can come to the United States. But that never happened. He died before."
Now that he has completed the citizenship class, Jesse plans to take the citizenship
test in the near future. "I can try, now. I was waiting until I was 55
years old so I can take the test in Spanish," he said, laughing. He will
still have to take it in English.
After working and paying taxes for 35 years, Jesse wants to get social security
benefits when he gets to retirement age. That's part of his motivation to gain
citizenship, but not the only reason. "To be able to have a voice to vote.
That's the main thing," said Jesse.
The emerging immigration controversy has surprised and overwhelmed these simple
people. They are dismayed and anxious that some Americans seem antagonistic
toward them. "It's not good," said Martha, speaking of the ongoing
debate and the organized marches.
Even though they do not participate in the protests, they are seen by many
as sympathetic with the protestors. "We never did anything like that.
Who has time to do that?" asked Martha, who does not identify with the
marchers but rather considers herself part of the Big Valley community and an
American. "They don't live in a small community. They don't do nothing."
Jesse admits that some Mexicans come here looking for a handout, and he believes
that gives those like himself and his wife who work hard to become part of the
community a bad name. "Troublemakers. If one does (something bad), we all
get the same name. That's a bad guy," said Jesse, explaining that a few
bad actors create a problem for the rest.
"Everybody says, 'Oh, he's a Mexican. He's the same like the other bad
guy.' And, it is not true. Some of them are a little better and some of them
are worse, but we all take the same blame. It's not fair, but there's nothing
we can do about it," said Jesse, woefully. "That really hurts when
you hear somebody talking about the 'Spanish people.' That's (us) our people,
and it hurts. And they think we are all the same. No, there's big difference."
As for the citizenship classes, Jesse is upbeat. "It's a little bit hard,
but nothing is impossible if a guy really wants to learn and go and do the homework."
Speaking of their teacher, he said, "She was a big help. When I (first)
came, they were already half way (through the course), and I still learned a
lot from her. I really appreciate her help. She helps the whole community here."
"She helps a lot of Spanish people," said Martha. "The better
thing is she's bilingual."
"We don't have any trouble. If we can't ask her in English, we can ask
her in Spanish," said Jesse. "She a big help to the community."
Orozco also helped Martha get her citizenship and her GED. "I went to
her to learn English. My English is really poor. I want to learn how to write,
to read and to speak better."
Martha told of practicing her English in front of a mirror. "I was looking
like an idiot," she said, grimacing.
Having succeeded, she affirms that anyone can learn if they really try. "We
can do it if we want to," she said. "They can do it, and I know it.
Sometimes it's hard because they think everybody is making fun of them."
What is Martha's advice to her Hispanic friends and neighbors? "No matter
the cost, keep working the English."
Orozco points out the heart of the issue for the Hispanic community in Big Valley. "They just want to be treated equally, as part of the community."
Hospital dedicates upgraded dining room
Federal grants totaling $442,348 from the Health Resources and Services Administration,
HRSA, and administered through the Modoc Indian Health Project in Alturas have
resulted in major improvements to both Modoc Medical Center and Surprise Valley
Health Care District.
Memorial plaques will be dedicated to Paul Del Rosa, the Hammawi Band of Pit
River Indians for his years of service and dedication to the MIHP Board of Directors
in Alturas and to Wanda Dunn, Northern Paiute, in Surprise Valley, also for
her years of service to the MIHP.
The two-year grant program awarded $93,500 to each hospital the first year
and $116,620 to each facility the second year. The funds were used for renovation
and equipment purchases.
Modoc Medical Center and the MIHP are inviting the public to a special presentation
and dedication of Warnerview's newly renovated dining room and lounge area June
1, 2 p.m.
Congressman John Doolittle will be the featured speaker.
Marc McNair will open the event by drumming a special honor song and Belinda
Brown, Executive Director for MIHP, who oversees the administration of the HRSA
grant, and has followed the renovation project from the beginning will make
the introductions.
Throughout the program, there will be a power-point presentation featuring
photos of the renovation as it took place. A tour of Warnerview, including the
renovated resident's family and television room will be offered. Those attending
will enjoy an assortment of meats, cheeses and vegetables provided by MIHP.
MMC will provide punch, coffee and cookies.
HRSA is the primary Federal agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services that provides grant funding for uninsured, underserved and special
needs populations.
The improvements to the dining facility at Warnerview included a new floor,
lighting, wall coverings, furniture, windows, window coverings, linens and dishware.
A new French door was added to allow residents to exit the dining room to he
new patio area.
In addition, a new wrought iron fence, new outdoor furniture and a waterfall
and pond were added to the patio area.
The grants also allowed for the purchase of new medical equipment, including
an ECG machine, a new cell counter in the laboratory, lab software and other
items.
SV Medical Central used part of the funding to purchase a new 120 KW emergency backup generator and to upgrade its radiology department to create digital; x-rays and necessary software and other items.
Obituaries:
Enloe O. Looper
Services for Enloe Looper were held Monday, May 22 at 10 a.m. at the Alturas
Cemetery. Pastor Mel Chasteen conducted the service.
Alturas resident Enloe Oscar Looper passed away May 18, 2006 at Modoc Medical
Center, Alturas, CA. Mr. Looper was born in Monterey, Tennessee on June 21,
1923, to Dock and Cassie Looper.
Enloe stayed in Tennessee until he was 16 when he moved to California to work
with his brother Grover.
In 1941, at the age of 17, he joined the U.S. Navy and served during World War
II.
Upon his discharge from the Navy, he returned home to Tennessee, and began
dating Johnnie Officer. They were married six months later. This marriage brought
three children, David, Mildred and Debbie. Davie preceded his father in death
the summer of 1967.
Enloe and Johnnie came to Orange Cove, CA. 12 days after their marriage. Later
that year they moved to Alturas. They have remained in Alturas since that time,
except for a brief period when they returned to Tennessee for the birth of their
second child Mildred.
Enloe worked at the Lumber Mill in Alturas. He loved Modoc County, his family
and friends. Hunting, fishing and playing cards were some of his favorite hobbies.
Later in Enloe's life he found he enjoyed buying, raising and selling horses.
This was such a special interest he had because he could share it with his grandchildren
he loved so much.
He is survived by his wife Johnnie of Alturas; daughters and sons-in-law Mildred
and Pinky Anklin of Canby, CA; Debbie and Bob McCoy of Alturas; grandchildren
Nikki and Eric Duarte of Beatty, OR; Rick Anklin, Canby; Ray Anklin, Alturas;
Victor Madrigal, Ft. Bidwell; Kristi Zendejas, Alturas; brothers Ray and Rosco
of Tennessee and Arlie of Indiana; sisters Anna Tinch and Berta Mae Wilson of
Tennessee.
Memorial remembrances may be directed to the Alturas Baptist Church c/o Pastor
Mel Chasteen, P.O. Box 1162, Alturas, CA 96101.
Stopps
Friends are invited to a celebration of the lives of Clarence and Lucile Stopp
at the Lake City Cemetery, Memorial Day, Monday, May 29 at 1 p.m.
Their immediate family welcomes you to participate in the personal closure
of this unique Surprise Valley couple. Expressions of remembrance are welcome.
Tea will be served by Ms. Lynn's Tea of Montague, CA.
Sports
Modoc track in small schools meet
No one from Modoc High School's varsity track teams won an event at the Small
Schools Championship last weekend.
The girls' varsity team had the best showing with Stacey Main taking second
in the 400 meters at 1:04.3 and Chrissy Abbott-Hall taking a second in the discus
77-7. Modoc's 4x400 relay team of Jennifer Joyce, Main, Michel Funk and Catherine
Lowry placed second at 4:31.3.
Joyce was third in the 800 meters in 2:38.3, Kim Partee was third in the 300
hurdles at 57.5 and Hall was third in the discus at 26-9.5.
Lowry took a fourth in the 400 meters in 1:07.5; Funk was fourth in the 1600
meters in 6:13.2. Danielle Moriarity was fourth in the 3200 meters in 14:10.4.
Hall was fourth in the 100 hurdles at 19.7.
Moriarity took a fifth in t he 1600 meters in 6:13.7, Hall was fifth in the
300 hurdles in 58.6, Amanda Hess was fifth in the shot at 24-4 and Marielle
Nardoni was fifth in the 3200 meters in 15:24.7.
For the varsity boys, Grant Hall placed third in the shot at 38-8.5 and in
the discus at 111-5. Dustin Philpott was third in the high jump at 5-4.5 Travis
Wood was fifth in the 300 hurdles in 47.7 and Zeke Bonham was fifth in the triple
jump at 36-8. Modoc's 4x400 meter relay of Robert Spedding, Bonham, Hall and
Wood placed fifth at 4:09.5.
Cain Madrigal led the Modoc junior varsity boys with a second place in the
1600 meters at 5:10.7. David Holloway took a third in the 400 meters in 59.4.
Madrigal was fourth in the 800 meters in 2:28.2. Cam Hall took a fourth in the
300 hurdles in 48.3. Modoc's 4x400 of Madrigal, Holloway, Kyle Hartman and Hall
was third at 4:14.1.
Hartman was fourth in the high jump 5-0 and fifth in the long jump at 14-9.5.
Rachel Field was the sole winner for Modoc. She won the junior varsity girls
discus at 75-2 and placed fourth in the shot at 23-10.
Sign
up for Women's Slow Pitch Softball
Women's Slow Pitch Softball is looking for players. You are eligible to play if you will be entering high school in the fall of 2007. The season starts July 10 and runs through August 2006. Cost is $25 per player. For more information please contact Cheryl Kunert at 233-6400 or Nichole Stains at 640-2077.
News
Big turnout expected for Tuesday vote
Polls will open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. or the June 6 Primary Election
in Modoc County and across the state. Several local hotly contested races, and
state and federal offices are on the ballot.
The Modoc Record will have the results for the election on its Internet site,
www.modocrecord.com as soon as they are released by the Modoc County Clerk's
office Tuesday evening, probably between 8:45 and 10 p.m.
Two important local issues are on the ballot: one an increase in the Surprise
Valley Hospital Assessment from $150 to $225 per year and another for an increase
in the Alturas City Mosquito Abatement assessment from .50 cents per month to
$1.50 per month. Both of those issues will require a two-thirds majority to
pass.
Democrats in the County did not receive a ballot containing the race for Attorney
General. An additional ballot was sent out to absentee voters Saturday and voters
at the polls Tuesday will have one extra card with that race.
The Modoc sample ballot has the wrong polling places for Alturas Precincts
280 and 320, according to Modoc County Clerk Maxine Madison.
Precinct 280 which normally votes at the Senior Center has its polling place
listed as Alturas City Hall and Precinct 320 which normally votes at City Hall
has its precinct listed as the Senior Center. Those are wrong. Precinct 280
will vote at the Senior Center, as usual, and Precinct 320 will vote at City
Hall.
Modoc ended with total registration for this election at 5,707, down from last
election's 5,723. Republicans lead voter registration with 2,791, Democrats
have 1,747, Non Partisan have 908, American Independent 178, Libertarian 44,
Green 29, Peace and Freedom 9 and Natural Law 3.
Madison reminds absentee and mail-in only voters to return the ballot by close
of polls election day. They can be in to the Clerk's Office or turned in at
a proper polling place. Madison said here is increased interest in this election
and predicts a high voter turnout.
The mail-only precincts are: Fort Bidwell, Lake City, Eagleville, Stateline-Willow
Ranch, Davis Creek, Parker Creek, South Fork, Canby, Adin, Lookout, Little Hot
Springs (Day).
Voters will go to the polls in Cedarville, in Alturas A, B, C and D, North Fork,
Hot Spring, Cal Pines and Newell.
Modoc Public Defender Richard Cotta, local attorney John Lawson, and attorney
Gary Woolverton, are in the race for District Attorney. That race has been very
tense.
Undersheriff Mark Gentry and recently retired California Highway Patrolman
Mike Poindexter are running for Sheriff/Coroner in a race that might be very
close.
David Porter Misso of Tulelake is running against incumbent County Supervisor
in District 5, David Bradshaw, of Big Valley.
Cheri Budmark, appraiser II, and Ron Imbach, a former Modoc Assessor's office
appraiser are running for Modoc County Assessor.
Incumbent Superintendent of Schools Dr. Vanston Shaw is running against Gary
Jones, a Tulelake Basin Joint Unified School District administrator. That race
has become very hotly debated over the past month.
In the race for Alturas City Council, incumbent Jerry Smith has withdrawn from
the race leaving incumbent John Vass, and two challengers, Rod Gately and Keith
Jacques.
Main Street project moves forward
The Alturas Main Street project is moving along, although it is encountering
some "common" issues with utilities and water lines.
Currently, contractor Eagle Peak Rock and Paving is installing a new storm
drain along Main. This portion of the work is expected to be completed by mid-July,
according to Caltrans. Several challenges have been encountered including conflicts
with sewer laterals and water lines. Caltrans, in cooperation with the City
of Alturas, will continue to work out solutions for handling each conflict.
Caltrans states that as work progresses, disruption to sewer and water service
may occur. Property owners will be give 24-hour notice of any planned disruption.
In an attempt to locate as may existing utilities as possible, investigative
work was performed early in the design phase of the project. However, Caltrans
said undiscovered utilities are common on projects that involve reconstruction
of a roadway through a historical town. Funding was provided in this project
to address additional costs associated with the unforeseen utilities.
"As excavation operations continue, there is potential to encounter contaminated soils or ground water resulting from former gas stations and underground fuel tanks," Caltrans states. "If this occurs during construction, Caltrans and other agency requirements will be followed based on the size and type of the contaminated area."
The project will rehabilitate the roadway and make various safety and operational
improvements on State Routes 299 and 395 in and near the city.
For current construction information, please call the project information hotline
at 530-233-1539 or tune your radio to FM 97.9. For more specific questions please
call the Caltrans Resident Engineer Bill Barnes at 233-1296 or the Public Information
Office in Redding at 530-225-3260.
DA tells court he won't show for all arraignments
Modoc County District Attorney Jordan Funk has told Modoc County Judges that
he will not be appearing in court on all arraignments, citing a staffing issue.
Superior Court Judge Larry Dier said that practice is unusual for Modoc County,
but does occur in other counties. Dier said he and Judge Fritz Barclay had scheduled
a meeting with Funk on the issue last Wednesday, but Funk could not make that
appointment. Dier said the invitation to Funk is open and said he wasn't sure
what options the courts have until after that meeting.
Funk, who does not have an assistant DA at this time, has noted the public
defenders' office has staff lawyers, while he does not. Funk said there are
several major trials coming up so and he's concentrating more on those.
"What we're doing is adopting a practice common in other jurisdictions,"
said Funk Tuesday. "We won't appear on all arraignments, but will on select
felonies and misdemeanor cases."
Funk said he has two homicide cases in the system now and other cases that
require more of his time. He said while he will not be appearing at arrangements
on minor issues, but he will in cases where he feels his personal arguments
are required.
Funk said state Department of Justice statistics point out that 2.5 attorneys
should handle the Modoc DA's office workload. As it stands now, Funk is the
sole operator.
Funk said he doesn't think the changes will affect the office's operations.
Memorial trip a shock to pioneer spirit
Sometimes it takes a fresh perspective from afar to discover something nearly
lost to those who live near it. In this case, it is the Pioneer Cemetery, located
a short walk off Carlos Street and set on a bluff with an expansive view, overlooking
the Pit River in Alturas.
When long-time Modoc resident Virgil Pratt, 92, now of Roseburg, OR returned
with family members for a Memorial Weekend family reunion in Modoc County, he
and his family were saddened and upset to see the lack of care and preservation
at the Pioneer Cemetery grounds, while looking for the grave of one of their
own family members. They were on their own personal genealogy research mission
to find their great-grandmother's grave among pioneer families buried at the
historic cemetery. Wild yellow roses were all that appeared to mark the location
they were searching for in the cemetery figured to have been utilized from 1872
to 1895, as the first cemetery in Alturas or Dorris Bridge as the town was once
called.
They also found that the cemetery extends southeast beyond the standing perimeter
markers and any fencing still standing and had "well more than 60 graves,
over a five-acre tract of land." In the family's quest to find further
information about the grave of their own family member, Melvina Doten Shields,
they spoke with Dixie Server of the Modoc County Historical Society, Phyllis
Dustman of the Alturas Cemetery District Board and Ed Coronado, a caretaker
at the (new) Alturas Cemetery.
They also discovered there is no longer a recorded "master list"
available at the Modoc County Courthouse, of those who were originally interred
at the Pioneer Cemetery. It could be that such a list may still exist, but no
one knows where or with whom.
"We know from seeing some of the original deeds at the (new) Alturas Cemetery
(established in 1890) that families paid for the Pioneer Cemetery plots and
probably expected them to be cared for," notes Sue Dean of Roseburg, OR.
"We were shocked to see the condition of the Pioneer Cemetery in an area
known for its pioneer spirit. Accompanying Dean and Pratt on the family trip
were Richard Styler and Kathryn Styler of Salem, OR.
Passionate about seeing Modoc's pioneer hallowed grounds cared for, Pratt said
he would like to see some funding afforded to fix up the cemetery and gentle
care given to bring it back to how it should be, leaving the honeysuckle and
wild roses, brought by family members to the site. Sagebrush and weeds have
taken over and many of the markers are broken. The names on the 20 markers which
are still intact or readable have also been listed on a "Modoc Cemeteries"
website under the California US GenWeb Project and the California Tombstone
Project. All of Modoc's cemeteries have listings.
Names which still are visible and which have been recorded from the Pioneer
Cemetery are Harry Wayne Beardsley, Carthie L. Fritz, Archie A. Gault, Edna
Lee Giannini, Thomas Godfrey, Martha Ivory, Rosa Lee Ivory, Martha C. Jones,
Clara Emily Leonard, Thomas Nash, Belle Nelson, J.N. Stone, Rhoda Agusta Stone,
Nicholas Sullivan, Daily M. Thomas, Susanah Turner, Thos. L. Turner, Anna R.
Wanzer, Maud M. Wanzer, Joey Wilson.
There may be many other families who have waited a long time to return to find the final resting place of a relative, only to be left wondering where their grave is located. Light depressions and stones remain, but it may be that wood markers once in place are long gone. It is the family's hope that care will be given to the Pioneer Cemetery to improve its current state with sagebrush and deterioration taking over. And wouldn't it be wonderful if the long lost Pioneer Cemetery master list should ever be located.
June 8th, 2006
News
Bradshaw, Budmark, Gentry, Jones win full terms
Modoc Undersheriff Mark Gentry survived a strong challenge from retired California
Highway Patrolman Mike Poindexter to win the race for Modoc County Sheriff in
Tuesday's election.
While the state turnout was low, Modoc had a 61.63 percent voter turnout, which
was lower than anticipated. Of the county's 5,707 voters, 3,517 cast ballots.
In unofficial results, Gentry had 1,789 votes, 51.71 percent and Poindexter
had 1,664, 48.09 percent.
County Supervisor for District 5 David Bradshaw won re-election to a four-year
term, defeating Tulelake's David Porter Misso. Bradshaw had 390 votes and Misso
204.
Challenger Gary Jones, of Tulelake, was elected as Modoc Superintendent of
Schools, unseating appointed incumbent Dr. Vanston Shaw. Jones picked up 1,897
votes (56.53 percent) and Shaw 1,454 43.33 percent.
Cheri Budmark, an appraiser in the Assessor's Office, won election as Assessor,
defeating challenger Ron Imbach. Budmark had 2,402 vote (70.42 percent) and
Imbach polled 1,007 (29.52 percent).
In the race for Modoc District Attorney, Gary Woolverton and Richard Cotta
will go to a run-off election in November. Woolverton led the race with 1,487
votes (44.31 percent); Cotta had 1,003 (29.89 percent) and John Lawson 848 (25.27
percent). To win in the primary, a candidate had to have 50 percent plus one
vote.
The two challengers in the Alturas City Council race, Keith Jacques and Rod
Gately won election unseating incumbent John Vass and incumbent Jerry Smith,
who had actually withdrawn from the race. Jacques had 588 votes, Rod Gately
had 535, John Vass had 415 and Jerry Smith had 246.
Surprise Valley easily passed its annual Surprise Valley Hospital District
Assessment increase of $75 while voters in Alturas turned down a $1 per month
increase for mosquito abatement.
The Surprise Valley Hospital assessment was approved with 368 in favor (78.13)
percent and 103 against (21.87 percent). It needed at least a two-thirds majority
to pass was well above that threshold.
The City mosquito issue had 630 votes in favor (60.11 percent) and 418 against
39.89 percent. It failed to get the required two-thirds majority.
In the uncontested races, Auditor/Recorder Judi Stevens received 2,897 votes,
District One Supervisor Dan Macsay had 389 votes, Cheryl Knoch, County Treasurer/Tax
Collector had 3,107 votes, and City Treasurer Kathie Alves had 934 votes.
In the state proposition issues, Modoc voted against Proposition 81, the library
funding measure by 74.55 percent 2,487 votes, to 849 in favor, 25,45 percent.
It failed statewide by 53.1 percent against and 46.9 percent in favor.
The County also voted heavily against Prop. 82, the preschool initiative with
68.74 percent against (2,311), and 31.26 percent in favor, (1051). It failed
statewide by 60.9 percent to 39.1 percent.
Modoc vote liked Republican Congressman John Doolittle by a margin of 79.3
percent over challenger Mike Holmes. Districtwide, Doolittle won with 67 percent
of the vote.
On the Democratic side for U.S. Congress, Charlie Brown won with 46.5 percent
of the vote districtwide. In Modoc, he received 41.4 percent.
In the race for California Governor, Republicans in Modoc liked Arnold Schwarzenegger
with 83.3 percent of the vote. His statewide Republican approval was 89.9 percent.
For the Democrats, Modoc voted 55.9 percent in favor of Steve Westly and 26.3
percent for Phil Angelides. That's reverse of the statewide results where Angelides
won with 47.9 percent to Westly's 43.3 percent.
The Record will have full election results for next week, since they were not
completely available by presstime.
Building in city, county slumps
Building activity in Modoc County and City of Alturas slumped in May. The city
issued nine building permits valued at $48,062 and the county issued 17 permits
worth an estimated $814,100.
Those figures contrast with Modoc County's April Building totals of 21 permits
valued at $1,842,921 and the city's 14 permits valued at $163,866.
In the city, five of the permits were for roofing projects. There were two
new homes included in the county report as well as five manufactured home installations.
The county's Building Department issued 20 permits in March, worth an estimated $364,055.
Agencies open fire season June 12
The onset of summer weather conditions has prompted officials at the Susanville
Interagency Fire Center to declare the wildfire season officially open Monday,
June 12. The "official" fire season announcement informs people that
high fire dangers exist and that caution with outdoor uses of fire is required.
The SIFC agencies (Lassen National Forest, Bureau of Land Management, Lassen
Volcanic National Park and the Lassen-Modoc Unit of the California Department
of Forestry and Fire Protection) jointly announced the fire season start, and
advised that wildland fire dangers are already on the rise."The weather
is heating up and vegetation is starting to cure," said Jim Hedges, a co-manager
at SIFC. "Desert ranges have a heavy crop of grass resulting from the wet
winter and spring. Dry grass carries fire quickly, so there is potential for
a very active fire season. We are asking everyone to think about fire safety
anytime they are outdoors."
CDF has required permits for outdoor burning since May 1, and campfire permits
are required for BLM and Forest Service-managed lands outside of developed campgrounds
and recreation sites.
While conditions are right for a busy fire season, SIFC officials said the
severity can depend largely on the caution people use with fire.
Property owners must always adhere to the hours and conditions on burning permits,
using fire only on calm days. Fires should be constantly supervised, and tools
including a water hose and shovel must be on hand. Use of mowers and other brush
and grass clearing equipment should be avoided during hot and windy periods
because sparks caused by blades hitting rocks can cause fires.
Campers must pay attention to seasonal fire restrictions, keep campfires small,
and be sure fires are cold to the touch before leaving camp.
"Most of our wildfires in northern California are caused by lightning,"
Hedges said. "People can help ensure our crews are available to respond
to lightning fires by using extreme caution, keeping human-caused fires to a
minimum."
Officials stress that possession and use of fireworks are prohibited in national
forests, on BLM-managed public lands and in many unincorporated areas in northeast
California. People should check with local fire departments for specific fireworks
regulations.
This year, the fire center will be ready to respond to emergencies with a total
of 34 fire engines, 18 ground crews, three helicopters, an aerial tanker and
an "air attack" airplane from the CDF, Lassen National Forest, Bureau
of Land Management and Lassen Volcanic National Park.
SIFC crews provide fire protection and suppression in parts of Lassen, Modoc, Butte and Tehama counties, and parts of extreme northwest Nevada.
Hospital debt up to $5.5 million
Modoc Medical Center's debt to the county has increased to $5,531,096.76 at
the end of May, according to Modoc County Auditor Judi Stevens. That's up from
the end of April's $5,458,458.45.
The debt did drop in November to $4,585,423.21. Month by month the debt looked
like this: September $4,690,812; October $4,741,129; November $4,585,423; December
$4,867,652; January $4,793,393; and February $5,071,818 and March $5,366.613.
The increase in debt from April though May was $72,638 and from September 2005
it has increased by $840,284.
The Modoc Record will continue to publish the actual debt at the end of each month.
Watch out for promise of big winnings, checks arriving
in mail
Checks arrive in the mail, looking very official from known banks, and carry
with them a false promise of riches. To unsuspecting Modoc residents who have
received them lately and tried to tap into the promise offered by the prize
notification, heartache and financial burden have followed. Bank employees are
aware of the scam although customers are still showing up to cash the checks.
The latest scam postmarked from Canada, is a cashier's check fraud, complete
with watermark and hologram and the angle it pitches is usually a Euro Lotto,
Lottery or USA Mega Millions Jackpot prize, and International Mega Lotto.
"If it's too good to be true, then it probably isn't true," described
Cheryl Sakahara, a universal banker at U.S. Bank in Alturas. "We just want
to get the word out in black and white to residents in Modoc County, that this
is a scam. We've had a handful of customers bring these checks for us to cash,
because the checks look so believable. People are being fooled by it. If we
can save only one person the heartache and financial burdens that accompany
these letters, it will be worth our efforts."
In tracking down the origin of one such check, Sakahara found that the phone
number listed on the check, was a contact number for a commercial bank. "Sometimes,
the phone number may be altered but there is someone ready to answer. One such
phone number on a check connected her to a bank in Bellingham, WA, where she
was told by a bank employee that someone really had purchased an official cashier's
check, but the numbers on the check were later altered. Other checks and accompanying
letters US Bank has had customers bring in have been issued by such "company
names" as Emerging Financial Group of Tacoma, WA, Publishers, Digest Internet
Games Dept. Vital Lotto Sweepstakes Prize, Inc., southern California towns such
as Encino, and more promising big winnings. The letter of instruction with the
check asks the "winner" to deposit the first prize check in their
bank account within a limited number of days upon receiving the document. The
winner is then called upon to send back a check to cover any number of items
which can include "taxes, clearance fees, processing fees or legal and
insurance fees" on the sum they have won, in order to have the sender release
their remaining very substantial winnings into the account of the winner's choice.
If acted upon, the first prize check comes up fraudulent at a later date and
the "winner's" own bank account can lose thousands of dollars, based
on the amount requested in order to receive the lump sum payments, of say, $250,000.
Sakahara said one such letter has been very believable to some local senior
citizens because the words "Guaranteed safe and secure" at the bottom
of the fraudulent Lotto letter were used. Two individuals names were set up
as "Accounts Manager and Operations Manager" telephone operators to
answer the phones at the "company" should someone call to inquire.
"This particular letter was presented to us more than once by different
residents," notes Sakahara.
As scams change and surface quickly, over the internet, phone and through mail,
the public is reminded to limit disseminating any information about account
numbers and personal information. In her call to the Washington state bank,
on the border of British Columbia, Sakahara was informed that the FBI has been
called in to investigate, but the number of scams is overwhelming.
Obituaries:
Mary Charlotta Rojas
A funeral mass for Mary Charlotta Rojas, 74, of California Pines, was held
this morning, June 8 at 9 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Alturas, CA.
The Rev. Patrick Henry gave the service with interment following at the Alturas
Cemetery.
Mrs. Rojas passed away of natural causes on Saturday, June 3, 2006 in Alturas,
CA.
Born Mary Garcia on November 17, 1931 in Huntington Park, CA., she graduated
from Jordan High School there. She met Samuel Garcia Rojas at a dance while
he was in his Air Force uniform at the Zenda Ballroom in Los Angeles. Sam was
stationed in Sacramento at the time, but fate played its role as one year later
to the date, they attended a wedding, as separate guests, not knowing the other
would be there. It was nine months later that Sam and Mary were married on June
17, 1956. They reared their three daughters and Mary enjoyed being a Girl Scout,
Brownie and Blue Bird leader through each of her daughter's experience in the
troops. "My car was full of kids, every race, color and nationality. We
called ourselves the United Nations," she told the Record for a story about
the Rojas family published in the California Pines Log in Winter of 1997. She
also worked as a medical assistant at Ranchos Los Amigos, a county hospital
that specialized in caring for burn patients.
The Rojas purchased property at Cal Pines in 1983. They left their custom-built
home of 37 years in Downey, CA. to move to Cal Pines June 1, 1993. Mary was
a gracious, fun loving and family oriented person who became involved six months
later with the California Pines Fire Department Auxiliary for which she served
as President for two terms. The Auxiliary's Mexican and Spaghetti dinners, bingo
nights and bazaars managed to earn the Auxiliary $11,000 during her tenure,
which all went to purchases to aid the fire fighting unit. She found it rewarding
to work as a Skill Developer at Modoc Work Activity Center, in Alturas, working
beside her daughter Liz.
Mary loved playing Bingo down south every Wednesday and Friday and continued
the weekly games at the Little Red Schoolhouse, working the events on Saturday
nights all year through. She enjoyed outings to Burney and Reno with girlfriends
and in more recent years, enjoyed playing Bingo at the Desert Rose Casino in
Alturas. She was very involved with activities through her church, Sacred Heart
in Alturas.
Mary had many talents and the first time she entered any category at the Modoc
District Fair, she earned the first place, Blue Ribbon for a crocheted afghan
with a bear design, she made without a pattern. She was chosen as the 1995 Volunteer
for the Year for the Auxiliary and donated countless hours to their causes,
including creating crafts to sell at their annual bazaars and cooking for the
firefighters and special events. Some of her unique and amazing crafts included
Model T's, ships, trains and buggies made of paper bags, but resembling burnished
metal sculptures that are three-dimensional and framed for wall hangings. She
loved all the seasons and always found something to do. She will be greatly
missed by her family and many friends. Mary and Sam shared a wonderful, loving
and mutually respectful marriage of 45 years, before he died July 10, 2001.
That same year, she was also preceded in death by her grandson Frankie Madrigal
of Irwindale, CA and her parents.
She is survived by her three daughters, Linda Madrigal and husband Frank of
Irwindale, CA; Diana Chrisco of Horseshoebend, Arkansas and Liz Gladu and husband
Lenny of Alturas, CA; grandchildren Roxsanne Papka and husband Lance of Petaluma,
CA; Meagan Gladu, Petaluma; Lenny Gladu, Alturas; James Chrisco, Horseshoebend,
Arkansas; great-grandson Samuel Gladu, Petaluma; great-granddaughter Taylor
Papka, Petaluma. Mary's sole surviving sister, Carolina Torres of Norwalk, CA
is the last of the seven siblings.
Contributions in Mary's memory may be directed to the Modoc Work Activity Center,
P.O. Box 1629, Alturas, CA 96101.Obituary
Lois Aleen Emery
Lois "Aleen" Emery died of natural causes at her home in Lakeview,
OR. on May 29, 2006. Mrs. Emery was 86. Funeral services were held Saturday,
June 3 at 2 p.m. at the Davis Creek Community Church, followed by interment
at the Harmony Hill Cemetery in Davis Creek. The church and cemetery were gifts
to the community from her great-grandfather, Martin Henderson.
Mrs. Emery was born February 20, 1920, at Davis Creek to Ralph Theodore and
Ida Jane (Henderson) Renner, who were members of two Goose Lake Valley pioneer
families. She attended grammar school at Davis Creek and graduated from Modoc
Union High School in Alturas. She next graduated from Cosmetology School in
Oakland, CA.
She married Stanley Ylinen in 1942. Their daughter Arthada Jane was born in
Oakland. That marriage ended in divorce and she returned to Modoc in 1946. She
married Richard "Dick" Emery in Reno, Nevada on May 29, 1948. Their
daughter Sherry Lynn was born in Alturas. The family moved to Lakeview in 1952.
Mrs. Emery was a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and was a founding member
of the Alturas and Lakeview chapters. She loved the Goose Lake Valley and the
Oregon coast. She was an avid gardener, fisherwoman, rock hound and antique
collector. Her entire life was devoted to her family. She will be deeply missed
by her daughters and their husbands: Arthada "Punkie" and Jerry Sawyer
of Bend, OR and Sherry and Russell LaSota of Lakeview, OR; grandchildren, Tara
Sawyer, Jerry Sawyer, Jr. and Tye Grisel; great-grandchildren, Taylor Lee, Olivia
Perry, Timberlyn Ortega, Frank Perry and Travis Long; step-daughter, Joan Kiley
and step-granddaughter Jennifer Vallejo.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and sister, Arthada Weber.
Donation in the memory of Mrs. Emery may be made to Lakeview Home Health and
Hospice, 700 South J Street, Lakeview, OR 97630 or to a charity of the donor's
choice. Desert Rose Funeral Chapel of Lakeview was in charge of arrangements.
Service for 'Criss' Clark
Friends and family members of Cristal "Criss" Clark will gather in
his memory at the Alturas Cemetery on Saturday, June 17 at 2 p.m. for a graveside
service. Mr. Clark, a resident of Modoc County for 76 years, passed away December
21, 2005 in Alturas, CA. He was 83. He was born in New Pine Creek, OR.
His wife Phyllis, of almost 60 years, resides in Alturas, CA.
Donations in his memory may be directed to the American Heart Association, 1372 Longfellow Ave., Chico, CA 95926 or the Alzheimer's Society of Northern California, P.O. Box 1824, Sacramento, CA 95812.
Sports
38
fish caught at Rotary Derby
While there werent many kids involved, most of them caught
fish at the 49th Annual Alturas Rotary Fish Derby last Saturday.
Of the 40 children involved, 38 fish were reeled in during the
two-hour contest. The winner for the first girls fish was Haley Stout
and the first fish caught by a boy was by Scott Lewis. Emily Anderson caught
the most fish in the girls division and Hunter Williams won the boys contest.
Lily Love caught the largest fish for the girls and Adam Weaver caught the biggest
fish for the boys.
The bike winners, by drawing, were Audra Larsen and Benicia Cervantes and Garret Larsen and Timmy Prisco.
Posse
Junior Horse Show attracts youth riders
Modoc County Sheriffs Posse hosted their 51st annual Junior
Horse Show June 3 and judged winners, presented certificates, medallions and
ribbons to youth riders in all age categories who competed at the Junior Showgrounds
in Alturas.
Events offered included Trail Horse, Western Equitation, Western
Pleasure, Buckaroo Class (rope with drag, Load in trailer and Hobble); Barrel
Cloverleaf, Pole Bending, Keyhole Race.
Senior Division, (ages 14 to 18) first place overall winner was
Macey Binning. Junior Division, (ages 8 to 13), first place overall winner was
Sarah Gibbons; second place, Courtney Knoch; third place, Hannah Gibbons; fourth
place, Alex McQuarrie; Fifth place Jamie Brazil; sixth place, Melissa Knoch;
seventh place tie went to Kylee Iverson and Anna Estill and eighth place tie
went to Madelyn Binning and Mathew Palomino; Greenhorn Division, (ages seven
and under) saw Keith Nelson as first place overall winner, with Riley Lake in
second place, Peter French in third place, Cody Nelson, fourth place, Kenzie
Binning, fifth place, Blair Joanette, sixth place, Kayla Lake, seventh place
and MaKayla Joanette, eighth place overall.
"It was a joy to watch each and everyone of these great kids
riding their horses and having so much fun," described co-chairman Phil
Vermillion "A special thanks to all of you, you made this show another
success. Modoc County Sheriffs Posse officers and members, we thank you
too."
Byron Gibbons was announcer; Teri Brown was judge. Horse Show co-chairmen Chris Knoch and Phil Vermillion were assisted by Posse Officers Captain Mike Morgan, Lieutenant Mick Baldwin, Secretary/Treasurer, Jerry Wendland; First Director, Chuck Browning; Second Director, Roy Bell, Jr.; Third Director, John Looper.
June 15th, 2006
News
Final vote tally narrows for Sheriff
The final vote count in the race for Modoc County Sheriff narrowed to 101,
with Mark Gentry getting 1,850 votes and Mike Poindexter getting 1,749. In the
first unofficial results, Gentry had a lead of 125 votes.
Gentry gained support in the City of Alturas, while Poindexter had a lead in
the rest of the county. Poindexter's campaign is considering, but has not yet
made a decision, on whether to ask for a hand recount of the ballots.Modoc
County Clerk Maxine Madison said she plans on having the votes certified by
the Board of Supervisors next Tuesday. Any challenges will have to be filed
within five days of that certification.
Poindexter has reported some irregularities with the ballots and voting and
is looking into the issues.
Gentry carried the four precincts in Alturas with a 619-447 vote margin. In
total of the remaining precincts, Poindexter had a 1,302 to 1,231 lead.
Gentry won in the following precincts: Fort Bidwell 37-35; Cedarville 166-155;
Alturas B 121-104; Alturas C 208-152; Alturas A 157-108; Alturas D 133-83; California
Pines 98-94; Canby 82-34; Day 24-13; and Hot Spring 157-154.
Poindexter prevailed in these precincts: Lake City 55-37; Eagleville 45-34;
State Line/Willow Ranch 34-31; North Fork 206-182; Parker Creek 80-58; South
Fork 55-43; Adin 87-84; Lookout 80-55 and Newell 143-111.
A November runoff is probable in the District Attorney race between Gary Woolverton
who received 1,552 votes for 44.38 percent, and Richard Cotta who received 1,042
votes, 29.80 percent. A candidate had to get 50 percent plus one vote to win
in the primary. John Lawson received 885 votes for 25.31 percent.
Woolverton won the following precincts, with his vote total first, Cotta second
and Lawson third: Cedarville 127-11-71; Eagleville 43-17-16; Davis Creek 26-22-14;
North Fork 155-111-106; Alturas B 107-60-58; Alturas C 157-98-101; Alturas A
133-56-70; Alturas D 108-60-51; South Fork 40-29-24; Hot Spring 160-69-76; Adin
74-60-32; Lookout 53-45-28; Day 22-7-4; and Newell 112-58-64.
Cotta won the following precincts, listed Cotta, Woolverton and Lawson: Fort
Bidwell 27-23-19; Lake City 43-27-20; Parker Creek 60-47-25 and Cal Pines 68-54-61.
David Bradshaw won his re-election to the District Five Supervisor seat with
399 votes to David Porter Misso's 205. Bradshaw won in Adin 129-41, in Lookout
118-18 and Day 33-4. Misso won the Newell vote 142-119.
In the race for County Superintendent of Schools, Gary Jones won with 1,973
votes to Dr. Vanston Shaw's 1,520.
Jones ran very well outside of Alturas and took the following precincts: Lake
City 61-52; Cedarville 161-140; State Line Willow Ranch 38-22; North Fork 222-157;
Alturas B 129-95; South Fork 58-30; Hot Spring 164-37; Cal Pines 102-84; Adin
102-54; Lookout 105-27; and Newell 205-50.
Shaw was favored in the following precincts: Ft. Bidwell 43-24; Alturas C 195-162;
Alturas A 131-126; Alturas D 111-109; Parker Creek 71-63 and Canby 65-46.
Cheri Budmark won the Assessor position with 2,492 votes 70.14 percent to Ron
Imbach's 1,059, 29.81 percent. Budmark won every precinct except Stateline/Willow
Ranch and Newell.
The Surprise Valley Hospital District increase in the Hospital District assessment
from $150 to $225 annually passed easily with 442 votes in favor and 118 against,
for a 78.93 approval percentage. It needed 66 2/3 percent to pass.
Fort Bidwell voters liked the measure by a 52-16 margin; it passed in Cedarville
245 to 71, in Lake City 80-15 and in Eagleville 65-16.
Alturas voters were in favor of an increase of $1 per month to $1.50 for mosquito abatement, but not heavily enough in favor. It needed to pass by a two-third majority, but only received 60.06 percent in favor 636-423.
How Modoc voted in other races
Modoc County Democratic voters liked Steve Westly in the Governor's race by
53.85 percent and Phil Angelides got 25.05 percent. Statewide Angelides won
the Democratic nomination.
Republicans liked Arnold Schwarzenegger by 82.37 percent and he'll face off
against Angelides in November.
Modoc Democrats liked John Garamendi for Lt. Governor by 40.4 percent over
Jackie Speier with 38.51 percent. The Republicans voted for Tom McClintock by
a 91.54 percent margin. The pair will square off in November.
In the Secretary of State races, Democrats here liked Debra Bowen with 71.66
percent and Republicans liked Bruce McPherson with 99.27 percent.
Modoc Democrats voted for Jerry Brown to run for Attorney General with 54.4
percept of the vote. Republicans nominated Chuck Poochigian as their candidate,
Democrats liked Dianne Feinstein for another Senate term by 70.56 percent and
Republicans here voted for Richard Mountjoy by 99.04 percent. They meet in November.
In the race for U.S. House of Representatives, Democrats liked Charlie Brown
by 40.23 percent and the Republicans like incumbent John Doolittle by 79.11
percent.
Incumbent State Assemblyman Doug LaMalfa got 99.49 percent of the county's Republican vote while Democrat Mel Smith picked up 57.14 percent of the vote to compete in November.
Winegrapes, a study for Surprise Valley
It may not become Napa Valley Northeast, but there is possibility that growing
winegrapes in Surprise Valley could be productive and a new venture for the
strong-hearted.
Highly-respected, retired University of California, Davis Chemistry professor
James Swinehart has been experimenting with a wide variety of Vitis vinifera
(winegrape) grapes in Cedarville for the past six years. He purchased his Cedarville
home in 1991. He and wife Lisl enjoy the Surprise Valley lifestyle. He had retired
from teaching at UC Davis 13 years ago, having started there in 1963. In Davis
he grew Zinfandel grapes.
And he's pleased with the grape study results, and in true professorial form,
keeps exact records.
"I'm very confident that we can grow French-hybrid grapes here in the valley,"
the tall professor with a quick and engaging smile said. "We're experimenting
with other grape varieties and many are doing quite well."One of the biggest
issues facing potential winemakers in the area is the spring freezes, which
are common. The shorter growing season and cooler weather will also make growing
the grapes more difficult, but certainly not impossible.
Swinehart says he compares the Surprise Valley area favorably with a wine growing
region in Yakima Valley, Washington. In addition, he sees similarities with
some European wine growing regions.
The professor has about 100 vines growing in orderly fashion around his Cedarville
home. They include, but are not limited to: Aurore, Baco noir, Pinot blanc,
Merlot, Pinto noir, Gewurztraminer, Pinot gris, Pinot murnier, Riesling, Syrah
and Welschriesling.
Swinehart said he doesn't see big wineries like those commanding the Napa Valley
popping up in Surprise Valley. Rather, he envisions several smaller vineyard
operators who could come together in a cooperative effort to make their wine.
He currently has a Grape Group of about 51 members whom he emails newsletters
to on the results of his experiments and other wine growing news.
Experimental vineyards are planned with several areas in the Valley with Lake
City being a prime spot. In addition, Modoc County Farm Advisor Don Lancaster
and Swinehart are working together on a climate study throughout Surprise Valley.
He said Lake City is intriguing because it seems to have wide varieties of microclimates
and the geothermal resource prevalent there could have an effect.
"For instance in one area it can be freezing on one side of a creek, and
warmer on the other side," Swinehart said.
Lancaster said the experiment is undertaken with the tenacity of Swinehart's
science background for detail and research. He said the real advantage for Surprise
Valley is that its growing season is about 125 days annually, compared to Alturas
where it is about 95 days. That extra 30 days may mean winegrapes could grow
to maturity and develop the sugar content necessary to make wine.
Swinehart and Lancaster are studying the climate, mainly looking for temperature
and light intensity variations and extremes. They've positioned electronic sensors
around the valley, and Lancaster said they'd have some pretty good preliminary
data this fall.
"But as most people know a single year's worth of data is not sufficient
in Modoc," Lancaster said. He said they will keep the monitors in place
for some years to get solid trends. Lancaster also said the studies will be
valuable for other agricultural crops in the area.
Swinehart believes the winegrapes can be grown well in most areas, but growers
should stay away from the mouths of the large canyons coming out of the Warner
Mountains. He thinks the grapes would do well in full sun, on primarily south-facing
slopes on the western edge of the valley. The canyons serve as a wind tunnel
for the very cold air flushing out of the high country.
"When we have the temperature study done we'll see a variety of micro-climates,"
Swinehart said. "It's exciting."
Climate has everything to do with winegrapes, especially in getting them to
maturity and proper sugar content to actually make wine.
"Extreme cold and insufficient growing season are two problems to be considered
before deciding whether to plant Vitis vinifera varieties and in selecting possible
varieties for planting," Swinehart said.
Very low winter temperatures, which could kill the grape vine and freezing
spring temperatures, which could kill leaves and shoots are the main issues.
Swinehart said vines can withstand periods of below zero degrees, but if the
temperatures fall into the severe cold of -20 below, the vine could be killed.
He believes if the vine is on its own rootstock, and protected by mulch or other
cover, it could survive.
If the spring cold doesn't go below about 28 degrees, He said a water spray
could protect the shoots and leaves. Colder freezes than 28, could cause some
real problems, reducing and delaying the crop.
"As a typical example of what could happen, in the spring of 2005 bud burst
was in the last week of May and by the first week of June there was substantial
growth of shoots," he said. "On the 6th of June a cold front moved
into northern California and southern Oregon and there was a NOAA (National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) frost advisory for the area west of
the Warner Mountains, but not for Surprise Valley. On the nights of June 7 and
8 respectively, I recorded minimum temperatures for Cedarville of 38 and 34
respectively. If the temperature had dropped much below 32 it would have been
necessary to spray the vines with water to avoid freezing the shoots."
He recounts that on the night of June 8, it rained, so even had the temperature
dropped to 32 or slightly lower, spraying would not have been necessary.
Swinehart correctly points out that the Surprise Valley area has not experienced
killer colds of past decades, when winter mercury could fall into well below
minus 25.
When it comes to the growing season, Swinehart compares Cedarville with Prosser,
Wa., an established wine growing region and Geisenheim, Germany, Leibnitz, Austria.
"Except for slightly cooler spring temperature, the curve for Cedarville
closely parallels those places," Swinehart points out.
Swinehart has made wines from his vineyard production. He said the French hybrids
Aurore and Baco noir both reached maturity relatively early in the season and
the Aurore made good wine, while the Baco noir tasted a little musty. He liked
the wine from Pinot noir and Pinto blanc grapes. In addition the Merlot wine
was good and his Gewurztraminer was judged good.
Swinehart also points out that most of his grapes are grown in areas of partial
shade. If the grapes are grown in full sun, he feels they'll have a better chance
at producing the required sugar content.
While the climate is the main issue for the Grape Group or budding viticulturist
in Surprise Valley, the other control problems deal with deer, birds and insect
damage, primarily the grape leafhopper.
The conclusions on wine growing in Surprise Valley are still a lesson to be
learned, but the results will be well founded.
"Wine grapes have a way of bringing people together," said Swinehart,
not unlike their finished product.
Hassler sentenced to 15 years on child porn
A Canby man, Jonathan R. Hassler, 33, was sentenced June 9 to 15-and-a-half
years in prison followed by seven years of supervised release in a child pornography
case.
The defendant pleaded guilty to distributing material involving the sexual
abuse of minors through the internet in violation of Title 18, United States
Code, Section 2242(A)(2), on January 20, 2006.
According to Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn Delaney, who prosecuted
the case, United States District Judge Garland E. Burrell, Jr., said the sentence
was appropriate to act as a deterrent and to ensure the safety of the community.
The case is a product of an extensive investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Redding.
Deena's transplant progress better than expected
No prognosis will be offered for another four months, which will mark six-months
after seven-year-old Deena Bhavindhu's bone marrow transplant in April 2006
at University of California San Francisco.
Deena's recovery is surprising even the head of Hematology and Oncology at
UCSF, Dr. Cooper, who meets weekly with the team of doctors on Deena's medical
case. The Pediatric Oncology Department at UCSF is using Deena's situation as
a case study as well, while Deena continues to be doing well.
Family friend Ginger Murray of Redding, whose husband Ken is the Mayor of Redding,
told the Modoc Record Wednesday morning, that Deena was moved out of the hospital
and into an independent home where she has been staying for a month, just across
from UCSF. She is eating well and has recovered well enough and is gaining her
strength back so that short outings are possible (in a car) and on occasion
has taken walks for "fresh air," but wears a mask to prevent any chance
of infection and a pink wheelchair accompanies those outings, just in case she
tires.
She had bleeding in the brain prior to her physically-draining three days of
chemotherapy and radiation treatments needed to kill her bone marrow and prepare
her for the transplant she received April 20. Following the transplant, she
developed a rash, which was a deep cause for concern, but has recovered.
"The good news is that Deena's platelets are higher than they've ever
been," offers Murray.
Doctors had said, at best, the bone marrow transplant had only a 50 percent
chance of success. They attribute some of Deena's recovery to her healthy status
before she had treatments.
"The doctors have said Deena is doing extremely well," described
Murray, while planning a June 22 fund raiser to help defray medical expenses
for Deena's family, Nipa and Dino Bhavindhu, owners of Nipa's California Cuisine
in Alturas and a restaurant in Redding. Nipa has been staying with Deena, while
Dino keeps the Redding business operating and parents their twin daughter and
son Nicole and Jamie.
"The family is very proud and they have insurance," said Murray,
who adds that without Nipa helping at the business, business has slowed. City
of Redding residents have rallied around the family through blood drives, fund
raisers, donations and prayers. Murray said she knows Modoc residents care about
Deena and she plans to welcome Modoc residents for the June 22 Spaghetti dinner
fundraiser for Deena on Thursday, June 22 at 5:30 p.m. at Lassen View School,
705 Loma Vista, (between Bechelli and Churn Creek Rd.) in Redding. The Sons
of Italy and Italian Chef Dave McGeorge and friends will cook the Spaghetti
dinner served at 6 p.m. for $10 per person. Redding Mayor Ken Murray and Skip
Tyler will call the live auction at 7 p.m. and feature such big auction opportunities
as an airplane ride for two, a hunting trip and fishing trip and much more.
Proceeds will help defray expenses incurred related to the transplant. Murray
is also putting together a slide show about Deena. And Dr. Cooper is thinking
about flying from Fresno to attend the June 22 fund raiser, as are the doctors
in Redding who treated Deena through her many platelet transfusions and medical
issues, prior to any idea of a bone marrow transplant the last hope.
Deena's hair is starting to grow back, as she lost all her hair after chemo
treatments. She "loves" her new "reddish tinted wig," which
she wears from time to time, said Murray.
"Everybody in Redding has fallen in love with this little girl and her family," said Murray. Deena's doctors have said she may be able to return home after July 3 or 4, but she will be homebound for six months to a year. In the meantime, Murray and the Bhavindhus know that at any time, Deena's recovery can take a turn for the worse, but everyone is hoping for a miracle.
Obituaries:
Jeanie Ann Haas
Alturas-born resident Jeanie Ann Haas, 61, passed away at her home in Medford,
OR on June 9, 2006. Chapel services will be held Friday, June 16 at 1 p.m. at
Perl Chapel, 2100 Siskiyou Blvd. in Medford.
Jeanie was born September 19, 1944 to John Herman Royce and Florence Ruth Goodknight
at Modoc Medical Center in Alturas, CA. She graduated from Modoc High School
and married Gary J. Haas September 30, 1961 in Klamath Falls, OR. Mrs. Haas
had an outgoing personality and was a well-liked server at California Pines
Lodge Restaurant for a number of years. She was featured in a 1970s issue of
the California Pines Log publication for property owners. The Haas family relocated
to Medford, OR in 1973. Mrs. Haas continued to work with the public in the retail
grocery business as a clerk at Van Weys in Central Point; Food4Less, Fair City
Market and Raimey's Corner Market in Medford until due to her declining health,
she retired young.
"She was Gary's commanding officer for 44 years," say family members.
Jeanie loved music, gardening, camping, boating and her family.
She was preceded in death by her daughter Teresa L. Haas and her parents.
She is survived her husband of 44 years, Gary J. Haas of Medford, OR; son Patrick
Elden Haas of Medford; father-in-law Jerome P. Haas, Medford; brother Robert
Elden DeWitt of Alturas, CA; sisters Maudie L. Smith, Klamath Falls, OR and
sister Joanie L. Cummings, Reno, NV. and one grandchild.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Asanté Hospice, 2960 Park
Drive, Medford, OR. 97504.
Service for 'Criss' Clark
Friends and family members of Cristal "Criss" Clark will gather in
his memory at the Alturas Cemetery on Saturday, June 17 at 2 p.m. for a graveside
service. Mr. Clark, a resident of Modoc County for 76 years, passed away December
21, 2005 in Alturas, CA. He was 83. He was born in New Pine Creek, OR.
His wife Phyllis, of almost 60 years, resides in Alturas, CA.
Donations in his memory may be directed to the American Heart Association, 1372 Longfellow Ave., Chico, CA 95926 or the Alzheimer's Society of Northern California, P.O. Box 1824, Sacramento, CA 95812.
Sports
Hight 2nd to Force
Alturas' Robert Hight placed second to teammate and father-in-law
John Force at Sunday's Carquest Auto Parts National Hot Rod Association Funny
Car finals.
According to the NHRA, Hight had qualified fourth at 4.685 seconds
and 328.06 m.p.h. and beat Gary Densham, points leader Ron Capps and reigning
POWERade Funny Car World Champion Gary Scelzi on his way to the finals. He had
run the lowest ET of every round during eliminations.
"I had the low EWT every round," Hight said. "We
tried to go for the record in the final. We didn't have anything to lose. Crew
Chief Jimmy Prock thought he had some of the problems worked out and it was
on a great run at 330 feet. It had everything in it, but it was hurting before
half-track. I still stayed with it. It wasn't until my blower belt came off
that he (Force) got around me. It was kind of an odd race."
It was racing legend Force's 120th win of his career. The win moved him up to just 48 points behind leader Capps. Hight is in third place, 186 points back. Force team member Eric Medlen is in fourth place, 229 points back.
Lasso
a Modoc Tradition
Once again, the Modoc County town of Cedarville will reverberate
with the exciting sights and sounds of the 10th Annual Super Bull Rodeo as spectators
flock to the District Fairgrounds for a night of buckin'broncs, bull ridin'
and mutton bustin' fun!
On Saturday, June 24 competitors from the tri-state region will
begin thrilling spectators at 6:00 p.m. The event will climax with the always-popular
"Short Go" where the top six bull riders will compete for a grand
cash prize.
Super Bull tickets are $12 if purchased at one of many local outlets,
including Page's Market, Napa Auto Parts, Cedarville Grocery, Western Irrigation,
and Arnew's Custom Saddlery in Cedarville, at Napa Auto Parts, L&B Ranch
Supply, Seab's True Value, and Jay's Clothing in Alturas, or at Jack's General
Store in Eagleville. Those from out of the area may also order pre-sale tickets
by calling (530) 279-6383.
Tickets are $15 at the gate with children 7 and under entering
free.
Fifteen local competitors from ages 4 through 8 will have the chance to fulfill
their dreams of becoming rodeo stars by entering the night's "Mutton Busting"
competition. Each will receive a special tee shirt and the chance to win a prize,
not to mention experiencing the thrill that comes with hanging
on tight to a sheep that wants to buck them off as the crowd roars its approval.
The fairground gates open at 5:00 p.m. so come early and come
hungry. Volunteers from the Greater Surprise Valley Chamber of Commerce will
be grilling burgers and hot dogs and serving up nachos, freshly-spun cotton
candy, and a wide assortment of snack items at the concession stand near the
arena
Members of the Cedarville Volunteer Fire Department will also be on hand outside
the grandstands, dousing any raging thirsts with ice cold beer and other beverages.
They are also hosting an old-fashioned barn dance from 8 PM until "everyone
has had their fill of dancing!" Admission is $5.
"This year we have a live band, "Goin' South" from Alturas",
reports volunteer fireman Dan Brown. There will also be a full bar available
for those attending.
Rodeo, a truly unique American original, evolved from early community
celebrations throughout the West when ranch hands vied to outdo each other for
fun and entertainment as they demonstrated the roping and riding skills they
used every day on the job. Today, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association
reports that rodeo is among the top three fastest-growing sports nationwide
with over 23 million fans annuallycongregating in grandstands across America.
Once again, Ed and Darrel Hill of H & H Rodeo Company are
staging the local event enjoyed by all. But the sponsoring Super Bull Committee,
which meets throughout the year to plan this one exciting night, is comprised
of hard-working volunteers from throughout Modoc County. President Rick Milton
is joined on the committee by Vice President Edie Asrow, Secretary-Treasurer
Diana Milton, and Skip Arnew, Dave, Sharon and K. Cee Boneck, Penni Borghi,
Chuck Colas, Jim and Erin Erquiaga, Mike and Kelley Poindexter, Alan and Heather
Pratt, and Lynette Sullivan.
Les Schwab Tires is sponsoring the prized silver belt buckle awarded
to the Bronc Champion while Surprise Valley Auto Parts and Napa Auto Parts of
Alturas are donating the top bull rider's silver buckle.
Committee members are selling raffle tickets for three $500 cash prizes. Funds
raised from the sale of 500 tickets at $10 each help underwrite the high cost
of the event and provide for annual scholarships awarded to graduating seniors
who reside within Modoc County.
During last week's Surprise Valley High School graduation ceremony,
the Bull Committee awarded $500 scholarships to seniors Amy Alexander and Sarah
Teuscher.
Raffle tickets may be purchased from any Super Bull committee
member. If less than 500 are sold before the event begins, the remaining tickets
will be offered during the rodeo.
Children who'd like to compete in the mutton busting competition should register by calling 279-6383. There is no charge to enter although spaces are limited. Contestants for other events may also call the same number.dland; First Director, Chuck Browning; Second Director, Roy Bell, Jr.; Third Director, John Loope
BV
host softball tourney
The Hoss Salters Memorial Fast Pitch
Softball tournament will be held during Big Valley Days on June 24-25 in Adin.
Teams wishing to participate should contact Bryan Gerig at 530-294-5626 or Jim Carpenter at 520-294 5621.
June 22nd, 2006
News
Bradbury says he had nothing to do with Betty Lou
Chris Bradbury, who has been charged with the 1992 murder of Betty Lou Parks,
told the Record Monday during an interview in the Modoc County Jail that he
had nothing to do with her death.
"I never met Betty Lou Parks and I don't know anything about her death,"
Bradbury said. "I feel sorry for the girls' parents. They're thinking they
have some closure, but there's no closure, I'm not connected to her death and
I'm not guilty. If I'm convicted of this, they'll be convicting an innocent
man and the killers would still be out there. There's no closure in that."
Bradbury said he has difficulty believing the legal system could arrest someone
and charge him or her with murder on hearsay alone. He said the evidence against
him is just testimony from his ex-wife, based upon things she said he told her.
He said she's making up the story and piecing things together from what she's
learned about the case through the Internet and from articles.
"I can tell you this though, I'm scared to death," he said. "I'm
in here looking at a life sentence for something I didn't do. This case is all
based upon hearsay, there is no physical evidence against me."
Bradbury has a hearing Friday on whether he'll be tried as a juvenile or adult.
Following a Department of Justice Investigation into the case, the Redding
investigators sought murder charges against Bradbury. Bradbury said much of
the case is centers around the testimony of his ex-wife, who said Bradbury told
her he and some friends went swimming at the Pit River Bridge east of Alturas
and Parks went with them. She said one of Bradbury's friends struck Parks with
a rock at that site and that Bradbury "finished her off."
Bradbury first got wind that he was being implicated in the case three years
ago when contacted by DOJ. He told the investigators at the time he knew nothing
about the issue. Over two years ago, he and his wife had a serious falling out
and he left primarily for financial reasons. His wife told him she was going
to make his "life hell" and reported her suspicions to DOJ.DOJ contacted
him again and said they had statements from his wife that implicated him in
the Parks murder. He again denied any knowledge. He was arrested in May and
brought to Modoc.
Bradbury has no criminal record as an adult. When he was 17 he was sent to
the group home in Redding on drug charges where he met his ex-wife, who was
an employee of the home. Bradbury said his ex-wife needs the $50,000 reward
and he feels that's why she is implicating him.
"I don't know what happened to Betty Lou Parks," he said. "I
don't know anything about her death or who may have killed her. I have heard
all the rumors like everyone else. But I can't help solve this. And it's not
going to be solved by convicting me, I had nothing to do with it."
Bradbury has a 14-month old son with a different woman in Redding whom he has
been with for two years. He said his son and fiancé are the most important
parts of his life. If he knew anything about the case that would help and set
him free, he said he'd help. He just can't.
"I wish people would understand, I'm not a bad person, I'm really a nice
guy," Bradbury said. "There' no record ever of me hurting another
person. You can't find one person that I've physically harmed. This is a nightmare."
Bradbury has worked at an air-conditioning business for the past 14 years.
Parks was 14 years old when she disappeared from Alturas June 25, 1992. Her
remains were not recovered until May 16, 1993 on an isolated Modoc Estates lot.
DNA tests confirmed the remains were Betty Lou's on Oct. 12, 1993. Further examination
confirmed the cause of death as blunt force trauma.
Bradbury was age 17 years old at the time of the crime.
The arrest came about through an investigation by the California Department
of Justice.
The case was turned over to the DOJ about four years ago as a "cold case"
file, in hopes that they might be able to break through the deadlock. According
to the DOJ, the arrest was the result of "old-fashioned police work"
as the leads they uncovered all pointed in Bradbury's direction.
While neither the DOJ nor Funk would say much about the details of the investigation,
DOJ investigators have said the case is not closed with the arrest of Bradbury.
Bradbury apparently moved to Modoc with his family in 1982, but had been gone
from the area and worked in the Redding area.
Local law enforcement officials say they don't remember much contact with Bradbury
when he did live here. Rumors ran fairly rampant around the community concerning
the case and Bradbury's name never came to the forefront.
Parks disappeared after telling her mother she was going to a friend's house
for the night, while the family went on a fishing trip.
The Alturas Police Department originally handled the case. There were complications during the first year, because several reports of sightings of Betty Lou in various locations came in to police. They ran down those leads down, some from her relatives, but to no avail. When her body was found in Modoc Estates by a hiker, the Sheriff's Office took over the case because it was in county jurisdiction.
Motorcycle crash kills pair
A motorcycle driver and his passenger were killed June 17, 2:30 p.m. in an
accident on U.S. 395 south of County Road 133B.
The California Highway Patrol reports that Michael Hueur, age 66, of Vancouver,
Wa. was driving a 2004 Honda motorcycle northbound, following a 1996 Ford, towing
a two-axle stock trailer driven by Patrick Fields, 34, of Alturas.
Fields had slowed and signaled to make a left-hand turn into a driveway on
the west side of the highway. Hueur was traveling at about 67-70 m.p.h. and
apparently did not see Field's signal as he moved into the left lane to pass
the pickup and trailer.
Just as Hueur made his move into the southbound lane to pass, Fields began to make a left turn into the driveway. Hueur braked and turned the motorcycle to the right, but it fell onto its right side and slid into the left rear side of the stock trailer. Hueur and a passenger, Sung Cha Enquist, age 67, Vancouver, Wa., were thrown to the ground and suffered fatal injuries.
Full line up of fun for Fandango '06
Modoc's Independence Day celebration will kick off in a big way next weekend,
with a "Wild, Wild West," theme for the annual Fandango 2006 Fourth
of July parade and celebration staged in Alturas.
Classic cars will fill the streets, music for dancing will take over the evenings
at locations throughout Alturas both Friday and Saturday.
Friday night, June 30 will open festivities with a "Family Street Dance"
from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Walt's Market parking lot off Main Street, Alturas.
Music to be provided by the reunion of local band "Big Sage." Kids
and families welcome. Walt's Market will be open. Dances will also be starting
at 9 p.m. at Benny's with DJ Nick and at Desert Rose Casino featuring the Ray
Atkinson Band.
On Saturday, July 1, register between 7:30 to 8:15 a.m. at Veterans' Park, to ride in the "Modoc Bicycle Loop Ride" which starts at 8:30 a.m. Saturday and takes a 12.5-mile loop past Dorris Reservoir. Modoc Parks and Recreation District, Families Matter and H.A.N.D. will co-sponsor this event, with ribbons to the first three finishers in each category and certificates to all who finish.
Riders who return in time may ride as a unit in the Fandango Day Parade. Registration
is $10 for adults; ages 13-19, $5; ages 12 and under, $1. Pre-registration will
be accepted at Child and Family Resource Center, 809 West Eighth St. and Altec
Engineering, 1036 N. Main, Alturas.
Fandango Parade entries will be judged at 9 a.m. July 1. Winners will receive
their ribbons prior to the start of the parade. Those who have submitted parade
entry forms, should line up before 9 a.m. at the new location of Eighth and
Main Streets, Alturas. Parade Sweepstakes winner will take home $100 in Alturas
Bucks.
The Fandango Parade will start on Saturday, July 1 at 11 a.m. on Alturas' Main
Street offering a real taste of small town, USA and attracting many parade entries.
The Alturas Chamber of Commerce organizes Fandango each year and this year Chamber
President and Parade Organizer Penny Cruse welcomes the public to enjoy this
special weekend.
By Saturday morning and the start of the annual parade, the population of Alturas
swells, as families and former Modoc residents return to the area for reunions
and the good, old-fashioned gathering at the Veterans' Memorial Park off South
Main Street, following the parade.
Carol Sharp of Alturas has been selected as Fandango Grand Marshal.
U.S. Cellular will sponsor the Classic Car Show hosted by Alturas Elks Lodge
1756 B.P.O.E. in Rachel Dorris Park beginning at noon. View the beautiful local
and visiting entries and stop by the Elks Lodge concession stand for a Polish
hot dog on a stick and a soda. Classic Car Show entry forms are available from
Frank's Carpets in Alturas, Jim Rollins at 530-640-8740 or from organizer Dave
Hohman (530) 640-0164 of Alturas Elks Lodge.
Fandango Park booth coordinator Val Flournoy said booths will line the park
with vendors, food concessions, games and a Kids' Corner for games on the east
end of the park, organized by Repin' For The Lord church youth group and sponsored
by the Chamber. Contact Val at 640-0588 for park booth information.
The Alturas Lions Club will serve their popular pit-barbecued beef meal, starting
at noon on the park patio. (Last year's price was $7 per person).
The Alturas Chamber will have a booth filled with Chamber souvenir items such
as Alturas license frames, hats, cups, t-shirts and Fandango sports bottles
( a new item this year). The Chamber booth will also offer tickets for the fundraiser
drawing which will take place later in the afternoon. Tickets are $5 for "big
ticket" prize packages first prize, a home entertainment package
valued at $800; second prize, an outdoor/camping, fishing package valued at
$700 and third prize, a gas grill and grocery package valued at $600.
The Modoc Sheriff's Posse will sponsor a Horseshoe Tournament on the east end of the Classic Car Show at the horseshoe pits. Participants are asked to pre-register by calling Roy Bell at 233-5255. A donation of $10 is requested for each entrant. Entrants are asked to check the tournament board at the horseshoe pit site after the Fandango Parade for match times. Matches are expected to proceed through the day, consecutively at five pits with "grudge" matches interspersed throughout the day.
Teams will be randomly chosen from registered players. Posse members will be
in uniform to serve as tourney officials following A.H.P.A. rules. Grudge match
registration will be accepted before and during the tournament. Entries will
be accepted by mail to the Modoc Sheriff's Posse, P.O. Box 1408, Alturas, CA
96101.
Tickets for the Chamber's Cow Pie Bingo will be offered until that event.
"Heartless" will provide live music on the Veterans' Park stage during
the afternoon. Diagonal vehicle parking will be available on Water Street this
year and County Road 56 which dissects the Rachel Dorris Park from Veterans'
Park, will be closed to through traffic to allow the public to safely cross
between both sides of the park.
Saturday night, California Pines will draw the crowds to California Pines Lake
to view the fireworks display at dusk. The display is provided by the California
Pines Property Owners Association and is a highlight of the weekend celebration.
A buffalo barbecue meal will be served to the public starting at 2 p.m.
Desert Rose Casino will host a dance with the Ray Atkinson Band providing the
tunes starting at 9 p.m. at the casino.
Park booth reservation applications and parade entry forms are now available to the public at Main Street Coffee, Top Hat Entertainment, Seab's True Value and the Alturas Chamber Office at 522 So. Main St., Alturas.
June Jamboree on track for June 24
The second annual Friends of the Library June Jamboree, benefiting the Modoc
County Library Improvement Fund project, is June 24 at Steve and Cheryl Baker's
Railway Garden on Pine Creek Blvd.
The fun-filled family day, highlighted by rides on Bakers' Argo Gold Mine train,
includes the following activities: tours of a Blacksmith Shop, Assay Office,
exotic bird aviary, a Bayou Cabin, Honeymoon Cottage and take in the Potting
Shed to see additional displays of memorabilia from the 1800s.
There will also be a book sale, lively musical entertainment, self-guided garden
tours, boating, an antiques and collectible sale, gold panning and cowboy poetry.
Tickets will not be sold at the gate and are limited to 280. Tickets are available
for $12 each at the Modoc County Library. The ticket also includes a hamburger
barbecue meal. A parent or adult must accompany all children.
Train rides are scheduled for 9:30 a.m., 10:15 a.m., 11 a.m., 11:45 a.m. 12:30
p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:15. Baker stresses, unlike Amtrak, his train schedule
runs on time so people should arrive early for their rides.
A concession stand will be open throughout the day and tickets will be available for chances to win summer fun packages. Those items are on display at Plumas Bank in Alturas. And tickets are available for those packages there.
Obituaries:
Frank Hartkopf
Former Modoc resident Frank Hartkopf died February 2, 2006 at the Madigan Army
Hospital at Fort Lewis, Wa., of natural causes. He was a resident of Spanaway,
Wa.
He was born December 27, 1924 in Oakland, Ca., and graduated from Stockton
High. He was married to Margaret Plimmer Feb. 12, 1945 in England. Mr. Hartkopf
was educated at the Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs and served in the
Air Force during World War II making it a career, being discharged June 30,
1964.
He spent 22 years in Modoc County where he owned and operated the Canby Hotel
and Bar, served as Activities Director for the Senior Center and owned Something
Fishy pet store in Alturas with his son Matt. He also was Alturas' Santa Claus
for several years. While in Modoc, he served on the planning commission for
seven years and was on the grand jury for two years. He had been gone from Modoc
for the past nine years.
Mr. Hartkopf is survived by children Margaret Hartkopf, Pleasanton, Ca., Matt
Hartkopf, Spanaway, Wa., Evan Hartkopf, Spanaway, Theresa Witcomb, Sacramento,
Julia Hartkopf, Pleasanton, Frank Hartkopf, Jr., Chicago; grandchildren Donna
Hawley, Spanaway, Becky Snyder. Puyallup, Wa., Jeremy Snyder, Eatonville, Wa.,
Blake Hartkopf, Spanaway, Wa., Jake Hartkopf, Spanaway; great-grandchildren
Hailey and Raela Grace Snyder of Spanaway.
He loved the people of Modoc and loved life itself. He will be missed.
Mr. Hartkopf was buried at the Tacoma National Cemetery in Tacoma, Wa.
Fred Bailey
Fred Bailey, a lifelong Modocer, passed away at his home on June 17, 2006 at
the age of 83. He was born on November 29, 1922 in Alturas to Lloyd and Olive
Bailey.
Fred attended school at Davis Creek and Alturas, graduating from Modoc High
School in 1941. Afterward, he worked for the U.S. Forest Service as an Engine
Foreman in Canby prior to joining the Armed Services. He enlisted in the U.S.
Coast Guard in 1943, and was stationed at Hawaii, Portland, and Seattle. He
was a Gunner's Mate, and was discharged in Seattle in 1945.
Fred returned to Alturas following World War II and worked for Ebbe Ice and
Fuel, Modoc Cash Grocery, and then as a truck driver delivering Shell Oil products.
He retired in 1984 at the age of 62.
Fred and Anna Jane Essex were married on June 15, 1946 and celebrated their
60th anniversary two days prior to his death. They have two sons, Jerry of Yreka,
Calif. and Paul of Alturas.
Fred was an outdoorsman his entire life; he loved to hunt and fish. He was
an accomplished shooter with both rifles and shotguns, and was also an expert
fly-fisherman. He enjoyed shooting trap, skeet, and sporting clays. He continued
shooting until ill health forced him to stop earlier this year. Fred had a long
involvement with the Alturas Rife and Pistol Club, where he shot in the old
indoor small-bore league. He was also an original instructor of the Hunter Safety
program, which he taught for thirty years. Fred was also a "water witch;"
he located dozens of wells around the area with his sticks and divining rods.
He also liked to camp and build big campfires.
Fred was always active in the community: he was a Little League Coach; a Trustee
on the Modoc Joint Unified School Board; a life member of the Veterans of Foreign
Wars and the National Rifle Association; a charter member of the Elks Club,
an officer in the Odd Fellows; Past President of the Alturas Rifle and Pistol
Club; and a regular in a weekly Poker game.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Doug Bailey. He is
survived by his son Jerry and his wife Rhonda of Yreka, Paul of Alturas, and
four grandchildren: Kyle, Erin Clayton, and Bryan of Yreka, and Adam of Washington,
D.C., as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
A gathering of friends and family will be held at the Sacred Heart Parish Hall
in Alturas on Saturday, June 24th at 11 a.m., and will be followed by a potluck
to celebrate Fred's life.
Rose Marie Caldwell
Rose Marie Caldwell, 89, passed away peacefully at her home in Sacramento,
CA on Monday, June 5, 2006, with her caregiver, granddaughter Lynne, at her
side.
Rose was born in Sacramento on July 6, 1916 to Edwin and Aloma (Hoppe) Dole.
She attended schools in Sacramento. In 1937, she married Everett "Bud"
Caldwell and moved to the family ranch in Canby where she spent the next 41
years as a homemaker and mother. She enjoyed cat fishing at "wide waters"
in the Pit River and was an avid gardener.
Rose was preceded in death by her husband "Bud" in 1973, and in 1978,
she moved back to Sacramento. She loved spending time in her garden during the
summer, and until 2001, she traveled in her motor home during the winter months
to "the slabs" in southern California.
Rose was also preceded in death by brother Vern Dole of Sacramento and sister
Dorothy Morgan of Salinas, CA. Survivors include her son Richard "Dick"
Caldwell of Alturas, CA; daughter Carolyne "Cookie" Sloss of Carson
City, Nevada; grandchildren Karen Caldwell and Vicki Weigand of Redding, Rick
Caldwell of Sparks, NV, Dale Sloss of Penryn, Lynn Sex of Roseville and Pam
Cruzan of Redding. She also leaves 11 great-grandchildren.
At Rose's request there were no services. A family gathering was held in Alturas
on June 14.
Samuel Arthur Harris
Graveside services for Samuel Arthur Harris, 80, of Eagleville, will be held
Saturday, June 24 at 11 a.m. at the Eagleville Cemetery. The Rev. Dr. Ben Zandstra
will officiate. Immediately following the service, please join the family for
a tri-tip barbecue and potluck of salads and desserts at the Eagleville Community
Hall.
Mr. Harris passed away after a brief illness on June 20, 2006, at the Surprise
Valley Hospital in Cedarville.
Mr. Harris was born September 16, 1925 at his family ranch in Eagleville, CA.
Sam as he was known to his family, was the son of Arthur and Etta Harris. He
attended local schools and when his father passed away in 1941, he worked on
the family ranch. In 1950, Sam was drafted in to the U.S. Army and was stationed
at Fort Ord for two years. After his discharge he returned to Eagleville to
work on the family ranch with his mother Etta and brother Joe. In 1958, he married
Louis McGarva and they made their home in Eagleville until they retired to live
in Cedarville. Louise preceded Sam in death in 1995.
Sam helped his community by serving on the fire department and working for
numerous years at the annual Eagleville Barbecue. He spent his life working
with his brother on their ranch in Eagleville, where he was content with the
way of life that a ranch offered.
Later in life, after retiring, his trademark was to "make the rounds"
from Cedarville to Eagleville to Alturas and back, visiting and learning news
of friends and foe. In these travels, if it was possible for him to make a trade
for stoves, wood or tools, he would do it; then hang onto them and later sell
them for double. It wasn't that he needed the money, but it was the fun of the
trade that he loved.
Mr. Harris is survived by his brother and sister-in-law Joe and Nelda Harris
of Eagleville, CA; his nephew Lindsey and wife Barbara Harris of Fernley, NV.
and their children Tina, Sandy and Lacey Harris; niece Mona Loftus and husband
Tom of Anderson, CA and their children Rebecca and Jeff Barnes.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Diabetes Association
or the Surprise Valley Community Hospital, P.O. Box 246, Cedarville, CA 96104.
Kerr Mortuary has charge of arrangements.
Alice Warrens Wylie
Former Cedarville resident Alice Warrens Wylie passed away June 2, 2006 in
her Escondido home following a cerebral hemorrhage suffered 10 days previous
to her death. With the assistance of Hospice Care she was able to leave the
hospital four days before she died and be in the serenity of her home, surrounded
by the family she so loved.
Alice was a 45-year resident of Modoc County before moving to Escondido, CA.
She was born at the Warrens family ranch near Soldier Creek on January 9, 1917.
She attended her first years of grammar school by horseback at the Forty-nine
Schoolhouse. Alice graduated from Surprise Valley Union High School in 1935
and went on to attend U.C. Berkeley for two years, before transferring to what
was then the College of the Pacific in Stockton, CA. There she pursue her love
of piano at the college's Conservatory of Music, graduating in 1939 with a degree
in music.
Anyone who has ever heard Alice play the piano knows she had a God-given talent.
She could hear a song on the radio that was new to her and sit down and play
it. With that talent, she entertained many over the years. She was an original
member of The Rhythmaires, a local orchestra that played for numerous dances
in and beyond Modoc County in the 1950s. She could have easily pursued a professional
musical career, and was encouraged to do so by her university professors, but
she chose instead to marry the one and only love of her life, Dean Wylie, and
return to Modoc County to embark on their life together.
Alice married Kesner Dean Wylie on February 19, 1938, in Carson City, Nevada.
She and Dean were not only devoted and loving parents of three children, but
they also worked side by side to build several successful businesses together.
Their first was the Wylie Pharmacy in Cedarville, established in 1940. When
Dean joined the Navy during World War II in 1942 as a commissioned officer,
Alice ran the store without him. The Valley's physician Dr. Kennedy, would come
over every evening and check the prescriptions that Alice had filled from his
orders that day. Alice proved to be a capable businesswoman in her own right,
but she would drop everything when Dean's ship came into port in San Francisco
and rush down to be with him, several times departing Cedarville in a blinding
snowstorm.
After the war, Alice and Dean began their family. Allen Dean Wylie was born
in 1945, Carol Ann Wylie joined them in 1949, and Alice Jan Wylie completed
the family in 1952. The 1950s were happy, carefree time for the children, and
they cherish the childhood that Alice and Dean provided for them. Nonetheless,
it didn't come without sacrifices from the couple who not only worked long,
hard hours in their drugstore business but also tracked the stock market on
a daily basis and tried to make wise investment decisions.
The family moved to Escondido in 1962 where they established another pharmacy
together. Always a lover of land and ranching, Alice encouraged Dean in his
desire to acquire the 103 acres of raw land they purchased in the 1970s, which
they cleared and planted with avocado trees and named Cloveridge Ranch. With
much effort and sustained energy, even in their latter years, they built Cloveridge
Ranch into a successful avocado business and ran it side-by-side until Dean's
death in 2004 when Alice lost her beloved husband of 66 years. Until the last
years of Dean's life, when traveling became too burdensome, one of their greatest
pleasures was getting in the car and driving back to Surprise Valley to visit
family, friends and the roots that had nourished them both from their earliest
years.
Alice is survived by her son, Allen and wife Beverly of Portland, OR; daughter
Ann Odgers and husband Gary of Cedarville; daughter Jan Compton and husband
Skip of Escondido; a sister Florence Warrens Hedgpeth of Portland, OR; and seven
loving grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held graveside at the Cedarville
Cemetery July 15, 2006, at 7 p.m. The family suggests donations to the Surprise
Valley Community Church or the Hospice of your choice.
Barbara Marshall Hoffman
Barbara Almeda Hoffman died at the Lake District Long Term Care Facility in
Lakeview, OR on Wednesday, June 14, 2006 at the age of 77, after a long illness.
The funeral service was held at the Church of the Open Bible in Lakeview on
Monday, June 19. The Rev. Dan St. Clair officiated. Interment will be at the
Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside, CA.
Barbara was born on January 17, 1929 in Marshalltown, Iowa to the late Oral
and Stella (Robison) Blake. She graduated from Marshalltown High School and
went on to graduate from Iowa Methodist School of Nursing in Des Moines, Iowa.
She received her MA in Counseling from Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA.
Barbara worked as a registered nurse in almost every field, in Iowa, California
and Oregon. As a missionary in Korea, she worked with Holt International.
She married Glenn Marshall in Marshalltown, Iowa in 1950. He died while they
were living in Madeline in 1985. They had moved to Madeline from Southern California
in 1982 and while there, she worked for Modoc County Mental Health as a counselor.
She them moved to Lakeview, OR wand was involved with Lakeview Ministries as
a Counselor.
Barbara married Bill Hoffmann on June 14, 1991, in the orchard on his Westside
ranch. She continued her counseling career, in private practice, in her ranch
home.
She and Bill moved back to Madeline in 2000 and returned to Lakeview due to
health reasons.
She is survived by her husband Bill of Lakeview, OR; son and daughter-in-law,
Kirby and Caryn Marshall of Darien, Connecticut; daughter Marla Fox of Fredrick,
Maryland; sons Steven Marshall of Des Moines, Iowa and Ted Marshall of Whittier,
CA; daughters and sons-in-law, Beth and John Corcoran of Darien, Connecticut,
and Terri and Jim Bailey of Chicago, Illinois; nine grandchildren, two great-grandsons,
four brothers, step-children, Crystal Langbehn of Aloha, OR, Ann Vallier of
Woodland, CA, Doug Hoffman of Beaverton, OR; Laura Hoffman of West Lost Angeles
and Lisa Powell of Lakeview; seven step-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other
relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, first husband Glenn Marshall, brothers
Wallace and Roger and son-in-law Butch Fox.
Contributions in the memory of Mrs. Hoffman may be made to Holt International,
P.O. Box 2880, Eugene, OR 97402 or to a charity of the donor's choice.
Dorothy Knauss Babcock
Local services for former Alturas resident Dorothy Knauss Babcock are pending.
Mrs. Babcock passed away in Ukiah, CA on Monday, June 19, 2006. A complete obituary
will be published in a future issue.
Sports
Super Bull bucks off Saturday
The 10th Annual Super Bull Rodeo is set at the Modoc District
Fairgrounds in Cedarville for a night of bull ridin' and mutton bustin' fun!
On Saturday, June 24 competitors from the tri-state region will
begin thrilling spectators at 6 p.m. The event will climax with the always-popular
"Short Go" where the top six bull riders will compete for a grand
cash prize.
Super Bull tickets are $12 if purchased at one of many local outlets,
including Page's Market, Napa Auto Parts, Cedarville Grocery, Western Irrigation,
and Arnew's Custom Saddlery in Cedarville, at Napa Auto Parts, L&B Ranch
Supply, Seab's True Value, and Jay's Clothing in Alturas, or at Jack's General
Store in Eagleville. Those from out of the area may also order pre-sale tickets
by calling (530) 279-6383.
Tickets are $15 at the gate with children 7 and under entering free.
Fifteen local competitors from ages 4 through 8 will have the
chance to fulfill their dreams of becoming rodeo stars by entering the night's
"Mutton Busting" competition. Each will receive a special tee shirt
and the chance to win a prize, not to mention experiencing the thrill that comes
with hanging on tight to a sheep that wants to buck them off as the crowd roars
its approval.
The fairground gates open at 5:00 p.m. so come early and come
hungry. Volunteers from the Greater Surprise Valley Chamber of Commerce will
be grilling burgers and hot dogs and serving up nachos, freshly-spun cotton
candy, and a wide assortment of snack items at the concession stand near the
arena
Members of the Cedarville Volunteer Fire Department will also be on hand outside
the grandstands, dousing any raging thirsts with ice cold beer and other beverages.
They are also hosting an old-fashioned barn dance from 8 PM until "everyone
has had their fill of dancing!" Admission is $5.
"This year we have a live band, "Goin' South" from
Alturas", reports volunteer fireman Dan Brown. There will also be a full
bar available for those attending.
Rodeo, a truly unique American original, evolved from early community
celebrations throughout the West when ranch hands vied to outdo each other for
fun and entertainment as they demonstrated the roping and riding skills they
used every day on the job. Today, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association
reports that rodeo is among the top three fastest-growing sports nationwide
with over 23 million fans annually congregating in grandstands across America.
Once again, Ed and Darrel Hill of H & H Rodeo Company are
staging the local event enjoyed by all. But the sponsoring Super Bull Committee,
which meets throughout the year to plan this one exciting night, is comprised
of hard-working volunteers from throughout Modoc County. President Rick Milton
is joined on the committee by Vice President Edie Asrow, Secretary-Treasurer
Diana Milton, and Skip Arnew, Dave, Sharon and K. Cee Boneck, Penni Borghi,
Chuck Colas, Jim and Erin Erquiaga, Mike and Kelley Poindexter, Alan and Heather
Pratt, and Lynette Sullivan.
Les Schwab Tires is sponsoring the prized silver belt buckle awarded
to the Bronc Champion while Surprise Valley Auto Parts and Napa Auto Parts of
Alturas are donating the top bull rider's silver buckle.
Committee members are selling raffle tickets for three $500 cash prizes. Funds
raised from the sale of 500 tickets at $10 each help underwrite the high cost
of the event and provide for annual scholarships awarded to graduating seniors
who reside within Modoc County.
During last week's Surprise Valley High School graduation ceremony,
the Bull Committee awarded $500 scholarships to seniors Amy Alexander and Sarah
Teuscher.
Raffle tickets may be purchased from any Super Bull committee
member. If less than 500 are sold before the event begins, the remaining tickets
will be offered during the rodeo.
Children who'd like to compete in the mutton busting competition should register by calling 279-6383. There is no charge to enter although spaces are limited. Contestants for other events may also call the same number.
Loop
bike ride around Modoc Wildlife Refugee
The Modoc Parks and Recreation District, Families Matter and H.A.N.D
are sponsoring a 12.5 mile loop bike ride around the Modoc National Wildlife
Refugee Saturday, July 1st.
It starts from Alturas Veteran's Park at 8:30 a.m. and ends at
the park. Hopefully riders will return in time to queue up to ride in the Fandango
Day Parade.
Families with children who find the ride too long may join the
bikers from the parking lot for hunters at the wildlife refugee. It is at the
last 2.4 miles of the route around the Modoc Wildlife Refugee. Check the map
that is part of the ad for the bike ride for the location. It is anticipated
that the first bikers will pass that point about 9:15.a.m.
Ribbons will be awarded to the first 100 participants who finish
the loop and a prize will be given for those finishing first in three age categories,
adults, teens, and kids. Also, the oldest and the youngest person completing
the ride will be honored.
Registration for the bike ride will start at 7:30 a.m. in the
Veteran's Park close to the locomotive. The cost to participate will serve as
a donation to help the district begin its treasury. Fees are $10 for adults,
$5 for ages 13-19 and one dollar for kids 12 and under. Everyone under 16 years
of age must ride wearing a safety helmet.
Thanks to support from Health through Activity and Nutritional
Development, H.A.N.D, cold water will be available at the mid-point of the ride.
Those people under 18 must have a signed permission slip from a parent or guardian. Those and registration forms may be picked up and filled out in advance at the Modoc Family Resource Center next to the elementary school or Altec Engineering at 1036 N. Main Street.
Arrowhead
Father's Day winners
The team of Dave Holub and Jack Britton Jr. III fired a 57.75
net to win the Arrowhead Father's Day tournament.
In second place was the team of Jim and Bradley Widby who shot a 58.75 and in third was the team of Glen Metzdorf and Duane Conners with a 59.5
June 29th, 2006
News
Poindexter to ask for hand recount of ballots
Modoc County Sheriff candidate Mike Poindexter will ask for a hand recount
of the June 6 ballots in the race that saw him trail Undersheriff Mark Gentry
1,850 to 1,749, a 101 vote difference.
In the first unofficial count Gentry had a lead of 125 votes. The votes were
certified by the Modoc County Board of Supervisors Tuesday, and Poindexter could
not ask for a recount prior to that action.
Poindexter has reported some irregularities with the ballots and voting and
is looking into those issues. In addition to the recount, he is considering
legal action concerning a difference between some sample ballots and the official
ballot.
On Wednesday Poindexter said he was going to Clerk Maxine Madison to make formal
request for the recount. His campaign will have to pay the cost of the recount,
which Madison said would be done in a timely fashion once it's asked to be done.
Gentry gained support in the City of Alturas, while Poindexter had a lead in
the rest of the county. Modoc County Clerk Maxine Madison said she plans on
having the votes certified by the Board of Supervisors next Tuesday. Any challenges
will have to be filed within five days of that certification.
Gentry carried the four precincts in Alturas with a 619-447 vote margin. In
total of the remaining precincts, Poindexter had a 1,302 to 1,231 lead.
Gentry won in the following precincts: Fort Bidwell 37-35; Cedarville 166-155;
Alturas B 121-104; Alturas C 208-152; Alturas A 157-108; Alturas D 133-83; California
Pines 98-94; Canby 82-34; Day 24-13; and Hot Spring 157-154.
Poindexter prevailed in these precincts: Lake City 55-37; Eagleville 45-34; State Line/Willow Ranch 34-31; North Fork 206-182; Parker Creek 80-58; South Fork 55-43; Adin 87-84; Lookout 80-55 and Newell 143-111.
Major heat breaks old record
Yes, it has been abnormally hot in Modoc, about 20 degrees above average and
on June 25, the mercury hit 100 degrees, topping the record of 97 set in 1967.
The average temperature for June 25 is 81 degrees.
On June 26, the temperature stopped just short of the record of 99 set in 1968.
It hit 98. The average for that date is 81 degrees.
The other hot days didn't set records, but were well above normal for this
area. On June 24, it was 97 degrees, well above the 80-degree average, but below
1961's record of 102. That 102 degrees is also the record high for the month
of June.
June 23 found the temperature at 94 degrees, again above the 80-degree average,
but below the record of 98, set in 1992.
The forecast for Saturday and Fandango Days calls for a high of 82 and on Sunday look for 88 degrees. Thunderstorms are predicted for the end of this week and the start of next week.
Bradbury will be tried as an adult
Christopher Bradbury will face murder charges as an adult in the 1992 death
of 14-year-old Alturas resident Betty Lou Parks.
Bradbury, age 31, of Shasta Lake, was 17 years of age at the time of Parks
death. Modoc Superior Court Judge Fritz Barclay ruled last Friday that there
was sufficient evidence to try Bradbury for the murder of Parks and that he
would be tried as an adult.
He was arraigned Tuesday in Modoc Superior Court, no plea was entered and the
arraignment was continued to July 11. Bradbury has said he had nothing to do
with the murder.
Testimony from his ex-wife is key to the prosecution case. She has told Department
of Justice investigators that Bradbury admitted to her that he had been a part
of the Parks' murder.
Bradbury was arrested last month at his job in Redding and remains in the Modoc
County Jail on $500,000 bail. The case was turned over to DOJ in 2002 by the
Modoc Sheriff's Office, which had made no real progress in the investigation.
Parks disappeared on June 25, 1992 and her remains were found by a hiker at a remote Modoc Estates lot on May 16, 1993.
Lightning sparks rash of fires in northeast
Thunderstorms sparked several fires across the northeast part of California
and into Nevada this week.
The Modoc National Forest reports that its crews worked on eight wildland fires
as of Tuesday and several more were reported after noon on Tuesday, with more
thunder and lighting forecast for the next two days.
The eight fires were between one and 20 acres in size. Four of the fires were
north and south of Adin and two fires were in the South Warner Mountains.
"The entire northstate has been hit by lightning, so there is major competition
for firefighting resources," MNF Battalion Chief Chris Orr said. "We're
currently prioritizing the fires to save structures and high value natural resources."
As of Tuesday, there were eight engines, one dozer, one water tender, 10 smoke
jumpers, one fixed wing aircraft and one medium duty helicopter fighting the
fires.
Orr said additional resources have been ordered to assist in the firefighting
effort, including engines, dozers, water tenders and handcrews.
With many people expected to be camping on the forest this weekend, officials
stress care, especially with campfires.
According o the MNF, the fires made "significant runs" Tuesday and
while the weather cooled and light rain fell, it did not extinguish the blazes.
The fire on Fox Mountain was visible from Adin and residents reportedly spent
hours watching the flames and suppression efforts.
The northwest group of fires, south of Tionesta and east of Hollenbeck Butte
is called the Happy Complex and is estimated at 1,700 acres, containing two
large fires.
The southeastern section of the fires, north of Adin is called the Miller Complex
as is estimated at 300 acres with seven fires ranging from approximately 50
acres to 200 acres.
The area where the fires are burning has an extensive fire history from lightning-caused,
wind-driven fires, according to the Forest Service. As the area dries from Tuesday's
isolated rainstorms, fire managers will be alert for additional undetected lightning
fires and afternoon winds. Lightning storms are predicted for the next few days.
The Bureau of Land Management is also fighting fires with the largest in this
area being the Squaw Fire north of Gerlach. That fire was contained at 2,905
acres as of Tuesday.
According to the Susanville Interagency Fire Center, fire crews responded to
several lightning-caused fires, keeping most in check.
"Since Sunday, we have investigated more than 100 fire reports, have had
80 confirmed fires and some are getting big," said Craig Kincaid, a co-manager
of the SIFC command center. "Because our fire fighting resources are depleted,
we have not been able to send engines or crews to every fire."
In addition to the agency fire crews, local rural fire departments were kept
busy all day Tuesday chasing down smoke columns and putting out fires throughout
Modoc County.
Full line up of fun for Fandango '06
Modoc's Independence Day celebration will kick off in a big way next weekend,
with a "Wild, Wild West," theme for the annual Fandango 2006 Fourth
of July parade and celebration staged in Alturas.
Classic cars will fill the streets, music for dancing will take over the evenings
at locations throughout Alturas both Friday and Saturday.
Friday night, June 30 will open festivities with a "Family Street Dance"
from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Walt's Market parking lot off Main Street, Alturas.
Music to be provided by the reunion of local band "Big Sage." Kids
and families welcome. Walt's Market will be open. Dances will also be starting
at 9 p.m. at Benny's with DJ Nick and at Desert Rose Casino featuring the Ray
Atkinson Band.
On Saturday, July 1, register between 7:30 to 8:15 a.m. at Veterans' Park, to
ride in the "Modoc Bicycle Loop Ride" which starts at 8:30 a.m. Saturday
and takes a 12.5-mile loop past Dorris Reservoir. Modoc Parks and Recreation
District, Families Matter and H.A.N.D. will co-sponsor this event, with ribbons
to the first three finishers in each category and certificates to all who finish.
Riders who return in time may ride as a unit in the Fandango Day Parade. Registration
is $10 for adults; ages 13-19, $5; ages 12 and under, $1. Pre-registration will
be accepted at Child and Family Resource Center, 809 West Eighth St. and Altec
Engineering, 1036 N. Main, Alturas.
Fandango Parade entries will be judged at 9 a.m. July 1. Winners will receive
their ribbons prior to the start of the parade. Those who have submitted parade
entry forms, should line up before 9 a.m. at the new location of Eighth and
Main Streets, Alturas. Parade Sweepstakes winner will take home $100 in Alturas
Bucks.
The Fandango Parade will start on Saturday, July 1 at 11 a.m. on Alturas' Main
Street offering a real taste of small town, USA and attracting many parade entries.
The Alturas Chamber of Commerce organizes Fandango each year and this year Chamber
President and Parade Organizer Penny Cruse welcomes the public to enjoy this
special weekend.
By Saturday morning and the start of the annual parade, the population of Alturas
swells, as families and former Modoc residents return to the area for reunions
and the good, old-fashioned gathering at the Veterans' Memorial Park off South
Main Street, following the parade.
Carol Sharp of Alturas has been selected as Fandango Grand Marshal.
U.S. Cellular will sponsor the Classic Car Show hosted by Alturas Elks Lodge
1756 B.P.O.E. in Rachel Dorris Park beginning at noon. View the beautiful local
and visiting entries and stop by the Elks Lodge concession stand for a Polish
hot dog on a stick and a soda. Classic Car Show entry forms are available from
Frank's Carpets in Alturas, Jim Rollins at 530-640-8740 or from organizer Dave
Hohman (530) 640-0164 of Alturas Elks Lodge.
Fandango Park booth coordinator Val Flournoy said booths will line the park
with vendors, food concessions, games and a Kids' Corner for games on the east
end of the park, organized by Repin' For The Lord church youth group and sponsored
by the Chamber. Contact Val at 640-0588 for park booth information.
The Alturas Lions Club will serve their popular pit-barbecued beef meal, starting
at noon on the park patio. (Last year's price was $7 per person).
The Alturas Chamber will have a booth filled with Chamber souvenir items such
as Alturas license frames, hats, cups, t-shirts and Fandango sports bottles
( a new item this year). The Chamber booth will also offer tickets for the fundraiser
drawing which will take place later in the afternoon. Tickets are $5 for "big
ticket" prize packages first prize, a home entertainment package
valued at $800; second prize, an outdoor/camping, fishing package valued at
$700 and third prize, a gas grill and grocery package valued at $600.
The Modoc Sheriff's Posse will sponsor a Horseshoe Tournament on the east end of the Classic Car Show at the horseshoe pits. Participants are asked to pre-register by calling Roy Bell at 233-5255. A donation of $10 is requested for each entrant. Entrants are asked to check the tournament board at the horseshoe pit site after the Fandango Parade for match times. Matches are expected to proceed through the day, consecutively at five pits with "grudge" matches interspersed throughout the day.
Teams will be randomly chosen from registered players. Posse members will be
in uniform to serve as tourney officials following A.H.P.A. rules. Grudge match
registration will be accepted before and during the tournament. Entries will
be accepted by mail to the Modoc Sheriff's Posse, P.O. Box 1408, Alturas, CA
96101.
Tickets for the Chamber's Cow Pie Bingo will be offered until that event.
"Heartless" will provide live music on the Veterans' Park stage during
the afternoon. Diagonal vehicle parking will be available on Water Street this
year and County Road 56 which dissects the Rachel Dorris Park from Veterans'
Park, will be closed to through traffic to allow the public to safely cross
between both sides of the park.
Saturday night, California Pines will draw the crowds to California Pines Lake
to view the fireworks display at dusk. The display is provided by the California
Pines Property Owners Association and is a highlight of the weekend celebration.
A buffalo barbecue meal will be served to the public starting at 2 p.m.
Desert Rose Casino will host a dance with the Ray Atkinson Band providing the
tunes starting at 9 p.m. at the casino.
Park booth reservation applications and parade entry forms are now available to the public at Main Street Coffee, Top Hat Entertainment, Seab's True Value and the Alturas Chamber Office at 522 So. Main St., Alturas.
Obituaries:
Gary Lloyd McKay
Services for former Modoc County resident Gary Lloyd McKay were held at Taft
Church of God on Friday, June 23, at 11:00 a.m. Interment followed at Westside
District Cemetery in Taft, CA.
Gary was born November 11, 1940 to Lloyd and Leone McKay in Fargo, North Dakota.
He passed away June 20, 2006, in Bakersfield, CA. He is preceded in death by
his mother, Leone Simmons; step-father, Hank Simmons; father, Lloyd McKay and
his twin brother, Larry McKay. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Donna
McKay; his six children, Lisa Walton and husband Wally, Melissa Ridenour and
husband Donnie, John McKay, Jimmy McKay and wife Nora all of Chico, California,
Becky Martin and husband Dusty and Chuck McKay and wife Lindsey all of Taft;
his 20 grandchildren, Tommy, Holly, Hailey, Heidi, Nick, Jason, Justin, Cassie,
Carli, Dylan, Kyle, Cody, Kylee, Morgahn, Brian, Derek, Owen, Gwen, Abigail
and Allyson; nieces, Debbie, Kathy and Terry, as well as many lifelong friends.
Gary was raised in Westwood, CA and he lived there until he was 17, when he
joined the U.S. Navy. He served in the Vietnam War and retired in 1985, after
21 years of serving his country as a Machinist and Company Commander. Gary moved
to Taft in 1989 with his wife, Donna and his two younger children. Gary retired
from Universal Technical Services in 1998, where he worked for 10 years as a
plant operator. He moved "up north" to Modoc County for five years,
but then returned to Taft to be closer to his family.
Gary was an avid fisher and hunter and he loved to collect old cars. He was
at every car event in Taft area and traveled to car shows. He was very proud
of his 1964 Wildcat that he built himself. He enjoyed playing pool and he looked
forward to playing at the "rec" every morning. He also was very patriotic
and was involved in the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Disabled American Veterans.
While in Alturas, he served as Senior Vice Commander (1999) and Commander (2002)
for the D.A.V. Chapter 113; VFW Post 3327 Trustee, (2001-2002); and Sergeant
at Arms (2001-02) for American Legion Post 163.
For information contact Basham Funeral Care at 661-873-8200.
Death Notice
Lydia Wrye
Alturas resident Lydia Wrye, 69, passed away at her home on Saturday, June
24, 2006. Kerr Mortuary is caring for arrangements. A Committal Service of her
cremains will be carried out on Wednesday, July 5 at 9 a.m. at the Alturas Cemetery.
Born in San Sebastian, Puerto Rico on April 13, 1937, she had moved from Tennessee to Alturas, CA about 15 years ago. She is survived by three sons, Mario Ortiz of Crescent City, CA; Norman Ortiz of Wasco, CA and Luis Ortiz of Santa Cruz, CA. She also has numerous grandchildren.
Sports
Football team does well at camp
The Modoc Braves took 22 players to their annual football camp
in Reno last week, and coach Shaun Wood was very pleased with their overall
performance.
"I saw some really good things and we held our own against some pretty big schools, including Reno schools and Chico, Yuba City and Gridley," Wood said. "There were over 900 players at the camp. We got to put in our offense and add a few wrinkles. And our defense was very strong."The Braves will start football practice August 14. Players should work on getting their physicals now. Wood will be opening the weight room this summer Monday through Thursdays and the physical and sports information forms will be available there. Physicals and forms most be completed before the first day of practice.
Loop
bike ride around Modoc Wildlife Refuge
Get on the bicycle and take a ride around the Modoc National Wildlife
Refuge before starting the Fandango celebration.
The Modoc Parks and Recreation District, Families Matter and H.A.N.D
are sponsoring a 12.5 mile loop bike ride around the Modoc National Wildlife
Refuge Saturday, July 1st.
It starts from Alturas Veteran's Park at 8:30 a.m. and ends at
the park. Hopefully riders will return in time to ride in the Fandango Day Parade.
A shorter route is also offered.
Ribbons will be awarded to the first 100 participants who finish
the loop and a prize will be given for those finishing first in three age categories,
adults, teens, and kids. Also, the oldest and the youngest person completing
the ride will be honored.
Registration for the bike ride will start at 7:30 a.m. in the Veteran's Park close to the locomotive. The cost to participate will serve as a donation to help the district begin its treasury. Fees are $10 for adults, $5 for ages 13-19 and one dollar for kids 12 and under. Everyone under 16 years of age must ride wearing a safety helmet.
A
most Likely winner for tourney
Jose Madrigal of Likely teamed with Mark Como of Pt. Reyes to
win the Likely Golf Tournament June 24, with the team winning $200.
In second place was the team of Wayne Bethel and Mike Poindexter,
who won $100. A pair of teams tied for third: Bob Brooks of Alturas and Loren
Welsh, Likely and the other team was Deral and Carol Ellis, New Pine Creek.
Deral Ellis won the longest drive contest and Dennis Tate won
closest to the pin. Each took home $50.
There was a drawing following the tourney and various other prizes donated by
local merchants and business people were won by other players.
Likely Links would like to thank all the businesses for their support.
July 6th, 2006
News
Cotta files suit against Woolverton
The question of the November run-off election for Modoc County District Attorney
between Gary Woolverton and Richard Cotta, Jr., will first be decided in court.
On Friday, Cotta filed suit against Woolverton, claiming he was not a legal
candidate because he was not a registered Modoc voter and otherwise qualified
to vote when the nomination papers were issued to him. Cotta said he can prove
Woolverton never lived in Modoc County prior to his registration and never lived
at the address he used on his initial voter registration.
Cotta is also claiming Woolverton "committed an offense against the elective
franchise by falsely declaring, under penalty of perjury, his residence and
domicile on his voter's registration, and on his candidate's statement, and
by filing and submitting those documents knowing they had been made falsely."
Basically, Cotta is claiming that Woolverton registered to vote at a property
he owned in Adin, even though he had never lived there. Woolverton has stated
he never lived in that home, but contends he was a Modoc resident when he registered
to vote.
Woolverton was an attorney in Susanville and Redding when he registered to
vote and has since opened an office in Alturas.
Modoc County Counsel and the Attorney General's office did not rule that Woolverton's
name be taken off the ballot. Woolverton believes he was a legal candidate for
the office.
Cotta is asking the court to rule Woolverton was not a legal candidate and,
therefore, declare all of his votes illegal. Woolverton had the most votes in
the election, with 1,552, but he did not receive the required majority to win
in the primary. Cotta finished with 1,042 and attorney John Lawson had 885.
If the court rules against Woolverton, Cotta could be declared the winner of
the election.
"On or about March 14, 2006, Gary Woolverton submitted a voter registration
and Statement of Candidacy listing his residence and domicile as 100 Main St.,
Adin . . . each signed under penalty of perjury," Cotta states. "Also
on March 14, the County Clerk of Modoc County issued him nomination papers.
In fact, the statements made by Woolverton in his voter registration and candidate's
statement were false, in that he had not established his domicile at 100 Main
Street, Adin, or any other place in Modoc . . . by his own admission, he did
not actually establish his domicile in Modoc County until on or about March
26, 2006."
Cotta cites Elections Code sections stating that in order to register to vote,
residence is defined as a "person's domicile." Domicile is further
defined as the place "where his or her habitat is fixed, wherein the person
has the intention of remaining . . . that a person can have only one domicile
and that the home where the person claims a homeowner's exemption is the person's
domicile."
Woolverton argues that his intention to change domiciles to Modoc County solves
the requirement for voter registration. "Such intent is manifested if there
is a change of registration for voting purposes and that is followed by some
positive acts or declarations," he states. "It is largely a matter
of intention and there is no waiting period when one is moving from one California
County to another, and motive or reason is generally irrelevant."
The Happy Complex is currently contained
The Happy/Miller Complex is expected to be under control today by 6 a.m. and
with incident command post disbanded.
Burnout operations are complete and fire crews continue to strengthen fire
lines on the southern fire of the Happy Complex located about 20 air miles west
of Canby.
Fire crews have begun to mop-up in cooler parts of the fire up to 300 feet
from the fire line. There were 11 hand crews, 13 fire engines, three helicopters,
one bulldozer and 437 fire fighters assigned to the Happy Complex. All of the
Type one hand crews have been reassigned to other fires or released to rest
and reorganize for future fire assignments.
To prevent the spread of noxious weeds encountered on the fire all vehicles
are washed prior to departing from the fire area. The vehicle wash removes
any noxious weed seeds that may be imbedded in dirt or mud on the vehicles
leaving the fire area, reducing the possibility of spreading noxious weeds
outside of the area.
For the past four days the Modoc National Forest has been monitoring a
lightning-caused fire burning inside the Burnt Lava Flow Geologic Area near
Yellowjacket Butte. The fire is burning in a pocket or island of
vegetation that is surrounded by at least one mile of lava without and
vegetation and has little chance to burn outside of the area.
The Miller Complex consisted of 15 lightning-caused fires approximately eight miles northwest of Adin, California, consuming approximately 277 acres of sage, juniper and pine trees. All the fires are 100 percent contained, and firefighters are in a patrol status, monitoring for any smoke or flame within the fire perimeter.
Southern California Interagency Incident Management Team #1 transferred command
of the Miller Complex to the Happy Complex team at 6:00 p.m. on July 3, 2006.
345 personnel are currently assigned to the incident. The incident command post
will be dismantled and will be made available for other fires. Crews and equipment
will be assigned to either the Happy Complex, other fires, or return home for
rest.
Future reports on these fires will be combined under the Happy/Miller
Complex, led by Ken Paul (Incident Commander) for the ORCA
(Oregon/California Incident Management Team).
Happy/Miller Fire Complex Fire Information (530) 233- 9912
or online at: www.inciweb.org/incident/264/
The Lava Fire is currently 300 acres and is burning within the Burnt Lava Flow Geological Area near Yellowjacket Butte. Most of the light fuels within the fire have burned and the fire is surrounded on all sides by about one mile of lava flow without vegetation. It is being monitored from the air.
Hospital debt dips to $5.3 million
Modoc Medical Center's Debt to the county decreased on June 30 to $5,355,838.60,
down from the previous month's $5,531,096.76, according to Modoc County Auditor
Judi Stevens.
That amounts to a $175,258 decrease in the debt, the first decrease since November.
Month by month the debt looked like this: September $4,690,812; October $4,741,129;
November $4,585,423; December $4,867,652; January $4,793,393; and February $5,071,818
and March $5,366.613 and April $5,531,096.
The increase in debt from April though May was $72,638 and from September 2005
it has increased by $$665,026.
The Modoc Record will continue to publish the actual debt at the end of each month.
Budget shortfall triggers mental health layoffs
A projected budget shortfall of $516,442 has triggered the layoffs of five
employees of the Modoc Mental Health Department.
The Modoc Board of Supervisors approved the five-position reduction-in-force
following a meeting last Thursday afternoon. Modoc County Chief Administration
Officer Mike Maxwell, said he, the Mental Health Department and its director
are working on the issue currently and several issues must be resolved before
actual layoff notices are sent to employees. Those notices may be out tomorrow.
The reduction in employees will cut the projected shortfall to just over $100,000,
according to the county. If nothing were done, the deficit would be around $660,000,
said Maxwell.
Obituaries:
Vern L. Hill
Vern L. Hill, age 82, passed away unexpectedly in St. Charles Medical Center,
Bend, Oregon on June 30, 2006, eight days following the death of his wife, Lillian
R. Hill, in Lakeview, Oregon.
Vern was born in Cedarville, California on October 25, 1923, to Charlie and
Hattie Hill, the youngest of their six children. He was raised a cowboy in Surprise
Valley and on the west side of Goose Lake near Lakeview, Oregon.
In January 1943, Vern entered the U.S. Army and served in General Patton's
Fourth Army, Third Armored Division, as a tank driver during World War II. He
was twice wounded, awarded the Purple Heart with one Oak Leaf Cluster, and was
honorably discharged from active duty in October of 1945.
Vern married Phyllis Meyer of Alturas, CA, in April 1945, and the couple returned
to Modoc County where they worked on the Ed Hill Ranch near Cedarville. They
moved to Alturas in 1949, and their only child, Becky, was born in July.
When they left Surprise Valley, Vern put away his saddle and began working
for the Coppedge family at the Mountain Lilly Dairy (now where K&K Produce
is located) and later he worked for Crater Lake Creamery out of Klamath Falls,
OR, as Modoc County's deliveryman.
In 1960, Vern was hired by Modoc Sheriff E.R. (Buck) Server as a deputy and
he later served in the same capacity under Sheriff L. E. Harris. For most of
Vern's law enforcement career he was a resident deputy sheriff in Surprise Valley.
He retired in 1978, but worked as a cowboy and carpenter when needed by various
ranchers and friends in the Valley.
In 1995, Vern married Lillian R. Lape and the couple retired to Lakeview, OR,
where they enjoyed 11 years together pursuing their love of hunting and fishing.
Vern is survived by his daughter, Becky L. Dederick, and her husband, John,
of Alturas; stepson Ed Melroy and wife May of Visalia; stepson Gene Melroy and
wife Lois of Bellevista, Arkansas; stepson Chad Gooch of Jackpot, Nevada; and
stepson Vance M. Gooch of Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Vern is remembered for being hard-working, generous, and honest, always ready
and willing to lend a hand. He was a good neighbor, a loyal friend and a fierce
protector of those he loved.
At Vern's request, no services will be held, but a get-together is planned
for later this summer in Surprise Valley for friends and family.
Contributions in Vern's memory may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.
Tammy Witherspoon
Tammy Irene Witherspoon passed away June 30, 2006 at her home in Alturas, CA.
She was 44.
Tammy was born June 10, 1962 in Lakeview, OR, to Wanda and Ronald Malson. She
was the fifth generation on her mother's side of the family. "Some people
can say they have four living grandparents. But, Tammy had 11 grandparents;
seven living grandmothers and four living grandfathers," described her
mother.
Tammy was a very loving sweet angel as a child. According to her mother, she
never had to scold her. She always wanted everyone to be comfortable and happy
around her.
She loved the small town atmosphere and could become friends with anyone she
met. Tammy would help everyone and anything. She had a heart of gold.
Tammy attended schools in Alturas and Klamath Falls, OR. After graduating from
Modoc High School in Alturas, she worked at the Modoc County Library with the
late Betty Chism. She completed training as a Certified Nurses' Aide, and worked
at Warnerview Convalescent Hospital in Alturas for a time. She and Mark Witherspoon
were married in 1984 in Alturas.
Tammy is survived by her mother Wanda Gloster, Alturas; step-father Jerry Gloster
of Tualatin, OR; her son Michael Witherspoon of Boulder City, NV; daughter Amber
Witherspoon, Boulder City, NV; all of her loving friends and her estranged husband
Mark Witherspoon of Boulder City, NV.
Tammy was predeceased by her birth father; her grandfather Vance Thomason of
Alturas; grandmother Carra Thomason of Alturas and uncle David Thomas of Alturas
with whom Tammy was very close.
Memorial services will be held Sunday, July 9 at 1p.m. at the Kerr Mortuary
Chapel in Alturas. Following the service, everyone is invited to the home of
Wanda Gloster, 110 East 14th St., Alturas, to honor Tammy's life.
Those who wish may direct memorial contributions in Tammy's memory to a heart
or lung society.
Lydia Maria Cuebas Pitre-Wrye
Alturas resident Lydia Maria Cuebas Pitre-Wrye, passed away of natural causes
at her home on Saturday, June 24, 2006. She was 69 years of age. A Committal
Service was held on Wednesday, July 5 at 9 a.m. at the Alturas Cemetery. Pastor
Bruce Blum of the Seventh Day Adventist Church conducted the service.
Lydia Maria Cuebas Pitre was born in San Sebastian, Puerto Rico on April 13,
1937. She received her education in San Sebastian. She also earned her surgical
technician license. She married Mario Ortiz in New Orleans, Louisiana in late
1956. She worked in a private medical office as a medical assistant in New Orleans,
then later was a surgical technician at Baptist Hospital in Nashville, TN. She
relocated to Alturas, CA 15 years ago, when one of her three sons moved to Alturas.
She chose to be independent and treasured the peacefulness of living alone,
but remained close to her family.
She was a loving and supportive mother to her three sons. Lydia was also a dear
grandmother and a great-grandmother. She loved spending time with her children,
grandchildren and loving her great-grandchildren. She loved baking cupcakes
for children in her apartment complex and baking cakes for adults who knew her
in the community like Brown's Pharmacy, now Alturas Pharmacy, friends Norman
and Joy for example, and many more, especially on their birthdays and just to
say thank you.
"I loved the corn bread my grandma made for me and the butter cookies," shared grandson Forest Ortiz
"Wherever we go, there you are in our hearts with our smiles and in our
tears," said grandson Nathanial Ortiz. Grandson Mario E. Ortiz, III, described,
"After all the things that I have been through in my life, my grandmother
was there to lift my hope up. She is in my heart and everybody else's heart.
Rest in peace, always loved by your grandson."
Her husband Mario passed away on December 22, 2003.
She is survived by three sons, Mario Ortiz, Jr. of Crescent City, CA; Norman
Ortiz of Wasco, CA and Luis Ortiz of Santa Cruz, CA; sisters TiTi Cuebas, Georgia,
U.S.A.; Aida Cuebas, Puerto Rico; granddaughter Vera Ortiz, Japan; grandsons
Mario Ortiz, III, and Forest Ortiz of Crescent City, CA; Nathaniel Ortiz, Watsonville,
CA; granddaughter Memory West, Scotts Valley, CA; grandsons Benjemin West and
Nigel West of Aptos, CA; great-granddaughters Kyla Lusk, Scotts Valley, CA and
Alysa Ortiz, Crescent City; Riley Ortiz, Chowchilla, CA; Leilani Ortiz, Watsonville,
CA; great-grandsons Preston Miller, Shawn Miller of Japan and great-granddaughter
Noelle Miller, Japan.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Adventist Frontier Missions, P.O.
Box 346, Berrien Springs, Michigan 49103.
Services were under the direction of Kerr Mortuary, Alturas.
.
Jesse Merl Prosser
Jesse Merl Prosser died July 1, 2006 at his home in Tulelake, CA. He was 90.
Services will be held at Kerr Mortuary Chapel in Alturas on Friday, July 7
at 10 a.m. with burial to follow at the Alturas Cemetery, with military honors
provided by the Alturas Veterans' Groups. The family invites all friends and
neighbors for fellowship and sharing at Mr. Prosser's home in Tulelake beginning
at 3 p.m.
He was born August 28, 1915 in Salina, Kansas. He was 19 when he went to work
in the oil fields in Bakersfield, CA. Jesse continued to work his way north
to Modoc County, where he held various jobs.
Mr. Prosser worked in the potato harvest in Tulelake, at the Long Bell Lumber
Co., in the peat bogs near Likely, CA and as a ranch hand.
He met Margaret Ina Kelley while working on the Kelley Ranch in Alturas. They
were married in Reno, NV in 1941.
Mr. Prosser enlisted in the U.S. Army on March 21, 1941, and served in the
South Pacific. He was wounded in action in New Guinea in 1943 and received an
honorable discharge on June 12, 1945.
Mr. Prosser was awarded a homestead in Tulelake in 1946, where he and Margaret
farmed and raised their family and helped to build a community. He turned the
farm over to his sons, John and Frank, in the late 1970s and continued to be
involved 9in the family farm operation until his death.
Mr. Prosser enjoyed being with his family and friends, and he was a dedicated
fisherman.
He is survived by his sister Nettie Sullivent; half-brother Charles Prosser,
and his children Judy Prosser Craft of Palo Cedro, CA; John and Peyton Prosser
of Tulelake, Betty and Chet Smurzynski of Palo Cedro, and Frank Prosser; and
Frank's fiancée Jeri Ringulet of Tulelake. He is also survived by grandchildren
Kendra Ayers, Joby Smursynski, Kelly Wardall, Kristy Smurzynski, Katie and James
Prosser; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife Margaret Ina Prosser and sister Violet
Amy Davis.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Klamath Water Users Association, 2455
Patterson St., Klamath Falls, OR 97603.
Bobby D. Jacobsen
Bobby D. Jacobsen, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, passed away February 24, 2006 at United
Medical Center-West in Cheyenne.
Mr. Jacobsen spent most of his growing up years in Canby, CA and graduated
from Modoc Union High School in 1958. He was born September 15, 1940 in Spokane,
WA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jens and Marge Jacobsen, and a
brother Dean Jacobsen.
Mr. Jacobsen worked as a Heavy Equipment Mechanic in his early years on Dworshak
Dam, Orofino, ID; as a Foreman for Union 76, Rawlins, WY; the last 20 years
were spent as a Mine Maintenance Superintendent for FMC Gold, Gabbs, NV, Pegasus
Gold, Zortman, and Anaconda, MT and retired from Coeur d'Alene Mining Company,
Lovelock, NV, May 2001. After retiring, he enjoyed helping his daughter Patricia,
with her business.
He is survived by his wife Bonnie of Cheyenne, WY; two sons and a daughter-in-law,
Robert Jacobsen of Cheyenne, and Thomas and A'lesha Jacobsen of Carlin, NV;
two daughters and a son-in-law, Janet and Eddie Crago of Goose Creek, S.C.,
and Patricia Russell of Baggs, WY; a brother and sister-in-law, Howard and Betty
Jacobsen of Anderson, CA; a sister and brother-in-law, Judy and Dick Kinne of
Lewiston, ID; mother-in-law Wayve Goings of Red Bluff, CA; nine grandchildren,
one great-grandson, several nieces and nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law,
cousins and one aunt and uncle.
Memorial services will be held on Monday, July 10, at 11 a.m. at the Seventh
Day Adventist Church in Alturas.
In lieu of flowers, friends may contribute to Meals on Wheels or the charity of their choice.
Sports
38 fish caught at Rotary Derby
While there werent many kids involved, most of them caught
fish at the 49th Annual Alturas Rotary Fish Derby last Saturday.
Of the 40 children involved, 38 fish were reeled in during the
two-hour contest. The winner for the first girls fish was Haley Stout
and the first fish caught by a boy was by Scott Lewis. Emily Anderson caught
the most fish in the girls division and Hunter Williams won the boys contest.
Lily Love caught the largest fish for the girls and Adam Weaver caught the biggest
fish for the boys.
The bike winners, by drawing, were Audra Larsen and Benicia Cervantes and Garret Larsen and Timmy Prisco.
Posse
Junior Horse Show attracts youth riders
Modoc County Sheriffs Posse hosted their 51st annual Junior
Horse Show June 3 and judged winners, presented certificates, medallions and
ribbons to youth riders in all age categories who competed at the Junior Showgrounds
in Alturas.
Events offered included Trail Horse, Western Equitation, Western
Pleasure, Buckaroo Class (rope with drag, Load in trailer and Hobble); Barrel
Cloverleaf, Pole Bending, Keyhole Race.
Senior Division, (ages 14 to 18) first place overall winner was
Macey Binning. Junior Division, (ages 8 to 13), first place overall winner was
Sarah Gibbons; second place, Courtney Knoch; third place, Hannah Gibbons; fourth
place, Alex McQuarrie; Fifth place Jamie Brazil; sixth place, Melissa Knoch;
seventh place tie went to Kylee Iverson and Anna Estill and eighth place tie
went to Madelyn Binning and Mathew Palomino; Greenhorn Division, (ages seven
and under) saw Keith Nelson as first place overall winner, with Riley Lake in
second place, Peter French in third place, Cody Nelson, fourth place, Kenzie
Binning, fifth place, Blair Joanette, sixth place, Kayla Lake, seventh place
and MaKayla Joanette, eighth place overall.
"It was a joy to watch each and everyone of these great kids
riding their horses and having so much fun," described co-chairman Phil
Vermillion "A special thanks to all of you, you made this show another
success. Modoc County Sheriffs Posse officers and members, we thank you
too."
Byron Gibbons was announcer; Teri Brown was judge. Horse Show co-chairmen Chris Knoch and Phil Vermillion were assisted by Posse Officers Captain Mike Morgan, Lieutenant Mick Baldwin, Secretary/Treasurer, Jerry Wendland; First Director, Chuck Browning; Second Director, Roy Bell, Jr.; Third Director, John Looper.
July 13th, 2006
News
November election has local issues
The November General Election will have state and federal elections and also
have several local races on the ballot, for schools and fire and water districts.
According to Modoc County Clerk Maxine Madison, the candidate nomination period
for those seats will begin July 17 and run through August 11.
In addition, there could be a run-off for the Modoc District Attorney position
between Gary Woolverton and Richard Cotta. Cotta has filed suit claiming Woolverton
was not a qualified registered voter in Modoc and therefore ineligible to run
for office. Woolverton had never lived in the home he cited on his voter registration
form. Neither the county counsel or Attorney General ruled that his named be
removed from the ballot.
That case will be heard in Modoc Superior Court next week Tuesday, July 18
at 1:30 p.m. The case is open to the public. Judge Fritz Barclay has disqualified
himself.
Two seats up for election in the Modoc Joint Unified School District, those
of Karen Hays and Patt Swanson.
Four seats will be on the ballot for the Surprise Valley Joint Unified School
District. In Cedarville, the seats of Gene Erquiaga and James Laacke expire;
in Ft. Bidwell the seat of Steve Smith is up and an election for the remaining
term of Dean Cockrell, who resigned will be up. Bill Bostic was appointed to
that position, but will have to run for election to fill out Cockrell's remaining
term.
Three seats are open on the County Board of Education: District Two's Betsy
Ingraham; District Three's Dixie Server; and District Five's Marcella Haynes.
In addition, there will be elections in the Cedarville and Newell water districts
and all 13 fire districts.
City will close, dismantle Skate Park
Vandalism finally took its toll and the City of Alturas has had enough. Tuesday
night, the Alturas City Council agreed with staff recommendations to permanently
close and dismantle the Alturas Skate Park on Fourth Street.
According to Alturas Building Inspector Sue Traugott, city crews have spent
too much time and money repairing vandalism at the park and enough was enough.
The final straw she said was when the vandals removed the top of a picnic tables
to use as another ramp.
"It looks like the kids didn't appreciate what we tried to do for them,"
said councilman Keith Jacques.
Councilman Rod Gately said it was too bad the kids didn't take care of the
facility and said he has had dealings with some of them at the Veteran's Park
on Water Street, where vandalism is also a problem.
At the skate park, the vandals had taken off the side boards of the ramps,
pried off the ramp surfaces and the steel plates bolting them to the cement,
broken boards, loosened or removed screws and nails and spread graffiti.
In some of the area where they removed the sideboards, the kids had gone under
the ramps to get out of sight, smoked and left piles of litter.
Carol Callaghan, Director of TEACH, Inc., which spent about $70,000 to build
the facility, said she had no trouble tearing it down.
"TEACH is not going to put another dime into this park," she said.
City Treasurer Kathie Alves also told the council that its insurance carrier,
PARSAC, said if the city closes and dismantles the skatepark, it will save the
city $15,000 per year in liability insurance costs.
Chief of Police Ken Barnes said the park has been a source of trouble for months.
Skaters are required to wear protective gear at the city park, while they don't
have to at the Veteran's Park, said Barnes.
Skating is supposedly not allowed at Veteran's Park either, but Barnes said
when his officers cite the kids, the kids tell them that the park managers said
they could skate. And his officers have told him the manager has agreed with
that statement.
In other action Tuesday night, the City agreed to look into partial funding
of a full time Economic Development position requested by Modoc Economic Development
Corporation. All the councilpeople felt the position is needed, but referred
to Alves to come up with options for funding before making a final decision.
The request from MEDC is that the city and county jointly fund the position
and that it be managed under MEDC.
The Council also agreed to bring the $1 per month addition to the mosquito
abatement fund measure back during the November election. It failed to get the
required two-thirds majority in June. The issue would raise the mosquito abatement
fee from .50 cents per month to $1.50 per month. The city is spraying for mosquitoes
this summer, but could do a much better job with the additional funding, said
Agricultural Commissioner, Joe Moreo.
The council agreed, also, that it would need to do a better job of promoting
the issue for the November election. There was little promotion or explanation
from the city in the June election.
The Council agreed to meet with the High Plateau Humane Society, again, to try
to work out an affordable and equitable agreement for the group to house some
of its animals at the Alturas pound. The county's closing of Canine Country
has created a real problem for the Humane Society in finding kennels to house
the animals.
In an interesting move, the Council adopted an ordinance amending (lessening) the authority of the planning commission regarding subdivision tentative map approvals and held a first reading of an ordinance lessening the authority of the planning commission on construction projects of over $500,000.
Charlie Brown challenges Doolittle to debates
Democratic challenger Charlie Brown has issued a debate challenge to Republican
Incumbent John Doolittle in the race for the District 4 U.S. House of Representatives
seat.
Brown, a retired Air Force Lt. Colonel, also picked up the endorsement of General
Wesley Clark this week.
Brown said he looks forward to debating Doolittle on "conservative issues
and values."
Doolittle was the subject of a major story in the Washington Post Tuesday,
dealing with his Political Action Committee, and lucrative commissions paid
to his wife Julie's one-person company.
"Doolittle's wife, Julie, a professional fundraiser, has collected 15
percent of all contributions to Doolittle's leadership PAC and additional commissions
on contributions to his campaign committee a total of nearly $140,000
since 2003, according to the Federal Election Commission records," the
Washington Post states. " I don't know if there's anything comparable,'
said Fred Wertheimer, president of Democracy 21, a watchdog group that called
last month for a investigation of Doolittle by the House ethics committee. If
this is okay, it is a road map for how to convert substantial sums of campaign
money to personal use."
Doolittle's staff has said he "has used the leadership PAC and his campaign
committee in a legal, ethical and responsible manner."
Doolittle has also come under fire for accepting about $140,000 in campaign
contributions from convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff. He has refused to return
any of those funds and said he has done nothing illegal in either case.
Brown said he wants the series of debates, throughout the district, to "provide
voters with an unfiltered examination of the choice they face in this election.
Doolittle claims he stands for conservative values. I believe in small, efficient
government, low taxes, balanced budgets, personal responsibility. Individual
liberty, a strong and smart national defense, and leading with the highest standards
of integrity."
He said Doolittle's record doesn't mesh with conservative values. "What is conservative about creating a bloated government, more than doubling the national debt, denying our military the tools they need (like proper equipment, manpower, sound intelligence or a clear plan) to defend America, leaving our border and ports unsecured, infringing on personal liberties, and abandoning more leadership by associating with indicted congressional bribers?"
Chili Cook-off seeking some hot teams
So, you think you make a mean pot of chili do you? Your chance to prove it
is at the 2006 Chili Cook-off and Evening Around the Campfire August 5.
Not only will the winners get bragging rights, they'll take home the $500 first
prize. The cook-off teams can be made up of from one to no more than four members.
Entry fee is $25 per team.
The event will be held at the Modoc High Country Amphitheater and cooking will
take place at the Amphitheater the day of the contest. Gates will open at 5
p.m. for the public to come and sample the chili, along with side dishes. An
evening of cowboy poetry, music, and comedy will follow the cook-off. The Chili
will be judged by a yet unnamed distinguished panel of chili experts.
The Cook-off is a fundraiser for the Amphitheater, located west of Alturas
on Fourth Street, between the Airport and the old mill site. Signs will direct
the public to the event.
All entries for the Chili Cook-off must be received by July 28. Contact Terry Olson at 640-1072 for details and to sign up.
Obituaries:
Services for Harold J.R. O'Neil
Lifetime Modoc resident and Pit River Tribal member Harold J.R. O'Neil, 74,
passed away July 6, 2006 at Mercy Medical Center in Redding, CA. Services for
Mr. O'Neil will include a Wake service Friday, July 14 at 5:30 p.m. at Modoc
Full Gospel Church, 1010 West Henderson St., Alturas. Funeral services will
be held on Saturday, July 15 at 2 p.m. at the Alturas Veterans' Hall, So. Main
Street, with burial to follow at XL Cemetery.
Mr. O'Neil was born in Lookout, CA on June 20, 1932. He was a veteran of the
Korean War, serving with the U.S. Army. He had worked as a farming ranch hand
for 50 years in Modoc County and was the father of several children. His wife
Terri O'Neil resides in Alturas. The Record will publish further information
as it becomes available. Kerr Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
Services for Gilbert L. Conklin
A graveside service for lifetime Cedarville resident Gilbert L. Conklin,79,
will be held Saturday, July 15 at 2 p.m. at the Cedarville Cemetery.
Mr. Conklin passed away on July 11, 2006 at Surprise Valley Hospital, Cedarville,
CA. He had retired as a truck driver. He was born in Cedarville on December
28, 1926. His wife Margaret resides in Cedarville. The Record will publish further
information in Mr. Conklin's obituary as it becomes available. Kerr Mortuary
is in charge of arrangements.
Kathleen Morse Harris Ekstrom
Kathleen Frances (Kathy~Kate) Morse Harris Ekstrom died at the Lake District
Hospital in Lakeview, OR on Thursday June 22, 2006, following a lengthy illness.
She was born in Sacramento, CA on Dec. 21, 1920, to Frank & Maude (Riley)
Morse.
As a young child due to the death of her mother, she and her brother Carl went
to live with their Aunt Blanche & Uncle Buck Page. Her brother Carl preceded
her in death at a
young age.
Kate grew up on the Page Ranch in Eagleville, CA. She graduated from Surprise
Valley
High School. Following graduation, she married Ross Harris and the couple moved
to
Willow Ranch. Her husband Ross preceded her in death, due to a motor vehicle
accident.
Kate then married Rudy Ekstrom. The couple continued to live at Willow
Ranch. Following the death of her husband Rudy, Kate moved to Lakeview where
she
resided until her death. Her hobbies included oil painting, gardening and reading.
She was also preceded in death by her parents and adopted parents Buck &
Blanche Page.
Survivors include her brother and sister-in-law, Riley and Dot Morse of Moraga,
CA; four sons and daughters-in-law, Riley & Sheron Harris of Bly, OR; Martin
(Mick) and Lorna Harris of Bly; Tim and Lillian Harris of Lakeview, OR; Rex
and Janie Ekstrom of Fruitland, Idaho; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren;
two step-grandchildren; five step-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews
and many friends.
Graveside services will be held at the family plot at the Willow Ranch Cemetery
on
Saturday July 15, 2006 at 1 p.m.
Contributions in the memory of Mrs. Ekstrom may be made to the Willow Ranch
Fire
Dept. c/o Bill Carpenter, New Pine Creek, OR 97635 or to a charity of the donor's
choice.
Ousley Osterman Huffstutter Funeral Chapel has charge of the arrangements.
Lenore (Nonie) Billingsley
Madras, Oregon resident Lenore "Nonie" Billingsley, 75, died June
8, 2006, at Mountain View Hospital at the age or 75.
Mrs. Billingsley was born July 20, 1930 in Union, Neb., to Lannie and Lucille
(McKernan) Mead.
She married Ted Billingsley on Oct. 1, 1945, in Carson City, Nev.
Nonie and Ted owned the "Ted and Nonie Café in Canby, CA in
the mid 50's and early 60's.
She was employed as an office manager for OutWest Sales Co. for many years,
in addition to being a wife and mother.
Mrs. Billingsley's special interests included square dancing and traveling
to Reno.
Survivors include her husband, Ted Billingsley of Madras; children, Gloria Hogge
of Madras; Lannie Billingsley of Portland, and Sharon Billingsley of Culver;
mother, Lucille Mead of New Hampshire; brothers, Kenny Mead of Tucson, AZ and
Robert Mead of Mt. Vernon, N.H.; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at the family home in Madras on July 22, at
2pm. Arrangements are under the direction of Bel-Air Colonial Funeral
Home of Madras. The family asks that donations be made to the Madras Hospice
in lieu of flowers.
Linley Sherman Easter
Alturas resident Linley Sherman Easter, 43, "went away to go fishing with
the Lord," on Friday, July 7, 2006. Mr. Easter passed away at his home
in Alturas with the comfort of his family and church members close at hand.
He was loved by all. His death was due to cancer of the liver.
Linley was born on April 19, 1963 in Grand Junction, Colorado, but spent most
of his life in Modoc County, where he attended Alturas schools. He was the loving
son of Carolyn Jo Easter of Alturas and the late Calvin Linley Easter.
"He loved Modoc County and he loved the fishing and hunting. There was
no other place like Modoc with Linley," described his mother. He was a
person with a good attitude about life and was "always laughing and joking.
He had a nice smile and twinkling blue eyes."
Linley was a local and long haul truck driver and also was into remodeling
and carpentry services. At one time he was married to the former Chris Johnson
of Alturas.
He was the loving brother of two sisters, Londa Sue Kent of Dewitt, Ark and
Loleta Sheryl Eychner and her husband Faron Ray Eychner of Tulare, CA; one brother
Terrell Travis Smith and his wife Misty Dawn of Tulare; seven nephews: Sean
Adams, Brant Correa, Scott and Greg Kent and Cameron and Jesse Eychner and Terrell
Travis Smith, Jr. and four nieces: Collette Vogel and Kayla Lynch, Shayla Smith
and Shalene Eychner and many, many cousins and many friends.
Visitation will be tonight, July 13 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kerr Mortuary
Chapel, 400 West Second St., Alturas. Funeral services will be Friday, July
14 at 10 a.m. at the Church of the First Born, West Eight and Mill Streets,
Alturas. Brothers Phil Sweecy and Don Young will conduct the service, followed
by committal services at the Alturas Cemetery "for final rest in Jesus
Our Lord." Linley had turned his life toward good things. A potluck dinner
will follow at the church house.
Condolences may be directed to the family at 1106 West Third St., Alturas.
Sports
Cancer golf tourney set for July 22
The annual Modoc County Cancer Society Golf Tournament is scheduled
for July 22 at Arrowhead Golf Course.
The two-person scramble has an entry fee of $25 per person, with
all funds raised staying in Modoc County. Entry fee checks should be made out
to the American Cancer Society.
A shotgun start will get play off at 9 a.m. Teams must use at least six drives
of each person. Tee prizes and $200 in pro-shop credits will be available.
Contact Jim or Kathie Widby at Arrowhead, 233-3404, for more information.
Eagle
Lake fishing improves
Fishing at Eagle Lake for its unique Eagle Lake Trout started
to improve significantly last week as the fish began to settle into the deeper
water of the lake's south basin. Best results are coming from boats at depths
from 20 to 35 feet. Strongest results have been with night crawlers followed
closely by trolling with sure catch lures, needlefish, Sep's brown grubs, rainbow
runners and the like. Night crawlers seemed to be turning in the best results
last Saturday. Use of slip bobbers for still fishing and trolling with down
riggers or lead-core line works best this time of year.
Fish have been weighing between 2 and 4 lbs. typically. Best times
to fish are in the early morning hours. Best results have been coming from the
Eagles Nest area.
The south shore welcomes the return of Merrill campground this season. Merrill campground has reopened this year now featuring a combination of full and partial hookups as well as standard pine-shaded campsites. The improvements made to Merrill now allow the largest of RV's easy access and paved parking sites. Sites are available by reservation or on a first-come, first serve basis. For camping information at Eagle Lake, call (530) 825-3212. For reservations, call; toll free, (877)-444-6777. For current information on fishing conditions, call Eagle Lake Marina at (530) 825-3454.
Get
in the swim with new class line up at Alturas Pool
Swim lessons are now underway at Alturas Municipal Pool with sessions
scheduled at 9:30 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. and 6 p.m.
American Red Cross lessons are available for swimmers of all skill levels from preschool to Lifeguard Readiness. The classes run for two weeks and are scheduled to begin July 17 and 31. New this year, will be adult swim lessons starting July 10, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, beginning. Instruction will be available for all skill levels and interests, from beginners to swimmers who are interested in improving strokes, beginning a fitness program, or learning water safety skills. The cost for all lessons is $40.
Also scheduled this summer is an Aquacise class on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Aquacise class fee is $35.
July 20th, 2006
News
State Route 299 closed for hours after train with LP gas
derails
By Anthony Larson
Special to the Record
A freight train derailment in Big Valley kept emergency officials and crews
on high alert for most of the day Thursday, July 13, for fear of a potential
explosion.
The southbound, 100-car Burlington Northern Railroad train en route from Klamath
Falls to Reno jumped the tracks at about 9:30 a.m., just beyond the Highway
299 underpass at the entrance to the Nubieber switching yard, coming to a halt
only after four of the five locomotives pulling the train and the first seven
cars behind them derailed.
Three of those derailed were tank cars, fully loaded with propane, causing
officials to promptly close the two-lane highway, the main artery between Redding
and Alturas, and evacuate the residents of Nubieber, a small town in the south
end of Big Valley. The mandatory evacuation to create a three quarter mile safety
zone around the wreck in case of an explosion affected fewer than 60 people.
"It was about 9:40 that the call came in," said incident commander
Lieutenant Dean Growdon of the Lassen County Sheriff's Office later, at the
scene. "I responded immediately."
In addition, CDF personnel, CHP officers, Caltrans crews, the Bieber Volunteer
Fire Department and the Modoc Ambulance from Adin quickly responded.
Emergency crews first on scene determined that there were no injuries to the
engineer and his assistant, who left the area without comment, and there were
no other personnel in the train yard.
Traffic on Highway 299 was detoured onto gravel and dirt roads around the accident
from the south end of Big Valley to Bieber for over seven hours.
"At about ten o'clock, the sheriff made the decision to evacuate the town
of Nubieber and wait for a HAZMAT team to show up to confirm what we really
have," said Barney Ward, division chief for CDF California Department of
Forestry and Fire Protection and designated spokesman. He placed the number
of responders to the scene at more than 50.
Although there was as yet no official determination of the cause, an examination
of the crash scene revealed that the derailment likely occurred at the northernmost
of two switches in the Nubieber yard as the third of five locomotives pulling
the train passed over it. Four of the locomotives ultimately skidded from the
track, plowing up the rail bed and coming to rest tipped to their right with
their undercarriage buried in dirt and gravel.
The violence of the event was clearly evident in the wreckage of railroad cars,
jackknifed and scattered like so much litter on either side of the rail bed,
behind the partially buried locomotives. Bent and broken steel rails and piles
of railroad ties could be seen under the derailed cars.
Two of the railcars, which were loaded with grain, skidded to the right side
of the railway and split open, spilling their contents over a wide area. Another
boxcar jumped to the other side of the track and crashed through the wall of
a large metal warehouse or work shed adjacent to the tracks before coming to
a halt.
Officials feared that the smashed building might have been occupied, but a
quick search found no occupants.
Next in line were the three suspect tank cars. They were only slightly derailed,
and suffered no apparent rupture, though first responders on scene reported
smelling gas. It was also determined that one of the locomotive diesel fuel
tanks had a small leak.
The cargo manifest informed officials that two of the tank cars contained propane.
A third, it was thought, carried pentanes, a highly flammable liquid. It was
later determined that all three cars contained propane.
At about four o'clock, the Shasta County HAZMAT immediate response team from
Redding arrived on scene. Two specially clad and protected team members went
in with "sniffers" to check for leaks or spills of flammable liquids
while three backup crewmembers stood by as backup. They determined that the
tank cars were intact and there were no leaks.
After the "all clear" word was given, Lieutenant Growdon assessed
the daylong effort. "It's gone really well. CDF has a lot of expertise
in these areas, and CHP and Caltrans have been a big help. We're in charge of
the incident because it falls in our jurisdiction, but we rely heavily on their
experience and knowledge."
The highway was reopened about five o'clock in the afternoon, after being closed for about eight hours. A team of specialists in derailments arrived in several well-equipped trucks to begin the repair and salvage operations.
Judge takes Cotta contest under submission
Following a three-hour hearing on Tuesday, Judge Arjuna T. Saraydarian took
the election contest of local Attorney Richard Cotta against Gary Woolverton
under submission and said he'll have a decision by the end of the week.
Judge Saraydarian, a visiting judge, heard the case because both local judges
Fritz Barclay and Larry Dier had recused themselves.
The decision will come down to whether the Judge agrees with Cotta that Woolverton
was not a legal resident of Modoc County on the day he took out nomination papers
for the District Attorney's race on March 14 or whether his intentions to change
his residence was sufficient.
During Tuesday's hearing, Woolverton testified that he did not live at the
100 Main Street address in Adin on March 14, which he listed on his voter registration
card. He said he actually didn't have a residence in Modoc until he moved into
a rental on March 24.
While Cotta represented himself, Woolverton hired an attorney, Mark Nareau
of Susanville. Their initial argument was that Woolverton's intention to move
to Modoc to establish residency and run for the District Attorney position was
sufficient to satisfy the law. His attorney also argued that March 14, the day
Woolverton took out nomination papers and registered to vote, should not be
the operative date. That date should be March 15, when he returned the completed
candidacy papers. The judge questioned that stance.
The judge said he was satisfied Woolverton had the intention to move to Modoc,
but he wasn't forthcoming on the residency issue.
Cotta has long argued that in order to register to vote under state election
code, a person has to establish his domicile in the district or county where
he intends to vote. Without being a legally registered voter in the county,
he contends Woolverton would not have been eligible to run for DA.
That domicile, he said, is the place a person actually lives. At the time Woolverton
registered to vote on March 14, Cotta states that Woolverton did not have a
residence or domicile in Modoc. Woolverton admitted he did not live in the Adin
home or anywhere else in Modoc on March 14, but that he was actively looking
to establish a home in Modoc.
In his closing arguments Cotta said everyone knows the "roads are paved
with good intentions," but those don't satisfy the requirements of the
law concerning residency in the Woolverton case.
Woolverton's attorney said it was important for the judge to consider the voters
of Modoc and not disqualify Woolverton. He said the courts have historically
taken liberal approaches to election issues favoring the voters.
The judge said both sides had presented interesting arguments and he would
be looking into the issues, and didn't want to make a quick decision Tuesday.
Cotta filed suit against Woolverton on June 30, claiming he was not a legal
candidate because he was not a registered Modoc voter and otherwise qualified
to vote when the nomination papers were issued to him.
Cotta also claimed Woolverton "committed an offense against the elective
franchise by falsely declaring, under penalty of perjury, his residence and
domicile on his voter's registration, and on his candidate's statement, and
by filing and submitting those documents knowing they had been made falsely."
Basically, Cotta claimed that Woolverton registered to vote at a property he
owned in Adin, even though he had never lived there. Woolverton has stated he
never lived in that home, but contends he was a Modoc resident when he registered
to vote.
Woolverton was an attorney in Susanville and Redding when he registered to
vote and has since opened an office in Alturas.
Modoc County Counsel and the Attorney General's office did not rule that Woolverton's
name be taken off the ballot. Woolverton argued he was a legal candidate for
the office.
Cotta is asking the court to rule Woolverton was not a legal candidate and,
therefore, declare all of his votes illegal. Woolverton had the most votes in
the election, with 1,552, but he did not receive the required majority to win
in the primary. Cotta finished with 1,042 and attorney John Lawson had 885.
If the court rules against Woolverton, Cotta could be declared the winner of
the election.
"On or about March 14, 2006, Gary Woolverton submitted a voter registration
and Statement of Candidacy listing his residence and domicile as 100 Main St.,
Adin . . . each signed under penalty of perjury," Cotta's suit states.
"Also on March 14, the County Clerk of Modoc County issued him nomination
papers. In fact, the statements made by Woolverton in his voter registration
and candidate's statement were false, in that he had not established his domicile
at 100 Main Street, Adin, or any other place in Modoc . . . by his own admission,
he did not actually establish his domicile in Modoc County until on or about
March 26, 2006."
Cotta cites Elections Code sections stating that in order to register to vote,
residence is defined as a "person's domicile." Domicile is further
defined as the place "where his or her habitat is fixed, wherein the person
has the intention of remaining . . . that a person can have only one domicile
and that the home where the person claims a homeowner's exemption is the person's
domicile."
Woolverton argues that his intention to change domiciles to Modoc County solves the requirement for voter registration. "Such intent is manifested if there is a change of registration for voting purposes and that is followed by some positive acts or declarations," he states. "It is largely a matter of intention and there is no waiting period when one is moving from one California County to another, and motive or reason is generally irrelevant.
November election has local issues
The candidate nomination period for the November General Election began July
17 and runs through August 11.
There are several local positions open in the election. Two seats are up in
the Modoc Joint Unified School District, those of trustees Karen Hays and Patt
Swanson.
Four seats will be on the ballot for the Surprise Valley Joint Unified School
District. In Cedarville, the seats of Gene Erquiaga and James Laacke expire;
in Ft. Bidwell the seat of Steve Smith is up and an election for the remaining
term of Dean Cockrell, who resigned will be up. Bill Bostic was appointed to
that position, but will have to run for election to fill out Cockrell's remaining
term.
Three seats are open on the County Board of Education: District Two's Betsy
Ingraham; District Three's Dixie Server; and District Five's Marcella Haynes.
In addition, there will be elections in the Cedarville and Newell water districts
and all 13 fire districts.
In addition, there could be a run-off for the Modoc District Attorney position
between Gary Woolverton and Richard Cotta.
Doolittle agrees to debate Brown
While the dates or number haven't been set up, Rep. John Doolittle has apparently
agreed to debate Democratic Challenger Lt. Colonel Charlie Brown.
While Brown is focused on the war in Iraq, a better plan for fighting terrorism,
health care, education, corruption, the economy, the environment and the federal
budget deficit, Doolittle couched his acceptance of the debate (closer to November
7) on gay marriage, and "values issues."
Doolittle is in the middle of an ethical battle, covered widely across the
nation, concerning his ties to convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff and the fact
that his wife Julie is receiving 15 percent of some of his leadership political
action committee campaign contributions for her consulting firm. Those funds
have been used for Doolittle family expenditures, according to national news
reports.
Doolittle is considered to be in a safe 4th Congressional District and his
ethical lapses have not seemed to bother his base supporters.
Brown has said he doesn't feel the apparent corruption should be allowed to
stand or be rewarded.
In a written statement, Doolittle cited differences between himself and Brown.
"While I believe marriage should be between and man and a woman, you support
gay marriage," he charged and also targeted the ACLU as "an organization
that has attacked veterans, religious organizations, our pledge of Allegiance
and even the Boy Scouts."Brown who is retired from the Air Force said
he was "disappointed in Doolittle's divisive response" and hoped Doolittle
would honor his promise to debate, but well in advance of the November election.
"Our federal government is the biggest it's ever been, the largest debt
in our nation's history," Brown said. "Corruptions run rampant in
Washington D.C. and our children are at war."
Brown has said Doolittle talks about supporting the troops and veterans, but
the reality is something entirely different, which he wants to point out in
debate.
Obituaries:
Franklin R. Lew
Former Modoc County Assessor, Franklin R. Lew, 87, of Baker City, Oregon, died
at St. Elizabeth Health Services July 12, 2006.
At his request, there will be no funeral services. A family reunion, and a
time to honor Franklin, is being planned for August 2006.
Franklin was born November 11, 1918, at Baker, Oregon to Frank and June Brown
Lew, a pioneer family. He attended schools in Baker and graduated from Baker
High School in 1937. He later took an accounting course from La Salle Extension
University and many appraisal courses in Sacramento, CA.
In 1939, he went to work for Douglas Aircraft in Los Angeles, CA, and it was
there he was called to full time service with the Oregon National Guard. He
was a Master Sergeant in Chemical Warfare. He was honorably discharged in September
of 1945. He returned to Baker, Oregon to help his father at Lew Bros. Tire Shop,
who had started the tire shop with his brothers, years
before.
After his father passed away, Franklin and Pleas Brown, his cousin, purchased
the tire shop. It was during this time that Franklin and Phyllis Miller were
going together. They later married on September 20, 1947, at St. Stephens Episcopal
Church in Baker, Oregon.
Franklin later sold the tire shop to Pleas and moved to Alturas, CA where he
worked in the office of Loveness Lumber Co. He then went to work for Modoc
County as Auditor-Appraiser and later was appointed Assessor in 1968, and was
Assessor until he retired in 1984.As Assessor, Franklin was on the State Timber
Advisory Committee, President of the Northern Assessor's Association (consisting
of 27 Counties) and the Modoc County precedents case involving possessory interest
assessment regarding grazing and public lands at the time the Timber Yield Law
came into effect, whereby a timber yield tax was assessed upon timber harvest,
and
also at the time Proposition 13 was passed by the California voters in June
of 1978. He had many friends in the Assessor's Assn. and also the State Board
of Equalization.
Franklin was a member of St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Alturas. He was
a life member of the Elks Lodge B.P.O.E., having joined in Baker and transferred
to Alturas
Lodge No. 1756. He had the oldest in years membership at the time of his death.
In Alturas, he was President of the Alturas Rifle & Pistol Club, a life
member of the V.F.W., a life member of the American Legion, and also was active
in the Kiwanis.
Franklin was also the founding President of the Eastern Oregon Powder River
Sportsman Club, and built the membership up to almost 1500. He was Vice
President of the Oregon State Sportsman's Council for one year. His hobbies
included fishing, shooting, golfing, fly tying, playing bridge and reading.
He and Phyllis moved to Klamath Falls, Oregon, for medical reasons, leaving
Alturas after living here for 35 years. After two years in Klamath Falls, they
decided to move back home to Baker City, after being away for forty years.
Franklin was preceded in death by his parents, his brother and sister-in-law,
Jack & Jane Lew, his brother Lawrence Lew, and his brother-in-law, H.W.
"Bill" Miller. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Phyllis of
Baker City; sisters-in-law: Frances Lew of Ceres, CA and Monte Miller of Walla
Walla, WA; nephews: Larry Lew and his wife Cheryl of Ceres, CA, Vaughn Lew and
his
wife Glenda of Ceres, CA, Doug Lew and his wife Sharon of LaQuinta, CA, Rusty
Lew and his wife Elizabeth of Hawaii, Rob Miller of Baker City, OR, LaMarr Miller
of Walla Walla, WA, Mike Miller and his wife Joan of Walla Walla, WA; nieces:
Dixie Ziemer and her husband Larry of Halfway, OR, Mary Kincaid and her husband
Jerry of Baker City, OR, Marty Rose and her husband Bud of Kennewick, WA, and
Laurie Miller of Walla Walla, WA; cousin Edith Lucas and her husband Walter
of Danville, CA; and many cousins in Polson and Missoula, Montana. He especially
wanted to mention his old friend since tricycle days, Bill Kirkpatrick. Also
an old fishing budding in Alturas, Marvin Kroepelin, and his many Assessor friends,
one especially, Josie Johnson.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Shriners' Hospital for Crippled Children or to the charity of one's choice, in care of Gray's West & Company Pioneer Chapel, 1500 Dewey Ave., Baker City, OR 97814.
Gilbert Lee Conklin
Lifetime Cedarville resident Gilbert Lee Conklin, 79, passed away July 11,
2006 at Surprise Valley Hospital in Cedarville, CA. Gilbert was the last surviving
of nine Conklin children, born to John R. Conklin and Rose Lee Henry. Gilbert
was born on December 28, 1926, in Cedarville and was reared on the Conklin ranch,
south of Cedarville. He grew up during the hardships of the Depression years.
A person of good character, he was also a positive influence on his grandchildren
as he watched over them while they were growing up. His broad shoulders, tall
stature and strength were equal to his goodness to others, his kindness and
sincerity. He was conscientious about how things affected people around him.
He also kept an eye on young people, to make sure they were safe, whether it
was fixing a flat tire on their bike or there to lend them a hand.
At one time, he was approached to play a role in the T.V. series Maverick,
which he politely declined, when Hollywood scouts were in Surprise Valley and
rural towns, looking for the right characters. He was a quiet man, but "with
a voice deeper than John Wayne's," recalled his grandson Sean. Mr. Conklin
knew the Warner Mountains "like the back of his hand" and had worked
in the logging industry in a number of capacities for over 30 years, mostly
in Modoc County, operating a skidder or other equipment, building roads, landings
and falling trees and later, as the owner/operator of his own logging truck
"Conklin Trucking." He had worked for such logging companies as Lindgren,
Loveness, Lawson and Laxague, until he was injured in a logging accident some
35 years ago. He overcame the limitations endured from that accident and later
served as a preacher for the Surprise Valley Christian Church. He was always
strong of faith. He was also very patriotic.
Gilbert loved riding motorcycles and did so for most of his life. He was a
member of the Gold Wing motorcycle club. He also loved hiking, camping and telling
stories. He had a respect for guns, but had given up hunting as a young man,
because it was no longer "novel" to him after growing up during the
Depression and having to hunt deer to keep the family fed. He still appreciated
the beauty and mechanics of guns and taught his grandchildren to respect them.
After meeting the love of his life, Margaret Ohm of Alturas, introduced by
mutual friends and his brother, the two were later married in Minden, NV on
August 31, 1953. They would have shared a loving marriage for 53 years, next
month. Gilbert was pleased they were able to celebrate their 50th anniversary
together.
His grandchildren described their grandfather as having "had so much respect
for older people and as a gentle person who helped everybody."
Gilbert is survived by his wife, Margaret of Cedarville, CA; his daughter Friede
Violante of Paradise, CA; his grandson Sean Power of Indianapolis, IN; his granddaughter
Dawn Soriano of San Angelo, TX and grandson Jamie Brinsfield of Paradise, CA.
He also has three great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Services for Mr. Conklin were held graveside on Saturday, July 15 at 2 p.m.
at the Cedarville Cemetery. Kerr Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.
Those who wish may direct memorial contributions to the Surprise Valley Community
Hospital, P.O. Box 246, Cedarville, CA 96104.
Marie E. Wilson
Marie Eleanor Wilson, 81, passed away of natural causes on July 13, 2006, at
Warnerview Convalescent Hospital in Alturas, CA.
Marie was born in Dunsmuir, CA on January 20, 1925. She married Ken Wilson
and was a wife, mother, grandmother and homemaker. The Wilsons moved to Alturas
in 1979. Mrs. Wilson loved to go fishing and camping. She played Dominos and
dice for hours and loved to win. Mr. Wilson passed away in 1987.
She is survived by her son David Fletcher of Alturas, CA; son Marvin Fletcher
of Sacramento, CA; daughter Shirley White of Arizona and 11 grandchildren.
At Mrs. Wilson's advance request, no services will be held.
Olmo memorial service set
University of California, Davis Department of Viticulture and Enology, along with the family of Dr. Harold P. Olmo will host a Memorial Service on Sunday, July 30, 2006. The service will be held at the University Club, on Old Davis Road and will begin at 2:00 p.m. Attendees are requested to call 530-754-8368 or email vljohnson@ucdavis.edu for directions to the University Club and so that adequate seating can be provided. Olmo, a world re-known viticulturist was responsible for the development of many new grape varieties. His contributions to industry make him one of the major contributors to wine quality in the state. The service will be held on what was to be the eve of his 97th birthday.
Sports
Tribal Gathering Scheduled at Medicine Lake
The Pit River Tribe will hold their annual traditional gathering
at Medicine Campground at Medicine Lake this weekend. This is a time for the
elders to teach the younger generation the old ways. The tribe welcomes respectful
observation of their event.
Three of the four campgrounds at Medicine Lake are open to the
public. AH
Hogue Campground, Hemlock Campground and Headquarters Campground are all
available. Only the Medicine Campground is under special use permit for
the use of the tribe.
"This is a very special event that is held every year in
the tribes sacred
area," said Laurence Crabtree, District Ranger. "They have been doing
this
gathering at Medicine Lake for centuries. We are glad they can continue in
the important traditions of their culture."
The Modoc National Forest offers recreation opportunities over
1.6 million
acres with 29 developed sites, in the Big Valley, Devils Garden,
Doublehead and Warner Mountain Ranger Districts.
California
breeding population of ducks increases for second consecutive year
The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) has completed its annual
breeding pair survey and both mallard and total duck species have increased
this year. The breeding population of mallards increased from 318,000 in 2005
to 399,000 this year (a 26 percent increase), and total ducks (all species combined)
increased from 615,000 to 649,000 (a six percent increase). Mallards, for the
first time in several years, are slightly above (seven percent) the long-term
average.
"The proportion of young ducks in the harvest last year was
very high, due to the excellent spring nesting conditions in 2005, so we expected
an increase in the breeding population estimate this year," said Melanie
Weaver, one of the DFG biologists that conduct the survey. "We also expect
good production this year and a larger fall flight this year because of the
late, abundant spring rains."
DFG biologists and warden pilots have conducted this survey using
fixed-wing aircraft since 1955. The California Waterfowl Association, under
contract with DFG for the past 13 years, also participates in the survey by
sampling a portion of the transects using a helicopter. The population estimates
are for the surveyed areas only, although surveyed areas include the majority
of the suitable duck-nesting habitat in the state. These areas include wetland
and agricultural areas in northeastern California, the Central Valley from Red
Bluff to Bakersfield, the Suisun Marsh, and some costal valleys.
The DFG is waiting for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service breeding population estimates from the preliminary breeding areas of waterfowl - Alaska, north-central United States and Canada. The majority of Californias wintering duck population originates from the federally surveyed areas. Once DFG receives the estimates and the federal frameworks for waterfowl hunting regulations, the DFG will then make a recommendation to the Fish and Game Commission regarding this years waterfowl hunting regulations.
Fall soccer deadlines nearing
Fall soccer early registration for all youths four-and-a-half
to 13 years of age will be July 25 and 26 at the Modoc Family Resource Center,
just east of Alturas Elementary School, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. each night.
All youth must be registered prior to August 1 and a $10 late
fee will be added after July 26. If a child is new to Modoc soccer, parents
are asked to bring a copy of the childs birth certificate.
For further information, contact De Funk at 233-1728 or Marlese Pierce at 233-5691.
News
Court rules in Woolverton's favor
On Monday, Judge Arjuna Saraydarian issued a decision, which legitimized Gary
Woolverton's candidacy for Modoc District Attorney, surviving a contest from
candidate Richard Cotta, Jr.
On Tuesday, Cotta told the Modoc Record he would not actively campaign for the
DA's office in the November election.
"I respectfully disagree with Judge Saraydarian's ruling, and am disappointed
by it," Cotta said. "However, my duty as an attorney is to accept
the ruling regardless. My remedy, if I chose to pursue it, would be to seek
review of the Court's opinion and decision at the appellate level. I will not
seek such review. Nor will I continue to actively campaign for the office of
District Attorney.
"I would expect that, although my name will be on the November ballot,
Mr. Woolverton will obtain the votes necessary to constitute a majority, and
that he will be the next DA of Modoc County. I would like to congratulate him
in advance."Basically, Cotta challenged Woolverton's legal status as a
candidate for Modoc County DA and his voter registration. Woolverton was not
actually living in Modoc at the time he registered to vote March 14.
The judge ruled that Woolverton had the intent to move to Modoc and basically
had taken the necessary steps to satisfy the residency requirement, even though
he had never stayed at the Adin address he listed on his initial voter registration
card March 14.
"I enjoy living in Modoc County, even when it is so blasted hot, am a
homeowner here, and have a good job," said Cotta. "It is my intent
to continue as county defender, and I will, of course, perform that function
to the best of my ability."I would like to thank all of those people
especially the law enforcement community --- who offered me their support, work,
encouragement, and votes in the primary election. Although I do not expect to
be the next District Attorney, I look forward to continuing our relationships
as friends, neighbors and as the loyal opposition'."
Woolverton said he felt vindicated by the judge's ruling and said he has always
felt he would prevail based upon his understanding of applicable law. He said
he plans on being the next DA of Modoc.
The judge ruled, in part that Woolverton had the intent to "come to a new
residence in the County of Modoc with the intention of making that his permanent
home" and that he "took affirmative steps to complete his removal
from Susanville and to relocate to Modoc."
The judge stated that Woolverton, according to court testimony, had started
his decision making process to move to Modoc in November, 2005 and continued
to make plans after that date up to and including the time he actually registered
to vote.
Woolverton's "manifestations of intent were united with his conduct,"
the judge ruled. "He sought and received an agreement from the Gagnons
to extend escrow on the Adin residence so he could reside there. He filled out
and filed his new registration form declaring his residence in Modoc . . . on
March 12 he contacted Warner Mountain Realty for rental property. On March 13
he instructed his staff to furnish his Adin address and his staff began the
process of collecting and moving his property on March 14."
In addition, the judge ruled, "Domicile depends not upon proving
particular facts but whether all the facts and circumstances taken together,
tending to show that a man has his home or domicile in one place, overbalance
all the like proofs, tending to establish it in another' . . . Considering all
the facts and circumstances proven here together, the Court finds by clear and
convincing evidence that (Woolverton) has satisfied his burden of proof that
by both his intent and acts in furtherance of that intent he did remove from
Lassen County and established a permanent legal residence or domicile in Modoc
County on March 14."
The judge ruled Woolverton's voter registration, then, was valid and he was
a properly registered voter in Modoc on March 14. He ruled that all the nomination
papers were proper and he was eligible to run for the office.
Woolverton had the most votes in the June primary election, with 1,552, but he did not receive the required majority to win in the primary. Cotta finished with 1,042 and attorney John Lawson had 885.
Anklin set to enter plea, resign
Modoc County Supervisor Ray Anklin, who was scheduled for jury trial on August
15 on felony charges alleging one count of residential burglary, three counts
of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor and four counts of contributing
to the delinquency of a minor, a misdemeanor, may enter a plea requiring him
to resign from the Board of Supervisors.
According to Modoc District Attorney Jordan Funk, the jury trial was "vacated"
Monday on the representation of Anklin's lawyer that Anklin intended to change
his pleas from "not guilty" to "no contest".
"I am not at liberty to discuss the specifics of the plea agreement until
Mr. Anklin actually enters his no contest' plea," said Funk in a
press release. "However, the terms are essentially those which his attorney
and I have been discussing for several months. The victim's family has approved
the agreement.
"I can say this: as quid pro quo for not insisting on a felony conviction,
the agreement does require Mr. Anklin to resign from the Board of Supervisors.
Convicted felons cannot hold elective office in California and in exchange for
our promise not to insist on felony convictions, the defendant has agreed to
resign from the board."
Funk said the plea bargain will allow Anklin to continue to own firearms.
"I expect his resignation to occur at or before the next meeting of the
Modoc County Board of Supervisors," said Funk. "Anklin's change of
plea is set for August 7."
Candidates taking out November papers
Candidates for the November General Election have until August 11 to file nomination
papers.
There are several local positions open in November. A pair of seats is up in
the Modoc Joint Unified School District, those of trustees Karen Hays and Patt
Swanson.
Hays has filed for re-election and two challengers have emerged, Erin Bevil
and Eric Sittig.
Four seats will be on the ballot for the Surprise Valley Joint Unified School
District. In Cedarville, the seats of Gene Erquiaga and James Laacke expire;
in Ft. Bidwell the seat of Steve Smith is up and an election for the remaining
term of Dean Cockrell, who resigned will be up. Bill Bostic was appointed to
that position, but will have to run for election to fill out Cockrell's remaining
term.
Incumbent Roy Wright has file for re-election on the Tulelake Basin Joint Unified
School Board. The seat of Donald Kirby is also up for election.
Three seats are open on the County Board of Education: District Two's Betsy
Ingraham; District Three's Dixie Server; and District Five's Marcella Haynes.
In addition, there will be elections in the Cedarville and Newell water districts and all 13 fire districts.
Rash of fires plague Modoc National Forest
Lightning storms over the last five days started many fires on the Modoc
National Forest. About 30 fires were found and extinguished with less than
one acre burned.
Predicting and planning for the lightning cells, Fire officials had brought
in additional resources to aggressively attack any starts. Two hot shot
crews were here from Arizona. Three additional engines were in the area
from Calif., Ariz. and Ore.
Starting Saturday, the Bump Fire took off on a good run just south of Clear
Lake on the Doublehead Ranger District. The fire burned from Forest
managed land across a section of the Burns Brother's Ranch and back on to
the Forest. The fire was contained on Tuesday at 552 acres. The Bump Fire
still has some internal torching and smoking. It is being monitored and
rehabilitation work is begun.
Sunday, two fires started in the Timbered Ridge area of the Devil's Garden.
They were caught and contained quickly.
Tuesday, a smoke was sighted in the Joseph Creek Basin, on the west slope
of the Warner Mountains. It was visible from Alturas and burning in steep
remote terrain. Hand crews hiked in and a helicopter worked overhead.
Crews continue to work the fire and are making good progress. The fire is
contained, and control was expected Wednesday.
Information about each named fire can be found on the national incident
website at: www.inciweb.org.
Trial ends on molester conviction
On Monday, following a four-day trial, a Modoc Jury convicted Carl DeWayne
Hughes of continuous molestation of a 13-year-old girl.
According to District Attorney Jordan Funk, the molestation began in 1997 when
Hughes moved to New Pine Creek, Oregon (on the California side of the border)
with his 13-year-old stepdaughter and continued for nearly two years.
The case involved repeated acts of intercourse and other sex acts with the
child in Modoc County and in Lake County, Oregon. Funk expects Lake County to
extradite Hughes following his sentencing in Modoc Courts Sept. 12.
"This was an important case for Modoc County," said Funk. "It
is without question the worst molestation case we have prosecuted in my seven
years in this office. I am proud of the jury. They were attentive, intelligent
and saw clearly that the victim was truthful. She was a brave and very compelling
witness."
Funk also had two expert witnesses testify for the prosecution, including Dr.
Anthony Urquiza, a renowned expert on Child Sexual Abuse Accommodation Syndrome.
The case carries a sentence of six, 12 or 16 years in prison and Funk is asking for the longest term. "If the court determines that the aggravating sentencing factors outweigh the mitigating factors, then the court must sentence the defendant to the upper term of 16 years," Funk states. "This is a highly aggravated case. I think there is a strong likelihood that the court will impose the upper term of 16 years in state prison. That is the result we are seeking."
Obituaries:
Ted Botello
Alturas resident Ted Botello passed away at his home Sunday, July 23, 2006,
after a two-year battle with cancer. Ted was born Theodore Allen Botello in
Whittier, CA on September 25, 1955. He moved to Alturas in 1972, where he met
his Modoc High School sweetheart and wife to be, Glenda Golden. They moved to
Southern California for a few years only to return to Alturas where they have
lived for the past 30 years.
Ted worked for Hugh's Aircraft, Modoc County Road Department and United Parcel
Service where he had worked for the past 15 years, before he was forced to retire
because of his illness.
Ted enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing, camping, hunting, gardening,
photography and riding four-wheelers with his sons. He enjoyed old cars and
was a co-founder of Modoc Classic Cruisers. Ted enjoyed listening to music and
he liked singing along with Karaoke music.
Ted is survived by his wife Glenda, sons Joey, Alan and Chris, all of Alturas,
CA; mother Betty Botello of Grants Pass, OR; brothers, Delmar Botello of Goldendale,
WA and Marc and Julian Botello of Grants Pass, OR; sisters Shariie Mill of Las
Vegas, NV; Bonnie Miner of Alturas, CA; Lisa Martin of Applegate, OR and many
nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his little sister Toni Porter, who has been waiting
for him to join her and our glorious father in heaven. He will be greatly missed
by his family and friends.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at his home, 1300 N. Warner Street,
Alturas, CA on Saturday, July 29 at 11 a.m. Donations in Ted's memory will be
used to establish a Hospice in Modoc County, with more information to be available
about this in the future.
Kerr Mortuary is handling arrangements.
Ruth McCollum Methvin
Retired Fall River High School teacher, Ruth McCollum Methvin, 89, of McArthur,
CA, passed away of natural causes on July 19, 2006, at Mayers Memorial Hospital,
Fall River Mills, CA.
Born October 5, 1916 in Calgary Alberta, Canada, she moved with both her parents
and sister from Canada to Burbank, CA, driving the long journey in a vintage
car of the times. Her father died when she was about six years old. Her mother
died when she was in high school. Ruth worked hard and held many jobs, as she
was determined to put herself through college, which she did and earned her
teaching credential from University of California, Santa Barbara.
She married Ray Methvin, formerly of Alturas. They lived in Massachusetts when
they were first married and Ruth lived there while Ray served in World War II
and was stationed in Europe. Their daughter Edna was born in Massachusetts.
After Ray's discharge, they moved to Pondosa, a logging camp near Mt. Shasta.
In 1956, they moved to McArthur, where Ruth taught Home Economics at Fall River
High School for 20 years until she retired in 1975. Their son William died at
age 16. Her husband Ray passed away eight years ago.
She leaves her sister, Helen Houk of Sacramento; daughter Edna Eades of Lookout;
her grandchildren Scott Eades of San Luis Obispo and Shelly Eades Kelly of San
Francisco; two great-grandchildren Hayden and Luke Eades of San Luis Obispo
and a multitude of students who continue to use daily, the things that Ruth
Methvin taught them.
Services were held at the Pine Grove Cemetery in McArthur on Saturday, July
22 at 2 p.m. The Rev. Tom Brackney of Community United Methodist Church was
the officiant. McDonald's Chapel Burney handled arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Fort Crook Historical Society,
P.O. Box 397, Fall River Mills, CA 96028.
Ricky Waters
Ricky Waters, age 50, and a resident of Cedarville and Surprise Valley Hospital's
long-term care for the past seven months, passed away of natural causes on June
21, 2006. He was born March 23, 1956 in South Carolina. At his advance request,
no services will be held. Kerr Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
Shelby Duran
Shelby LaRae Duran, 15, of Mesa, Arizona, died Saturday, July 22, 2006 in a
car accident in Mesa, AZ. Miss Duran, a student, was born in Alturas, CA.
Services will be held tonight at 5 p.m. on July 27, at Apache Junction Mortuary,
398 Old West Highway, Apache Junction, AZ 85219.
Miss Duran is survived by (no last names or residences provided by mortuary) her parents Connie and Joseph; sisters Desi and Layken, brother Michael, grandparents Bonnie, Sammy and Al; aunts Roxanna and Tina; uncles Lee and Clint. Apache Junction Mortuary is handling arrangements.
Sports
Football players need physicals
The Modoc Braves will start football practice August 14. Players
should work on getting their physicals now.
Wood will be opening the weight room this summer Monday through
Thursdays and the physical and sports information forms will be available there.
Physicals and forms must be completed before the first day of practice.
On Saturday, Taylor Dunn will play in the Lions All-Star game
at Redding. He was selected for defensive end and offensive tackle. Travis Wood
was also named to the team, but because of CDF fire danger, could not participate.
The game at Shasta College starts at 7:30 p.m.
Hight
stays in third place
Seattle, Sunday: Robert Hight, driver of the Team Castrol/Automobile
Club of Southern California Mustang, was the No. 1 qualifier for a category-best
fifth time this season, posted the quickest time during eliminations (4.902
seconds) and sped to the top speed of the event at 318.17 mph. Unfortunately,
he couldnt get past Tony Pedregon in round two, losing traction at half
track.
"I thought we had the car to win," he said. "It
spun the tires (in the second round) and there was no catching Tony."
Despite his fate, the 2005 NHRA Rookie of the Year was able to
hold onto third place in points behind Ron Capps and John Force.
Information from National Hot Rod Association website.
Last chance for soccer
Late Fall Modoc Youth Soccer registration will be accepted until Thursday, August 3. Families are asked to call Marlese Pierce, the new soccer registrar at 233-5691/ Scholarships for children, are available. The cost is $35 for returning players and $50 for new players and their uniforms. Families with three or more children and who do not need uniforms, cost is $70. New players will need to show proof of age by their birth certificate. All registrations must be completed by August 2, for team selection and to purchase uniforms and equipment for the beginning of the season. For more information, please contact De at 233-7128.
Hunter
Education class coming
A hunter education class is scheduled for two consecutive Saturdays, August 12 and 19 at the Modoc National Wildlife Refuge headquarters. The first class session will start at 9 a.m.
There is no fee for the class or materials.Prospective students
are required to register and pick up a student packet at the Belligerent Duck
in Alturas, prior to the first class.
Students who successfully complete the class will receive a certificate
which will allow the purchase of a hunting license.
Additional information may be obtained by calling the California Department of Fish and Game volunteer instructor, Mike Wolter at 530-233-3632.
News
Candidates taking out November papers
Several people are expressing interest in the upcoming November General Election.
Local candidates have until August 11 to file nomination papers.
There are several local positions opening in November. A pair of seats is up
in the Modoc Joint Unified School District, those of trustees Karen Hays and
Patt Swanson. Hays has filed for re- election and two challengers have emerged,
Erin Bevil and Eric Sittig.
There are four seats on the ballot for the Surprise Valley Joint Unified School
District. In Cedarville, the seats of Gene Erquiaga and James Laacke expire;
in Ft. Bidwell the seat of Steve Smith is up and an election for the remaining
term of Dean Cockrell, who resigned will be up. Bill Bostic was appointed to
that position, but will have to run for election to fill out Cockrell's remaining
term. As of Wednesday, no one had filed nomination papers in that district.
Incumbent Roy Wright has file for re-election on the Tulelake Basin Joint Unified
School Board. The seat of Donald Kirby is also up for election.
Three seats are open on the County Board of Education: District Two's Rebekah
Ingraham; District Three's Dixie Server; and District Five's Marcella Haynes.
Ingraham and Server have filed for re-election.
In addition, there will be elections in the Cedarville and Newell water districts and all 13 fire districts.
July tied heat record
While the major heat spell that lasted from July 14 through July 28 didn't
break any daily records in Modoc, it did tie a pair.
On July 23, the mercury hit 100 degrees, tying the record high set in 2003
and on July 25, it hit 99 degrees, tying the record set in 1961. For 15 straight
days, the 14th though the 28th, the high temperature was above 90 degrees.
From July 14 through the 27, the temperature went to 100 degrees three times,
and above 95 degrees 10 times. For the entire month of July the highs were 90
degrees or above on 23 days.
In addition to being hot, July was also very dry with only .03 inches of precipitation measured, below the average of .30 inches.
Fires Quiet, Lightning Kind
Predicted lightning storms early this week were mild or non-existent. Only
one new lightning fire was reported. It was in the South Warner Mountains and
was suppressed quickly before it reached a full acre in size.
The Sage Fire is still staffed with 58 people including two hand crews and
four engines. Juniper trees are still torching in the interior of the
fire, but no additional acres have burned. The fire remains at about 6,200
acres.
An additional 22 fires are smoldering on the Modoc National Forest. They
are being monitored and managed using the appropriate suppression strategy for
their locations.
Lightning is predicted for later in the week, and will hopefully bring
associated moisture. Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife, National Park
Service, State, BLM, and Volunteer Fire Departments all cooperate in the
initial attack efforts. Two hand crews from Alaska who are currently
working on the Sage Fire will also be available in the county to handle
initial attack as needed.
Regularly updated information on these fires is available on the incident
information website at www.inciweb.org.
Horse infected with West Nile found in Ravendale
A horse infected with the West Nile Virus has been reported in Ravendale, by
Dr. Joe Catania, of the Modoc Veterinary Clinic in Alturas.
The case was confirmed when lab results were returned Wednesday, said Catania.
Catania has been concerned that West Nile was creeping closer and closer to
Modoc over the past few years.
He said it's vital that horse owners in this area get their animals vaccinated
now to protect them. Ravendale is 52 miles south of Alturas.
The state has also released this following information: a 27-year-old Kern
County man has been infected with West Nile virus (WNV), the first reported
human case in California this year, State Public Health Officer Dr. Mark Horton
announced today. The man is hospitalized with the neurological form of WNV infection.
"This first confirmed human West Nile virus infection in California reminds
us that we are moving into the high-risk season with the arrival of hot weather,"
Horton said. "The two most important steps people can take to prevent West
Nile virus is to protect themselves from being bitten by a mosquito and to report
dead birds to assist the state and local agencies with surveillance efforts."
Tests conducted by the California Department of Health Services' Viral and Rickettsial
Disease Laboratory in Richmond confirmed the WNV infection. To date, WNV has
been detected in 13 of California's 58 counties in 31 dead birds and 11 mosquito
samples. In 2005, a total of 935 human WNV infections were reported in 40 counties,
including 19 deaths.
WNV is transmitted to humans and animals through a mosquito bite from a mosquito
that has been infected by feeding on an infected bird. Although the risk of
serious illness to most people is low, less than one percent of individuals
will develop a more serious illness.
Horton urged Californians to take these simple steps to protect themselves
from mosquito bites and WNV:
Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaradin or oil of lemon eucalyptus,
according to label instructions, whenever you are outside.
Eliminate all standing water in buckets, flowerpots, old tires, gutters
and other sources of standing water that can support mosquito breeding.
Be sure all window and door screens fit tightly and have no rips or tears.
Wear long sleeves and long pants if you're going to be out at dawn or
dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
Approximately 80 percent of people who are infected with WNV will have no symptoms.
Up to 20 percent of the people who become infected will display symptoms such
as fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph
glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. Less than one percent
of infected individuals will develop severe illness that can include high fever,
headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions,
muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis.
For more information about WNV, visit www.westnile.ca.gov. The public is strongly encouraged to report dead birds on the website or by calling toll-free (877) WNV-BIRD (877-968-2473).
Hospital debt jumps up to $5.6 million
Modoc Medical Center's debt to the county increased at the end of July to $5,601,957.81
according to Modoc County Auditor Judi Stevens.
That's up from June's $5,355,838.60, which was down from the previous month's
$5,531,096.76,
That amounts to a increase of $246,119 in the debt. Month by month the debt
looked like this:
September $4,690,812; October $4,741,129; November $4,585,423; December $4,867,652;
January $4,793,393; and February $5,071,818 and March $5,366.613 and April $5,531,096.
The increase in debt from September, 2005 has increased by $991,145.
The Modoc Record will continue to publish the actual debt at the end of each month.
Obituaries:
Vern Hill
Our most heart-felt thanks go out to all who have expressed condolence and
shared memories of our father, Vern L. Hill. Every card and call has eased our
feeling of loss.
A gathering of Vern's friends and family will beheld at the Cedarville Cemetery,
followed by a potluck lunch at the Cedarville Community Church Hall on August
12, 2006 at 11 a.m. Please join us in this opportunity to share stories and
celebrate his life.
--John and Becky DederickLouise
Marjorie 'Marge' Smith
Alturas resident Louise Marjorie "Marge" Smith was born in Tucumcari,
New Mexico, the youngest of three children to James Davis and Annie Pearl Bruce
(Lamb), on April 9, 1926.
Her father was a surveyor and a farmer but most notably he was a member of
the New Mexico State House of representatives, also the New Mexico State Corporations
Commissioner, all while working as an engineer for the Southern Pacific railroad.
Her mother was a dedicated wife, mother, and homemaker. Marge completed her
education through high school in the small town where she was born.
In 1944, after he returned from active duty in World War II, she married Johnnie
Green, a local business owner and welder. She gave birth to their two children,
oldest James Bruce, followed by Linda Louise. They moved to Orange County California.
Big city stress took it's toll on their marriage leading to divorce in 1951.
She went to work for the Department of the Navy as a secretary for a period
of time.
She dated, and later married Ted Sallee. Some time later, she gave birth to
her youngest son Darryl Kevin.
Eager to serve, and become involved in her children's education she served
as president of the local chapter of the P.T.A.
She enjoyed camping with the family and day trips to the beach whenever possible.
Although she was not a swimmer, Marge made sure her children were able to enjoy
the experience.
Marge loved to sing and play piano and shared her gift with those at her church.
Marge survived a serious head on collision on the way home from work, but broken
bones, a concussion and a bruised heart were followed by months of recovery.
Marge and Ted divorced in 1965.
In effort to be there for her children by day, she worked nights in the processing
department for a national bank. She later applied for and was hired by the U.S.
Post Office giving her many challenges and opportunities to grow and advance,
leading to the purchase of her own home. She was even able to tour the Hawaiian
islands.
She dated Dan Smith a railroad worker and after two years of sharing a common
love for travel, they married. Among their travels was an extended trip to tour
Europe.
In 1975, Marge suffered from minor spinal damage and was retired. This gave
her the opportunity to sell her home in Southern California and re-locate to
Alturas where she found the life she always dreamed of. She became involved
in many local organizations, the Grange, the Modoc Medical Center Hospital Auxiliary,
and T.O.P.S. Marge loved to hunt for treasure at yard sales.
In 2001 after a fall, she was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease and Osteoporosis.
For several years her oldest son Bruce, tirelessly, lovingly cared for her and
took her on vacations as well as driving her to Stanford University hospital
for treatment of numerous conditions related to her Parkinson's. He also assumed
the responsibility for helping her physically and emotionally through all of
the years of her declining health.
In 2003, she needed to accept full time care. Her wishes were to spend her
final years under the loving care of Modoc Medical Center's long-term care and
Dr. Ed Richert and, in the company of her many friends. She loved the many activities
available to her. Local church services, the celebration of holidays, bingo,
and her T.V. and music.
As years passed, Marge became less able to participate in those things she
enjoyed. On July 30, 2006 the Lord called her home. Her family will miss her
very much, but realize to be absent from us, is to be present with the Lord,
and without pain or disability.
Marge is survived by her oldest brother James and sister-in-law Maxine who reside in Granite Bay, CA. Her older brother Alfred went home to be with the Lord July of 1982. Her three children, oldest son Bruce, youngest son Kevin of Alturas, and daughter Linda Huckeba of Auburn, Washington.
Marge has nine grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
Memorial donations may be made to the Modoc Medical Center Auxiliary.
On Wednesday, a viewing was held at Faith Baptist Church in Alturas, from 10 a.m. until 12 noon, with services following at noon at the church. Graveside services followed at the Alturas Cemetery with both Baptist and LDS speakers and dedication of the grave.
Shelby LaRae Duran
'Bell'
Shelby LaRae Duran was born to Connie Lynne Sweeney and Joseph Ted Duran on
July 5, 1991 at Modoc Medical Center in Alturas, CA. Shelby passed away at the
age of 15 years, on July 22, 2006, in Mesa, Arizona.
Shelby LaRae was born and raised in Alturas. She spent a lot of her childhood
on the family farm in Cedarville, CA. This is where Shelby, her brother Michael,
sister Desirra and cousins Erica and Aaron grew up. Shelby was the youngest
of five, but she was the bravest.
In July of 1999, Shelby and her family moved to Mesa, AZ, where she attended
various schools and enjoyed the change from country to city life. She grew into
a beautiful, carefree young woman. Shelby loved to take photographs of everyone,
especially herself in all kinds of poses. She loved music and dancing. Her favorite
thing to do was to have a good time with her family and friends.
Shelby is survived by her mother Connie Sweeney of Mesa, AZ; father Ted Duran
of Alturas, CA; brother Michael Sweeney; sisters Desirra and Layken Duran of
Mesa, AZ; great granny Ollie Lasater; grandmother Bonnie Belding of Cedarville,
CA; grandfather Sammy Sweeney of Ft. Bidwell, CA; grandfather Al Duran of Alturas,
CA; aunt Connie Cole of Cedarville; aunt Vida Perry of Cedarville, aunt Roxanna
Norman and special cousins Erica and Aaron Baldridge and Cody Norman of Apache
Junction, AZ; uncle Lee and Aunt Tina Sweeney of Gerlach, NV; and numerous loved
ones.
Shelby was preceded in death by Jonnie "Muffet" Cole, grandmother
Jackie Duran, great uncle Johnny Cole, uncle Desi Duran and cousin Robert Oliver.
Shelby LaRae will always be remembered as a beautiful carefree spirit, and
is an angel among us. Shelby's Motto: Roll Carefree, but kick up a fight if
you have to!
Condolences may be sent to: Connie Sweeney, 1769 E. 37th Ave., Apache Junction, AZ 85219.
Edward Conrad Kloss, Jr.
Edward Conrad Kloss, Jr., "Professional Bull Shipper," who came to Modoc County for many years for his business, was born March 29,1921 in Franklin, CA and passed away July 20, 2006 in Elk Grove, CA. Preceded in death by his parents, Edward Conrad Kloss, Sr. and Annie Belle Kloss. Loving husband of 59 years to Dorothy Kloss of Elk Grove, beloved father of Sterling Edward Kloss (Tina) of Elk Grove, Korreen Ann Evers (Devin) of Yuba City. Devoted grandfather to Eric Edward Kloss (Janine) of Carmichael and Heath Edward Kloss of Elk Grove. Also survived by other family members and friends. A resident of the Elk Grove area his entire life, aged 85. He was a cattle buyer for 63 years and a 60-year member of the Native Sons of the Golden West. Graveside services in Franklin Cemetery were private. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent in his name to the American Cancer Society, 1765 Challenge Way, Suite 115, Sacramento, CA 95815-5000.
Sports
Eagle Lake fishing excellent
Fishing at Eagle Lake has been excellent the last two weeks. Best
results are from boats at depths from 25 to 45 feet. Trolling has been best
with various needlefish, sure catch lures, and night crawlers using downriggers
or lead core line. Still fishing works best with night crawlers under slip bobbers
set at about 35-40 feet. Use of slip bobbers for still fishing and trolling
with down riggers or lead-core line works best this time of year.
Fish continue to weigh in between 2 and 4 lbs. with many weighing
in between 4 and 5 pounds. Best times to fish are in the early morning hours.
Best results have been coming from the Eagles Nest area and Wildcat Point.
On August 19, Eagle Lake Marina will be hosting its annual fishing
seminar featuring Sep and Marilyn Hendrickson of Sep's Pro Fishing and several
professional highly experienced guides and their boats. This informative seminar
is all free including a free drawing for tackle and prizes as well as free product
samples to be given out during the program. The program will provide expert
information about the best ways to catch the Eagle Lake Trout and their habitat.
Ample camping is available in the Eagle Lake Recreation area along the pine forested south shore of the lake. Sites are available by reservation or on a first-come, first serve basis. For camping information at Eagle Lake, call (530) 825-3212. For reservations, call; toll free, (877)-444-6777. For current information on fishing conditions or about the upcoming seminar, call Eagle Lake Marina at (530) 825-3454.
Football
players need physicals
The Modoc Braves will start football practice August 14. Players
should start getting their physicals now.
Wood will be opening the weight room this summer Monday through Thursdays and
the physical and sports information forms will be available there. Physicals
and forms must be completed before the first day of practice.
LFD
host golf tourney
The Likely Fire Department is hosting a golf tournament at Likely
Links August 13, with tee-off at 8 a.m. Likely Links is just east of Likely
on the Jess Valley road.
The event will be a four-person best ball and teams will be selected
by drawing. The entry fee is $60 per person and includes cart, green fees, and
barbecue steak dinner. The fee is $50 for those who don't stay for the dinner.
The barbecue is $20 each for non-golfers or guests and starts
at 5 p.m. There will be great door prizes.
To enter or for more information call 530-233-4817.
August 10th, 2006
News
Anklin pleads no contest, must resign
On Monday, Modoc County Supervisor Ray Anklin formally entered a "no contest"
plea in Modoc Superior Court on charges of having sexual intercourse with a
17-year-old girl last spring and summer.
Superior Court Judge Larry Dier sentenced Anklin to 90 days in the Modoc County
Jail and three years probation, but he won't be required to register as a sex
offender. Anklin was also charged with contributing to the delinquency of a
minor
In addition, as a part of his plea deal, but not part of his sentence, Anklin
must resign from the Modoc County Board of Supervisors. Anklin did not attend
Tuesday's Board meeting and had not offered a resignation as of Wednesday morning.
Dier apparently gave him a couple of weeks to resign. If he doesn't resign,
the case would come back to court.
According to County Clerk Maxine Madison, once Anklin tenders his resignation
the Board will accept it and she will send a notice of vacancy to Governor Arnold
Schwarzenegger, who will then begin the process to appoint a replacement. Madison
said an election is not allowed, and the appointed Supervisor would serve Anklin's
remaining term, through 2008.
Once the resignation is finalized, Supervisors will advertise the vacancy and
individuals can make application to the Governor.
The plea deal offers Anklin the option of serving his jail time at nights on
work furlough so he can continue to work on the family ranch during the day.
Modoc Sheriff Bruce Mix said he didn't have a problem with that arrangement
as long as it came in the form of a judge's order.
District Attorney Jordan Funk has stated he thinks the plea deal was fair and
believes the victim's family was satisfied with the resolution. Two other counts,
one for breaking and entering were dismissed and the charges Anklin was convicted
of were reduced from felonies to misdemeanors.
Anklin was arrested last fall alleging he had had sex with the 17-year-old on
numerous occasions and that on one occasion he had crawled through a window
to get into her foster home room near Canby. He also was accused of providing
alcohol to the victim and her 14-year-old roommate. The girl's foster mother
had told Anklin to stay away from the girl.
The 17-year old girl was a ward of the court at the time the incidents took place, and the Modoc County Probation Department alerted law enforcement after an email from the girl was found, stating she had had sex with Anklin.
Deadline may extend for nominations
The nomination period in several local races of the November General election
will probably be extended in several districts as incumbents are choosing not
to file.
The deadline for nomination paper is August 11, but in those districts where
incumbents don't file, that will be extended to August 16. An extension is certain
in the Modoc Joint Unified School District, the Surprise Valley Joint Unified
School District and probable in the Tulelake Basin Joint Unified School District.
Incumbent Karen Hays has filed for re-election and two challengers have emerged,
Erin Bevil and Eric Sittig. Incumbent Pat Swanson has said she will not seek
re-election.
There are four seats on the ballot for the Surprise Valley Joint Unified School
District. In Cedarville, the seats of Gene Erquiaga and James Laacke expire.
Laacke and a challenger, Penny Borghi, have filed, but Erquiaga has said he
will not run.
In Ft. Bidwell the seat of Steve Smith is up and an election for the remaining
term of Dean Cockrell, who resigned will be up. Smith has not yet filed. Bill
Bostic was appointed to Cockrell's position, but will have to run for election
to fill out Cockrell's remaining term. As of Wednesday, no one had filed nomination
papers in that district.
Incumbent Roy Wright has file for re-election on the Tulelake Basin Joint Unified
School Board. A challenger, Venencio Hernandez has filed. Incumbent Donald Kirby
has said he will not file.
Three seats are open on the County Board of Education: District Two's Rebekah
Ingraham; District Three's Dixie Server; and District Five's Marcella Haynes.
All three have filed for re-election.
There will be an election for one seat on the Fort Bidwell Fire District. Incumbent
John Drew is being challenged by John Brauner.
An election is also set for the California Pines Community Services Districts
where three seats are up. Incumbent Zola Miliron and Bruce Rodgers are running
for re-election, but Robert Lyons has not filed. Two people have field as challengers:
James Ganoe and Stanley Ehlinger.
In addition, there will be elections in the Cedarville and Newell water districts and all 13 fire districts.
Chili Heads win Chili contest
There was some really hot chili, some really mild chili, some chicken chili,
and some really good chili. Of course, which was the best chili was up to the
judges and public.
The Chili Heads, sponsored by Dederick Custom Woodworking won the overall contest
and the $500 first prize. The team was made up of John Dederick, Becky Dederick,
Mike Tedrick and Paul Bailey.
In second place was the chili from Seab's Survivors, sponsored by Seab's True
Value with the team of Christina Widby, Brian Widby, Kerrey Boudreaux and Andrea
Sykes. Taking third was the Modoc Record Red Hot Chili Peppers, with Nora Russell,
Judath Brush and Elaine West.
The Modoc Record team won the "Peoples' Choice" award for the best
chili, voted on by the people at the contest.
There were nine teams involved in the 2006 Chili Cook-off held at and as a
fundraiser for the Modoc High Country Amphitheater, near the old Alturas Mill
on Saturday.
The other teams involved were: the Chili Killers, Jayson West and Chris Kanagy;
the High Plateau Humane Society sponsored by the Corner Deli of Lynda Demsher,
Louisa Wistos and Genie Smith; the Chili Peppers of Jim Brewer and Sandy Sphar;
the Chili Dogs, Jan Savage and Nick Menkee; the Yellow Peppers of Winnie English,
Damian English, Maxine Dockery and Shirley Van Meter; and the team of Ward J.
Hollesen.
The judges for the contest were George Andreasen, Charlie Johnson and Dan Silveria.
The chili cooking started at 10 a.m. and the judging was from 5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. with the gates open to the public at 5 p.m. Following the contest there was an evening of entertainment at the Amphitheater. The event was a Modoc County Arts Council production sponsored by the Alturas Chamber of Commerce and Resources for Indian Student Education, Inc.
Fair gears for 2006 run
The 73rd Modoc District Fair in Cedarville promises carnival thrills, an ambitious
line-up of stage and strolling performers, an exciting and imaginative assortment
of new experiences and activities for children, western-themed diversions and
exhibits, and just plain good times for everyone from Thursday, August 17 through
Sunday, August 20.
This year's fair theme is "Green Fields and Wagon Wheels".
Newly crowned Miss Modoc Fair Queen Claire Crenshaw and Princess Rachel Stevenson
are excited about their duties as the Modoc County's newest ambassadors. They'll
be on hand throughout the fair's four-day run to greet visitors and will lead
Sunday's parade on their horses.
Gates open Thursday night at 5 p.m. The American Traveling Shows Carnival will
be back with stomach-churning rides like the Kamikaze, the Scrambler, the Casino
and a Ferris wheel. There will be game booths along with the traditional food
booths.
Fair CEO Traci Green wants everyone to know about the Carnival Family Sheets,
available through opening day. This includes two adult and two child fair admissions
along with 20 rides, food and game coupons which altogether translate to a full
$80 value. These will be on sale for only $35 at Seab's True Value in Alturas
through Tuesday, August 15 and at the fair office through August 17. Also available
are $15 booklets of 30 ride coupons.
Ride bands can be purchased on the carnival lot for $12 each on Thursday from
5-9 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. for $15.
One ride sure to appeal to young and old alike is the Western Express Railroad.
Climb aboard this trackless train and enjoy a narrated tour between stops at
convenient locations from one end of the fairgrounds to the other.
The Grandstand Arena will showcase a different competition every night during
the fair. Head up on Opening Day at 6:30 p.m. to watch herding canines demonstrate
their extraordinary skills at the "Mark Walgenbach Memorial Sheep Dog Trials".
Friday and Saturday are "Ranchers' Days" at the fair. A non-stop
line-up of competitions and exhibits has been planned beginning at 7:00 a.m.
each morning. On Friday, the Ranch Horse Calcutta begins in the arena at 1 p.m.
followed by the new "Stick Horse Rodeo" for the younger crowd at 3
p.m. at the Park Stage.
Friday night is the time to catch the Third Annual Ranch Saddle Bronc Rodeo
in the arena beginning at 7 p.m. Twenty riders will compete in the Long Go,
while the event's top six will fill out the Short Go roster. $2000 is up for
grabs by the night's best. Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for children 6-12.
Children under 5 will be admitted free.
Be sure to get your drinks and snacks ahead of time because no one will want
to miss the "Kiddy Calf Scramble" during intermission. Children to
age 12 should sign up early at the fair office to compete for two $50 prizes.
On Saturday evening, all the horsepower is under the hoods of an arena full
of battered but roaring autos as of the Demolition Derby begins at 7:30 p.m.
Then plan to stay late for the street dance featuring the band "Heading
Due West", new to the fair this year.
Ranchers' Day events conclude on Saturday at noon with the Team and Open Branding
Calcutta and Finals. Admission is free. Then the kids take over the arena on
Sunday for the Junior Rodeo which begins at 12:30 p.m. Admission is also free
to watch high school students from the tri-state area compete in a series of
challenging events.
While thrill rides and midway treats are a fun part of any country fair, the
heart of the Modoc District Fair in Cedarville remains in its many exhibits,
judged competitions, livestock entries and artistic displays offered by local
residents. Don't forget to check out the exhibits and livestock shows throughout
each day of the fair. Modoc County residents will present their best in agriculture,
livestock entries and horticulture displays as well as culinary, fine art, floral,
and photographic works. Artfully arranged thematic and historic collections,
youth displays, finely constructed furniture and wood crafts and so much more
promise to be well worth a walk through the various exhibit halls.
Members of the High Desert Fiber Arts Guild will also be on hand in the Science
and Arts Building each day of the fair, demonstrating their spinning and weaving
skills. Make sure to save some time to wander among the exquisitely detailed,
colorful quilts on display.
One integral part of the fair often overlooked in the competing array of attractions
and competitions is the Men's Invitational Softball Tournament that runs through
Saturday and Sunday. Over 80 players and their families begin arriving Friday
afternoon, determined to play some great fast-pitch ball while enjoying a memorable
family weekend at the fair. Check the daily schedule to catch a great game at
the ball diamond at the north end of the fairgrounds.
Folks can also dine on some appetizing meals at this fair. Members of the Greater
Surprise Valley Chamber of Commerce will serve a Basque Barbecue featuring lamb
steaks and traditional stew Thursday night at 5:00 p.m., so stop by before heading
off to the sheep dog trials. Surprise Valley FFA members hope you'll come by
for another hearty meal on Saturday afternoon from 4-7 p.m. Their steak barbecue
proceeds help fund their events through the year.
Cedarville Volunteer Fire Fighters will once again be staffing the beer concession
booth located near the Park Stage. This year, the fair staff welcomes members
of the Alturas Rural Fire Department. They will have the Grandstand concession
stand open Friday and Saturday nights and during Sunday's Junior Rodeo.
Also on Sunday, visitors and locals are expected to line the streets of downtown
Cedarville to see how the fair's theme translates to colorful and imaginative
entries in the annual parade beginning at 11:00 a.m.
The fair opens Thursday, August 17 at 5:00 p.m. Its gates officially open at noon on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Admission charges are: adults $5, Seniors 60 and over, $2, and children 4-12, $3. On Thursday, everyone gets in for only $2.
Lightning strikes spawn 75 fires on Modoc
The Forest is fighting, monitoring, or patrolling 75 fires following this week's
lightning storms. Mop up and rehabilitation continues on the Sage and other
fires from past weeks.
Lightning strike fires occurred in largest concentration on the far southwest
side of the Forest on the Big Valley Ranger District and extended north onto
the Doublehead Ranger District. Another cluster extends from the Devils Garden
to the South Warners.
The Clear Lake Fire is the largest of the active fires at 600 acres. It is
burning 1/8 of a mile south of the Oregon border, north of Clear Lake.
Engine and hand crews are fighting aggressively aided by two military air
tankers known as Modular Airborn Fire Fighting Systems or MAFFS. The MAFFS are
normally stationed in Cheyenne, Wyo. They are filling their tanks in Klamath
Falls and dropping about 52,000 gallons of retardant per day. The fire is about
50 percent contained.
A few miles south, burning on both Forest land and the Clear Lake National
Wildlife Refuge is the Wildlife Fire. It is smoldering in critical sage
grouse habitat. Access is difficult, but crews are making good headway
using engines, hand crews and helicopters.
On the Lava Beds National Monument, three fires started, reaching a combined
total of 27 acres. Their engine is working the one remaining fire that continues
to creep around the lava.
Other engines, crews and resources are systematically checking each
reported fire. Most are small and easily put to rest. A few are growing
beyond an acre in size and additional firefighting resources are called in
to deal appropriately with the situation.
In addition to the nine fire engines from the Modoc National Forest, fire
crews working in Modoc County this week include three engines from the
Fremont-Winema National Forest, six hand crews including two from Alaska, two
from Arizona, and two local CDF Crews; engines include one from Fish and Wildlife
Service, three CDF engines, a strike team of five engines from the Los Padres
National Forest; four contract engine crews, three from Wash. and one from Colorado.
Additional overhead support is from Oregon Department of Forestry.
Aerial support is from a Type 1, heavy helicopter from the Los Padres NF;
two Type 2, medium duty helicopters, one from Fairbanks, Alaska and the
Bieber CDF ship; three BLM Single Engine Air Tankers stationed at Cal Pines
and Lakeview.
The Forest Service expects windy conditions this weekend and are preparing for
that problem.
Regularly updated information on these fires is available on the incident
information website at www.inciweb.org.
Obituaries:
Ronald L. Bonham
Tulelake resident Ronald Lawrence Bonham, 61, passed away of natural causes
on August 2, 2006 in Tulelake, CA. Born in Brawley, CA on December 21, 1944,
he had lived for 50 years in Modoc County, where he worked as a truck driver
and was a volunteer fireman for 20 years.
Mr. Bonham was very proud of his family and they of him. He was someone who
always was willing to lend a hand. He was also known as a very generous, hard-working
man. He enjoyed tinkering on his pick-up truck and he loved his yard work. A
fan of Nascar, he especially rooted for driver Jeff Gordon, #24.
Mr. Bonham will be dearly missed. He leaves to mourn his passing, his mother
Luella Bonham of Alturas, CA; son Gary Bonham of Tulelake; son Dan Bonham of
Yreka; daughter Donna Colmenero of Klamath Falls, OR; brother and sister-in-law
Leroy and Sharon Bonham of Tulelake; nephew Bill Bonham and family of Tulelake;
niece Tammy Jo Klassen, California; niece Lynna Woods of North Carolina; wife
Betty Bonham of Yreka and four grandchildren, Teresa, Melissa, Nicole and Jasper.
He was preceded in death by his father Lee Bonham, his brother Leland Bonham
and two nephews, Ricky and Mike Bonham.
Private services are under the direction of Kerr Mortuary, Alturas.
Services for Audrey Valenzuela
Graveside services for Audrey Valenzuela, age 83, of Likely will be held at
4 p.m. today, August 10 at the Likely Cemetery. Mrs. Valenzuela, was a resident
of Modoc County for the past 20 years. She passed away over last weekend in
Susanville, CA. Her daughter Kristina Murray (John) resides in Klamath Falls,
OR. Kerr Mortuary is handling arrangements.
Celebration of Life for Vern Hill
A gathering of Vern L. Hill's friends and family will be held at the Cedarville
Cemetery, followed by a potluck lunch at the Cedarville Community Church Hall
on August 12, 2006 at 11 a.m.
"Please join us in this opportunity to share stories and celebrate his
life," invites Becky Dederick of Alturas, daughter of Vern Hill.
Sports
Soccer meeting August 17
There will be a Modoc High School soccer team player/parent meeting with new coach Mike Yarbrough August 17, 6 p.m. at Alturas Elementary School. The first practice of the season will be August 21, 3:45 p.m. at the AES field. Soccer players are reminded that they need to have their sports information cards in and physicals completed prior to the first practice.
August 17th, 2006
News
Anklin resigns Supervisor seat
Modoc County Supervisor Ray Anklin, of Canby, formally resigned his seat Tuesday,
in a letter to the Modoc County Clerk which the Board accepted.
Last Monday, Anklin formally entered a "no contest" plea in Modoc
Superior Court on charges of having sexual intercourse with a 17-year-old girl
last spring and summer.
Superior Court Judge Larry Dier sentenced Anklin to 90 days in the Modoc County
Jail and three years probation. Anklin was also charged with contributing to
the delinquency of a minor
In addition, as a part of his plea deal, but not part of his sentence, Anklin
had to resign from the Modoc County Board of Supervisors. Anklin did not attend
Tuesday's Board meeting.
According to County Clerk Maxine Madison, she will send a notice of vacancy
to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who will then begin the process to appoint
a replacement. Madison said an election is not allowed, and the appointed Supervisor
would serve Anklin's remaining term, through 2008.
The plea deal offers Anklin, a rancher, the option of serving his jail time
at nights on work furlough so he can continue to work on the family ranch during
the day.
Anklin was arrested last fall alleging he had had sex with the 17-year-old
on numerous occasions and that on one occasion he had crawled through a window
to get into her foster home room near Canby. He also was accused of providing
alcohol to the victim and her 14-year-old roommate.
The 17-year old girl was a ward of the court at the time the incidents took place, and the Modoc County Probation Department alerted law enforcement after an email from the girl was found, stating she had had sex with Anklin.
Bradbury case continued
Christopher Bradbury entered a "not guilty" plea Tuesday in the Betty
Lou Parks' homicide case and a preliminary hearing has been set for Sept. 25,
1:30 p.m. in Modoc Superior Court.
Bradbury has switched attorneys from the Modoc County Public Defender's Office
to Alturas attorney Tom Gifford.
Bradbury is facing murder charges in the 1992 death of 14-year-old Alturas
resident Betty Lou Parks.
Bradbury, age 31, of Shasta Lake, was 17 years of age at the time of Parks
death. Modoc Superior Curt Judge Fritz Barclay has ruled that there was sufficient
evidence to try Bradbury for the murder of Parks and that he would be tried
as an adult.
Bradbury has said he had nothing to do with the murder.
Testimony from his ex-wife is key to the prosecution case. She has told Department
of Justice investigators that Bradbury admitted to her that he had been a part
of the Parks' murder.
Bradbury was arrested in May at his job in Redding and remains in the Modoc
County Jail on $500,000 bail. The case was turned over to DOJ in 2002 by the
Modoc Sheriff's Office.
Parks disappeared on June 25, 1992 and her remains were found by a hiker at
a remote Modoc Estates lot on May 16, 1993.
North state schools face declining enrollment
The Modoc Joint Unified School District will start this year with a projected
average daily attendance of 894 students, down from 916 last year and substantially
fewer than in 2002 when the ADA was 1015.
Superintendent Doug Squellati said the trend over the past five years has been
declining enrollment, something most school districts in the north state are
experiencing.
This year, Arlington Elementary School in Canby will go from two teachers to
one, with a drop in enrollment from 21 to 12. The two other outlying schools,
South Fork in Likely and Stateline in New Pine Creek, are healthy, but some
of Stateline's students come from Oregon.
"I don't think there's just one reason that determines the drop in students,"
Squellati said. "There are a variety of factors, including the lack of
good jobs in this area and an increase in the retirement population."
Modoc High School is projecting an opening student population of about 308,
close to last year's but down from previous years. Modoc Middle School will
start with almost the exact student population as last year of 208, as will
Alturas Elementary School with 350 students.
While the student population will fluctuate, the numbers are vital since the
state funding for the school districts is based on average daily attendance.
In Surprise Valley, the school district has decided to move the seventh and eighth grade classes to Surprise Valley High School in the face of more drastic student number declines.
Nomination period ends for November election
The nomination period in several local races of the November General election
closed at 5 p.m. Wednesday.
Incumbent Karen Hays has filed for re-election in the Modoc Joint Unified School
District and two challengers have filed, Erin Bevil and Eric Sittig. Incumbent
Pat Swanson will not seek re-election.
There are four seats on the ballot for the Surprise Valley Joint Unified School
District. In Cedarville, the seats of Gene Erquiaga and James Laacke expire.
Laacke and a challenger, Penny Borghi, have filed, but Erquiaga will not run.
Bill Bostic has filed for re-election and Alissa Fee has filed in Fort Bidwell.
Ft. Bidwell's incumbent, Steve Smith, did not file.
Incumbent Roy Wright has filed for re-election on the Tulelake Basin Joint
Unified School Board. Two challengers, Venencio Hernandez and Randall Bailey
have also filed. Incumbent Donald Kirby did not file.
Three seats are open on the County Board of Education: District Two's Rebekah
Ingraham; District Three's Dixie Server; and District Five's Marcella Haynes.
All three have filed for re-election.
There will be an election for one seat on the Fort Bidwell Fire District. Incumbent
John Drew is being challenged by John Brauner.
An election is also set for the California Pines Community Services District
where three seats are up. Incumbent Zola Miliron and Bruce Rodgers are running
for re-election, but Robert Lyons has not filed. Three challengers have filed:
James Ganoe, Stanley Ehlinger and Hank Drury.
Julie Gagnon has filed for re-election to Big Valley Joint Unified School District Board of Trustees.
City Council agrees to new direction on National Power
The Alturas City Council Tuesday night agreed with a change of lead agency
role, if National Power chooses, to switch that duty to the county.
Councilman Keith Jacques said that National Power had indicated in a recent
Ad Hoc Committee meeting, that it would rather work with the county as lead
agency for the project.
Jacques said he felt the city "had plenty on its plate" and the number
one priority was the Alturas Sewer Plant project. He felt the National Power
Plant was very important and vital for the community and felt the county would
be able to help it come to fruition.
"I think we need to get this project done, it's too vital to take a chance
of it going away . . . it's just too important to let it slip away," said
Jacques.Former Mayor George Andreasen said he was inclined to agree with Jacques
that the county may be in a better position to guide the project through. He
said it was important to get the project done, not worry about which agencies
get credit or blame.
Councilman Rod Gately said he felt the county had more staff to work on the
issue, but was concerned about what the city would lose if it drops the lead
agency status. He suggested a joint meeting with the council to hammer out details,
which is in the offing.
The Council voted to allow National Power to choose the lead agency, with Jacques,
Gately and Andreasen in support. Mayor John Schreiber voted against that option,
saying he wanted the city to maintain control.
Jacques told the council that based on the last Ad Hoc Committee meeting and
his conversations with National Power, he felt confident they would choose the
county.
Modoc County Chief Administrative Officer Mike Maxwell said the county is willing
and in a position to take the lead agency role.
National Power is proposing to construct a 20-40 megawatt biomass power plant
on city-owned property north of the existing structures at the mill site, near
the Alturas airport. The project also includes a small log sawmill.
The City and County have been working on this power plant project in a joint
effort for well over a year.
The entire project is expected to create more than 100 new jobs in Modoc County,
from actual plant workers to the logging and trucking industries.
The small log sawmill is an integral part of the project. In most cases, the
power plants were used to generate electricity to run the sawmills. In this
case, the sawmill will be the main supplier of fuel for the power plant, and
the electricity will be sold to Sierra Pacific. The value of the plant is expected
to be above $50 million.
National hopes the first draft of the EIR can be finished by the end of this
year and all the permitting and land use issues settled and in place by the
end of 2007. Construction could start in 2008 with the plant possibly coming
on line in 2010.
National Power describes itself as an owner and operator of environmentally
sensitive electric generating facilities, which has existing facilities in Australia
and the United States. The company was founded in 1991 and is privately owned.
The site for the proposed power plant is on 103 acres of city-owned property at the mill site adjacent to the airport. The City has not yet set a purchase price for the property.
Modoc property values up 8.36 percent
Modoc's property values increased 8.36 percent for 2006-07 and the overall
assessed value gain was 8.21 percent, according to Assessor Josie Johnson. Last
year the percentage of increase was 7.16 percent.
Johnson told the Board of Supervisors Tuesday that Modoc's secured assessment
roll increased to $757,462,218, up from last year's $699,011,99. The unsecured
property value was $26,657,707, up from $25,142,337.
Johnson said the county was continuing to see increased value from use of property
in residential, rural residential and agriculture. The total local assessed
value included secured and unsecured property amounted to $784,119,92, an increase
from $724,154,328 last year.
Interestingly, she said that there has been a decrease in recorded documents
from the California Pines subdivision, from 2,905 in 2002 to 2,069 in 2005.
California Pines makes up 19.52 percent of the assessed value in Modoc. The
areas outside of Alturas make up 30.58 percent, the City of Alturas makes up
13.51 percent, Tulelake makes up 13.51 percent, Surprise Valley is 13.32 percent,
Big Valley 8.21 percent and Day 1.35 percent.
California Pines percentage has actually increased from 2001-02's 15.42 percent
of the total secured roll and it was 19.41 percent last year.
Johnson reported that the overall 2006-07 assessed value increase translates
to a Modoc General Fund tax dollar apportionment of about $138,837.
Statewide, Modoc was third from the bottom for highest percent of assessed
value change. Trinity County was the lowest at 6.32 percent and Yuba was the
highest at 27.12 percent. Lassen County was 19th from the bottom at 10.44 percent
and Siskiyou was 17th at 10.32. Shasta County was near the middle at 12.42 percent.
According to Johnson, the assessor's office processed 3,672 documents in 2005
affecting 5,907 parcels a 3.81 percent increase. Of those 1,737 required reappraisal,
a decrease of 17.19 percent in volume. Of those 611 were reappraised because
of new construction and 2,150 were reappraised because of a change of ownership.
The biggest impact to the roll, 64.73 percent came in the change of ownership or new construction category.
Fair opens today in Cedarville
At 5:00 p.m. Thursday, the gates at the 73rd Modoc District Fair will officially
swing open to admit folks to four jam-packed days of entertainment, including
live music and magic shows, rodeos, rancher's day and livestock competitions,
the thrills of a carnival, and exhibit halls filled to overflowing with the
very best Modoc has to offer.
Look for this year's fair theme, "Green Fields and Wagon Wheels",
to be noticeably woven throughout many aspects of the fair -- in displays, parade
entries, and in the impression delighted folks carry away after a memorable
visit.
A full line-up of stimulating and educational new activities for children will
keep the youngest fairgoers occupied from beginning to end as they race after
greased pigs, attempt to snatch a ribbon from a frisky calf's tail, learn about
traffic safety at "Toddler Driving School" or experience milking a
cow at the "Milk Maker" interactive display.
Youngsters can get a taste of "Survivor"-style excitement when teams
compete in the "Adventure Challenge" at 1:00 PM on Sunday. Teams of
four, comprised of children in grades 5-8 and 9 through adult will race to finish
10 stations that include "Ski Walk", "Puzzlers Mind", "Lost
on the Moon" and "Bucket Ball". Members will have to work together
to amass points and win the $40 prize.
Any time is a great time for young and old alike to visit the carnival! Ride
bands are available for $12 each from 5-9 on opening day, offering unlimited
rides. The American Traveling Shows Carnival has returned with thrilling rides,
fair food favorites and game booths. Ride bands will also be available for $15
on Sunday from noon until 5 p.m.
Miss Modoc Fair Queen 2006, Claire Crenshaw and Princess Rachel Stevenson will
be on hand to greet people on opening day and during many events and activities
throughout the fair.
Greater Surprise Valley Chamber of Commerce members promise to have their popular
Basque Barbecue, featuring hot-off-the-grill lamb and beef steaks accompanied
by sheepherder bread, salad, traditional Basque stew, and beverages ready to
serve when the fair officially opens on Thursday evening.
Newcomers to the fair, the Klamath Falls-based acoustic band "Mood Swing"
will be on the Park Stage as the fair opens (and will give a repeat performance
from 7-9 p.m.). They'll present an entertaining mix of music sure to have all
ages humming along with golden oldies and today's favorites.
After a great meal, head up to the Grandstand to watch the Mark Walgenbach
Memorial Sheep Dog Trials beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Also tonight, everyone with items entered for judging will get their first
chance to see if their efforts have earned a coveted ribbon. The exhibit halls
open at 5; folks will have until 9 p.m. to look over the incredible variety
of crafts and culinary, horticultural and agricultural and themed displays.
With so much to see and do, there may be moments when you just need a rest.
Find a bench and wait for the Western Express Trackless Train to glide by. The
conductor will be chugging from one end of the fairgrounds to the other at no
cost during all four days of the fair, providing a leisurely, narrated tour
or a welcome break from walking to each destination.
Fair highlights also include Friday night's Ranch Saddle Bronc Riding Competition
at 7 p.m., the Destruction Derby on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. followed by a street
dance with the hot new Oroville-based band "Heading Due West". The
Country Jam musicians will be strumming at Louieville on Friday evening beginning
at 6:00.
On Saturday at 5 p.m., the Fort Bidwell Youth Dancers will be performing just
north of the Park Stage. This is the first time this group has shared their
culture through traditional dances with fairgoers.
Sunday, the day begins with the Fair Parade on Main Street in Cedarville at
11 a.m.. The Junior Rodeo follows at 12:30 p.m. in the Grandstand. The Men's
Softball Championship begins around 2 p.m. at the ball diamond.
Louie Vermillion is also the driving force behind "Louieville", a
charming collection of restored historic buildings gathered from throughout
Surprise Valley. This permanent display, located along the fair's southern boundary,
makes our fairgrounds unique among California's 86 district and county fair
venues. Strollers heading up to the livestock barns may want to stop for a rest
on a bench under the shade ramada and will also find western-themed but thoroughly
modern restrooms tucked among the relics of Surprise Valley's past.
The Sage Stage will be offering free shuttle bus rides to the fair on Friday and Saturday. The bus will depart from the Elks Lodge at 619 N. Main Street in Alturas with the first run (of several) each day at 10:30 a.m. The last ride back leaves the fair at 9:00 p.m. The Sage Stage is wheelchair accessible and air conditioned. For more information or to make reservations, please call 233-6410.
Obituaries:
Andy Lee Jochim
Former Modoc resident Andy Lee Jochim passed away on July 23, 2006 in Idaho.
Andy was born on September 24, 1960 in Alturas, CA. He was reared in Likely
where he also attended elementary school. He graduated from Modoc High School.
He was a resident of Ontario, OR at the time of his passing.Andy loved the
outdoors and lived to hunt. He also had a great love for his family, especially
his daughters.
He leaves to mourn his passing, his daughters Shelly Jochim of LaPine, OR;
Sydney and Stacy Jochim of Sacramento, CA; his parents Val and Carol Jochim
of Likely, CA; brothers Virgil and wife Rosemary of Malin, OR; David and wife
Cathy Randall of Alturas, CA; Robin and wife Darlene of Hornbrook, CA; sister
Valerie Waller of Eagle Point, OR and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services for Andy will be graveside at the Likely Cemetery at a later date.
Goldie Mae Hawkins
Former Big Valley resident Goldie Mae Hawkins, 92, of Redding, passed away
August 13, 2006 in Redding, CA. Mrs. Hawkins was the owner of "The Country
Store" in Lookout for 18 years. She was born in Lookout on May 24, 1914,
spent her early years in Bieber and graduated from Bieber High School. She moved
from Bieber to Shasta County in 1981.
Mrs. Hawkins is survived by four sons: Norman G. Hawkins of Adin; C. Delmer
Hawkins of Bieber; Daren O. Hawkins, Redding; Nolan C. Hawkins of Palo Cedro;
daughter Norene F. Watkins of Mountain View, Wyoming; 12 grandchildren and 19
great-grandchildren.
Services will be held Saturday, August 26 at 10 a.m. at Allen & Dahl Funeral
Chapel in Palo Cedro. Condolences may be posted at allenanddahl.com.
Barry Ellis English
Barry Ellis English took the next step on Life's Journey Saturday, August 12,
2006, after dying peacefully at home in Boise, Idaho. Born October 10, 1941
in Newport, Oregon, his family moved to Alturas, California when he was a year
old. He graduated from Modoc High School in 1959, spent time in the Air Force,
picked up a degree in accounting, and married the love of his life, Alice.
In 1979, he moved his family to Boise where he began a long and rewarding career
driving tour bus. He also spent several years on the Oregon Coast where he owned
and operated a gift shop. But, all roads led back to Idaho and the family he
held close to his heart.
He is survived by his children and their families, Bill, his wife Barb, and
son Jack; Donn, his wife Amy, and daughter Emma; Kelly, her husband Trevor,
sons Kevin and Brandyn, daughters Anna and Haylee , all of Boise, ID; daughter
Tracy of Nampa, ID; and daughter Stacey and her daughter Corrine and sons Devon
and Tanner of Alturas, CA; one brother, Bill of Blackhawk, South Dakota, and
Alice of Boise.
Barry has rejoined his parents and his brother, Harold. Cremation is under
the direction Bowman Funeral Chapel. His family and many friends will join to
celebrate his life Thursday, August 17, at 3:30 p.m. at his home. In lieu of
flowers, send wine
or donations may be made to ALS Research or Extra Hands
for ALS c/o Bowman Funeral Parlor, 5525 N. Glenwood St., Garden City, ID. 83714
Leland H. Harris
Leland H. Harris, 88, died of natural causes on August 9, 2006, in El Dorado
Hills, CA, where he resided.
Born September 28, 1917, at Willow Ranch, CA in Modoc County,
Lee was a World War II Army veteran. He was a member of the Mason's North East
Lodge #266 F.& A.M. and Eastern Star #51. After his military
service, he made his home in Modoc County, Willow Ranch, where he worked
as a foreman in the molding plant at the lumber mill, until it closed in 1960.
After the mill closed, he moved his family to San Leandro, CA. He
retired as a lifetime member of the Operating Engineers Local 3 Union. Upon
his retirement in 1983, he moved to El Dorado Hills where he operated Lee's
Firewood.
He was preceded in death by his parents Elmer & Bertha Harris; brothers
Ted, Ross, and Gordon Harris and sister Barbara Smith.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Helen Harris;
son, Sam Harris; son-in-law: John Murphy
daughter Linda Murphy; daughter-in-law: Dianne Harris;
sisters Norma Brown and Elizabeth Madison; five grandchildren and three
great-grandchildren.
Services were held Tuesday, August 15 at 3:00p.m. at Green Valley Mortuary,
610 Coloma Street, Folsom, CA 95630. Pastor Jeff Mitchell officiated.
The family will gather at the Sacramento Historic City Cemetery (Old City Cemetery, Odd Fellows section) later this month for interment. In lieu of flowers, remembrances and donations may be directed to the Old City Cemetery Committee, Inc.,1000 Broadway, Sacramento, CA 95814.
Arrangements were by Green Valley Mortuary.
Sports
Fast pitch tourney goes for 19th run
For the 19th year, fast-pitch softball teams from California,
Oregon and Nevada are expected to gather at the Modoc District Fair to participate
in the Men's Invitational Softball Tournament beginning on Saturday. The first
batter will be stepping up to the plate shortly after 8 AM on August 19 and
the last game is scheduled the following afternoon at 3:30.
"There'll be a few changes this year though the basic tournament
will be familiar to all our players and to everyone who has enjoyed watching
from the bleachers over the years", said new coordinator Ernie Givan of
Alturas.
First up Saturday morning will be Lakeview Motor Sports facing
off against the Reno Indians. In all, 14 games will be played over the weekend,
concluding with a championship game and award ceremony Sunday afternoon. Everyone
who spends any time in the stands will go away satisfied. "It's baseball
and a lot of it!" crowed one enthusiastic participant.
The double-elimination tournament involves upwards of 80 players
on eight teams who enjoy the chance to play fast-pitch softball in a family-friendly
setting. According to Givan, a veteran who will be pitching on the Surprise
Valley Aviation team, "The guys, who range in ages from about 15 to 55,
are friendly competitors who take the game seriously while still having a lot
of fun." He describes the sport as "faster than regular softball or
hardball. The smaller field dimensions also tend to make the games more interesting
for everyone."
Many of the out-of-town players arrive with families in tow, setting
up camp near the ball field at the north end of the fairgrounds. "The guys
like coming with their wives and kids who can watch the games or enjoy the fair",
said Givan. "It makes for a great family weekend."
Fans and fairgoers are invited to do more than watch. At 2:30
PM on Saturday, everyone gets a chance to knock one out of the park at the Home
Run Derby. For $5 per attempt, whoever hits the most homeruns will split the
final pot. "It's open to anyone, no age limits," said Givan. "We've
had all sorts of folks come by and try their luck, from 14-year-old girls to
seasoned players. It's a lot of fun."
Steger Ranch is donating the hay bales that will serve as the diamond's home run fence. "I don't know of any other tournament or league that does it that way", said Givan. An experienced umpire from Klamath Falls has also been lined up to referee many of the games.
Team shoots 69 to win tourney
The team of Kathie Widby, Sylvia Gloster, Marge Belford and Lillian
McKenzie shot a score of 69 to win the Arrowhead Ladies Warner Mountain Scramble
August 12.
In second place with a 71 was the team of Michelle Ray, Patsy
Jones, Sheila McKenzie and Clydeen Dick.
The third place team of Ivy Smith, Velma Dickerson, Barbara Morgan
and Jean Phillips shot 72.
AJ McQuarrie, Barb Heryford, Diane Schmidt and Pat Kerr combined
for a fourth place score of 74.
The closest to the pin award went to Beth Weber, Schmidt won the accuracy drive and the long drive contests were won by Ray, McQuarrie and Louise Dunn.
Junior Pheasant Hunt offered
A Junior Pheasant Hunt Ash Creek Wildlife Area will be offered September 16, with an a.m. hunt from 8 a.m. to 12 noon and a p.m. hunt, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Entry deadline is Sept. 8. All Junior Hunters with current 06/07 hunting licenses may apply. Mail a 3 by 5 postcard with name, address, phone number, 06/07 hunting license number, date of birth and choice of a.m. or p.m. hunt to: Ash Creek WLA, P.O. Box 37, Bieber, CA 96009. Groups up to four persons per card. For any further information please call 530-294-5824.
JV, Varsity Volleyball Tryouts
Modoc High School Junior Varsity and Varsity Volleyball tryouts will be held Monday, August 21 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Griswold Gym, Modoc High. Participants must have their completed Athletic Card upon try-out. Any questions, please contact Coach Wendi Lowrey at 233-2335.
August 24th, 2006
News
Supervisor hopeful can make application to Governor
Anyone wishing to fill the seat of District IV Modoc County Supervisor Ray
Anklin must filed an application with Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who will
make the appointment.
Anklin, of Canby, formally resigned his seat last week after entering a "no
contest" plea in Modoc Superior Court on charges of having sexual intercourse
with a 17-year-old girl last spring and summer.
In addition, as a part of his plea deal, but not part of his sentence, Anklin
had to resign from the Modoc County Board of Supervisors.
According to County Clerk Maxine Madison, she will send a notice of vacancy
to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who will then begin the process to appoint
a replacement. Madison said an election is not allowed, and the appointed Supervisor
would serve Anklin's remaining term, through 2008.
All registered voters in District IV are eligible to apply for appointment and
must make application online at http://www.gov.ca.gov/index.php?/appointments/application.
Government Code 2500 requires each county to have a Board of Supervisors consisting
of five members. And GC 25060 requires the Governor to fill the vacancy on any
Board of Supervisors.
Anyone who makes application to fill the vacancy is asked to notify Modoc County
Clerk Maxine Madison at 233-6201.
Anklin was arrested last fall alleging he had had sex with the 17-year-old on numerous occasions and that on one occasion he had crawled through a window to get into her foster home room near Canby. He also was accused of providing alcohol to the victim and her 14-year-old roommate.
Modoc Med cancels mammograms
The news has come as a shock to the many women who have had mammograms done
conveniently and annually at Modoc Medical Center over the years. For several,
early detection of breast cancer found on mammograms here, saved their lives.
As of last week, the mammography service has been discontinued.
The reasons given are due to aging equipment (1991), the cost of not breaking
even on providing the service for several years and not being able to purchase
updated equipment. Mammograms are no longer being scheduled or provided at Modoc
Medical Center's Radiology Department.
The 16-year-old analog mammography equipment was purchased through grant funds
and the county hospital was one of a few in the state to have a mammography
department still operating. The mammography machine, well maintained over the
years, passed State of California Department of Health Services inspections
in March of 2005 and again in March of 2006 and is licensed until November 3,
2006. MMC Administrator Bruce Porter and Radiology staff do not expect the equipment
to pass the scrutiny of American Academy of Radiology's survey this November
and thus made the decision not to wait until November to discontinue the service.
The equipment is deemed too old, in comparison to the digital and computerized
technology now available at "imaging" centers in Redding, Reno and
Klamath Falls. Lake District Hospital in Lakeview, OR is the closest location
that provides mammograms. Mammography patients are being referred to facilities
in the four cities.
Chief X-ray technician Dottie Houghtby, who has been doing at least 800 mammograms
a year and has worked in the Radiology Department for 31 years said, "I
feel really bad for my patients. But, with the new technology out there and
all the technology has changed so much, it would kill me if we were to miss
something because of our old equipment. But, we can't justify the cost of new
equipment.
"We will continue to remind our patients when their mammograms are due
and refer them to facilities that do mammograms. We will also keep their films
here, or at their request, we can send their films wherever they decide they
want us to send them. And, the breast cancer support group will continue to
meet," added Houghtby. "When Teresa (Jacques) was here, Teresa felt
it was so important for local women, she continued providing the service, even
though it wasn't break-even then either."
"We've been struggling to provide this great service," said Porter.
New equipment would cost at least half a million dollars, estimated Porter on
Monday afternoon during a phone interview with the Record. The revenue generated
through mammography "has not been break even," he added.
Porter said his focus is now to look at the possibility of purchasing a "CT"
machine which could be used more comprehensively for head and body injuries,
with more detailed radiology, but excludes mammography. "Used market cost
for a CT machine runs roughly at $250,000," he surmised. "We are looking
into grants."
The Joint Committee which includes administration, medical staff and Modoc
County Board of Supervisors, will continue to consider what level of service
the community wants, stated Porter.
But any replacement mammography equipment has been put on the "back burner,"
said Houghtby, who notified her patients of the discontinuation of service,
via a letter she sent out last week to those scheduled for mammogram appointments
in August and future appointments at Modoc Med.
Radiology Department employees Radiology technician Bill Boland and Houghtby
will continue their work in Radiology/X-ray with Dr. Duwaine Matthews using
the portable X-ray machine and the regular X-ray machine which remain available.
CT (computed tomography), sometimes called CAT scan, uses special X-ray equipment
to obtain image data from different angles around the body and then uses computer
processing of the information to show a cross-section of body tissues and organs.
CT imaging can show several types of tissue-lung, bone, soft tissue and blood
vessels-with clarity.
"CT is important to a hospital's survival," said Houghtby with concurrence
from Porter. The future of the existing mammography equipment has not been determined,
said Porter and Houghtby.
Mosquito abatement on the Nov ballot
In November the City of Alturas will once again try to convince its voters
to approve a $1 per month increase in their water bills to fund a mosquito abatement
program. The issue failed to gain the two-thirds majority required to pass in
the June election.
Since that election, West Nile Virus has been confirmed in birds and in at
least one human case in Modoc County. Mosquitoes spread West Nile. The city
believes passing the tax is not a simple nuisance issue; it's a public health
issue of the highest level.
Joseph Moreo, the founding member of the Citizens for Vector Control and the
Modoc County Agricultural Commissioner is adamant in his support for the issue,
which will be Measure J on the November 7 ballot.
"Measure J, if passed, will increase the monthly water bill by one dollar
per month (from .50 cents per month) for a total increase of $12 per year to
keep the mosquito program solvent," he said. "Without this increase,
the program will not likely be able to continue all next summer."According
to Moreo, the current assessment does not cover the cost of the insecticide,
labor, equipment and maintenance needed to run an effective program.
"The city has the species of mosquito that carry Malaria, Encephalitis
and now West Nile Virus," said Moreo. "In addition, the city has irrigated
pasture mosquitoes, a voracious blood feeder that simply lowers the quality
of life for humans and animals in this area if not controlled. The mosquito-monitoring
program shows the control activities the city currently runs is effective in
reducing the population of adult mosquitoes. This is protecting the people from
debilitating diseases that can and do cause fatalities every year."
In June, a majority of the city voters (60 percent) voted in favor of the mosquito
abatement assessment increase, but it needed 66 2/3 percent.
"Individuals attempting to control mosquitoes on their own property will spend more than $12 per summer and there will be no coordinated control," said Moreo. "I urge all Alturas voters to pass the measure, for the public's health and safety. It's very important."
Forest keeps fire contained
Over the past week the Modoc National Forest responded to 8 lightning fires
across the Forest. All of the fires were suppressed during initial attack by
engines and hand crews. The largest of the fires was a quarter of an acre.
Resources from around the nation are supporting the Modoc National Forest this
fire season. Currently there are 6 fire engines supporting the Forest from Colorado,
Washington, the Plumas National Forest, the Klamath National Forest, the Shasta-Trinity
National Forest, and one engine from the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge.
In addition to the fire engine support there is a helicopter from Alaska on
Forest.
To date during the 2006 fire season the Modoc National Forest responded to
135 fires that have burned a total of 9,656 acres. The five year average for
fires and acres burned on the Modoc National Forest is 117 fires for 11,349
acres.
According to Joan Chandler, Modoc Interagency Dispatch Center Manager, "Success
through initial attack has been vital to keeping our fires small."
Fire restrictions are currently in place across the Modoc National Forest. Campfires are allowed only in developed campgrounds in designated fire rings. For current information about fire restrictions please contact the Modoc National Forest at 530-233-5811.
Dog Day at the park, Mutt Strutt fun opens Saturday morning
The Veterans' Park in Alturas will be the scene of much activity with both
the Farmers' Market and the Mutt Strutt taking place there this Saturday, April
26. The Farmers' Market will start at 8 a.m. and registration for the Mutt Strutt
will begin at 9 a.m. in the park.
Vendors with fresh produce, fruits or craft items are invited to set up before
8 a.m. under the canopy at the park. Plan on a good crowd, because High Plateau
Humane Society will also sponsor a special dog show next to the Farmers' Market.
Harry Boulade will announce the round of activities that make up the Mutt Strutt.
From 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. is registration at $5 per dog, with other dogs in the
same family eligible for a $2 registration fee.
About 10 a.m., the parade of dogs in their finest regalia, will circle the park.
Next, contests for the best dressed, looks most like its owner, best howl, best
behaved, worst behaved, best talent, ugliest, prettiest, and the most improved
adopted dog will take place.
HPHS will sell hot dogs, cold water and soda. Pizza will be available from Antonio's and Nanette Janes will take photos of dogs, Modoc Farm Supply and Bookinista (Golden Egg Books) will show off their wares. The top dog will win $50 for its owner, courtesy of A&M Pump and Plumbing. A few dogs ready to be adopted will attend in hopes of finding a forever owner.
Obituaries:
Edwin Phillip Silva
Edwin Phillip Silva, a resident of Alturas for the past several years, passed
away August 17, 2006 in Alturas at the Modoc Medical Center Skilled Nursing
Facility.
Mr. Silva was born September 4, 1919 in San Jose, CA to Francisco Jose da Silva
and Laureanna Vieira Silva.
Edwin was inducted in the U.S. Army March 21, 1941 and served until October
21, 1945. Battles and Campaign Medals were earned in Central Europe Rhineland,
European African Middle Eastern Campaign, Normandy Northern France and American
Defense Service.
Edwin was a championship lightweight boxer during his early years.
He married Doris Naomi Rinker May 29, 1946. She preceded him in death June
4, 1991. Edwin was a talented carpenter and enjoyed doing carpentry work into
his retirement years. His favorite hobby was fishing. He became a professional
fisherman, bringing countless trophies home.
He met Iola Reece over 16 years ago in Red Bluff and they became best friends
and constant companions, adding years of enjoyment to both their lives. When
Iola moved to Alturas to be closer to her family, it wasn't long after that
Ed also relocated.
They fished, went to yard sales, hunted rocks, fished and fished some more.
Edwin's identical twin brother Albert preceded him in death approximately three
years ago. He leaves nieces and nephews, many friends and his loving companion
Iola Reece of Alturas. He had no children of his own, but became close to Iola's
family, including her daughter Paula and husband Don Murphy of Alturas. Ed will
be in our memories forever. Services were private.
Service for Goldie Hawkins
Services for Goldie Mae Hawkins, 92, of Redding, will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday,
August 26 at Allen & Dahl Funeral Chapel in Palo Cedro, CA. Burial will
be at Hillside Cemetery in Nubieber. The Rev. Jeff Bidwell of Grace Bible Church
in Bieber will officiate. Mrs. Hawkins passed away Sunday, August 13, 2006 at
Shasta Healthcare in Redding, CA. She was born in Lookout on May 24, 1914, spent
her early years in Bieber and graduated from Bieber High School. She moved from
Bieber to Shasta County in 1981.
Mrs. Hawkins was the owner and operator of "The Country Store" in
Lookout for 18 years and a homemaker.
Mrs. Hawkins is survived by four sons: Norman G. Hawkins of Adin; C. Delmer
Hawkins of Bieber; Daren O. Hawkins, Redding; Nolan C. Hawkins of Palo Cedro;
daughter Norene F. Watkins of Mountain View, Wyoming; 12 grandchildren and 19
great-grandchildren.
Condolences may be posted at allenanddahl.com.
Sports
Braves-Tulelake
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hold scrimmage Saturday Modoc's Braves and the Tulelake Honkers
will face off at Modoc High School 10 a.m. Saturday in a first football scrimmage
of the year.
Modoc is coached by Shaun Wood and Tulelake is coached by his
brother Shane Wood. Both coaches will have strong teams this year, with Modoc
coming off last year's section championship.
Shaun Wood has 26 players out for the varsity this year and figures
he may get a couple more before the actual season starts. This early, he sees
plenty of strengths and he has a large number of returning players.
Returning players include Bill Hammerness, Jesse Harer, Sheridan
Crutcher, Jacob Ketler, Ross Burgess, Brett Ratliff, Devin Urroz, Liam Iverson,
Michael Gaskey, Brandon Anderson and Kade Kunert and Jesse Cuevas.
Players moving up or new include Josh Wood, Daniel Morgan, Trent
Schmidt, Josue Madrigal, Cameron Hall, Jeremy Anselmi, Shane Pierce, David Holloway,
Spencer Fullerton, Neil Mohr, Devin Glenn, Nathaniel Kaiser, and Fernando and
Victor Garcia.
The Braves lost an outstanding line last year, as well as some
of a strong backfield, but Wood feels his running backs will be very strong
and he is working on a line that should jell well.
Modoc's junior varsity, coached by Keith Weber has between 26 and 30 players.0
Blue Lake Campsites Being Relocated
To enhance the habitat for a pair of bald eagles nesting and raising
young, the Warner Mountain Ranger District will relocate five campsites at Blue
Lake Campground outside of the eagle closure area.
By moving the campsites campers will enjoy the full use of the
campsites when the campground is open. The work is scheduled to begin around
August 28th. No work will take place during Labor Day Weekend but will resume
beginning on September 5th until complete.
The relocation of the campsites will enhance the camping
experience at Blue Lake by providing the full use of the five campsites and
will have little impact campers during Labor Day weekend stated, Jessie
Berner, Forest Recreation Officer.
The Modoc National Forest is currently in fire restrictions. Campfires are restricted to developed campgrounds within established fire rings. For current information about fire restrictions please contact the Modoc National Forest at 530-233-5811.
Hight makes semi-final
Robert Hight qualified first at the O'Reilly NHRA Mid-South Nationals
in Memphis this week but was eliminated in the semi-final race by Tony Pedregon.
His boss and father-in-law, John Force, beat Pedregon to win the
final race. Force moved into first place on the POWERade point lead and Hight
is in fifth.
Hight did qualify first for the prestigious Skoal Showdown Funny
Car bonus race in conjunction with the Mac Tools U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis
August 30-Sept. 4.
Hight has won one race, but in the last six events in the NHRA POWERade series, he has qualified number one three times, number two, number four and number seven.
Junior Pheasant Hunt offered
A Junior Pheasant Hunt Ash Creek Wildlife Area will be offered September 16, with an a.m. hunt from 8 a.m. to 12 noon and a p.m. hunt, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Entry deadline is Sept. 8. All Junior Hunters with current 06/07 hunting licenses may apply. Mail a 3 by 5 postcard with name, address, phone number, 06/07 hunting license number, date of birth and choice of a.m. or p.m. hunt to: Ash Creek WLA, P.O. Box 37, Bieber, CA 96009. Groups up to four persons per card. For any further information please call 530-294-5824.
News
Supervisor hopefuls can make application to Governor
Residents who would like to fill the seat of District IV Modoc County Supervisor
Ray Anklin must filed an application with Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who
will then make the appointment.
Anklin, of Canby, resigned his seat as part of a plea deal after entering a
"no contest" plea in Modoc Superior Court on charges of having sexual
intercourse with a 17-year-old girl last spring and summer.
Modoc County Clerk Maxine Madison has notified the office of Governor Arnold
Schwarzenegger, which has begun the process to appoint a replacement. Madison
said an election is not allowed, and the appointed Supervisor would serve Anklin's
remaining term, through 2008.
All registered voters in District IV are eligible to apply for appointment
and must make application online at http://www.gov.ca.gov/index.php?/appointments/application.
Madison has said there have been calls of interest in the position, but to
her knowledge, no one has made formal application. No deadline for application
has been announced.
Government Code 2500 requires each county to have a Board of Supervisors consisting
of five members. And GC 25060 requires the Governor to fill the vacancy on any
Board of Supervisors.
Anyone who makes application to fill the vacancy is asked to notify Madison
at 233-6201.
Main Street rebirth
Alturas' Main Street is receiving big changes this summer and fall with new
road project construction. But, many more fresh, new changes are taking place
on the face of and behind the storefronts in Alturas through the personal efforts
of a host of local business and building owners. And by next Spring, new, old-fashioned
street lights, will line the length of Main for a whole new look.
Included among the current and soon to arrive changes are the following:
Modoc County Title Co. has purchased the Modoc Business Supply building at
the corner of First and Main Streets, from owners Rick and Terri Malcolm and
Dee Dewitt. "We're very excited," described title company Manager
Rendy Rees, who had been looking for a larger building for quite some time.
The company is pleased to be "utilizing an existing building, with an "awesome
location near the Courthouse," said Rees. Modoc County Title Co. plans
to move to its new location in February 2007.
Before the title companies move, the former Phillips Furniture building will
be remodeled to change the direction of the stairway, provide a reception area
and two signing rooms for confidentiality, several separate offices, ADA accessible
restroom, an employee break room and the second floor for storage. The current
title company building on Modoc Street will be sold.
The former Sierra Clothing location, located next to Top Hat Entertainment,
is receiving a new plaster "facelift" in process this week, by Gibson
and Sons Plastering, thanks to the building's owner Rosemary Nelson of Alturas.
The site will then be ready for occupancy by a to-be announced new business.
Gibson and Sons Plastering relocated to the area two years ago. Nelson also
has plans to spruce up the adjoining building front.
At 411 So. Main Street, building owners Rollie and Sheila Gilliam of Alturas,
are enjoying preserving the historic painted signs on their "Sears"
building and renovating the interior and exterior of the building. The large
corner office is home to Cygnus Mortgage and a second office being remodeled,
is expected to be filled sometime after October. The Gilliams are also renovating
the expansive upstairs area which has the original wood flooring to be considered,
plus a three bedroom apartment.
Ed and Sandy Stevenson have purchased the Fox house at the north end of town
(next to the Chevron Station). The two-story home is in the midst of a major
renovation and is being remodeled to become home to United Country Stevenson
Realty. Stevenson found some treasured bits of history in the house, including
campaign cards for Modoc County Clerk and Treasurer, dating back to the 1900s,
and letters from James Pepperdine, which she will preserve and frame for the
new office. The move from the current office in the Alturas Elks Lodge to the
new location is expected to be completed before Christmas 2006.
North on Main Street at the addresses of 126,128, 130 and 134, stands the 1920s
era building, which covers a combined total of over 8,500 square feet. Warner
Mountain Properties ( not to be confused with Warner Mountain Realty) has put
in new structuring in the section formerly occupied by the Trading Post. Construction
is now complete with a new roof with new supporting trusses, a new ceiling,
new interior wall texturing, paint and carpet. New wiring and lighting has also
been done in another section which also offers expansive windows with a view
of Main Street.
The complex as a unit or sectioned, is now available for lease, rent or sale
by contacting Paul Breshears in Alturas.
Breshears also knows the building's history, which included several long-time
businesses from the early days of Kerr Mortuary when owned by Don Kerr, to Fitzpatrick's
Store and Hart's Five and Dime for over 50 years. The building is now ready
for a comeback, after being under construction for many months. The possibilities
are limitless.
The Golden Egg Book Store, has moved from its Modoc Street location to The
Toggery on Main Street. The store goes by the new name of Bookinista, says owner
Sam Mills, who is thrilled to have more room to show off her extensive selection
of books. "The Golden Egg was a great big book store in a tiny space and
I can't believe how everything has filled (the downstairs) in our new location.
We're still putting up shelves and unloading boxes, but the doors are open,
if customers don't mind looking through boxes at the moment," said Mills.
Why the change of name we asked, "Golden Egg was a name I had in my head
when I first got here, but I guess you could say it hatched, and a Bookinista
came out," informed Mills. Bookinista will have a Grand Opening on Wednesday,
September 6. The bookstore will be open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to
6 p.m. and Sunday afternoons.
The quaint shop, and long-time site of Faye's Jewelry for so many years, is being renovated with a fresh new look in the next two months before Cottage Yarns, owned by Carol Brocco of Alturas, moves into the Main Street location in November, along with other surprises.
The mutts did their strut well
Although not everyone got a prize, everyone was a winner at the first-ever
Modoc Mutt Strutt held last Saturday in the Veterans' Memorial Park.
From the Mutt Parade to the hot dog stand, everyone, except perhaps a wary
neighborhood cat or two, had a good time visiting the vendors offering a variety
of pet-related goodies, lunching on hot dogs and pizza, and entering the just-for-fun
contests.
The most hilarious contest was for the Worst Behaved Dog title, during which
contestants tried and tried to coax unwilling dogs to sit, stay, and come. In
the Best Dressed competition, there was plenty of ribbon, glitter and camo as
patriots, ballerinas, clowns, dancers, pajama dogs, soldiers, and a tiny explorer
complete with vest and sun hat pranced around the ring.
The contest with the most entries, of course, was the Prettiest Dog event,
since nearly everyone thinks his or hers should win a prize in that category.
Even though it was all for fun, judges John Fogerty, Kathy Haskin and Shonna
Widby had a very difficult time choosing who the winner would be. Prizes were
presented by Ashley Widby, a Miss National Teen finalist, and Announcer/DJ Harry
Boulade of Golden Rose Productions.
The winners were as follows:
Parade Winner: Bismark - Cheryl Sakahara
Best Dressed: Buster - Christine Widby
Look Alike: MacDog - Landon Brown
Honorable Mention - Hawkeye - Jeffery Tiffany
Best Howl: Taz - Daniele Rose
Best Behaved: Bear - Jamie Brazil
Worst Behaved: Autumn - Jordyn Alexandra
Best Talent: Greta - Kelli Sakahara
Ugliest Dog: MacDog - Landon Brown
Prettiest Dog: Roxie - Jessica Lowden
Best Adopted Dog: Clancy - Dana Hockett
Top Dog: Buster - Christine Widby
Niles Theater holds raffle for seats
The Board of Directors of the Alturas Community Theater, Inc. has announced
a raffle to raise $15,000 for the purchase of 400 nearly new theater seats for
the Niles Theater in Alturas.
The seats are rocker style seats with cup holders and were removed from a theater
in San Francisco after only a short time. They will be a welcomed change from
the worn and uncomfortable seats currently in the theater.
The raffle will be a "sponsor-a-seat" benefit and only 400 tickets
will be sold at $50 each. This is expected to raise $20,000, which will be used
for the purchase price of $15,000 with the remaining $5,000 being devoted to
cash prizes.
The first prize will be $3,000. The second prize will be $1,500 and the third,
$500. The date of the drawings is to be announced, but New Year's Eve is the
target date. Grants are being applied for to cover the additional transportation
and installation costs.
Do the community and your own derriere (backside) a favor and purchase a chance to win big bucks by buying your ticket(s) now. Tickets are available at the Niles Theater, Seab's True Value, Plumas Bank, the Modoc Record and Antonio's as well as from the individual members of the A.C.T. Board of Directors: Karen Hayes, Duanna Knighton, Russ Milton, Seab McDonald, Fritz Barclay and Ken Franklin.
Horse infected with West Nile found in SVModoc has had its first West Nile virus infected horse, solidly confirming
the fact that the virus has made it to Modoc. The horse comes after positive
tests on dead birds and one confirmed human case.
According to Dr. Ryan DePaul, of the Modoc Veterinary Clinic, the horse was
discovered in Surprise Valley last week. He said the horse was treated and is
recovering.
Another horse infected with the virus was confirmed in Ravendale in early August.
DePaul said area horse owners are getting their horses vaccinated and said it's
vital to get their animals vaccinated now to protect them. He said if horses
appear to be suffering some neurological symptoms, wandering aimlessly, or having
dificulty standing, to call the veterinarian quickly.
WNV is transmitted to humans and animals through a mosquito bite from a mosquito
that has been infected by feeding on an infected bird. Although the risk of
serious illness to most people is low, less than one percent of individuals
will develop a more serious illness.
The Modoc Public Health Department urges people to take these simple steps
to protect themselves from mosquito bites and WNV:
Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaradin or oil of lemon eucalyptus,
according to label instructions, whenever you are outside.
Eliminate all standing water in buckets, flowerpots, old tires, gutters
and other sources of standing water that can support mosquito breeding.
Be sure all window and door screens fit tightly and have no rips or
tears.
Wear long sleeves and long pants if you're going to be out at dawn or
dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
Approximately 80 percent of people who are infected with WNV will have no symptoms.
Up to 20 percent of the people who become infected will display symptoms such
as fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph
glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. Less than one percent
of infected individuals will develop severe illness that can include high fever,
headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions,
muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis.
For more information about WNV, visit www.westnile.ca.gov. The public is strongly encouraged to report dead birds on the website or by calling toll-free (877) WNV-BIRD (877-968-2473).
Yellowjackets having banner year
It's pretty tough to be outside in Modoc these days without having to deal
with yellowjackets and wasps. Several people have reported being stung, and
local stores have been seeing spray cans of insecticide and traps moving out
the doors quickly.
Modoc Agriculture Commissioner Joe Moreo said it seems the situation with the
wasps and yellowjackets is worse this year, and it was pretty bad last year.
But he has another concern he'll be investigating.
Moreo said he's sprayed some nests in several areas, and came back to find
those nest reinhabited, a most unusual event. He has a sneaking hunch that forest
yellowjackets are misplacing the regular yellowjackets that dominate the areas
around structures and people.
He said he's going to be checking with experts at U.C. Davis, but is keeping
track of the types of yellowjackets he sees retuning and pestering people. Moreo
said to keep a safe distance from yellowjacket or wasp nests. In addition to
the yellowjacket hordes, Moreo said the local population of paper wasps and
bald-faced hornets also is doing well.
Moreo said the retail yellowjacket traps seem to work well, but should be put
out early in the spring to try to catch the queen. The spray insecticides are
also good.
"If you're going to treat a nest, do it early in the morning, while it's
still cool and the yellowjackets or wasps aren't active," he said. "Get
that spray can that works from 20 to 25 feet away and don't get too close. Once
they sense danger, they'll attack."
Yellowjackets are related to bees and generally will build nests, in holes,
under eves or in woodpiles. According to Moreo, they actual become more of an
issue to people in late summer after their regular food supply, caterpillars
and flies, has dried up. They're often called "meat bees" and can
be found around picnics, around the home barbecue and actually enjoy sips of
soft drinks and other sweet foods.
One of the differences between honeybees and yellowjackets, said Moreo, is
honeybees feed their young with flower (pollen) protein, while yellowjackets
feed theirs with animal protein.
Another major difference is while a honeybee can sting just once; a yellowjacket
or wasp can sting multiple times. While mostly annoying and the stings are painful,
they are very dangerous to people who are allergic to the sting.
Moreo said it's important to give any nest a wide berth, and by all means, don't try to provoke the insects by prodding or throwing rocks at the nest. He said many young people have learned that lesson the hard way.
Obituaries:John Valdemar Fraik
John Valdemar Fraik died in his sleep on August 21, 2006, at his Alturas, CA
home, after years of suffering from congestive heart failure. He was 79.
Mr. Fraik was born July 13, 1927, at Ft. William, (Thunder Bay) Ontario, Canada,
where his family worked their small farm. In the Depression years, a good farm
meant survival. In his teens, he found work with the Great Lakes commercial
shipping industry during World War II, and was fireman aboard several busy freighters,
including the largest of its era, the LeMoyne. In 1945, he turned 18 and joined
the Royal Canadian Army, but the war ended before he was to ship out for the
Pacific.
In the early 1950s, he sought and was granted citizenship, and settled in Minnesota
where he worked primarily as a logger, and also was employed in various construction
work. Moving out west in the 1960s, he found work mostly in logging, construction
and trucking. He later enjoyed doing business with antiques and collectibles.
Two years ago, Mr. Fraik retired from Oroville to Alturas.
He leaves his wife of 26 years, Alma, of Alturas, CA; sister Ruth Sauvè
of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada; brother Mitchell Fraik of Vancouver Island,
BC; four daughters and a son, and numerous grandchildren in Minnesota and North
Dakota.
Kerr Mortuary of Alturas, CA was in charge of arrangements.
Nellie Bell
Nellie Jane Bell, age 88, has joined her husband and many loving friends in
their heavenly home on Monday July 24, 2006.
She was born to Charles and Minnie Hunter March 21, 1918 in Price, North Dakota.
She graduated from high school in Red Bluff, CA. On July 27, 1940 at the age
of 22, Nellie married the love of her life, Norris. For the next 66 years she
lovingly served as a housewife and servant of God with her husband. She made
her home in Alturas Ca. in 1942 and lived there until 1951. She moved to Carlin,
NV. She returned to Alturas, CA. in 1956 where she lived until 1973. Then she
moved to Sparks, Nevada until 2004. She then moved to Washington to live with
her son, and then to Texas to be with her daughter.
Nellie was known far and wide for her cooking and baking skills, German chocolate
cake, applesauce cookies, steak, fried shrimp, pork chops, chili beans, cornbread,
pies and the list goes on and on. Nellie had a special meal and dessert for
everyone including her doctors.
Her heart and her home were always open to anyone in need of food or spiritual
comfort. She prepared and delivered many meals to the homeless and other people
in great need.
Most of all she was dedicated first to God, then to her husband and children.
With the counsel of God and her husband she felt there wasn't anything she couldn't
do.
Nellie was preceded in death by her husband Norris and her sisters Mildred
Moore and Delta Smalley, her brothers Ray, Fay, Vernon and Roland Hunter.
She is survived by her sisters Ethel Lepperd of Klamath Falls, Or. and Shirley
Jean Pynch of Salem, Or. Her son Ted and wife Mary Bell of Vancouver, WA. Her
son Tim and wife Ruth Bell of Oakdale, Ca. Her son Troy and wife Carol Bell
of Corning Ca. Her daughter Sherry and her husband Dean Wilken of Black River
Falls, WI. Her daughter Dixie and husband Bill Doherty of Sachse, TX. and her
son Tam and his wife Shawna Bell of Los Vegas, NV. Nellie also has 16 grandchildren,
13 great-grandchildren.
She was laid to rest with her husband in Fernley, NV.
Services for Andy Lee Jochim
Services for Andy Lee Jochim who passed away on July 23, 2006, will be held at graveside at the Likely Cemetery on September 8, 2006, at 2 p.m. A friendship gathering and potluck will follow at the Likely Fire Hall.
Sports
Coming in sports:
Football:
Modoc vs. Mt. Shasta, at home, 5:30 JV, 7:30 varsity
Soccer:
Modoc vs Burney, there, 4 p.m.; Sept. 9. Trinity at home. 1 p.m.
Volleyball:
At Henley tourney; Sept. 16 at Lakeview tourney
Braves open against Mt. Shasta Friday night at home
Braves open against Mt. Shasta Friday night at home
Modoc football begins a four-game home stand Friday night as the
Mt. Shasta Bears invade Ed Carver Stadium in Alturas. The junior varsity game
will start at 5:30 p.m. with the varsity game to follow about 7:30 p.m.
The remaining pre-season home games find Lakeview Sept. 8, Lost
River Sept. 15 and Bonanza Sept. 22.
The Shasta Cascade League is now made up of Modoc, Fall River, Burney, Bishop
Quinn, Weed and Etna. Mt. Shasta and Trinity have moved into the Greater Mountain
Valley League. Modoc does move up to Division III in the CIF North Section for
this year, where preseason rankings place them at number four, behind Mt. Shasta,
Willows and number one Live Oak.
The Braves are coming off a solid preseason scrimmage against
Tulelake Saturday and coach Shaun Wood figures his team should be able to win
the SCL this year.
"I see us as being the strongest of the teams going into
league with Weed probably being the toughest opponent," Wood said this
week. "The section will be pretty tough though."
While players are still battling for starting spots, Wood figures
a lot of the slots are being cemented during practice this week and the first
game should give coaches a really good picture.
The starting backfield will include running backs Jesse Harer,
Bill Hammerness, quarterback Trent Schmidt, with Daniel Morgan and Sheridan
Crutcher getting their touches. Josh Wood and Morgan are also likely to see
quarterback play.
Receivers include Liam Iverson, Michael Gaskey, Brandon Anderson,
Josue Madrigal, Wood, Victor Garcia and Devin Urroz.
Jacob Ketler will get the nod at center with Jeremy Anselmi, David
Holloway and Spencer Fullerton competing for the guard spots. Neil Mohr, Ross
Burgess, Brett Ratliff and Wood will be vying for the tackle spots. Tight end
will be competition with Wood, Iverson and Gaskey.
On the defensive ends will be Burgess, Iverson, with Anderson, Ketler, Mohr and Anselmi vying for inside spots. Linebackers include Harer, Hammerness, Fullerton, Schmidt and Iverson. The defensive backfield will find Morgan at free safety, Crutcher and Madrigal at the corner, with help from Victor and Fernando Garcia, Kade Kunert and Urroz.
Hight starts number 1 in Skoal challenge
From NHRA: Sophomore Funny Car driver Robert Hight will start
from the No. 1 position in the Skoal Showdown Sept. 3 at O'Reilly Raceway Park
at Indianapolis in his quest for his first victory in the special bonus event
for qualified Funny Car drivers.
The Skoal Showdown, a high-stakes, high-speed race featuring the
eight quickest and most consistent Funny Car teams from the last season, is
a lucrative race within a race during the 52nd annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals,
the world's most prestigious drag race.
The winner of the 25th annual Skoal Showdown will earn a $100,000
bonus from U.S. Tobacco. Any driver who can win the Skoal Showdown and the Mac
Tools U.S. Nationals will earn a $50,000 double-up bonus from NHRA.
A race-day purse of $147,000 is available for the eight drivers
competing in the Skoal Showdown. The Showdown runner-up will earn $15,000, and
the two semifinalists will earn $6,000 each. The four first-round finishers
will earn $5,000 apiece.
Hight, from Anaheim Hills and Alturas, Calif., was the No. 1 qualifier
seven times in his Auto Club Ford Mustang and posted top-five qualifying efforts
at 17 of the 23 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series events that make up the 2006
Skoal Showdown. It is Hight's second appearance in the Skoal Showdown and his
first as the No. 1 seed. He will face veteran Whit Bazemore in the opening round.
Bazemore, who drives the Matco Tools Dodge Charger, is making his 12th start
and is looking for his first victory in the bonus event.
John Force holds down the second position and will make a record
23rd start in the Skoal Showdown. He'll face former teammate Tony Pedregon in
the opening round. Force is a five-time winner of the event; Pedregon's only
Skoal Showdown victory was in 2003.
Eric Medlen and three-time Skoal Showdown winner Ron Capps will
battle in the first round, and Gary Scelzi and Tommy Johnson Jr. also will square
off in the opening round.
Hight and Medlen are part of the Force Racing team.
Drivers accumulated points for the Skoal Showdown at 23 NHRA national
events from last year's Mac Tools U.S. Nationals to the 2006 O'Reilly NHRA Mid-South
Nationals presented by Pennzoil. A $4,000 bonus was awarded to the No. 1 qualifier
at each of those races.
Last year, Del Worsham raced to victory over Medlen in the final
round. Worsham failed to qualify for this year's Showdown.
Skoal Showdown rounds are scheduled for 12:30 and 4 p.m. on Sept. 3.
Advance reservations required for Refuge
Junior Waterfowl Hunt
Junior hunters will have the opportunity to hunt waterfowl at
Modoc National Wildlife Refuge, September 23, 2006. Advance reservations are
required and applications will be accepted through September 8, 2006
Only hunters possessing a valid California Junior Hunting License may apply.
Junior hunters must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult (18 years or older)
with no more than two junior hunters per adult.
Submit a 3 1/2 x 5 1/2 post card with name, complete address and
hunting license number, specify JR Waterfowl Hunt on card. Parent or legal guardian
must sign card for each applicant. Mail or deliver to Modoc National Wildlife
Refuge, P.O. Box 1610, Alturas, CA 96101 by September 8, 2006.
Hunters may contact the refuge at the address above or call 530-233-3572 for
further information.
Junior Pheasant Hunt offered
A Junior Pheasant Hunt Ash Creek Wildlife Area will be offered September 16, with an a.m. hunt from 8 a.m. to 12 noon and a p.m. hunt, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Entry deadline is Sept. 8. All Junior Hunters with current 06/07 hunting licenses may apply. Mail a 3 by 5 postcard with name, address, phone number, 06/07 hunting license number, date of birth and choice of a.m. or p.m. hunt to: Ash Creek WLA, P.O. Box 37, Bieber, CA 96009. Groups up to four persons per card. For any further information please call 530-294-5824.
Sports
Bears beat Braves 12-7, Lakeview next
Modoc's Braves lost a tight game to a good Mt. Shasta Bears team
12-7 to open the 20-6 season Friday night at home. They'll have another home
game against longtime rival Lakeview this Friday night.
"We were just on defense too long against Mt. Shasta and
we made too many mistakes on both sides of the ball," said coach Shaun
Wood. "We're young and that showed some, but we'll get things shored up
for this week."Lakeview will be coming to Modoc for its first game of
the year. Wood said the Honkers lost many of their skilled players to graduation,
but will bring good line to Alturas.
"They run the same offense and defense as Mt. Shasta, so
we're prepared, we just have to eliminate the mistakes, a lot of which were
blocking," said Wood. "We held Mt. Shasta's Patrick Lunney to 107
yards and he never broke a big one for a touchdown, so I was pleased with that.
But we couldn't break our backs free."
Mt. Shasta opened the scoring in the first period when Dallas
Brooks scored on a 35-yard run. The point after was missed and the Bears led
6-0. Modoc scored in the second period when Liam Iverson snagged a 10-yard touchdown
pass from Trent Schmidt. Fernando Garcia kicked the point after and Modoc took
a 7-6 lead.
Mt. Shasta took the lead for good before halftime on a 10-yard
run by Tyler Stokes. The Bears missed the point after and went into intermission
leading 12-7.
Both teams had spurts of excitement in the second half, but mistakes
plagued both and neither could score. The Bears had a first down inside the
10 but could not score and missed a field goal attempt.
Modoc's usually efficient offense could not get on track all game.
The Bears limited Modoc to 195 yards total offense; 163 yards on 39 rushes and
32 yards through the air. Schmidt was just four-for-nine passing. The Bears
picked up 271 yards total with 204 on 39 carries and 67 yards passing on three-for-five.
Lunney led the running backs with 107 yards on 20 carries for
the Bears. Brooks carried the ball 14 times for 84 yards.
For Modoc, Bill Hammerness carried the ball 16 times for 88 yards,
Jesse Harer packed it 18 times for 40 and Brandon Anderson three for 21.
Iverson caught two passes for 24 yards, Anderson one for six and
Hammerness one for two. Mt. Shasta's Tul Sutiprasat had two catches for 57 yards.
On defense, Hammerness and Josh Wood led with 10 tackles each,
Harer had nine and Anderson had eight.
All but one team in the Shasta Cascade League lost this week and are winless on the season. The only team to record a win, Bishop Quinn won by forfeit over Westwood. Modoc, Fall River, Weed, Burney and Etna all lost.
Modoc opens volleyball season at Henley
The Modoc Braves will open the volleyball season at a tough Henley
tournament this weekend.
The Braves will bring a strong, experienced team into the 2006 season and coach
Kim Schmidt is looking for good things from the squad.
Leading returners from last year include Tacie Richardson, Alysha
Northrup, Marlana Bartram and Rachel Kersbergen. A talented group joins them
with Megan Thompson, Amanda Hess, Sarah Catania, Jessie Nosler, Stacey Main,
Amanda Fain and Jaunarena Brynn.
Modoc will travel to the Lakeview tourney Sept. 16 and have a home tournament Sept. 22-23.
Modoc JVs fall to Bears
Modoc's young junior varsity football team, facing a sophomore-loaded
Mt. Shasta Bears squad, held its own, but wound up losing 20-6 Friday. They'll
meet Lakeview this week, at home.
The Bears scored in the second period and led 7-0 at halftime, then added 13 points in the third period for a 20-0 lead. The Braves quarterback; Dee Hunsaker broke loose in the fourth and scored on a 50-yard run. Hunsaker had 104 yards on 12 carries, Justin Estes added 58 yard on 12 carries, Matt Mayes had 15 yards on six and Kyle Voth had four yards on three. The Braves picked up 181 yards rushing and added seven through the air. The Bears had 194 yards on the ground and another 30 passing.
Junior Waterfowl Hunt
Junior hunters will have the opportunity to hunt waterfowl at
Modoc National Wildlife Refuge, September 23, 2006. Advance reservations are
required and applications will be accepted through September 8, 2006
Only hunters possessing a valid California Junior Hunting License may apply.
Junior hunters must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult (18 years or older)
with no more than two junior hunters per adult.
Submit a 3 1/2 x 5 1/2 post card with name, complete address and hunting license
number, specify JR Waterfowl Hunt on card. Parent or legal guardian must sign
card for each applicant. Mail or deliver to Modoc National Wildlife Refuge,
P.O. Box 1610, Alturas, CA 96101 by September 8, 2006.
Hunters may contact the refuge at the address above or call 530-233-3572 for further information
September 14th, 2006
News
Panner faces federal charges in child sex case
Former Alturas physician Owen Panner will face much stronger charges in a federal
case involving sexual issues with minor female patients in Modoc.
According to United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott, Panner, age 59, surrendered
to Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Sept. 8 in Riddle,
Oregon, in response to an arrest warrant issued on an indictment charging him
with two counts of sexual exploitation of a child, in violation of 18 U.S.C
2251 (a) and a third count charging him with possession of child pornography,
in violation of 18 U.S.C 2252A (a) (5) (B).
According to the indictment, the charges stem from his production and possession
in 2001 of two videotapes of minor females, whom he exploited.
According to Assistant United States Attorney Samuel Wong, who is prosecuting
the case, if convicted on either counts one or two, the maximum penalty under
federal law is not less than 10 years nor more than 20 years imprisonment, a
$250,000 fine, three years supervised release and a $100 special assessment.
The maximum penalty for a conviction on count three is five years incarceration,
a $250,000 fine, three years supervised release and a $100 special assessment.
Wong states that the charges are only allegations and the defendant is presumed
innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was the product of a joint investigation by the Modoc County Sheriff's
Department, the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs
enforcement.
Panner is not currently in custody, but has a court date in Eugene, OR. on Sept.
18 and will appear in federal court in Sacramento Sept. 21.
This case comes after Oct. 12, 2005, when Modoc County Superior Court Judge
Larry Dier sentenced Panner to only 60 days in the county jail and three years
probation.
Panner had entered a no contest plea in Modoc Superior Court August 23, 2005
to two counts of secretly filming female patients in return for dismissal of
charges of possession of child pornography.
At that time, Panner pled no contest to a misdemeanor penal code section of
"using a concealed camcorder, motion picture camera or photographic camera
of any type to secretly videotape, film, photograph another person for the purpose
of viewing their body without consent or knowledge of the other person, with
the intent to arouse, appeal to, or gratify the lust, passion or sexual desires
of that person and invade the privacy of that other person, under circumstances
in which the other person has a reasonable expectation of privacy."
At the time, Modoc District Attorney Jordan Funk said the maximum possible
jail sentence on each of the two counts was six months. He sought the maximum
sentence of one year. Under California law, the offenses did not require Panner
to register as a sex offender.
Panner agreed to waive the California statute of limitations, which normally
would have precluded filing the criminal charges to which he pled.
The original charges came from Panner's alleged possession of video recordings
secretly made of minor females undergoing examination at a doctor's office where
Panner had previously worked and at the Modoc Medical Clinic, where Panner had
also practiced medicine.
His license to practice medicine was suspended by the California Medical Licensing
Board in May 2006.
The suspect recordings were made in 2001, prior to the discovery of cameras
found hidden in the ceiling vents of two examination rooms at the clinic. Panner
was also the anesthesiologist at Modoc Medical Center. Following the conviction
in 2005, Panner also told hospital administrator that he had placed hidden cameras
in the bathroom of the physician's quarters at Modoc Medical Center. No charges
were ever filed in that instance, as part of the plea deal.
Panner and Dr. Ed Richert opted to close their private practice in 2003 and
move into the Modoc Medical Center Clinic under contract with the county. Richert
remains at the clinic.
Panner is also currently facing civil lawsuits from at least two of the victims.
Modoc API scores generally upbeat
Schools in Modoc County did pretty well in the recently released Academic Performance
Index (API) report, with Alturas Elementary School the brightest star on the
chart.
AES scored a 794, just six points off the state's target of 800. The score
improved from its 2005 base score of 769 and was well above its target growth
rate of two points. AES has consistently scored well.
The statewide score for all schools was 720, for grades 2-6 it was 751, for
grades 7-8, it was 715 and for high schools it was 680. According to the California
Department of Education, 35 percent of elementary schools, 24 percent of middle
schools and 14 percent of the state's high schools have met the target score
of 800.
"Overall, we see some good things in this report," said Modoc County
Superintendent of Schools Gary Jones. "Alturas Elementary is doing very
well in all areas. When we look closely at the scores, there are some areas
we need to address."Jones said he sees some interesting scores in different
subjects and at different schools and districts. One of his goals, he said,
is to make use to the available resources in the county to bolster weak areas
and to make use of strong educator practices and people throughout the county.
Modoc Middle School dropped from the 2005 base of 750 to 710, missing its target
of three points and not meeting its improvement goals.
Modoc High School scored 700, up well from the 2005 base of 671 and well above
its target improvement of six points. Modoc Charter School scored at 704, above
its base of 694 and met its goals.
Of the Modoc Joint Unified School District' small schools, Stateline scored
848, well above the state's target and above 2005's 816. South Fork Elementary
scored 724, above the 2005 base of 701. Arlington actually dropped from 745
to 713.
Surprise Valley Elementary School scored 750, down from 2005's 765.
Tulelake High Schools' score dropped from 2005's 700 to 673, Tulelake Elementary
School dropped from 755 to 739 and Newell Elementary School went up from 637
to 766.
One area that needs serious attention is Modoc High's Algebra I. According
to the recent test, 93 percent of juniors, 83 percent of sophomores and 61 percent
of freshman were either below basic or in the far below basic category. None
of the students were at advanced and none of the sophomores or juniors scored
at proficient.
The scores are listed from a high of advanced, to proficient, to basic to below
basic and to far below basic.
By contrast, MHS's Biology students scored well with 94 percent of the freshman
at proficient or advanced, 63 percent of the sophomores at proficient or advanced
and 93 percent of the juniors at proficient or advanced.
Modoc Middle School Algebra I scores show just nine percent at advanced and
proficient, with 53 percent at basic, 29 percent below basic and nine percent
far below basic.
An area of major concern is Surprise Valley Elementary School's English-Language arts, where 43 percent of the third grade were far below basic, 14 percent were below basic and 4 percent were basic. Those scores improve in the fourth, fifth and sixth grades and SVES math scores are good with 31 percent of the fourth grade, 29 percent of the fifth grade and eight percent of the sixth grade at advanced, and 46 percent of the fourth, 63 percent of the fifth and 31 percent of the sixth as proficient.
Bird festival, educational and fun
Did you know that a Sandhill crane's wingspan stretches across six to seven
feet? That and other amazing bird facts will be in this year's colorful keepsake
program for the 2006 Wings of the Warners Modoc Migratory Bird Festival.
At 7 p.m. Friday the Friends of the Modoc National Wildlife Refuge will be
hosting a free "International Bird Safari" with Stefan Savides. After
the presentation at the Modoc High School social hall, the Friends will serve
dessert and coffee and have information and a sign-up sheet for those interested
in finding out more about the group.
Other weekend activities include:
A sunrise hot air balloon lift-off and a 6:30 a.m. pancake breakfast ($5) at
Sharp's Field (corner of E. 4th and Josephine streets) in Alturas.
Birds and Bikes, a bicycle tour of the Modoc National Wildlife Refuge beginning
at 8:30 a.m. in the Museum parking lot across from the Veteran's Park.
High Plateau Humane Society's Farmer's Market starts at 8 a.m. at the Pavilion.
9:30 a.m. the Festival opens with a Krispy Kreme donuts and coffee booth for
returning bike riders, vendors, presenters and early birds.
A Bird Watching workshop with John Ranlett begins at 10 a.m.
At 11 a.m. Dr. Robert "Batman" Trujillo will present "Bats,
Bats and more about Bats" an informative workshop delving into the secret
lives of the nocturnal creatures.
All day activities include a Wildlife Scavenger Hunt, Face Painting, Bird House
Building, Fun Photos and nature crafts for children.
At noon members of the Country Jam will play music for those enjoying food
from the various food vendors at the Festival.
At 1 p.m. Turtle Bay Museum from Redding will have live raptors on display.
The Quack Me Up duck calling workshop and contest will begin at 2 p.m.
At 2:55 p.m. the Tub of Treasures winner will be announced (need not be present
to win).
At dusk (weather permitting) the hot air balloon Night Glow will begin at the
Veterans' Park.
Sunday's activities start with the sunrise balloon lift at Sharp's Field and
a continental breakfast for $3.
A Bird Watching tour of the Modoc National Wildlife Refuge will begin at 7:30
a.m. at the North Hunt Lot on the right side of County Rd. 115, about a half-mile
south of the Refuge entrance.
At approximately 8:30 a.m. a "mist netting" songbird banding demonstration
will be held at the North Hunt Lot.
At 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. the annual Pit River Clean-Up Day begins at the River
Center.
Alturas man arrested on rape charges
An Alturas man, Jerry B. Wheeler, age 21, was arrested alleging the rape of
a 15-year-old Alturas girl.
According to Alturas Police, the incident occurred at the suspect's home Sept.
5, about 11:30 p.m., where the girl had gone to visit. She reported the incident
soon after she left the house, said Police.
Wheeler is charged with rape and unlawful intercourse with a minor under age
16.
Police also report an accident August 31 where Doug Bradbury, 32, of Anderson
lost control of a Quad on the road on top of Tank Hill and sustained severe
head injuries.
He was transported to Modoc Medical Center and then transported to Mercy Hospital
in Redding.
Patricia Frances Hinchey
Services for long-time Alturas resident Patricia "Pat" Frances Hinchey,
79, will be held on Friday, September 15 at 11 a.m. at the Alturas Cemetery.
Pastor Mel Chasteen will officiate. A gathering will follow at the Alturas Baptist
Church on West Fourth St., Alturas.
Mrs. Hinchey passed away in Alturas on Sunday, September 10, 2006 at Modoc
Medical Center.
Born Patricia Murphy on September 4, 1927, in Coffeyville, Kansas, she grew
up in Oklahoma and attended Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee and Northeastern
University in Miami, OK. Pat loved teaching and taught school for a year, then
helped her brother through college, before they both went back to school. She
married Walter Soocey and left college, but was left a widow at age 27, with
four small children, after Walter was killed in an Air Force maneuver in Las
Vegas. Pat moved to Boyes Hot Springs, CA to join her parents so they could
help her with the children. She remained a widow for 7-1/2 years until 1962,
when she was introduced to Jim Hinchey of Alturas. The two married on June 16,
1962 in Boyes Hot Springs, CA. They were a good match with a common faith and
both were creative. They blended their families to raise six children together
in Alturas. While her children were in school, Pat worked part-time as secretary/bookkeeper
at the local lumber company. She later worked as a substitute teacher for Modoc
County schools until her daughters graduated in 1969. Her involvement with the
local Art Center began in the early 1960s. Her passion for the arts found her
taking every class available at the center, over the years. She served as the
Art Center's volunteer bookkeeper and treasurer for over three decades, up until
earlier this year.
"Pat's been the backbone of the Art Center," said her good friend
Margot Curtis in a tribute to Pat in May, when Pat retired from bookkeeping,
due to her health.
Pat's hands were always busy. She had a good sense of humor and loved learning
new things. She was a watercolor artist, enjoyed doing crafts and writing children's
stories. She had two diplomas from the Children's Institute of Writing. She
also played the piano, loved to sing, was a good cook and provided loving guidance
to her own family and many others.
From the age of 16 and through the years, Pat also taught Bible Study and Sunday
School. A woman of strong faith, she was a devout member of the Alturas Baptist
Church. Her husband Jim passed way January 25, 1998.
She is survived by her daughter Sheryll Hite and granddaughter Tamara Wagner
of Riverside, CA; daughter Valerie Gibeau, (Dan) and grandchildren Danny, Dawn
Gibeau of Blackhawk, SD and James Gibeau of Destin, FL; daughter Patricia Nwobodo
(Jack) and granddaughters, Rachel Field and Rebecca Field of Alturas, CA and
Jami Price (Jason) and great-granddaughters Abbygail and Hannah Price of Temecula,
CA; daughter Geneann Packer (David) and grandchildren Jeremy, Jason, Shane,
Mariah Packer of Lakewood, CO; daughter Bonnie Davis (Bob) of Susanville and
grandchildren Holly Cotner (John) of South Carolina, Jonathan Davis of Susanville;
son Walter Soocey (Pam) and grandchildren John Paul, Vincent, Evonne and Joseph
of San Diego; sister Barbara Hager (Ernie), Sacramento; nephew Dan (Shawn) Hager,
Napa; niece Linda Simpson, and nephew Steve Hager, Sacramento; brother Tom Murphy
(Barbara), Owasso, OK; nephew Tom Murphy (Myra), Kingwood, TX; nephew Anthony
Murphy (Tammy), Bartlesville, OK., niece Katherine Alland (Murphy), Minneapolis,
MN.
Memorials may be directed to the Art Center at 317 North Main St., Alturas
or a charity of the donor's choice.
Services under the direction of Kerr Mortuary, Alturas.
Memorial potluck for Tufts
A Memorial potluck gathering in memory of Dorothy and Harold Tufts will be held Saturday, Sept. 16 at 12 noon at the Likely Fire Hall. The family will welcome all to remember and cherish the memories that Harold and Dorothy brought to so many. Dorothy McGarva attended school in Likely, then graduated in 1937 from Modoc High School in Alturas, CA. Dorothy McGarva Tufts passed away October 6, 2005. Her husband Harold passed away July 3, 2006, in Bakersfield, CA, also.
Sports
Braves bury Lakeview, Lost River will be
tougher
Modoc's Braves had the Lakeview game in hand by midway through
the second period Friday night, but Lost River this weekend will be much tougher.
The junior varsity game against Lost River will start at 5 p.m.
and the varsity will follow about 7 p.m. at the Modoc High football field.
Modoc opened the scoring against Lakeview and led 13-6 after the
first period, but opened the floodgates in the second, adding 20 points and
taking a 33-6 lead into halftime. Neither team scored in the second half as
Modoc managed to get playing time for the reserves. The Braves defense did not
allow Lakeview much offense.
Jesse Harer scored three touchdowns for the Braves and Bill Hammerness
added a pair. Both backs shredded the Lakeview defense. Harer carried the ball
18 times for 160 yards, Hammerness packed it 19 times for 148 yards. Cam Hall
had 22 yards on four carries. Harer had a 60 and 30-yard run called back on
penalties.
"Our line play was much better Friday night and things worked
well," said coach Shaun Wood. "We expect Lost River to be very tough.
They run the ball well and will air it out. They have a good line, decent backs
and a good quarterback."
Modoc picked up 15 first downs in the game, and Lakeview had nine.
The Braves rushed the ball 48 times for 344 yards, and passed two-for-seven
for 17 yards.
Leading tacklers for the Braves were Harer and Hammerness with
11 each, Hall and Spencer Fullerton with nine each, with Josh Wood and Brandon
Anderson getting eight each.
Modoc picked up six sacks, with Anderson, Ross Burgess, Michael
Gaskey, Liam Iverson, Wood and Harer getting one each.
Other action this past week, found Burney beating Chester 2-0, Hayfork beat Weed 48-6, Lost River beat Etna 49-17, Trinity beat Arcata 30-18, Bishop Quinn topped Mercy 35-7.
Last second goal gives Modoc win over Trinity
Modoc's Keith Montague took a pass from Isidro Chavez and drilled
it past the Trinity goalkeeper with 10 seconds left in the game to give the
Modoc Soccer team a 1-0 win Saturday.
Modoc coach Mike Yarbrough said he was very pleased with the overall
game, which was evenly played in the first half, but taken over by Modoc in
the second.
Modoc had plenty of good shots on goal, 13, but could not score
in the first half. Those shots came from Chavez, Dustin Philpott, Montague,
Marielle Nardoni and Fernando Garcia.
Modoc's defense dominated the second half, and Modoc spent most of the half
on the Trinity side of the field.
"Trinity had a couple of fast breaks on us, but because of
the efforts of Chris Buchanan, Chrissy Hall and Courtney Holloway, Trinity was
unable to score," Yarbrough said.
Modoc goalkeeper Kevin Haggard also had a good game, coming up with the shutout.
Modoc had a scheduled game with Burney Tuesday, but the referees' schedule was
in error and they didn't show. Burney an Modoc opted for a scrimmage.
Volleyball opens with 4th place finish
Modoc's volleyball team opened with a fourth place finish at a
strong Henley tournament over the weekend.
Modoc lost to Henley, 7-15, 16-25 and 14-25; to Bonanza 25-27;
Mazama 23-25; and beat Klamath Union 25-23; Chiloquin 25-23 and Lost River 25-23.
Modoc goes to the Lakeview tournament this weekend. Mt. Shasta
comes to Modoc Sept. 19 and hosts their home Tourney Sept. 22-23.
Alysha Northrup was name All-tourney in the event. She had 13 kills and served 71 percent. Megan Thompson had 13 kills and two blocks, Stacey Main had 15 kills and five blocks, Tacie Richardson had 13 kills and served 92 percent with three aces, Marlana Bartram had five kills and one block, Sarah Catania had seven kills; Jessie Nosler served 85 percent with four aces and Amanda served 100 percent with two aces and Jaunarena Brynn served 100 percent with one ace.
Britton, Berg Arrowhead invite winners
The team of Jack Britton and Jeff Berg won the Arrowhead Member-Guest
golf tournament over the weekend when they fired a low gross of 218.
Dave Holub and Kevin Samples shot 219 for second.
The low net winners were the team of Mike Macdonald and Gale Plato
with a 203. There was a tie for second low net at 208 between Greg Valencia,
Colin Richardson and Jeff Solomon, Jr., Bob Russell.
Taking fourth place was the team of Roger and Bob Dorris, at 209 and fifth was Phil Smith and Bob Gale at 210.
Brave JVs tie with Lakeview
Modoc and Lakeview's junior varsity teams battled to a 14-14 tie
last week and will face Lost River here Friday night.
Modoc outplayed Lakeview for most of the game, running 44 offensive
plays to Lakeview's 25 and out rushing them 269 yards to 133 yards, including
a botched punt rush that allowed an 85 yard run for a touchdown.
"We are making progress," said coach Keith Weber. "If
we can erase the opponent's big plays and if Modoc can take care of the ball,
we'll do well."
Modoc took a 6-0 lead in the first period and Lakeview tied it
at 6-6 in the second. Lakeview went up 14-8 in the third, before Modoc tied
it in the fourth.
Justin Estes led the runners, gaining 187 yards, Matt Mayes had
53 yards rushing and Dee Hunsaker has 23. Hunsaker also returned a punt 80 yards
for a score. Modoc's offense fumbled the ball three times.
On defense, Ivan Mendoza had a fumble recovery; Ethan Bonham and Tyler Dowdy each had interceptions. Dowdy returned his for a TD, but it was called back on clipping.
September 21st, 2006
News
Backpacker's body found in Warners
A 50-year-old backpacker, who was on a religious fast in the Warner Mountains,
was found dead at her campsite by searchers Sept. 19.
According to Modoc Undersheriff Mark Gentry, Jeannie Marie Parsons, age 50,
of Red Bluff had last spoken to her family by cell phone Sept. 14 saying she
would be coming out of the mountains in a couple of days. They, and family friends,
became concerned and reported her missing at 5 p.m. Sept. 18. She had been camping
in the Warners after entering at Mill Creek Campground Sept. 4.
According to Gentry, Sergeant Vern Seevers led the search effort, starting the
evening of September 18 and going full force when daylight hit Sept 19.
According to Seevers, Parson's body was discovered by the crew of the California
Highway Patrol helicopter Tuesday afternoon. She was apparently lying down at
her campsite, near the Summit Trail about 1.3 miles below Eagle Peak.
According to Gentry there were no signs of foul play or noticeable injury and
the report on the cause of death is pending. Gentry noted that the temperatures
in the high country had turned cold over the last week.
According to Gentry, family members and friends said she was an experienced
outdoors person. She was well known here, having worked on ranches in the Likely
area.
According to Seevers, about 15 staff people were involved in the search, in addition to a number of cowboys and volunteers from the Likely area.
Jones: test scores indicate positive direction
Modoc County Superintendent of Schools Gary Jones was generally pleased with
the results of Modoc schools test scores, just released and went through the
results carefully this past week.
Jones pointed out that Surprise Valley High School has not had its scores released
yet, because of a misunderstanding or miscommunication on the school category.
Jones said he fully expects SVHS's scores to be high and very respectable.
Surprise Valley High School's current ninth and 11th grade students have
scored well on their tests for several years in a row, Jones said.
Jones explains that the targeted Academic Performance Index (API) score for
all California schools is 800. If schools score below 800, the expectation is
that their scores will rise each year until they attain the 800 score. Once
an API of 800 is reached, schools are expected to stay at or above that level
in future years.
One school in Modoc County, Stateline Elementary in New Pine Creek, scored
above the 800 level with an 848, (the high is 1,000), said Jones. This
is the second year in a row Stateline has turned in such a performance.
According to Jones, the greatest gain for all schools in the county was at
Newell Elementary, which improved their scores by 129 points over last year.
With Stateline and Newell leading the way, a majority of the elementary
schools saw their scores increase, Jones said. Alturas Elementary
and South Fork increased performance scores, while Tulelake Elementary, Arlington
and Surprise Valley Elementary scored lower than last year. AES came very
close to the 800 mark, scoring at 794.
Of the four secondary schools in our county, Modoc High increased their
API score for the fourth straight year, said Jones. Tulelake High
and Modoc Middle, having raised their scores for the past three years, saw their
scores drop this year. Modoc Charter School, having just earned a six-year term
of accreditation, increased their API score from 694 to 704.
On the STAR Test, students are measured as Advanced, Proficient, Basic, below
Basic, or Far Below basic. The long-range goal is for all students to attain
a level of Proficient or Advanced within each of the assessed subject areas.
Jones points out that there were obvious strengths and weaknesses in the various
schools in the STAR test results.
Both Surprise Valley and Modoc Joint School Districts have good third
grade classes this year, said Jones. As second grade students, their
scores in English Language Arts and Math were solid.
In the MJUSD, for instance, the second graders scored at 66 percent proficient
or advanced in English-Language Arts, but only 30 percent of seventh graders
were at those levels, whole 56 percent of ninth graders tested that high.
In math, 75 percent of the second graders were in the high two levels and 66
percent of third graders. That dropped to 34 percent of sixth graders and 28
percent of seventh graders.
As stated in an article last week, a major area of concern in the MJUSD in
Algebra 1 score where no 10th or 11th garders scored at proficient or advanced,
only six percent of ninth graders were proficient and none advanced. The real
scary scores in that area are the 95 percent of 11th graders and 83 percent
of 10th graders who were below basic or far below basic.
Eighth grade life science needs some help as well where only 28 percent were
in the top two levels and 45 percent scored in the bottom two levels.
A real strong point for the Modoc High students is biology where 93 percent
of freshmen, 63 percent of sophomores and 93 percent of juniors are at the top
levels and as importantly, none were in the bottom two levels.
Jones notes that Surprise Valley's third grade class had no student at advanced
or proficient in English Language Arts, and 57 percent at below or far below
basic. Conversely, the fourth grade had 69 percent in the top two levels, the
fifth grade had 53 percent in the top levels, the eighth grade had 72 percent
in the top and the 10th grade was 69 percent in the good levels.
In Math, SVJUSD fourth graders were 77 percent in the top two levels and 82
percent of fifth graders were in the higher end. The sixth grade dropped to
39 percent.
In the Tulelake Basin Joint Untified School District, the third grade in English
Language scored only 23 percent in the top two levels, the seventh grade had
30 percent and the eight grade 29 percent, all areas needing some improvement.
In Math, the TBJUSD fourth graders had 57 percent score in the top two levels.
Ninth grade Algebra I scores were low with 17 percent in the upper two levels,
and Algebra II scores showed just seven percent of 10th graders in the upper
two levels.
There are also areas needing attention in life science where 28 percent of
fifth graders, 29 percent of eight graders and seven percent of 10th graders
scored at the top two tiers.
Jones points out that schools are working on the weak areas and stressing that they maintain their higher levels in good areas. He said schools are getting more and more adept at teaching to the standards and he expects scores to continue to improve.
Five new homes in county building
The addition of five new homes in the county helped the August building permit
totals. The county issued 23 permits worth an estimated $1,032,209.
The City of Alturas issued just 10 building permits valued at $41,786. The
city permits were largely remodel, re-roofing and windows. The city issued 15
building permits in July, worth an estimated $459,092.
Modoc County issued 21 building permits valued at $1,218,543 in July, which
included three new homes and another five manufactured homes were installed.
The county's building department issued 29 permits in June worth an estimated
$1,076,124, up from May's 17 permits valued at $814,100.
Voter registration open for Nov. election
The deadline to register to vote in the November 7 General Election is October
23. Any changes in voter registration should also be made at that time, including
name and address corrections.
Nationally, U.S. Representative John Doolittle is facing a strong challenge
from retired Air Force Officer Charlie Brown. Doolittle has been heavily implicated
in the Jack Abramoff lobbying scandal. A recent poll in that race puts the campaign
at a statistical dead heat.
There will be local elections in November in the Modoc Joint Unified School
District, Tulelake Joint Unified School District, California Pines Community
Services District and the Fort Bidwell Fire District.
Incumbent Karen Hays has filed for re-election in the Modoc Joint Unified School
District and two challengers have filed, Erin Bevil and Eric Sittig. Incumbent
Patt Swanson is not seeking re-election.
There are four seats on the ballot for the Surprise Valley Joint Unified School
District. There will not be an election in that four people have filed for those
seats and there is no competition. In Cedarville, the seats of Gene Erquiaga
and James Laacke expire. Laacke and a challenger, Penny Borghi, have filed,
but Erquiaga did not run. Bill Bostic has filed for re-election and Alissa Fee
has filed in Fort Bidwell. Ft. Bidwell's incumbent, Steve Smith, did not file.
Incumbent Roy Wright has filed for re-election on the Tulelake Basin Joint
Unified School Board. Two challengers, Venencio Hernandez and Randall Bailey
have also filed. Incumbent Donald Kirby did not file.
On the County Board of Education: District Two's Rebekah Ingraham; District
Three's Dixie Server; and District Five's Marcella Haynes will not have to face
re-election since no challengers emerged.
There will be an election for one seat on the Fort Bidwell Fire District. Incumbent
John Drew is being challenged by John Brauner.
An election is also set for the California Pines Community Services District
where three seats are up. Incumbent Lola Milliron and Bruce Rodgers are running
for re-election, but Robert Lyons has not filed. Three challengers have filed:
James Ganoe, Stanley Ehlinger and Hank Drury.
Julie Gagnon has filed for re-election to Big Valley Joint Unified School District
Board of Trustees.
Mable Allen Reed
Alturas native Mable Ann (Allen) Reed of Strathmore, CA, passed away in Porterville,
CA on September 18, 2006. Born to Elmer Pete Allen and Irma (Teague)
Allen on September 17, 1949, she moved away from Modoc County in 1985. Even
though she was very short in height, her persona was larger than life, describes
one of her daughters Johnnie Busch of Alturas. Mrs. Reed preferred to be active
outdoors and was never fond of cold winters. She tried to enjoy things
the way they are and had a way of making people love her, even if they didn't
want to.
Mrs. Reed enjoyed keeping her hands and mind active. She crocheted, enjoyed
working jigsaw puzzles, painted ceramics and loved camping and fishing. She
also had a soft heart for animals. Over the years, she was employed in various
jobs. Her first job was with A&W in Alturas, as a server. She later worked
as a maid, as a fruit grader, a label machine operator and for a laundry. She
could grow healthy houseplants from ones that were nearly dead. She was also
an avid reader.
She was really outspoken, and would say it like she thought it,
said her daughter. She married Loyd Reed on February 24, 1990, after being estranged
from her previous husbands, including Bill Busch, Mark Robinson, Elsie Conklin.
She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Barbara.
She is survived by her daughter Johnnie Busch, Alturas, CA; son William Busch;
daughter Barbara Busch, Parson, TN; daughter Karen Spears, Ripley, Mississippi;
son Keith Reed, Pleasanton, CA; son Duane Choat, Strathmore, CA.; brother Joel
Allen in Redding; sister Carol in Washington and among her grandchildren are
Myriah Busch and Corby Busch of Alturas.
Mrs. Reed's request that no services be held, is being respected by her family.
Service for Doris Belle
Doris Marie Belle of Alturas passed away September 18, 2006, at Modoc Medical
Center, Alturas, CA. A memorial service for Mrs. Belle, is being arranged for
Saturday, September 30, time to be announced, at Alturas Church of Christ. Pastor
Dewey Potter from the Alturas Church of Christ will officiate at the church
located on Warner Street, near Arrowhead Golf Course. Mrs. Belle's obituary
will be published in a future Record.
Arrangements are through Kerr Mortuary.
Sports
Modoc dismantles Lost River 33-7
Modoc varsity football team easily dismantled a usually strong
Lost River Raider squad, 33-7, Friday night at the Modoc High field.
This week, Modoc travels to Bonanza to take on the Antlers. Bonanza
beat Oakland, Or., 28-0 last week.
"We don't know a lot about Bonanza, but they do have a good, big fullback
and a quick tailback, and can throw the ball," said Modoc Coach Shaun Wood.
"We're preparing for a tough game, but right now, I feel really good about
our chances. Our line has come along really well and the defense is very strong."
That defense has allowed 12 points, six points and seven points
in three games. The Braves are 2-1 in preseason and will finish this week with
Bonanza and then travel to face a strong Trinity club Sept. 29. They'll start
what looks like a very weak league against Etna Oct. 6 here. The Shasta Cascade
League this year consists of Modoc, Etna, Burney, Fall River, Weed and Bishop
Quinn.
"We've been able to get a lot of players into the past two
games, so that works really well," said Wood. "I know Trinity s going
to be tough and we have to travel there, which makes it tougher."
The Braves opened up with a 13-0 first period lead against Lost
River and led 20-0 at halftime. Modoc added 13 more in the third period and
Lost River finally scored seven in the fourth period.
Modoc picked up 19 first downs in the game, compared to Lost River's
seven and rushed 49 times for 321 yards. The Braves also passed for 24 yards.
Jesse Harer led all rushers with 145 yards on 18 carries and three touchdowns,
Bill Hammerness added 107 on 19 with two touchdowns and Josue Madrigal had 33
yards on a pair of runs.
On defense, Josh Wood and Hammerness led with 14 tackles each,
Harer had 12 and Brandon Anderson had 10.
In other action Etna beat Weed 17-15, Bishop Quinn beat Chester 14-12, Burney beat Mercy 22-12, and Fall River beat Portola 24-6.
Bears beat Braves 4-1
The Mt. Shasta Bears jumped on Modoc's soccer team 4-0 in the
first half, but the Braves held them scoreless in the second, losing 4-1.
Modoc coach Mike Yarbrough said the Bears were very talented and
quick, but he was pleased with his team's response in the second half.
Yarbrough said goalie Kevin Haggard had some very good saves.
Robert Spedding had one good shot on goal and Isidro Chavez, Fernando Garcia,
Keith Montague and Dustin Philpott each had a few shots on goal. The Braves'
score came on a last-second penalty shot by Fernando Garcia.
Modoc plays at Weed Sept. 26.
Modoc hosts annual volleyball tournament
this week
The Modoc High School Volleyball teams will host the annual tournament
this weekend at the Griswold Gym.
The tourney on Saturday, Sept. 23, features the first round at
10 a.m. with Modoc against Quincy; at 11 a.m. Westwood meets Portola; at 12
noon, Modoc will play Westwood; at 1 p.m. Portola meets Quincy; at 1:50 p.m.
Modoc meets Portola and at 2:40 Westwood will meet Quincy. Following the first
round, the teams will be seeded with number one playing number four at 3:40,
number two playing number three at 4:40 p.m. with the third place game set for
5:40 p.m. and the title game set at 6:40 p.m.
Modoc will be coming into this tourney following a second place
finish at Lakeview last weekend. Modoc split with Lost River 9-15, 15-9; Lakeview
7-15, 15-7; beat Bonanza 6-15, 15-11 and 15-6 and lost to Hidden Valley 17-15,
14-16 and 4-15.
Stacy Main had 14 kills, Alysha Northrup had 13 and Megan Thompson
and Sarah Catania each added a dozen.
Tuesday night the Braves beat Mt. Shasta after losing the first
game 24-26. They won the last three 25-17, 25-19 and 26-24 for the match.
Thompson had 12 kills, Main had eight, Tacie Richardson added
six and Northrup had five. Northrup and Catania had five serving aces, Richardson
had four and Thompson three. Main had three blocks, and Richardson and Thompson
each had a pair.
The Modoc junior varsity lost to Mt. Shasta 22-25 and 17-25. Alea Bagwell had four kills, Sami Schmidt had three. Kristi Zendejas served six aces. Emily Conner, Madison Halvorson and Erica Cuevas served 100 percent.
Modoc JVs beat Lost River 7-0
The Modoc junior varsity football team capitalized on an early
Lost River turnover deep in Raider territory to win 7-0 Friday.
Modoc got the ball at the 17-yard line and scored when Justin
Estes took the ball in from the six. He also kicked the point after.
Modoc will meet Bonanza in the preliminary this Friday in Bonanza.
Coach Keith Weber said the rest of the game was a defensive battle,
also dominated by turnovers. Modoc fumbled the ball twice, Lost River coughed
it up once, and Modoc's Tyler Dowdy picked off two Raider passes.
"We had a key goal-line stand in the second half that won
the game," said Weber. "On a fourth and goal from the one, we stuffed
the quarterback on a keeper."
Modoc picked up 154 yards rushing in the game and 13 yards through
the air. Lost River picked up 142 yards on the ground.
Estes led Modoc with 73 yards on 14 carries, Dee Hunsaker had
34 yards on six and Matt Mayes had 45 yards on five.
The Braves are now 1-1-1 for the season, beating Lost Rover, tying Lakeview and losing to Mt. Shasta.
Ducks Unlimited hosts banquet
Fall is in the air and it's time to start planning for the annual
Ducks Unlimited dinner, coming up this year October 7. The dinner will be held
at the Brass Rail Restaurant on Lakeview Highway in Alturas. The doors open
at 6 p.m., dinner starts at 7 p.m., promptly followed by the auction. Ticket
prices are: $70 per individual, $90 per couple, $40 for a Greenwing (child),
$300 for an individual sponsor, and $325 for a sponsor-couple.
After many years of Modoc DU chapter leadership, Bob and Nancy
Heard are retiring from active participation. This year's committee expresses
its appreciation for their years of tireless service to Ducks Unlimited, which
raises money for waterfowl habitat restoration and protection in the United
States and Canada. Currently there are four projects in Modoc County being funded
by Ducks Unlimited.
This year's co-chairmen are Jason Teal and Carol Callaghan. Committee members
include Laurie Teal, Doc and Jeri Martin, Don and Lynda Demsher, Steve Clay,
Curt and Toni Talbott.
Anyone interested in helping with this year's DU event, or for ticket information, please call 233-1958.
September 28th, 2006
News
Secure Schools Act moving toward one-year extension
County and state officials report some positive movement in the U.S. Congress
towards extending the Secure Rural Schools Act that was set to expire this year.
"We are somewhat comfortable that we are going to see a one year, sort
of emergency extension of this thing," said Sean Curtis, chairman of the
Modoc County Resource Advisory Council (RAC), which receives funding for local
projects through this act. "It looks encouraging."
Originally passed in 2000, the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination
Act provides payments to states and counties that received a portion of the
receipts from the sale of natural resources, particularly timber, on certain
federal lands during fiscal years 1986 through 1999. Its purpose is to supplement
the loss of tax revenues to those counties due to government policies and practices.
Estimates put the amount needed to fund this act for another year at $400 to
$500 million. These federal payments go to support local schools, road construction
and maintenance as well as community and forest improvement projects. Modoc
County is one of nine Northern California counties directly impacted by this
legislation.
"It's a very, very challenging budget year in Congress, with an abundance
of competing interests of major importance to the country-things like homeland
security, the hurricane recovery effort, certainly the war in Iraq and other
concerns that the American people have right now that are utilizing every penny
that the federal government has," said Bob Douglas, president of the National
Forest Counties & Schools Coalition (NFCSC), which is seeking the reauthorization
of this act. "And so, competition for the reauthorization of this bill
in the current Congress is a hundred times tougher than when we passed the original
bill in 2000."
Local school officials, like the Modoc County's Office of Education superintendent,
Gary Jones, are keeping a wary eye on the progress of this effort since it provides
a vital source of income to the local school districts. "The government
is famous for turning their back on their obligations," said Jones, matter-of-factly.
Were the extension not passed, local school budgets would be severely impacted,
according to Jones. "This is a time when we're trying to make so much progress
toward improving our instructional delivers, to improve student learning and
to score higher on tests. Any reduction affects our movement toward those goals.
Ultimately, it affects kids in a negative way.
"What it means is a reduction of programs," he continued. "When
you're faced with any kind of a reduction in revenues, you have to look at all
things. We always look at non-personnel expenditures first.
The county
office and the districts will look at how to reduce costs in non-personnel areas
first.
"When you reduce programs, that means you reduce personnel-and we're all
about people. When we have to reduce programs and personnel, that means we don't
deliver the educational product in as effective a way. It's less effective."
The coalition recently launched a major lobbying effort in Washington D.C.
that saw 216 people from around the country converge on the capital offices
of U.S. congressmen in an all-out effort to secure a one year extension of the
act as well as laying the foundation for a multi-year reauthorization.
"Representatives of the administration have said that they will work with
Congress to identify the funding for a one year reauthorization. That's what
we're all pushing for," said Douglas. "I'm optimistic that that's
going to happen. There seems to be a lot of support for that in Congress, even
though people are still scratching their heads, trying to figure out exactly
how to pay for it. We think that the money will be found, and it most likely
will be a variety of sources
a combination of multiple sources to pay
for it."
"I think that the coalition did an excellent job of organizing the overall
fly-in," said Curtis of the lobbying effort. "These folks really worked
hard getting it done.
If we get over the top, it wouldn't have happened
without this."
While pleased at the prospect of a one-year extension, the NFCSC is looking
for a permanent solution, not one that must be reviewed every few years. "What
we want is a stable funding source that can be ongoing," said Curtis, noting
that the days of income from timber receipts that once provided this funding
are long gone. "We don't think that we should go back to the old formula,
because the old formula doesn't work any more," he said.
Curtis bristles at the notion, suggested by some, that this is just another
government dole and that the affected counties should be weaned from it. "This
isn't a welfare program.
This is an offset to having all your land out
of production and off the tax roles. And, that's not the same as welfare. The
obligation is ongoing."
He affirms that the government should keep the faith with its people regarding
the obligations it incurs. "The (federal) obligations to keep counties
whole from having all this land off the tax roles still exists.
There's
100-year-old agreement here that needs to be honored."
"It was a compact, an agreement (between the federal government and the
local counties) that was made to meet the needs that these rural areas would
have where they made state lands into federal lands," said Jones, explaining
the history behind the current legislation. "I think that they need to
honor their agreement. That's what's expected of me in my position. If I make
a promise, then I keep my promise."
"What I'd like to see," said Jones, "is for the whole thing
to be reauthorized for five years, and it would be settled for that amount of
time, so that we can have numbers on which we can budget and forecast the future."
Reauthorization of the Secure Schools and Communities Act is an absolute imperative," said Douglas, summing up. "Failing to do so will have major consequences for the public schools in these nine counties and will have major consequences for our ability to provide safe roads, bridges and snow removal in these counties in the future."
Bradbury case continued to November
The homicide case against Christopher Bradbury has been continued for preliminary
examination to Nov. 2, as requested by his attorney.
Bradbury has entered a "not guilty" plea in the Betty Lou Parks'
murder.
Bradbury has switched attorneys from the Modoc County Public Defender's Office
to Alturas attorney Tom Gifford.
He is facing murder charges in the 1992 death of 14-year-old Alturas resident
Betty Lou Parks.
Bradbury, age 31, of Shasta Lake, was 17 years of age at the time of Parks death.
Modoc Superior Court Judge Fritz Barclay has ruled that there was sufficient
evidence to try Bradbury for the murder of Parks and that he would be tried
as an adult.
Bradbury has said he had nothing to do with the murder.
Testimony from his ex-wife is key to the prosecution case. She has told Department
of Justice investigators that Bradbury admitted to her that he had been a part
of the Parks' murder.
Bradbury was arrested in May at his job in Redding and remains in the Modoc
County Jail on $500,000 bail. The case was turned over to DOJ in 2002 by the
Modoc Sheriff's Office.
Parks disappeared on June 25, 1992, and her remains were found by a hiker at
a remote Modoc Estates lot on May 16, 1993.
A separate murder case against David Brunnemer, of Malin, Or., has been continued
for trial setting on January 9.
Brunnemer, age 53, was bound over for trial setting on Oct. 11 in a case involving
the death of an infant in 1979. He has entered a not guilty plea in the case.
His new attorney asked that that trial setting date be continued and the court
agreed.
Alturas Police Officers arrested Brunnemer, June 10, 2005, alleging murder
in the death of infant David Dickson, which occurred November, 1979, in Alturas.
In 1979, it was determined after autopsy to be a possible SIDs death, but
the current investigation ruled that out when the new information became available.
The cause of death is now determined to be blunt force trauma. The coroner case
had originally been handled by the Modoc County Sheriff/Coroner's Office. The
baby had been at the Brunnemer's home for childcare, according to Police.
According to Funk, the testimony of Brunnemer's wife, Debra, is essential in
the case.
The Alturas Police Department, Modoc District Attorney's Office and the Klamath
County Sheriff's Department handled the current investigation.
Brunnemer's bail was set at $100,000, which he posted and he remains in his
position with the Modoc County Road Department in Newell.
While both of these homicide cases have been filed by Funk, it's probable he will be out of office when they come to trial.
Cyclist killed in accident
A 23-year-old Alturas man, Josh Woznack, was killed about 5 p.m. Tuesday night,
when his motorcycle collided with a car driven by Leonard Weber, of Alturas,
on U.S. 395 at the Pencil Road intersection.
According to the California Highway Patrol, Weber was eastbound on U.S. 395
south of Pencil Road at about 55 m.p.h. and Woznack was approaching the Weber
vehicle in the opposite direction.
Weber had slowed to about 20 m.p.h. to make a left turn and turned into the
path of the Woznack motorcycle. The front of Weber's Cadillac hit the Woznack
bike; he was ejected and sustained fatal injuries.
A load of logs spilled on Jess Valley Road Sept. 21, 11:30 a.m., when Steve
Vickerman, age 39, Paisley, Or., lost control of his 1985 Peterbilt.
The California Highway Patrol reports that Vickerman was westbound at 35-40
m.p.h, when he felt the logs shift. The vehicle left the road, hit a milepost
marker and overturned, spilling the logs. He was not hurt.
There were no injuries in a single-vehicle accident Sept. 23, 7:20 a.m. on
Lookout Road north of Lookout.
The CHP reports that Sergio Isarrarz, age 25, Hollister, Ca., was driving a
1991 Ford pickup southbound at about 55 m.p.h. when he had a flat tire. The
vehicle swerved left, went down an embankment and struck a metal culvert. The
airbags deployed and both Isarraraz and a passenger, Dario Garcia, age 23, were
wearing seatbelts and were not hurt.
Panner pleads not guilty to sex charges
Owen Panner, a former physician in Alturas, pled not guilty to sex charges
Sept. 22 in federal court in Sacramento and a case status conference is scheduled
for Nov. 2, 11 a.m.
He was released on a $200,000 guarantee to appear.
According to United States Attorney McGregor W. Scott, Panner, age 59, surrendered
to Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Sept. 8 in Riddle,
Oregon, in response to an arrest warrant issued on an indictment charging him
with two counts of sexual exploitation of a child, in violation of 18 U.S.C
2251 (a) and a third count charging him with possession of child pornography,
in violation of 18 U.S.C 2252A (a) (5) (B).
According to the indictment, the charges stem from his production and possession
in 2001 of two videotapes of minor females, whom he exploited.
According to Assistant United States Attorney Samuel Wong, who is prosecuting
the case, if convicted on either counts one or two, the maximum penalty under
federal law is not less than 10 years nor more than 20 years imprisonment, a
$250,000 fine, three years supervised release and a $100 special assessment.
The maximum penalty for a conviction on count three is five years incarceration,
a $250,000 fine, three years supervised release and a $100 special assessment.
Wong states that the charges are only allegations and the defendant is presumed
innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was the product of a joint investigation by the Modoc County Sheriff's
Department, the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs
enforcement.
This case comes after Oct. 12, 2005, when Modoc County Superior Court Judge
Larry Dier sentenced Panner to only 60 days in the county jail and three years
probation.
Panner had entered a no contest plea in Modoc Superior Court August 23, 2005,
to two counts of secretly filming female patients in return for dismissal of
charges of possession of child pornography.
His license to practice medicine was suspended by the California Medical Licensing
Board in May 2006.
The suspect recordings were made in 2001, prior to the discovery of cameras
found hidden in the ceiling vents of two examination rooms at the clinic. Panner
was also the anesthesiologist at Modoc Medical Center. Following the conviction
in 2005, Panner also told the hospital administrator that he had placed hidden
cameras in the bathroom of the physician's quarters at Modoc Medical Center.
No charges were ever filed in that instance, as part of the plea deal.
Panner and Dr. Ed Richert opted to close their private practice in 2003 and
move into the Modoc Medical Center Clinic under contract with the county. Richert
remains at the clinic.
Panner is also currently facing civil lawsuits from at least two of the victims.
South Fork project application dismissed
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has dismissed Nicholas Josten's exemption
application for the West Valley Hydro project.
In a letter dated September 21, FREC notified Josten that his project did not
qualify for he exemption he had sought. "Our recent pre-examination of
your proposed project, conducted on July 21, 2006, clarified that the West Valley
dam and reservoir plan an integral role in the proposed operational scheme of
your project," FERC states. "Review of your application, hover, indicates
that you did not provide any evidence showing that you have the real property
interests for West Valley dam and reservoir, owned and operated by the South
Fork Irrigation District.
"The Commission's regulations require that an applicant seeking an exemption
form licensing show that it has all the real property interests in the lands
necessary to develop and operate the proposed project, or has an option to obtain
those interests."Josten was asked in September 2004 to provide evidence
of his real property interests. He said in October, that year that the project
had been modified to only affect federal lands and no additional real property
interests were required.
"Our review of your project, however indicates that the 4.5-mile-long
transmission lines from the lower powerhouse to Likely would involve non-federal
lands," FERC stated. "Again, you did not provide documentary evidence
that you have the real property interests for the propped transmission line
right-of-way. Finally, we find that your project does not qualify for a 5-megawatt
exemption."
The Commission is authorized to exempt form licensing requirements of Part I
of the Federal Power Act, small hydroelectric power projects with an installed
capacity of 5 megawatts or less that are located at any existing dam (prior
to July 22, 2005) and that use the water potential for generation of electricity
or use a natural water feature to generate electricity without the need of any
dam or impoundment.
"Because the upper development of your proposed project would utilize
an existing 11,600-foot-long open canal, require the construction of 2,899 feet
of new canal, use the approximately 140-foot drop crated by a new 400-foot penstock,
it would neither be at the site of the existing dam nor use he water power potential
created by the dam," FERC states.
The South Fork Project was supported by some agencies locally, but had also drawn opposition from area landowners as well as north state and national organizations.
Obituaries:
Doris Belle
A Memorial Service for Doris Belle of Alturas, will be held Saturday, September
30, at 11 a.m. at the Church of Christ, located at 1450 Warner Street, Alturas.
Mrs. Belle departed this life on September 18, 2006, at Modoc Medical Center,
Alturas, CA.
Doris Marie Belle entered this life on March 4, 1933. She was born in Baton
Rouge, Louisiana, to her loving parents Henry Miller, Sr. and Annie Mae Miller.
Doris came to know the Lord at an early age. She was baptized by her great-grandfather,
the late Reverend Carter, at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Baton Rouge,
LA. Doris rededicated her life to Jesus Christ, her Lord and Savior, and was
baptized at the Church of Christ in Alturas, CA.
As a young girl, her family moved to Marin County, CA. Doris' favorite hobby
was helping her father plant their own seasonal vegetable garden. This was how
Doris acquired a green thumb. She planted beautiful flowers for her home, her
family and friends. Doris graduated from Tamalpais High School in Mill Valley,
CA. She married Joseph Belle, a friend she had known since she was age 12, in
California. Joe was also originally from Louisiana and grew up in California
as well. Joseph was the "love of her life" and they shared a marriage
of 56 years, following their wedding day in Sausalito, CA on August 5, 1950.
Doris was a loving wife, and a nurturing mother. She was kind to her family
and friends. She was good with children, teens and people in general. For several
years, she worked as a supervisor at Fairchild Semi-conductor.
Joe and Doris vacationed in Modoc County during the early 1960s and 1970s.
The Belles decided to move in the early 1970s from San Rafael, CA. to Modoc
County. Doris was the Worthy Matron of the Order of Eastern Star, the Mother
Advisor of Rainbow Girls, the wife of an Elder and an active member of the Church
of Christ in Alturas. Doris was thankful for her life and she was truly blessed.
Throughout her life, she had an unwavering faith in God, and often spoke of
the goodness of her Savoir; Jesus Christ our Lord.
Doris was preceded in death by her father Henry Miller, her mother Annie Mae
Miller of Vallejo, CA, her two brothers, grandparents and great-grandparents
of Baton Rouge, LA, her grandson of Bothel, Washington, and her father-in-law
of San Francisco, CA.
She leaves to cherish in her precious memory, a loving husband Joseph Belle
of Alturas, CA; three children, Joseph Belle of El Paso, Texas, Richard Belle
of Santa Rosa, CA and Laura Harris of San Jose, CA; five siblings, Henry Miller,
Jr. and Charles Miller of Vallejo, CA; Deloris Galloway of San Antonio, Texas;
David Miller of Sacramento, CA and Phillip Miller of Oakland, CA, seven grandchildren,
John Harris, III, and Julian Harris of San Jose, CA, Sharina Belle of Sacramento,
CA, Anthony Belle and Joelle Belle of Santa Rosa, CA, Janelle Harris of San
Jose, CA, Joseph Belle of El Paso, Texas; three great-grandchildren, Tyoshjah
Marshall of Sacramento, Kayleanna Belle of Bothel, Washington, and Quincy Chatman
of Sacramento; her mother-in-law Laura Bell of Alturas, CA and a host of family
and friends.
Doris will be remembered for the love she showed her family and friends, the
compassion she had for young children, and having a good heart. She was truly
loved and will not be forgotten.
Contributions in Mrs. Belle's memory may be sent to the Asthma Foundation, 1233 20th St. NW, Suite 402, Washington, D.C. 20036.
Robert K. Minto
Robert K. Minto, of Durham, passed away on Thursday, September 21, 2006. He
was the first of seven children of Robert W. and Edyth (Cunningham) Minto. Robert
was born at the Minto Family Ranch in Eagleville, California on October 7, 1923.
After graduating from Surprise Valley High School he worked on various
ranches. He married Eldora Whipple on July 23, 1944 in the Eagleville Community
Church. They purchased a 280 acre ranch in Eagleville where they raised alfalfa,
seed, grain, hay, sheep, cattle and dairy cows. He also worked in different
jobs from equipment dealership, logging, Modoc Road Dept. to make improvements
on their ranch.
Robert was active in community affairs and civic clubs. He served many posts in the Eagle Grange as well as Modoc Pomona Grange and District Deputy to State Master. He was president of the Rural Fire Dept., a member of the Congregational Church and served on the Council for Larger Parish of Modoc County.
In 1956, the family moved to Shasta County, where Eldora taught elementary school and Robert worked for P. G. & E. and attended Shasta Community College. He drove a school bus sixty miles from mountain communities to Redding for high school and college students. Their next move, in 1961, was still farther south to Chico. Robert attended Chico State University where he received his B.S. degree in General Agriculture; then went to the U.C. Davis to get credentials in Agriculture Education. He did his student teaching in Hamilton City and taught at Princeton High School before finishing his first year of teaching at Shasta College. The family moved to Durham in 1965 where Robert taught agriculture science and shop at Durham High School. He retired after 12 years and continued to live in Durham but also spent time at their property in Round Mountain.
Robert's interests included horseback riding, hunting, fishing, studying history and genealogy, raising animals, growing trees, vegetables and flowers. He was a member of the California Agriculture Teachers Assoc. and California Teachers Association. He was a 50-year member of Grange with the Seventh Degree. He belonged to Good Sam's Travel Club, the Comanche Riders Assoc., Modoc Co. Historical Society and Durham Rotary.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Eldora; four sons, Robert David, Don, James and Ralph; and eight grandchildren, Robert William, John, Ty, J.T., Felicia, Tara, Adam and Dick.
A funeral will be held on Friday, September 29 at 4 p.m. at the Durham Community
Methodist Church followed by a reception at the Durham Grange Hall. A graveside
service will be held on Saturday, September 30 at 2 p.m. at the Eagleville Cemetery.
A potluck will follow at the Eagleville Community Hall. Arrangements are
under the direction of the Brusie Funeral Home, Chico.
Death Notice
Margot Curtis
Margot R. Curtis of Alturas, passed away at her home on September 21, 2006.
Arrangements for her Memorial Service are pending, with the date tentatively
set for Saturday, October 21 in Alturas.
Mrs. Curtis' obituary and service arrangements will be published at a future
date in the Record. Contributions in Margot's memory may be sent to The Art
Center at 317 So. Main St., Alturas, CA 96101 or to the "Friends of the
Modoc County Library," at 212 West Third St., Alturas.
Sports
Braves run wild, lose to Bonanza
Modoc's Braves racked up over 400 yards offense Friday night against
Bonanza, but lost the game 19-7.
"We had a terrible first half and a great second half,"
said coach Shaun Wood. "You take away an interception, a big play by Bonanza,
and a fumble, we'd have been fine. I was very pleased with how the team responded
in the second half. They played really well."
Modoc meets Trinity this week with both teams sporting 2-2 overall
records. Trinity comes into the Modoc game, after last week's loss to Ferndale,
35-11. The game will be in Weaverville.
According to Wood, Trinity has a very good receiver, running back
and quarterback, which could give Modoc's defense problems.
"We know what to expect, and they'll open up their offense
more than usual," said Wood. "Having to play there is always tough,
but we're confident we can win the game. But we will have to play well on both
sides of the ball."
Modoc rushed the ball 47 times for 311 yards and went 5-of-13
passing for 105 yards, with one interception. Bill Hammerness carried the ball
21 times for 109 yards and scored the Braves sole touchdown. Jesse Harer had
18 carries for 107 yards and Brandon Anderson carried it five times for 88 yards.
Devon Urroz caught a pair of passes for 37 yards. Hammerness had one of the
completions on a halfback pass for 27 yards. The Modoc interception was run
back for a long touchdown.
Modoc defense played well except for giving up the big play. They
sacked the Bonanza quarterback six times, with Anderson getting two, Harer,
Josh Wood, Ross Burgess and Liam Iverson each getting one.
Hammerness led the defense with 15 tackles, Harer added 11, and
Wood 10.
The early Shasta Cascade League standing, with most teams entering league play
next week has Bishop Quinn at 4-0, Burney at 2-1, Modoc at 2-2, Etna at 1-2,
Fall River at 1-3 and Weed at 0-4.
Braves lose to Portola in home tourney
Modoc's varsity volleyball team played well, but lost the title
match to a strong Portola squad 17-25 and 20-25 Saturday. Portola also beat
them in the round-robin portion of the tourney 20-25 and 20-25.
The Braves beat Quincy 25-18, 25-11, Westwood 25-13, 25-7 and
Quincy again, 25-21, 20-25 and 15-6.According to coach Kim Schmidt, the girls
played "awesome" all morning but got a little tired late in the afternoon.
"Our passing was key to our wins," she said. "The seniors stepped
up their leadership and the reserves played well. I look for us to get stronger
as the season goes forward."
For the tourney, Stacey Main had 33 kills and 12 blocks and served
100 percent, Tacie Richardson had 21 kills, 12 blocks and six aces; Alysha Northrup
had 22 kills and two aces; Megan Thompson had 18 kills and one ace; Sarah Catania
and 14 kills and 10 aces; Marlana Bartram had 11 kills, seven blocks, and two
aces.
Modoc beat Weed Tuesday night, 25-13, 25-20 and 25-17. Richardson
had nine aces and two kills, Main had one ace and three kills, Catania had six
aces and two kills, Bartram had two aces and four kills, Thompson and Northrup
each had two kills and Amanda Hess had three kills.
Modoc plays Burney here tonight and travels to Etna Saturday.
The Braves junior varsity placed third in the home tourney, beating
Portola 25-11, 25-12, Quincy 25-11, 25-19, losing to Fall River 23-25, 18-25,
Quincy 16-25, 25-22, 11-15, and beating Portola 25-20 and 25-17.
The girls beat Weed 25-11 and 25-22 Tuesday night. Emily Conner had nine aces, Codie Leslie had two, Sami Schmidt had five kills, and Alea Bagwell had three kills.
Soccer beats Weed 4-2
The Modoc soccer team beat Weed 4-2 Tuesday night in Weed, after
spotting the Cougars a 2-1 halftime lead. Dustin Philpott scored the opening
goal on an assist by Robert Spedding.
The team played much better in the second half. Keith Montague had three assists,
one on a free kick. The second to Fernando Garcia on a corner kick which Garcia
headed into goal. A third shot by Montague bounced off the cross bar and Garcia
followed it in.
Isidro Chavez had two shots on goal and Spedding also had a shot on goal.
Brave JVs beat Bonanza 25-12
Modoc's junior varsity football team spotted Bonanza a 6-0 first
period lead, but came back to lead 13-0 by halftime and won the game 25-12 Friday
night.
Coach Keith Weber said his charges started on the slow side, but
dominated the last three quarters.
Modoc has good production from the offense, rushing the ball 48
times for 320 yard and had two pass completions for 36 yards. The Braves' defense
allowed Bonanza just 77 yards rushing on 29 carries and one pass completion
for 15 yards.
Dee Hunsaker led the Braves with 132 yards on 13 rushes, Justin
Estes added 100 yards on 19 and Matte Mayes had 92 yards on 14 rushes.
On defense, Tyler Dowdy picked off a pass, making that four picks in the last three games.
Modoc cross-country runners competing
The Modoc High Cross Country team has been out and running for
the 2006 season and hosted their meet at Likely Links Golf Course Wednesday
after presstime.
The cross country team consists of Cain Madrigal, Stacey Main,
Robert Spedding, Jr., Marielle Nardoni, Danielle Moriarity, Natalie Hoy, Michel
Funk, Rachel Britton, and junior high runners Sarah Mason and James Jackson.
In the varsity section of the recent Fall River Invitational,
Madrigal placed third in the 3.3 mile course at 23:02. Spedding placed fifth
at 26:21. For the girls, Funk won at a time of 25:48 and Moriarity was second
at 25:53,
At the Mt. Shasta Invite, one of the bigger meets of the year,
Madrigal was 15th over the 2.4 mile course in 15:09; Spedding was 47th in 18:02.
For the girls, Funk placed 13th at 17:33 and Moriarity was 20th in 18:42.
In Burney Sept. 20, Modoc had the following results: varsity boys, Madrigal, third at 17:05; Spedding ninth at 20:12; varsity girls, Main second at 20:32. Moriarity third at 20:40, Hoy sixth at 22:35; JV girls, Funk, first at 20:45 (new course record). Junior high boys James Jackson sixth at 13:29; junior high girls, Sarah Mason, second at 14:50.
News
West Valley hydro project not dead yet
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) recently dealt a blow to the
controversial West Valley power project, planned for the North Fork of the Pit
River, near Likely, when it sent a letter to the Idaho-based, project developer,
Nick Josten, dismissing his exemption application.
However, Josten insists that this does not mean the end of his plan to build
two power plants, each with a small hydroelectric turbine generator, producing
a combined output of about 2600 kilowatts.
"This is not a comment on the viability of the project," said Josten,
explaining the finer points of the application process and his planned appeal
of FERC's decision. "It is a comment on its eligibility for an exemption.
"It appears to me to be a technicality," said the entrepreneurial
engineer. "They haven't dismissed the project; they dismissed its eligibility
for an exemption. That's probably a fine point that most people have missed."
The issue at hand, according to Josten, is whether or not his project would
use the natural gradient of a river or stream. He expects his appeal to sort
out that question. "This is typical. This is not the only down' that
I've had," he said. "There've been a lot of things thrown in my way.
That's the way the process works. As the developer, I'm responsible to meet
all those requirements, and I've done that. This is just another one."
Josten reaffirmed his commitment to the project, saying that he has already
begun the process to appeal the decision. "What I applied for was not a
license, which is the more common way that these projects are developed. I applied
for an exemption. It still goes through all the same evaluation, but the main
difference is that in the end FERC doesn't get a royalty on exempted projects
whereas they do on licensed projects."
In order to help others understand the recent ruling by FERC, Josten explained
how it came about. "They are looking at this as a precedent. If they allow
an exemption on this project, then others who apply for similar projects will
also expect an exemption. And so, they are very careful about that. Why it didn't
get reviewed when it was first submitted, I don't know. But, that's sometimes
the way it is dealing with regulating agencies."
Thus, the recent dismissal, although not normal, is part of FERC's review process before granting such a request. "I think they feel like the project's ready to finalize. In fact, I'm sure that's where the review of the exemption status came in," Josten said. "They were, probably, making sure they had all their t's crossed and i's dotted (when) they came across this concern about the eligibility for exemption."
Josten admits that this dismissal is "a little unusual," since the
whole application process, including the lengthy information collection and
the scoping processes, has proceeded under the assumption that the application
was valid.
That the agency should raise this objection at this late stage of the process
dismays Josten. "Why that wasn't evaluated before, I don't know. And, I'm
a little disappointed. It's really just a technical issue as to whether it can
be exempted or not.
"This dismissal came at the eleventh hour," said Josten, continuing
with his assessment. "We were essentially in the position where I had provided
all the information that the federal agencies had requestedall of this
under the assumption that the application was valid. I felt like we were waiting,
now, for FERC's final summary and, possibly, their decision. That was all that
was left was for them to decide to issue the exemption and what the conditions
would be on it."
The outspoken critics of the proposed project are primarily those people who
live along the river or own land in the canyon. Their objections focus on the
reduced river flows the project would cause. "It will have less flow than
it would if the project weren't developed," said Josten, acknowledging
opponents' concerns. "Everybody's envisioning a dry river, but, of course,
it's not going to be like that. My view is that the scenarios people paint for
themselves are extreme and not a fair reflection of what will really happen.
But, I can understand their point of view."
Josten emphasized the vital role of such projects, given the growing need for
power generation in this state. "To me, it's a good resource for clean
energy. As time goes on it becomes clearer and clearer that we need these forms
of energy."
He also defends his project as environmentally sound. "It was studied
based on the objective of providing habitat for the red band rainbow trout the
flow requirement to sustain the population of red band rainbow trout. It will
be a healthy fishery. It will have a spring flood, just like it always does."
As for the overall environmental impact, Josten's position is firm: "I
believe it will be minimal. The primary difference that people will notice will
be lower flows. But, those flows will be sufficient to sustain the habitat,
to sustain the fishery."
Suggesting that the appeal process will only last "a month of two,"
Josten seems to be optimistic, though resigned to its ups and downs. "They
usually try to act on them pretty fast. But, it is a federal agency.
"The process let's everybody have their point of view. It's part of the
process. I'm letting FERC have their point of view, too. But, I still feel like
the project is a good one, and I hope to get it done," he said, summarizing.
"That's the information as I know it. I've learned that you have to roll
with the game. This is a huge, federal agency in Washington D.C. that's guiding
this thing.
"If I win the appeal, then I expect we'll go right back to where we wereand that is waiting for FERC's decision."
MMC passes state licensing
In what's regarded as good news by Modoc Medical Center, it passed the latest
State Department of Health Services survey, which had been a real dilemma for
the facility.
According to Chief Executive Officer Bruce Porter, the hospital completed its
follow-up survey with DHS October 3, following a brief 24-hour inspection. The
good news, he said, was presented to hospital officials and staff, stating the
facility had met the Conditions of Participation as outlined by the Centers
for Medicaid Services.
Porter addressed the staff following release of the successful findings, saying
he was very appreciative of their efforts and dedication in "turning the
hospital around." He also thanked the Board of Supervisors for its support
of the administration, which he said had made the "tough" decisions
over the last year to make the changes needed.
Porter also said the efforts of Dr. Ed Richert and new doctors Hamilton and
Tseng were instrumental in proving to the state that the hospital was moving
forward in the right direction.
"This is just another huge step in putting Modoc Medical Center back on
track and ensuring that the citizens of Modoc County have a hospital that they
can be confident will provide them with quality care by dedicated employees,"
Porter said.
Porter also singled out the following individuals for their efforts and dedication: Laurie Teal, the Quality Assurance Coordinator; Alicia Doss, the Utilization Review Coordinator; Maudy Sherer. Medical Staff Coordinator; Debbie Bishop, Chief Nursing Officer; Cheryl Fieguth, Dietary Manager; Brianna Bryant, Human Resource Director; and Kim Crnkovic, Administrative Assistant.
Hospital debt grows slightly for September
Modoc Medical Center slowed down the rate of increase on the debt owed to Modoc
County, going up from the end of August's $5,989,192.44 to $5,991,165.75 at
the end of September. That's an increase of only $1,973.30
August's debt had grown $387,234 from July's $5,601,957.81 according to Modoc
County Auditor Judi Stevens.
That was up from June's $5,355,838.60. The debt from September, 2005 has increased
by $1,300,353.
By month, the debt looked like this: September $4,690,812; October $4,741,129;
November $4,585,423; December $4,867,652; January $4,793,393; February $5,071,818,
March $5,366.613 and April $5,531,096.
The Modoc Record will continue to publish the actual debt at the end of each
month.
Miss Modoc injured in car crash
The reigning Miss Modoc, Clair Crenshaw, age 16 of Alturas, sustained minor
injuries in a single vehicle accident Sept. 29, 7:30 a.m. on County Road 76,
east of CR 216.
The California Highway Patrol reports that Crenshaw was eastbound on CR76 and
for unknown reasons allowed her 2001 Dodge pickup to run off the road and onto
a dirt shoulder. The pickup then went down an embankment and overturned.
Crenshaw was able to exit the vehicle, with the help of passing motorist Don
Wion. She was unable to remember any events involving the accident and contacted
her stepmother who responded to the scene. She complained of pain to her head
and shoulder, was transported to Modoc Medical Center and then to Mayers Memorial
in Fall River Mills.
A bull was killed on County Road 54 Sept. 30, 4 a.m. The CHP reports that James
Porath, age 76, Alturas, was driving a Ford pickup on Centerville Road at about
50 m.p.h. when a black bull walked into the roadway. He could not avoid the
bull and struck it with the front of the pickup. Both Porath and a passenger
were seatbelted and were not hurt.
There were no injuries in an accident Oct. 3, 9:50 a.m. on U.S. 395, 4.4 miles
north of Ash Valley Road.
According to the CHP, Gordon DeWitte, of Palm Desert, Ca., was driving a 2005
motorhome southbound pulling a 2001 Saturn at about 55 m.p.h.
A front tire on the Saturn blew out and DeWitte continued southbound when the
other front tire of the car blew. He was unaware that the car's tires were flat
and drove about four miles dragging the Saturn on its front end. He saw smoke
coming from behind the motorhome and stopped in Madeline. The Saturn had major
damage to its front end and undercarriage.
There were no injuries in a two-vehicle mishap on CR71 south of Drake Road
in Cal Pines Oct. 2, 11:30 a.m. According to the CHP, John Spoonhower, age 54,
of Alturas was driving his 1991 Dodge pickup northbound on Cal Pines Blvd. and
making a left turn into the Community Services District parking lot. Chase P.
Swanson, 19, of Roseville, was northbound on Cal Pines Blvd. in a 2004 Ford
pickup at about 40 m.p.h. behind Spoonhower.
Swanson looked down for an instant and when he looked back up, he saw Spoonhower turning. Swanson turned to the left, but rear-ended the Dodge. There was minor damage to the Dodge and moderate damage to the Ford.
Deadline nears for voter registration
The deadline to register to vote in the November 7 General Election is October
23. Any changes in voter registration should also be made at that time, including
name and address corrections.
The November election is moving up in importance and intensity and national
Republicans and Democrats are vying for control of the U.S. Senate and House
of Representatives. Current polls are showing a possibility the Democrats will
win the House and have a fairly even shot at the Senate.
Modoc's U.S. Representative John Doolittle is being challenged by retired Air
Force Officer Charlie Brown. Doolittle has been heavily implicated in the Jack
Abramoff lobbying scandal and other less-than-admirable events. A recent poll
in that race puts the campaign at a competitive level. President Bush was in
California this week to campaign for Doolittle.
There will be local elections in November in the Modoc Joint Unified School
District, Tulelake Joint Unified School District, California Pines Community
Services District and the Fort Bidwell Fire District.
Karen Hays has filed for re-election in the Modoc Joint Unified School District
and two challengers have filed, Erin Bevil and Eric Sittig. Incumbent Patt Swanson
is not seeking re-election.
There are four seats on the ballot for the Surprise Valley Joint Unified School
District. There will not be an election in that four people have filed for those
seats and there is no competition. In Cedarville, James Laacke and Borghi, have
filed, but Gene Erquiaga did not run. Bill Bostic has filed for re-election
and Alissa Fee has filed in Fort Bidwell. Ft. Bidwell's incumbent, Steve Smith,
did not file.
Roy Wright has filed for re-election on the Tulelake Basin Joint Unified School
Board. Two challengers, Venencio Hernandez and Randall Bailey have also filed.
Incumbent Donald Kirby did not file.
There will be an election for one seat on the Fort Bidwell Fire District. Incumbent
John Drew is being challenged by John Brauner.
An election is also set for the California Pines Community Services District
where three seats are up. Incumbent Lola Milliron and Bruce Rodgers are running
for re-election, but Robert Lyons has not filed. Three challengers have filed:
James Ganoe, Stanley Ehlinger and Hank Drury.
Julie Gagnon has filed for re-election to Big Valley Joint Unified School District
Board of Trustees.
Obituaries:
Margot Curtis
Margot Curtis passed away at her home in Alturas on September 21, 2006. She
was 81 years of age.
Margot was born on December 4, 1924, in Paso Robles, CA. Her parents were Robert
and Margaret Work who ranched in the San Miguel area.
Margot attended Ellis School, a one-room country schoolhouse (now gone) in
the San Miguel area. She then attended Paso Robles High School.
Upon completion of high school, Margot attended San Luis Obispo Junior College.
After two years, she transferred to Pomona College and majored in marine biology.
She did work during the summers at Stanford University's Hopkins Marine Station
in Pacific Grove under the tutelage of Dr. Dixie Lee Ray, later Chair of the
Atomic Energy Commission and Governor of Washington. Margot graduated from Pomona
at the age of 19.
On November 17, 1944, at the Congregational Church in Paso Robles, Margot married
John P. Curtis, who she had known since grammar school. John was serving in
the U.S. Navy (Pacific Theatre) during World War II. After their marriage, he
returned to sea, while Margot took a job as principal and teacher at the Almond
Acres Pre-school in San Miguel. When John returned from the service at the end
of World War II, he and Margot resided on the Work Ranch in Hog Canyon, where
John did the farming for Margot's parents for the next 10 years. In 1954, Margot
and John moved into a newly-constructed house on their own ranch in Indian Valley.
Margot both designed and prepared the blue prints for the new house.
In 1968, Margot and her family bought and operated a cattle ranch on Lemhi
Pass outside of Dillon, Montana, which they subsequently sold in 1972. While
living in the Dillon area, Margot was an active Girl Scout leader, became an
avid golfer, and broadened her art skills through classes at Western Montana
College.
In 1977, Margot and John moved to Davis Creek where they ranched with their
son, Sean Curtis. Margot continued her love of golf by participating in the
local women's golf association and pursued the development of her watercolor
skills by attending numerous workshops. She loved to enter her artwork and flower
arrangements in the Modoc County Fair, winning numerous awards and sweepstakes.
In 1986, Margot became the Davis Creek Branch Library Associate and continued
in that role until 2005, when she fulfilled her promise to retire when she turned
80 years old. She was an Alturas Library Assistant from 1989 until 1992, and
volunteered as an ESL and reading tutor for adults.
In 1987, Margot and John retired to Alturas. A life-long artist, Margot began
teaching Lassen Community College extension art classes in Alturas in 1990,
an activity she continued until last year. She was also an active volunteer
at the Art Center in Alturas, where she both exhibited and sold her paintings,
sculptures and pottery. In 1994, the building which housed the Art Center, was
put up for sale by the previous owner. Fearing that a new owner would evict
the Art Center from the building, two of Margot's aunts bought the building.
They gradually transferred ownership of the building to her over the ensuing
years.
Margot is survived by her husband, John P. Curtis of Alturas, CA and her four
children: John D. "Jack" Curtis of Martinez, CA; Sean Curtis of Alturas;
Mary Curtis of Iowa City, Iowa; and Deirdre Curtis Hill of Cedarville. She has
two grandchildren, John Hill and Alice Hill, age 16 of Cedarville. Her sisters
and brother also survive her: Roberta Work Turcott of Yakima, WA; Johnita Work
Fisher of Lancaster, CA; and George Work of San Miguel, CA.
A memorial service for Margot is scheduled for Saturday, October 21 at the
Federated Church in Alturas at 11 a.m. Conversation and a potluck luncheon will
follow in the Fellowship Hall. Photographs and Margot's works of art will be
on display.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Art Center, 317 So. Main St.,
Alturas, CA 96101 or the Friends of the Modoc County Library, at 212 West Third
Street, Alturas.
Darlene Mary Buffum
A Memorial Service for Darlene Mary Buffum will be held Saturday, October 7, at 2 p.m. at the Federated Community Church, 307 East First St. in Alturas. Mrs. Buffum, a 49-year resident of Alturas, passed away on September 26, 2006, in Salem, OR. Darlene Mary Young was born in Modesto, CA, on May 12, 1934, to Hugh and Mary Young. She spent her childhood in Modesto.
Following graduation from high school, Darlene met Weston F. Buffum at a local YMCA summer camp and a lifetime partnership was formed. They were married on Nov. 30, 1951 in Modesto and the young couple attended College of the Pacific in Stockton. They moved to Alturas in 1957. Darlene was a wonderful wife, mother and friend. In addition to raising a family, she worked at the Alturas office of the Department of Motor Vehicles and finished her career at Modoc High School in the attendance office.
Golf and fishing were her favorite hobbies, although she was also an avid card and game player. Wes and Darlene loved to camp in their travel trailer, and Blue Lake was one of their favorite local destinations.
Darlene was preceded in death by her father, mother, and brother, Don Young,
all of Modesto, CA. She is survived by her husband Weston, now residing in Salem,
OR, her two sons Steven and Jeffrey, daughters-in-law Laura and Linda, and three
grandchildren, Matthew, Melanie and Alyxandria.The family asks that in lieu
of flowers contributions may be made in Darlene's memory to the Parkinson's
Disease Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509, New York, NY 10018.
Jeannette Gay "Jennie" Welch
Jeannette Gay "Jennie" Welch, 65, died at her home in Lakeview, OR
on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2006 after a gallant and inspirational fight with cancer
that was diagnosed in November 2003. She demonstrated a great attitude and was
persistent to the very end.
Jennie was born to Earl and Lorraine (Papke) Mulkey March 28, 1941 in Sacramento,
CA. They moved to Willow Ranch, CA when she was one year old and then to Lakeview
when she was four years old. She grew up in Lakeview, where she received her
education and was a member of the Lakeview High School Class of 1959.
During her high school years she worked for the Marius and Alger theaters and
Circle JM drive-in. She married Loy Welch in Lakeview on Nov. 14, 1958. After
her children left home she worked for Lakeview TV for five years.
Jennie was actively involved in her children's lives and had served as a Cub
Scout and Campfire Girls leader. She played the piano and keyboard and was an
avid skier and outstanding golfer, winning many tournaments and club championships.
She also enjoyed swimming and going to Hawaii.
She was preceded in death by her father Earl Mulkey.
She leaves behind her loving husband of 47 years, Loy Welch of Lakeview; son
and daughter-in-law Keith and Tina Welch of Corvallis, OR; daughter and son-in-law
Karen and Rick Dollarhide of Chico, CA; mother Lorraine Mulkey of Lakeview;
sister Darlene Samples of Lakeview; grandchildren Jordyn and Chad Dollarhide
and Kory Welch; numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service was held Tuesday, Sept. 12 at the Lakeview First Presbyterian
Church with a lunch reception following at the Lakeview Elk's Lodge. Interment
was in the Sunset Cemetery.
Contributions in the memory of Jennie may be made to Fremont Highlanders Ski
Club, P.O Box 1204, Lakeview 97630 or to a charity of the donor's choice.
Desert Rose Funeral Chapel was in charge of the arrangements.
Sports
Modoc opens league play against Etna
Modoc's varsity football team will be going into Shasta Cascade
League play Friday night at home against Etna. They will be coming off a loss
to a strong Trinity Wolves team, 48-26.
Regardless of the Braves' 2-3 pre-season record, Modoc remains
favored going into what appears to be a very weak league. Bishop Quinn leads
the preseason stats going 5-0, Burney is 2-2. Fall River and Modoc 2-3, Etna
1-3 and Weed 0-5.
Last Friday, Fall River beat Burney 28-8, Quincy beat Weed 33-18,
Bishop Quinn beat Chiloquin 31-8 and Bonanza beat Etna 39-13.
Wood said Etna is not a strong team, but does have a couple of
very good athletes and one very solid wide receiver, who they will have to stop.
Trinity got on top of the Braves early, scoring 16 in the first
and 16 in the second period, to take a 32-14 lead at halftime. Trinity added
10 in the third and six more in the fourth. Modoc scored six in the first, seven
in the second, six in the third and seven in the fourth.
"We are just getting killed by field position and turnovers,"
said coach Shaun Wood. "We beat Trinity on the stat board, but just had
too many mistakes. I'd like to be able to play them again."
Modoc was hurt by turnovers, with two fumbles and three interceptions. They picke Modoc home cross country meet
Cross country home results
The Modoc Invitational Cross Country meet was held at Likely Links
Golf Course September 27, on a warm and calm day.
Coach Harold Montague said the Modoc runners had good times and
ran "as hard and I have seen them run this year."
In the varsity boy's race covering 3.1 miles, Cain Madrigal clocked
a 22:03 and Robert Spedding ran 30:50.
For the varsity girls, also covering 3.1 miles, Michel Funk ran
24:39, Stacey Main ran 25:34, Danielle Moriarity ran 26:14 and Natalie Hoy clocked
a 28:13.
Josh Akin of Burney ran 19:19 in the junior varsity boy's 2.1
mile race. Heather Henderson, Burney, ran 19:24 in the JV girl's race, with
Modoc's Danielle Grier running 21:16 and Rachel Bratton going 22:03.
James Jackson of Modoc ran 10:08 in the junior high boys one mile run.
Modoc's next race is Oct. 13 at West Valley High School.
Deer season opens this weekend
The general deer season opens Oct. 7 in the northstate's X-zones
and goes through Oct. 22.
In Modoc, zones include X-2 (Devil's Garden), X-3a, parts of X3b
(Warners) and X-1; X-4 X-5a and X-5b are in Lassen County.
The number of deer tags issued for X-1 is 2,325, for X-2 is 180, for X3a is 295 and for X-3b is 840. The tags are issued through a drawing by DFG.
Soccer ties with Etna
Modoc soccer team tied with the Etna Lions 2-2 last weekend. They
next play Oct. 12 at Mt. Shasta.
According to coach Mike Yarbrough, the Etna game was tough on an extremely smoky
day.
"The smoke was bad enough that the officials stopped the
game to let everyone wash out their eyes and get a drink of water," Yarbrough
said.
Fernando Garcia scored in the first 10 minutes, beating three
defenders. The second goal came a few minutes later on an assist by Garcia to
Keith Montague.
Etna came back in the last 10 minutes to tie the game at 2-2.
"Except for a good job by our defense and a whole bunch of
great saves by goalie Kevin Haggard, Etna would probably have scored again,"
said Yarbrough.
Modoc is now 2-2-1 for the season.
Modoc beat Burney Etna
Modoc beat Burney Etna
Modoc's varsity volleyball team beat Burney and Etna this past
week, and will face a tough Fall River squad tonight at home.
Against Burney, Modoc won 25-14, 25-10 and 25-18. Megan Thompson
had six kills, Sarah Catania and Marlana Bartram had five each, Stacey Main
and Alysha Northrup had four apiece and Tacie Richardson added three. Main and
Brynn Juanarena each served 100 percent.
In the Etna contest, Modoc won 25-18, 25-14 and 25-20. Coach Kim
Schmidt said the girls played very well and "destroyed Etna at the net."
Main had 14 kills and four blocks, Thompson had 10 kills and four
blocks, Northrup added seven kills, Richardson had six and Catania added four.
Gametime tonight is 5:30 p.m. for the junior varsity and 6:30
p.m. for the varsity.
The junior varsity beat Burney 25-21, 13-25 and 15-11 and then
beat Etna 25-11, 25-21.
In the Burney game, Emily Conner had five kills, Katie Hetherwick
and Alea Bagwell had four each, Sami Schmidt had three kills, Kristi Zendejas
and Madison Halverson had two each.
Against Etna, Bagwell had five kills, Conner had four.
October 12, 2006
News
Supervisors have pointed response to Grand Jury
The Modoc County Board of Supervisors took sharp exception to the Modoc Grand
Jury's hospital report this year, and has issued a pointed response.
In some cases, the Grand Jury stated the county should not have disbanded the
former Modoc Medical Center Board of Trustees, and that the Board did not follow
its own requirement to hire a new Chief Administrative Officer.
The board took exception to the fact that a former hospital trustee was a member
of the grand jury. That member has stated she did not participate in the hospital
investigation or report. That explanation did not satisfy the Supervisors.
"The Board takes affront that a former Hospital Board Trustee member serving
on the Grand Jury covertly influenced the Grand Jury Hospital Committee,"
wrote Board Chairman Dan Macsay. "It became very obvious to the Board that
this former Trustee has an ax to grind with the present administration and was
allowed by the Grand Jury to influence their report. The report issued by the
Grand Jury team was biased, loaded with inconsistencies, non-factual and misleading
information."
The Board makes no apologies in disbanding the Board of Trustees or for terminating
the past CEO.
"Most, if not all, problems brought forth by the Grand Jury were not new
problems but were problems which the past Board of Trustees and Administration
should have paid attention to, but obviously did not," wrote Macsay. "This
Board of Supervisors has taken the necessary steps to insure that the County
of Modoc has a hospital that is open to all residents and a hospital that will
provide the services it can in a timely, efficient and professional manner.
"Had a change of administration, along with the disbanding of the Board
of Trustees not taken place, the doors of MMC would have been closed months
ago."
The Hospital was notified on Oct. 3 that it has successfully fulfilled the
conditions for passing the state survey requirements, which the Board of Supervisors
calls a "huge step in the right direction." Not meeting the state's
standards in the past was a serious situation that could have closed the facility.
Bruce Porter, hospital CEO, said passing the state survey now allows the administration
and staff concentrate on other priorities, primarily improving the operation
and care at the facility. He said getting through the survey was a major time-consuming
task and has congratulated the staff on passing it in outstanding fashion.The
Board says it has the intention at some time in the future to reinstitute a
Board of Trustees that is "professional, knowledgeable and capable"
of governing the hospital.
"In conclusion, the Board strongly agrees with and supports the response comments submitted by Mr. Bruce Porter, CEO, MMC and commends him for the excellent job that he, the staff and employees of MMC have done to enhance and improve MMC," Macsay concludes in the response to the Grand Jury.
West Valley project far from done
While Nick Josten has filed a request to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
requesting a rehearing of its September dismissal of his exemption application
for the West Valley A&B Hydroelectric plant, the project is miles away from
approval.
Not the least of Josten's problems is a major amount of opposition and the
fact that an Environmental Analysis is nowhere near completed.
According to Modoc National Forest Officials, FERC has been the lead on the
EA, but the MNF nor Bureau of Land Management has seen any documentation that
would allow them to deal with the EA. While the process could move forward,
it's projected it could take as long as a year.
In addition, according to several opponents, Josten has not competed studies
required by the Pit River Indian Tribe or secured necessary water rights. In
addition, the project has not completed the work necessary under the California
Environmental Quality Act.
In his rehearing request, Josten is arguing that FERC is wrong in its dismissal
and that he has supplied the necessary information, that the transmission line
would be located on existing county right-of-way and that the project will utilize
the water power of a natural water feature, the drop in elevation of the South
Fork of the Pit River.
The Record was unable to confirm other information this week regarding issues of South Fork Irrigation District, the State Water Quality Control Board, and other questions from FERC, but those issues will be addressed in the next few weeks.
Candidates' night set Oct. 19
The Modoc County Farm Bureau is hosting a Candidates' Night Oct. 19, 7 p.m.
at the Bras Rail in Alturas. The forum will feature candidates for the Modoc
Joint Unified School District Board of Trustees and the Yes on Measure J (the
mosquito abatement program in Alturas) Committee.
Candidates will be give an opening statement, take written questions from the
audience and have a closing statement.
MJUSD Incumbent Karen Hays two challengers have filed, Erin Bevil and Eric
Sittig.
The deadline to register to vote in the November 7 General Election is October
23. Any changes in voter registration should also be made at that time, including
name and address corrections.
The November election is moving up in importance and intensity and national
Republicans and Democrats are vying for control of the U.S. Senate and House
of Representatives.
Modoc's U.S. Representative John Doolittle is being challenged by retired Air
Force Officer Charlie Brown. Doolittle has been heavily implicated in the Jack
Abramoff lobbying scandal and other less-than-admirable events. A recent poll
in that race puts the campaign at a competitive level.
There will also be local elections in November in the Tulelake Joint Unified
School District, California Pines Community Services District and the Fort Bidwell
Fire District.
There are four seats on the ballot for the Surprise Valley Joint Unified School
District. There will not be an election in that four people have filed for those
seats and there is no competition. In Cedarville, James Laacke and Borghi, have
filed. Bill Bostic has filed for re-election and Alissa Fee has filed in Fort
Bidwell.
Roy Wright has filed for re-election on the Tulelake Basin Joint Unified School
Board. Two challengers, Venencio Hernandez and Randall Bailey have also filed.
Incumbent Donald Kirby did not file.
There will be an election for one seat on the Fort Bidwell Fire District. Incumbent
John Drew is being challenged by John Brauner.
An election is also set for the California Pines Community Services District
where three seats are up. Incumbent Lola Milliron and Bruce Rodgers are running
for re-election, but Robert Lyons has not filed. Three challengers have filed:
James Ganoe, Stanley Ehlinger and Hank Drury.
Julie Gagnon has filed for re-election to Big Valley Joint Unified School District Board of Trustees.
Obituaries:
Donald Emery Harbert
Services for Donald Emery Harbert, 83 of Bieber, will be held Friday, October
13 at 11 a.m. at Hillside Cemetery, Nubieber. A potluck luncheon of salads and
desserts will follow the ceremony at the Ladies Club Hall.
Mr. Harbert passed away in Reno, NV. on October 9, 2006.
For many years he was the Harbert Oil distributor.
He was born September 11, 1923, and was a proud descendant of four Big Valley
pioneer families. He served in WWII in the U.S. Naval Air Corps as a PBM pilot.
His hobbies included fishing, hunting, woodcutting and sports. He leaves behind
wife, Nadine Harbert; son Robin Harbert (Cindy), daughters Gail Philbrook (Richard),
Terrill Johnson (Bill) and he was predeceased by son Kyle Harbert (Cathie).
He will be missed by his six adoring grandchildren, Amanda, Krissie, Wyatt,
Luena, Lauren and Denice and three great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite charity. Pall bearers:
Robin Harbert, Wyatt Harbert, Richard Philbrook, Bill Johnson, Randy Hurd, Jimmy
Gier. Honorary pall bearers: Gene Bidwell, Ernie Larkey, Sam Gerig, Roger Grigsby,
Merlie Hatfield, Mark Hicks, Kyle Benefield, Chris Click, Clarence George, Jack
Franck, Greg Bidwell, Michel Josse.
Joshua Velasco Woznack
Josh was born at home in Alturas on February 25, 1983. Dr. Richert and Nurse
Karen were there to help him begin his journey through life, along with a few
family members and close friends.
As Josh grew, our love for him grew as well. He could melt the heart of an
angry mother with just the twinkle in his eye and with that big beautiful smile.
With the patience and skills of several great teachers, Josh became the top
reader in his fourth grade class. From that time forward he always had a book
or two started, mostly about mountain men or cowboy adventures and at times,
the Good Book. He was a wild one, enjoying everything that Modoc and the good
outdoors had to offer. He would say "Don't tempt me with a good time."
And, he meant every word of it.
Josh loved babies and children, his family, friends, dancing, and golf. Josh
enjoyed learning the game of golf. You always knew where he was going with his
golf clubs strapped onto the sissy bar behind him. He was headed to the golf
course to meet a friend for a round of golf.
Josh graduated from Modoc High School in 2002 by the skin of his teeth and
the constant harassment of his good friend, Nicole. He worked at several different
jobs such as ranching, farming and land development at Alturas Ranches, to road
construction and building with Larranaga Construction. Most recently, he was
learning the heating and refrigeration trade with his long-time friend and mentor
Wayne Bethel.
Josh was carried into his new life on September 26, 2006, riding his black
and yellow Harley. Something he loved very much. "RIDE ON JOSH"
Josh's cousin Matt had a dream the day Josh passed away. He said, "Grandpa
Pete and Grandpa Lyle were stringing up the fly rods waiting for Josh to get
there."
Josh is survived by his Grandma, Velma Wilke; Grandpa Don Woznack, his Mama
and Dad, Cindy and Eddie Velasco; his father, Dennis Woznack; sisters Jennifer
Kemper, Sarah Woznack, Christina Woznack-Velasco, Victoria Larranaga, Lisa Velasco,
and Gerese Weber; brother Eddie Velasco Jr., and many close aunts, uncles, cousins,
nieces, nephews and many close friends
"The Pack."
Josh's 23 years seemed all too brief for all of us he left behind, but he packed
a life time of living in those years. He is headed off on a new adventure. Josh,
you will forever live in our hearts.
There is a memorial scholarship fund in Joshua's name at Plumas Bank for anyone who wishes to make a donation.
James Leal
Former Alturas resident James "Jimmy" Leal also known as "Jackaroo,"
age 52, of Albuquerque, N.M. passed away Monday, September 4, 2006.
Jimmy was the tenth child born April 18, 1954, to Joe and Rose Leal in Tulare,
California. He moved to Northern California to live with his sister Teresa
and brother-in-law Eddie Velasco when he was 16 years old. In 1972, Jimmy
enlisted in the Air Force where he proudly served his country.
After the service Jimmy pursued his cowboy dreams. He broke horses and worked
on many ranches throughout Utah, California, Oregon and New Mexico.
In 1987, Jimmy moved to Alturas to work in the building trade with his lifetime
pal and brother-in-law Eddie Velasco. He taught his nieces and nephews
how to be "buffalo rangers." Everyone was his "favorite."
He was always the life of the party and never knew a stranger.
Jimmy settled down in 1998, when he married his lifetime partner Sandee.
He returned to the Roman Catholic Church in Albuquerque where he was to be ordained
as a deacon in June of 2007. He loved the church and he loved the Lord.
Jimmy was preceded in death by a stepson, Brandon Spencer, a sister, Irene
Sa; and his father, Joseph Leal.
Survivors include his wife, Sandee Leal; his mother, Rose Leal; stepdaughter,
Shanean Spencer; seven sisters, Dee Martin, Lucille Machado, Dorothy Leal, Mary
Leal, Alice Leal, Teresa Willoughby and Laurie Coleman; a brother Joe Leal;
two grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews
including Mark Witherspoon, Victoria Larranaga, Lisa Velasco and Gerese Weber.
Jimmy was dearly loved by his family and all who knew him. He was laid to rest September 12, 2006, at Tulare District Cemetery. He will be in our hearts forever.
Pat Gillespie
Patricia Ann Lawver was born on March 7, 1934 in Los Angeles, CA. She was the
youngest of five children born to Charles Joshua (Nebraska) and Lena Dell Lawver
Hininger (Missouri). Her father, a dock worker, died of pneumonia when she was
eight years old. Her mother, born in 1901, lived for 98 years.
On December 2, 1950 she married Donald Ray Gillespie, her first sweetheart.
The two made their home in the city of Bell, CA. Don began a career in furniture
manufacturing, and in 1951, the first of four daughters was born and the young
bride became a mother. Those four children are: Cynthia Lynn, Donna Sue, Bonnie
Lorene, and Christine Lendell.
The family moved about during those first years eventually planting themselves in Downey, CA. Their home was always open for get-togethers with family and friends. Pat had a creative and artistic talent which she greatly enjoyed sharing with others and entertained and decorated lavishly for holidays and celebrations. In 1970, the couple purchased the Rancho Steak House in Alturas, leaving the city life behind. Here, together, the family lived and worked and again Pat decorated and entertained, this time for a whole community. She enjoyed those days and the acquaintances and friendships she made.
They sold the restaurant in 1975 and in 1976 she and Don moved back to Southern
California.
These were difficult times for the couple and they were divorced. Pat began
work as a secretary/bookkeeper, a position she kept and enjoyed for many years.
She lived independently and began painting. Even though they had divorced she
was never far from Don and later his ill health brought them together again.
Although they never remarried, they continued to live as husband and wife. Don
moved back to Modoc County and with the encouragement of her children and now
grandchildren, Pat later followed. The couple lived in Canby and there Pat opened
a small craft store with her floral and craft creations. This business was later
moved to Alturas and she and Don operated "Crafters" together on Main
Street; a small kitchen for him and a local gifts and crafts store for her.
Don's health worsened and the store was closed in 1998.
In a small house belonging to their daughter, they retired to finish out their
days together. Pat had a heart attack in 1999 from which she never fully recovered.
Don passed away in 2000, after years of struggling with heart disease. With
the help of her daughters and grandchildren Pat has lived quietly with her poodle,
"Greta," and her two cats, "PC and Scooter," whom she loved
like children.
Pat Gillespie gave up her long battle with lung disease and passed away on
the morning of Saturday, October 7, 2006, in her Alturas home. She was 72 years
old.
She is survived by her two brothers: Chuck Lawver (Grants Pass, OR), and Leonard
Lawver (unknown). Her daughters and their families: Cindy Lauer (Susanville),
Donna and Ron Bellamy (Alturas), Bonnie and Jim Sherer (Canby), Christine and
Ken Ward (Tulare); her 10 grand children and their families: Alice Gillespie,
Theresa Lauer, Dawn Emerald, Nicole and Robert Overacker, Jesse Bellamy, Annette
Bellamy, Nadine and Darren Kupsky, Chris and Lindsey Sherer, Lisa and Mark Newport,
and Stephen Ward and 13 great-grand children.
Respecting her request, there will be no memorial, rather a "Celebration
of Life" gathering for Sunday Brunch with all family and friends at California
Pines Lodge on Sunday, Oct. 15 at 12 noon.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.
Kerr Mortuary has charge of arrangements.
Sandra (Houseman) Sweeney
Services are pending for Sandra Sweeney, 51, of Alturas, who passed away October
10, 2006, at Surprise Valley Long Term Care, Cedarville, CA. Mrs. Sweeney was
raised in Modoc County.
Arrangements are being made with Kerr Mortuary.
Donna Newsom
Services are pending for Donna Newsom, 66, who passed away at her home in Davis Creek, CA on October 8, 2006. Kerr Mortuary will be handling arrangements.
Adam A. Wells
Adam A. Wells, 42, passed away Sunday, September 10, 2006, in a plane crash
in Plumas National Forest near Oroville, CA. He was born August 9, 1964, in
Yreka, CA to Earl and Martha Wells. As a young boy he visited Alturas where
his grandparents Mary and Murray Wells, lived. Adam spent most of his life in
Vancouver, WA and received his Bachelor's Degree at Walla Walla College. Adam
enjoyed flying, and playing keyboard with his band in Paradise.
He is survived by his parents, Earl and Martha Wells; sister Earlene Bailey; half-sister Becky Trimm; half-brothers Duane and John Wilcher; nieces Tiara and Brittany; niece Leveta and nephew Jim, aunt Phyllis Clark of Alturas and cousin Marie White of Alturas. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Murray and Mary Wells of Alturas. Funeral services were held in Paradise, CA on September 22. He is loved and missed.
Arnold Shedd
A celebration of life for Arnold Phillip Shedd, 77, of Redding was held at
2 p.m. October 7 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Redding. The Rev. Eduino Silveira
of the church officiated.
Mr. Shedd died Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2006, at his daughter's residence in Anderson,
CA.
He was born April 30, 1929, in Adin and moved to Shasta County in 1966.
He served in the artillery division of the U.S. Army during the Korean War,
was a lumber handler for U.S. Plywood Corp. and Champion International, and
a member of the U.S. Bowling Congress, the Monday Seniors and Friday Seniors
bowling leagues at Anderson Bowl, and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Redding.
Survivors include sons Bill of Sacramento and Mike of Brighton, Colo.; daughters
Linda Helmer of Anderson, Dawna Johnson of Red Bluff, Terri Derwitz and Nancy,
both of Redding; brothers Gordon of McCloud and Delbert of Anderson; 18 grandchildren;
and five great-grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be made to Mercy Hospice, 1544 Market St., Redding,
CA 96001.
Condolences can be posted at www.allenanddahl.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Allen & Dahl Funeral Chapel in Redding.
Sports
Braves roll over Etna Lions
It wasn't a pretty picture for the Etna Lions Friday night in
Modoc, but it was expected. The Braves rolled over the Lions 50-14 on a perfect
night for football.
Modoc scored seven in the first, and 25 points in the second period
to take a 32-0 lead into the half. They added 12 in the third period and six
in the fourth. Etna scored both their touchdowns in the fourth period.
The Braves face Bishop Quinn Saturday afternoon in Palo Cedro. The junior varsity
plays at noon and the varsity will follow at about 2 p.m. Burney beat previously
unbeaten Bishop Quinn 14-6 Friday night. In other Shasta Cascade League action,
Weed beat Fall River 27-12.
"Bishop Quinn has a good back, but I think we'll be able
to handle him and our line and defense is tougher than they've seen," said
coach Shaun Wood. "Right now we have the number two rushing offense in
the north section and I expect we'll add substantial yards this weekend."
The Braves should have little trouble with the SCL this year,
but Wood is taking each game on at a time and is setting certain goals to maintain
focus.
"We have some team goals and we don't want to get complacent,"
he said. "I have been very pleased with our line play and how they've progressed.
I feel very good about where we are and want us to continue to improve."
Modoc ran the ball 45 times for 409 yards and added 72 yards on
eight passes against Etna. They limited Etna to 69 yards rushing on 11 carries,
and 165 yards passing, with the quarterback hitting 17 of 34 passes and having
one picked off.
Bill Hammerness led Modoc with 111 yards on 10 carries and scored
twice. Jesse Harer ran the ball 12 times for 100 yards and scored three touchdowns.
Sheridan Crutcher carried the ball six times for 46 yards and one touchdown.
Daniel Morgan carried it three times for 26 yards and scored once. Brandon Anderson
rushed four times for 79 yards.
Harer caught three Trent Schmidt passes for 18 yards, Liam Iverson
grabbed a pair for 13 and Devon Urroz caught three for 38 and one touchdown.
On defense, Hammerness had 12 tackles, Josh Wood had 10, Harer added nine, Anderson had eight and Shane Pierce had eight.
Modoc JV drops Etna 39-0
Modoc's junior varsity football team dropped the Etna Lions 39-0
Friday night, limiting the Lions to 36 total yards offense. They meet Bishop
Quinn there Saturday.
The Braves put up 12 points in the first period, seven in the
second, six in the third and 14 in the fourth.
Dee Hunsaker got Modoc's scoring started on a 55-yard punt return on Modoc's
first touch of the game. He also carried the ball 10 times and scored two more
touchdowns. Justin Estes had 11 carries for 88 yards and scored two touchdowns.
Modoc rushed the ball 39 times for 253 yards and Hunsaker was three-for-five passing for 50 yards. Matt Mayes carried the ball eight times for 17 yards, Irvin Chacon packed it four times for 17 yards, Josh Lowe twice for 11 yards and David Potter twice for eight yards. Mayes led the defense with 10 tackles.
Volleyball stumbles against Fall River
Modoc's varsity volleyball team struggled against Fall River last
week, losing 13-25;14-25 and 14-25. The Braves travel to Mt. Shasta tonight.
According to coach Kim Schmidt, the girls were not in sync all
night against Etna and could not keep anything going.
Stacey Main had six kills, Megan Thompson had five and Tacie Richardson added two. Each player also had one block and Richardson, Sarah Catania and Amanda Fair each served 100 percent.
Boy's youth basketball starts
Boys in grades fifth through eighth grade are invited to sign
up for the Boys Youth Basketball program, Oct.24 and 25, 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at
the Latchkey Building, third room, at Alturas Elementary School.
The boys will play games on Saturdays from Nov. 4 through Dec. 16. The cost
is $10 per player. For more information, contact Darlene at 233-7201, ext. 211,
or 233-2774 or Audrie at 640-9210
News
Hospital looks to improve image, service
Now that Modoc Medical Center has finally passed the state health department
survey and its license is no longer in mortal jeopardy, the administration is
making an effort to move the facility forward.
The biggest issues facing MMC are financial in nature, the lack of physicians
and nursing staff, and a general distrust of the facility in the county. Turning
all of that around will not be easy, but the Board of Supervisors and administration
is ramping up the effort.
Chief Executive Officer Bruce Porter said that not having the state license
survey hanging over the staff and facility is a huge breath of fresh air and
will allow more emphasis placed on priorities aimed at necessary improvement
and community outreach.
He recently presented a program to the Board, detailing some of the issues
and direction the hospital is going to take.
Porter pointed out that rural hospitals across the nation are facing major
obstacles and many may not survive.
He said 23 general acute care hospitals in California closed between 1995-2000
and 11 of those had one to 99 licensed beds. He said each hospital had a declining
reimbursement problem and in two cases the hospital closure removed all hospital
care within a 15-mile radius.
The closed hospitals had higher MediCal patients numbers. The California average
is 19 percent and MMC's MediCal percent is 37 percent.
"Financial data suggest the industry is financially pressed," Porter
said. "The hospital industry citing seismic retrofit requirements
(facing MMC soon), managed care and shrinking reimbursements has predicted
that up to 150 of the state's hospitals will close in the next five years."
In addition to losing a major health care facility, MMC's annual payroll is
$4 million and employs 127 people. A loss of the hospital would be a financial
blow to the community. It could also jeopardize economic development attraction
and retention efforts.
According to Porter, MMC lost about $200,000 in revenue when it lost the Obstetrics
and surgery services. The facility is down in patient days about 25 percent
from 2005-2006, but up six percent in the last 12 months versus 2006. While
lower MediCal, Medicare reimbursement is an issue; Porter said MMC has provided
$400,000 in services to non-paying patients. As a county hospital, it cannot
refuse treatment.
Porter is hoping to make better use of the Skilled Nursing Facility. He said
it really should be viewed not only as a long-term care facility, but also as
a rehabilitation center. He feels many local patients could make use of this
service in rehab following surgery or major illness or injury, when medical
attention is required. He envisions patients using the facility for weeks at
a time to get back to health and be able to go home.
Porter partially understands the image problem facing the hospital, and also
knows that a part of that solution will be getting the staff and former staff
to support the facility. That means providing better service and care, he said,
and taking corrective action when needed. He also said the hospital needs to
admit where it needs improvement and make efforts to improve, not just complain
or remain complacent.
Staffing will remain an issue. According to Porter, there is a nationwide nursing
shortage and Modoc is caught in the middle of that issue. While the hospital
would like to reduce its dependence on the Registry nurses, he doesn't see that
disappearing completely.
The hospital administration is also looking into making the facility a Critical
Access Hospital, recruiting doctors and nurses, improving the collection rate
and billing services, looking for additional funding through grants and better
marketing, shoring up an ambulance service that covers 1,300 square miles, training
employees and adding new services and technology.
The hospital also needs to make better use of its clinic, possibly opening on Saturdays, and its physical therapy department.
Oct. 23 deadline to vote in November
Anyone who wants to vote in the November 7 General Election must register by
October 23.
Sample ballots went out Tuesday, and absentee applications must be returned
by Oct. 31. The absentee ballots must be voted and returned to the clerk's office
by election day or can be dropped off at any polling place on Nov. 7. Mail ballots
will be going out this week.
The Modoc County Clerk's Office reports that no decision has been made by the
Governor's office for a replacement Supervisor to fill Ray Anklin's seat. Anklin
resigned as part of a plea deal.
Mail in precincts are: Ft. Bidwell, Lake City, Eagleville, Stateline-Willow
Ranch, Davis Creek, Parker Creek, South Fork, Canby, Adin, Lookout and Little
Hot Springs (Day). Voters will go to the polls in Cedarville, North Fork, Alturas
A, B, C, D, Hot Spring, Cal Pines and Newell.
Modoc County Clerk Maxine Madison said she has combined some precincts. Alturas
A, B, and D and Hot Spring will all vote at City Hall Nov. 7. Alturas A had
voted at the Senior Center and Alturas B at Modoc High School.
The November election is moving up in importance and intensity.
Retired Air Force Lt. Colonel Charlie Brown is challenging Modoc's U.S. Representative
John Doolittle. Doolittle is making national news for his relationship to convicted
lobbyist Jack Abramoff and this is the first time in years he's actually having
to work to be re-elected.
There will be local elections in November in the Modoc Joint Unified School
District, Tulelake Joint Unified School District, California Pines Community
Services District and the Fort Bidwell Fire District.
In the Modoc Joint Unified School District Karen Hays has filed for re-election
and two challengers have filed, Erin Bevil and Eric Sittig.
There are four seats on the ballot for the Surprise Valley Joint Unified School
District. There will not be an election in that four people have filed for those
seats and there is no competition. In Cedarville, James Laacke and Penny Borghi,
have filed. Bill Bostic has filed for re-election and Alissa Fee has filed in
Fort Bidwell.
Roy Wright has filed for re-election on the Tulelake Basin Joint Unified School
Board. Two challengers, Venencio Hernandez and Randall Bailey have also filed.
There will be an election for one seat on the Fort Bidwell Fire District. John
Brauner is challenging incumbent John Drew.
An election is also set for the California Pines Community Services District
where three seats are up. Incumbent Lola Milliron and Bruce Rodgers are running
for re-election. Three challengers have filed: James Ganoe, Stanley Ehlinger
and Hank Drury.
Julie Gagnon has filed for re-election to Big Valley Joint Unified School District Board of Trustees.
Small Timber Sale Program Meeting
The Modoc National Forest will host a public meeting about the small timber
sale program planned for the Forest on Wednesday October 25, 2006 at 5 p.m.
in the large conference room in the Forest Supervisor's office at 800 West 12th
street in Alturas.
The Modoc County Resource Advisory Committee granted over $80,000 in funds
for the small timber sale program on the Modoc National Forest through Title
II of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2002.
The goal of the small timber sale program is to create a steady on-going supply
of small timber sales on the Modoc National Forest to meet the need of the small
timber operators and to improve forest health by establishing a full time small
timber sale program for the 07 fiscal year. It is hoped that a successful year
could provide the track record necessary to secure additional funding in order
to continue the program in future years.
District Ranger Jim Irvin, District Ranger Laurence Crabtree and Cherie XX, the new small sale administrator will explain the Forest's small timber sale program and answer questions from the public.
Wildlife Service withdraws proposal to list the Cow Head
tui chub
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today the withdrawal of its 1998
proposal to list the Cow Head tui chub as an endangered species. The decision
not to list the chub was made in light of combined conservation efforts of private
landowners, state agencies and industry organizations.
In 1998, the Service proposed to list the Cow Head tui chub as an endangered
species based on concerns over its small population size, restricted distribution
and loss of historic habitat. In response to the proposed listing, a dozen landowners
came together with the Service, Bureau of Land Management, California Department
of Fish and Game, Cow Head Irrigation District, California Cattleman's Association,
Modoc County Cattlemen's Association and the California Farm Bureau to address
the needs of the chub, while recognizing the importance of sustaining agricultural
practices within the Cow Head watershed.
"The decision not to list the chub is an outstanding example of how partnerships
with willing landowners can help fish and wildlife resources," said Curt
Millis, Klamath Falls field supervisor. "Listing a species is the last
tool in the tool-box when it comes to preserving a species. These landowners
voluntarily came forward and worked with other stakeholders to ensure that listing
the species was not needed at this time."
Finding ways to provide for the chub and protect private land interests, the
stakeholders devised and implemented a conservation agreement that would study
and improve available information on the species. Their efforts identified a
number of permanent Cow Head tui chub populations within the watershed, provided
a means for separate populations to migrate and intermingle, and outlined measures
to maintain the fish populations and habitat conditions.
Cooperation by private landowners allowed the Service to improve existing data
on many aspects of Cow Head tui chub ecology and develop a better understanding
of fish numbers and population. This information, along with the conservation
measures implemented, supports the decision to withdraw the listing proposal.
"While we will keep a watchful eye on the Cow Head tui chub, we believe
that the chub is not in danger of becoming extinct in the foreseeable future,"
Mullis said.
The Cow Head tui chub is a small silvery fish in the minnow family, found only
in Cow Head Lake and Cow Slough in extreme northeastern Modoc County, California.
It was first recognized as a distinct subspecies in 1948 and first described
in 1980. About half of the tui chub's current range is privately owned, while
the rest is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The Cow Head tui chub
is marked with a dark lateral stripe and dark speckles on the cheek, the area
behind the eye, and its lower body. Less than 4.5 inches long from the nose
to the middle of the tail, it can be distinguished from other tui chubs primarily
by the number of bony projections in the gills.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The Service manages the 95 million acre National Wildlife Refuge System, which encompasses 545 national wildlife refuges, thousands of small wetlands and other special management areas. It also operates 69 national fish hatcheries, 64 fishery resources offices and 81 ecological services field stations. The agency enforces Federal wildlife laws, administers the Endangered Species Act, manages migratory bird populations, restores nationally significant fisheries, conserves and restores wildlife habitat such as wetlands, and helps foreign and Native American tribal governments with their conservation efforts. It also oversees the Federal Assistance program, which distributes hundreds of million of dollars in excise taxes on fishing and hunting equipment to state fish and wildlife agencies.
Obituaries:
Margot Curtis
A Memorial Service for Margot Curtis will be held Saturday, Oct. 21 at 11 a.m.
at the Federated Church in Alturas. Conversation and a potluck luncheon will
follow in the Fellowship Hall. Photographs and Margot's works of art will be
on display.
Mrs. Curtis, 81, of Alturas and formerly Davis Creek, passed away at her home
in Alturas on September 21, 2006. Margot was born on December 4, 1924, in Paso
Robles, CA.
Margot is survived by her husband, John P. Curtis of Alturas, CA and her four
children: John D. "Jack" Curtis of Martinez, CA; Sean Curtis of Alturas;
Mary Curtis of Iowa City, Iowa; and Deirdre Curtis Hill of Cedarville. She has
two grandchildren, John Hill and Alice Hill, age 16 of Cedarville. Her sisters
and brother also survive her: Roberta Work Turcott of Yakima, WA; Johnita Work
Fisher of Lancaster, CA; and George Work of San Miguel, CA.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Art Center, 317 So. Main St., Alturas, CA 96101 or the Friends of the Modoc County Library, at 212 West Third Street, Alturas.
Sandra (Houseman) Sweeney
Sandra Kay Sweeney was born on January 5, 1955, in Woodland, CA, the oldest
of four girls born to William "Bill" and Dolores Houseman. When the
family moved to Likely, Sandra attended the second grade at South Fork School
and later the family moved to Alturas. Sandra graduated from Modoc High School
with the class of 1973. She enjoyed her work as a high school office "TA"
and was relied upon, because she was so capable for such a young person. She
advanced her secretarial and business skills when she graduated from high school
and attended Heald's Business College in Sacramento. She later trained in Minnesota
to become a Travel Agent.
Sandra kept busy upon returning to Alturas. For many years she worked for Beth
and Dick Steyer as a travel agent, and as an administrative assistant at Modoc
Realty and later Alturas Disposal. As the big sister or in an office atmosphere,
Sandra was always well organized, calm and collected and lovingly gave direction.
She had a big heart and was a kind soul.
Sandra married Floyd Sweeney on December 21, 1985 in Reno NV. and continued
to work for Alturas Disposal while Floyd "drove truck" while they
made their home in Alturas. Their daughter Megan Ann was born and kept Sandra
even busier.
After a long, hard fight with Multiple Sclerosis, Sandra passed away Tuesday,
Oct. 10, 2006, at the age of 51, at Surprise Valley Long Term Care in Cedarville,
CA. She will be dearly missed by all whose lives she touched.
She leaves behind her husband Floyd Sweeney; daughter Megan Ann Mansker (Clint),
Alturas; step-daughters Sena Banks, Nampa, ID; Sheila Sweeney and Deana Stackle,
Boise, ID; father and mother Wm. and Dolores Houseman, Alturas; sisters Carol
Houseman and Pam Robbins (Chris), Alturas. She is also survived by her many
nieces and nephews. Sandra was preceded in death by her younger sister Billie
West, four years ago in June.
The Rev. Dr. Ben Zandstra held services on October 13, 2006, in Alturas at
Kerr Chapel, in Alturas. A private interment service followed at the Ft. Bidwell
Cemetery.
Donations can be made to the MS Foundation in Sandra's name. Donations may be made online or mailed to Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.
Sports
Braves trounce Lions in SCL game
The Modoc Braves varsity football team continued what should be
a rout of weaker Shasta Cascade League teams Saturday, beating Bishop Quinn
in Palo Cedro 58-20.
The Weed Cougars will get the honor of playing Modoc for the Braves
Homecoming this Friday night. Etna beat Weed 26-18 this week. Last week, Modoc
opened the SCL with a 50-14 drubbing of Etna. Fall River beat Burney 32-0 this
week.
The Lions kept the game close through the first half Saturday
with Modoc leading 22-20, but Modoc limited the Lions to one yard offense in
the third and 19 yards in the fourth period, while their offense ran at will.
Modoc coach Shaun Wood was less-than-enthused about the officiating
crew at Bishop Quinn. The Braves were flagged 14 times for 110 yards in penalties
while Bishop Quinn had just four for 30 yards.
Modoc scored six in the first, 16 in the second, 14 in the third
and 22 in the fourth period. The Lions scored seven in the first and13 in the
second.
"We were a little flat to start and things were odd to say
the least," said Wood. "But we came out focused in the second half
and just did what we wanted to do."
Wood will not take any game for granted this year, but figures
if his team stays healthy, they should control league play. He wants to insure
the team doesn't get too comfortable or overconfident.
For the game, Jesse Harer got the scoring started on a three-yard
run, Bill Hammerness then took one in from 34 yards, then again from three yards.
Harer scored again from three, Brandon Anderson from the 21, and Hammerness
from five, Daniel Morgan from the one and Josue Madrigal added the final score
from the nine. Two-point conversions were made by Liam Iverson on a pass, Harer
on a pass, Devin Urroz on a pass, Josh Wood on a run and Hammerness on a run.
Harer led the rushers with 124 yards on 19 carries while Hammerness
added 100 yards on 17 and Anderson had 87 yards on four.
Trent Schmidt was six-for-10 passing for 105 yards. Hammerness
caught a pair for 53 yards, Anderson one for 24, Harer two for 21 and Iverson
one for seven.
Modoc defense was led by Hammerness, Wood, Harer, and Anderson. Anderson recovered two fumbles, Wood one and Jesse Cuevas one.
Braves win pair of net jabs
Modoc's varsity girls volleyball team won two Shasta Cascade Leagues
last week, beating Mt. Shasta and Trinity on the road. They play Weed at home
tonight and host Etna Saturday at noon.
Coach Kim Schmidt said Mt. Shasta is getting stronger but the
Modoc girls served and hustled well. The long ride to Trinity on Saturday slowed
Modoc down in the opening game, but they came back to their awakened selves
for the win.
The Braves beat Mt. Shasta 23-25, 25-11. 25-10 and 25-21 with
Tacie Richardson getting 11 kills. Stacey Main had eight kills, Alysha Northrup
added six, Megan Thompson had five and Brynn Juanarena added four. She also
had five serving aces, along with Northrup. Sarah Catania and Jesse Nosler each
had three aces.
Modoc beat Trinity 18-25, 25-17, 24-26, 25-16 and 15-11. Richardson
led again in kills with 14, Thompson had 12, Northrup and Main nine each, Catania
seven and Marlana Bartram six. Main had four blocks, Richardson and Thompson
added two each. Amanda Fain had six service aces, Catania and Juanarena each
had three and Richardson, Bartram and Northrup had two each.
JVs beat Fall River
Modoc's junior varsity volleyball team knocked off previously
unbeaten Fall River last week 28-26, 22-25 and 15-12.
Emily Conner had 10 kills, Alea Bagwell added eight and Sara Jo
Montague had several saves.
The girls then beat Mt. Shasta 25-21, 16-25 and 15-12. Bagwell had seven kills,
Conner added five, Katie Hetherwick had four. Madison Halvorson served very
well as did Conner and Erica Cuevas.
The girls lost to Trinity 25-10, 17-25 and 11-15. Sami Schmidt had five kills, Bagwell added four and Conner three. Kristi Zendejas and Conner each served well.
Braves tie Bears, Wolves in soccer
Modoc's Soccer Braves had two long road trips this week, tying
both the Mt. Shasta Bears and the Trinity Wolves. They meet Weed here Thursday.
Against Mt. Shasta, a good Bears squad jumped out to a 2-0 lead.
But Modoc cut that to 2-1 on a head goal by Fernando Garcia by the half. Keith
Montague tied the game in the second half off an assist by Garcia.
"It was a very hard, physical game which both teams seemed
to run out of gas in the end," said coach Mike Yarbrough. "Defensively,
Corey Clark came off the bench with some good tackles to help save possession
of the ball towards the end."
Against Trinity on Saturday, the Braves had to compete without five starters because of the SAT tests. Modoc played the entire game with just one reserve player and still managed the 1-1 tie. Garcia scored the goal and Kevin Haggard is credited with several good saves. Dustin Philpott had two shots on goal.
Modoc runners compete in West Valley
Modoc's cross country team competed at the big West Valley Invitational
Oct. 13 and their next meet is the Small School Championship at West Valley
Nov. 1.
No places were reported for the runners, but their times were as follows: varsity boys three miles, Cain Madrigal 18:43, Robert Spedding 22:23; varsity girls, three miles, Michel Funk 22:28, Danielle Moriarity 23:13, Natalie Hoy 26:11; junior varsity girls, 2.2 miles, Danielle Grier 20:29, Rachel Bratton 23:21.
Advance reservations required for Refuge
Junior Pheasant Hunt
Junior hunters will have the opportunity to hunt pheasants at
Modoc National wildlife Refuge this fall. Applications will be accepted through
November 3, and the hunt will take place on Sunday, November 19. Only hunters
possessing a valid California Junior Hunting License may apply. Up to four hunters
may apply together as a party. Junior hunters must be accompanied by a non-hunting
adult (18 years or older) with no more than two junior hunters per adult.
The procedure for submitting applications is as follows:
1. Use only standard Postal Service postcards (3x 5 inches).
2. Type or print clearly.
3. Give the name, address and hunting license number for each person (up to
four) requesting permit. Zip codes must be correct.
4. Hunters must specify that the application is for the Junior Pheasant Hunt.
5. A parent or legal guardian must sign for each applicant.
6. Mail postcards to: Modoc National Wildlife Refuge, P.O. Box 1610, Alturas,
CA 96101.
Any person whose name appears on more than one application will be excluded
from the drawing, as will applications which are late, illegible or incomplete.
All refuge-hunting regulations remain unchanged. A total of 10 hunters will
be issued a Junior Pheasant Hunt permit. Complete regulations and permits will
be mailed to those hunters who are selected from the drawing. Unsuccessful hunters
will be notified. No standby lists will be maintained and "no shows"
will not be refilled. Applications must be received by November 3. Late applications
will not be considered. Hunters may contact the Refuge Manager at (530) 233-3572,
or go on-line at http://modoc.fws.gov for further information.
October 26, 2006
News
Many Modoc voters will cast ballots by mail, absentee
Modoc voters should have their sample ballots in hand and absentee applications
must be returned by Oct. 31. The absentee ballots must be voted and returned
to the clerk's office by election day or can be dropped off at any polling place
on Nov. 7. Mail ballots will be going out this week and must also be returned
by Election Day.
Mail in precincts are: Ft. Bidwell, Lake City, Eagleville, Stateline-Willow
Ranch, Davis Creek, Parker Creek, South Fork, Canby, Adin, Lookout and Little
Hot Springs (Day). Voters will go to the polls in Cedarville, North Fork, Alturas
A, B, C, D, Hot Spring, Cal Pines and Newell.
Modoc County Clerk Maxine Madison has combined some precincts. Alturas A, B,
and D and Hot Spring will all vote at City Hall Nov. 7. Alturas A had voted
at the Senior Center and Alturas B at Modoc High School. Voters need to be aware
of the change.
On Election Day, polls will open at 7 a.m., and close at 8 p.m.
Retired Air Force Lt. Colonel Charlie Brown is challenging Modoc's U.S. Representative
John Doolittle. Doolittle is making national news for his close relationship
to convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff and Brown is moving up in the polls.
There will be local elections in November in the Modoc Joint Unified School
District, Tulelake Joint Unified School District, California Pines Community
Services District and the Fort Bidwell Fire District.
In the Modoc Joint Unified School District Karen Hays has filed for re-election
and two challengers have filed, Erin Bevil and Eric Sittig.
There are four seats on the ballot for the Surprise Valley Joint Unified School
District. There will not be an election in that four people have filed for those
seats and there is no competition. In Cedarville, James Laacke and Penny Borghi,
have filed. Bill Bostic has filed for re-election and Alissa Fee has filed in
Fort Bidwell.
Roy Wright has filed for re-election on the Tulelake Basin Joint Unified School
Board. Two challengers, Venencio Hernandez and Randall Bailey have also filed.
There will be an election for one seat on the Fort Bidwell Fire District. John
Brauner is challenging incumbent John Drew.
An election is also set for the California Pines Community Services District
where three seats are up. Incumbent Lola Milliron and Bruce Rodgers are running
for re-election. Three challengers have filed: James Ganoe, Stanley Ehlinger
and Hank Drury.
Julie Gagnon has filed for re-election to Big Valley Joint Unified School District Board of Trustees.
Modoc unemployment at 5.7%
Modoc's unemployment rate in September was 5.7 percent, above the state's 4.6
percent and the national rate of 4.4 percent. Last year the county's employment
rate stood at 5.6 percent. In August, 2006, it was 6.1 percent.
According to the California Employment Development Department, Modoc's labor
force was 4,080 and the number of unemployed was 230. In a breakdown, the number
of government employees was 1,450, with local government accounting for 1,070
of that and state and federal amounting to 380. Government accounts for about
38 percent of the employment in Modoc.
The total farm labor in Modoc amounted to 440; private amounted to 1,220 and Government 1,450.
BLM offering weanling horses and mules for
public adoption
Horse enthusiasts who want to begin training a young animal for pleasure riding,
work or competition have the opportunity to adopt a weanling wild horse or mule,
when the Bureau of Land Management holds a special adoption event Saturday,
Nov. 18, at the Litchfield Corrals.
The corrals are on U. S. Highway 395 about 20 miles east of Susanville.
The BLM will offer 60 mustangs, all under a year old, and five mules (two weanlings
and three yearlings) in the adoption event that runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. There
will be an hour of silent bidding beginning at 9 a.m. Animals not taken during
bidding will be available on a first-come, first-served basis for a $125 adoption
fee.
"All of these animals come from northeast California herd areas, including
Twin Peaks, that are known for producing good-sized wild horses," said
KC Pasero, the BLM's Wild Horse and Burro Program manager for northeast California.
"All have received vaccinations for common equine diseases, rabies and
West Nile virus. They have been de-wormed and have negative Coggins test results.
Adopters receive health care records so they can begin health care programs
with their veterinarians."
Pasero said adopters will have until noon Sunday, Nov. 19 to pick up their
animals.
To qualify, adopters must be at least 18 years old and have no convictions
for inhumane treatment of animals. BLM staff members will interview all prospective
adopters to be sure they meet the BLM adoption requirements and can provide
the required facilities
Newly adopted weanling mustangs and mules must be kept in corrals with at least
400 square feet of space per animal (20 feet by 20 feet), surrounded by a five-foot
fence built of pipe or boards. Adopters must provide a two-sided, roofed shelter
to provide protection from extreme weather.
"Adopted animals should be kept in this corral until they can be approached,
handled, haltered and led," Pasero explained. "Un-gentled animals
should not be placed in large, open pastures."
Adopters must provide a halter and lead rope. BLM wranglers will halter and
load adopted animals. Adult horses must be transported in stock trailers with
side-swinging gates.
Title to adopted wild horses and burros remains with the federal government
for one year. After providing a year of good care, adopters can receive title.
The BLM or a representative will check on the condition of the animal during
the one-year adoption period.
"Wild horses are strong, loyal, intelligent and very trainable,"
Pasero said. "Adopters find they are great for pleasure riding and trail
riding, back country packing, ranch work and competition. Twin Peaks horses
have done very well in endurance rides sanctioned by the American Endurance
Ride Conference."
Wild horses and burros are protected by a federal law, the Wild and Free Roaming
Horses and Burros Act. The law recognizes the animals as "living symbols
of the historic and pioneer spirit of the west," and requires the BLM to
manage the wild herds.
The BLM periodically gathers horses and burros to control herd populations
on ranges shared with wildlife and domestic livestock. Herd sizes are controlled
to ensure there is sufficient feed and water for all range users and to ensure
that natural resources are not over-used.
There are about 31,000 wild horses and burros roaming on public rangelands
in the western states. More than 200,000 animals have been placed in private
care since the BLM's Adopt-a-Horse-or-Burro Program began in the early 1970s.
For additional information on the adoption event or wild horse management, contact the BLM toll free at 1-866-4MUSTANGS or the Litchfield Corrals at (530) 254-6575. Information is also available online at www.wildhorseandburro.blm.gov.
Matt Byrne will be featured speaker at Cattlemen's dinner
Matt Byrne, born and raised near Tulelake on his family's cattle ranch, will
be the featured speaker at Modoc County Cattlemen's Association Fall Dinner
at the Brass Rail in Alturas, Saturday night, October 28.
The dinner starts with a hosted social hour at 6 p.m. followed by a steak dinner
at 7 p.m.
The dinner is mostly social, MCCA members will meet for lunch at 12 noon at
the Brass Rail for their annual membership meeting and election of officers
and directors. The lunch is paid for by the association.
Byrne was hired in June to lead the California Cattlemen's Association as its
new Executive Vice President and will be making his first official visit to
Modoc County for the event.
Matt is the son of Mike and Beverly Byrne, of Tulelake, a family with a long
tradition in Modoc County ranching. Matt's father Mike Byrne has most recently
served as President of the National Public Lands Council.
Other highlights of the evening are the announcement of the Modoc County Cattleman
of the Year Award and the presentation of a Lifetime Achievement Award to longtime
Brand Inspector Shorty Crabtree of Alturas.
Modoc County Cattlewomen will be holding a silent auction of many handcrafted
gifts and there will be drawings throughout the evening for about 25 door prizes.
Matt Byrne was born and raised in Modoc County where his family has been operating
a commercial cow-calf operation on private and public land for more than 100
years. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Santa Clara University in Santa Clara
in June 2002 with a Bachelor's degree in Finance and Computer Science. After
graduation Matt moved to Washington D.C. where he took a job as a legislative
aide to Congressman Greg Walden where he managed a portfolio of issues relating
to agriculture and natural resources in addition to other issues. In this position
he worked to advance the interests of ranchers.
In June Matt was selected by the CCA Executive Committee to serve as Executive
Vice President, replacing Ben Higgens who was appointed State Director for USDA
Rural Development in California.
As Executive VP Matt is responsible for overseeing all activities of the association.
He works with staff and officers to review legislation, develop positions and
lobby elected representatives and regulatory bodies on behalf of the association.
He serves as lead staff spokesperson for the CCA to the media and is fully responsible
for association financial planning and personnel management.
Thanks to Modoc County Cattlemen's Associations' efforts, Mandatory Point of
Origin Brand Inspections will still be required in Modoc.
At this year's Annual Meeting at the Brass Rail in Alturas, Saturday, November
28, several hot issues will be on the agenda following lunch hosted by MCCA
starting at noon.
Continued issues over brand inspections, public land grazing issues, efforts
to replace DWR water-master service, and a new MCCA program that will notify
members grazing on public lands when important issues come up that need their
comments, as well as other issues will be discussed.
Speakers include Mike Byrne of the Public Lands Council and Sean Curtis, Modoc
County Resources Director. Officers and directors for the coming year will be
picked at an election that afternoon.
MPAT 'whodunit' opens tonight for weekend run
Tonight, the Modoc Performing Arts Theater group will open its Fall play The
Butler Did It, Again, a murder-mystery comedy, live on stage at the A.C.T. Niles
Theater in Alturas at 7:30 p.m.
The play will also be staged Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 p.m., Oct.
27 and 28 and Sunday, Oct. 29 for a 3:00 p.m. matinee.
Tickets will be available at the door, $8.00 for adults and $6.00 for students
and seniors.
Tim Kelly, the same author as MPAT's recent production of M*A*S*H, is the author
of the currently staged play.
"This should prove to be a very funny play from beginning to end with
several twists throughout to keep you guessing whodunit. So, please plan to
spend an enjoyable evening or Sunday afternoon with our zany cast of characters,
" describes Director Gerry Gates.
"If you remember Bogart, Nick and Nora and their dog Asta, and Charlie
Chan, then you shouldn't pass up this spoof on old-time and current detectives!
The cast has worked very hard to bring the comedy to life, please come and enjoy
the play," urges Gates.
The play storyline involves a group of mystery writers who have been invited
to a southern mansion for a fun murder weekend party,, and must use their skills
of deduction related to the characters they write about. However, a real murder
takes place - can these mystery writers solve the crime in their midst? The
hostess for the weekend is Miss Maple assisted by Miss Jane Doe, Mrs. Danvers,
and the creepy Mr. Chips. Her guests include writers Tony Tallchief, Chandler
Marlow, the sophisticated Rich and Laura Carlyle, Father White, and the inscrutable
Louie Fan, and the new phenomena, Ruth Dice, author of Conversations With A
Ghoul.
An uninvited guest, Linda Hayes, also shows up at the mansion. A not-so-friendly gator named Charlie lurks in the swamp outside the mansion. The cast of local performers include Gabriela Holt, from Adin, as Miss Maple, Chenoah Johnson as Jane Doe, David Cohen as Chips, the servant, and Joy Johnson as Mrs. Danvers, the housekeeper. The invited guest mystery writers include James Chasteen as tough guy Chandler Marlowe; Danny and Kim Parker as the stylish New York detectives Rick and Laura Carlyle, Kevin Haggard as westerner Tony Tallchief, Forest Gauna as Asian detective Louie Fan, Marcus Headifen as the Englishman Father White, and Sarah Manzer as the newcomer ghoulish writer Ruth Dice. The mysterious uninvited guest, Linda Hayes, is played by Vanessa Main
Obituaries:
Beth Aldean Maidens Ash
Former Surprise Valley resident Beth Aldean Maidens Ash passed away October
19, 2006, at the Empire Convalescent Hospital in Grass Valley, CA. Funeral services
will be held Saturday, Oct. 28 at 1 p.m. at Hooper and Weaver Mortuary, 459
Hollow Way, Nevada City, CA 95959. A graveside service will follow at the adjoining
Sierra Memorial Lawn, Nevada City.
Beth was born June 26, 1926, to Andrew and Shirley Maidens of Hastings, Ontario,
Canada. The family moved to Warkworth Ontario, Canada in 1927, which is now
known as Maidens Mill. Beth worked for Orkawa General Motors during the latter
part of World War II, then moved to the United States in January 1945, to live
with her brother Alvin Maidens. Beth married Walter R. Lowell, September 6,
1946, and began a career in nursing. The couple resided in Fort Bidwell, CA.
After losing her first husband in a plane accident, Beth married Charles W.
Ash on July 9, 1966. Beth worked for Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital in Grass
Valley from 1960 to 1982. She was a past member of the Order of Eastern Star
and a charter member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary at Cedarville, CA.
Beth was preceded in death by Walter R. Lowell in 1966 and Charles W. Ash in
1995, brother Alvin Maidens in 1988 and sister-in-law Nona Maidens in 1986.
Beth is survived by son Dennis Lowell, Grass Valley; daughter Stacy A. (Ash) Zachary, Grass Valley; son-in-law Michael Zachary, grandson Brandon Lowell, Grass Valley; granddaughter Tammy Maine, Susanville, Tom Maine; granddaughters Brianna and Brooke Zachary, Grass Valley; three great-grandchildren Mathew, Thomas and Eric Maine, Susanville; nephew Kim Maidens and nieces Susie Rares and Gail Finkle. Memorial donations may be directed to the Juvenile Diabetes Association.
Russell Lyle Huff
Russell Lyle Huff, 83, died at the Lake District Hospital, Lakeview, OR on
Thursday, Oct. 5, 2006, from natural causes.
Russell was born to Leo and Dora (Miller) Huff in Dunsmuir, Calif. on May 29,
1923. He grew up in Alturas and graduated from Modoc High School in 1942 where
he was a four year letterman in football and track. He was drafted into the
Army in 1942 and was honorably discharged at the end of World War II.
He married Betty Risley in Seattle on Feb.11, 1949.
He had worked for the Forest Service as a log scaler before starting his long
career working in saw mills, which started in a mill in Alturas. He then worked
for U.S. Plywood in Anderson, Calif. before moving to Lakeview in 1966 where
he worked for Lakeview Lumber Products and Fremont Sawmill, where he retired
in 1986. He moved to Medford in 1996 and back to Lakeview in 1999.
He enjoyed making model airplanes, tobogganing, woodworking, bird hunting and
fishing.
He is survived by: Daughters, Deborah Kay McCreith and Shawna Lee Huff of Lakeview;
son, Cameron Lyle Huff of Santa Rosa, Calif.; brother, Leslie Clinton Huff;
grandchildren , John Forga, Leah Huff and Travis Sipp and three great-grandchildren.
Contributions in the memory of Mr. Huff may be made to a charity of the donor's
choice.
At his request no public services will be held. Desert Rose Funeral Chapel is
in charge of arrangements.
Lillian Gossage
Lillian N. Gossage, 89 of Alturas, CA passed away Friday, October 20, 2006
at her and her daughter's home in Redding, CA, after a brave fight with cancer.
There will be a viewing at Kerr Mortuary, Alturas between 6:00 pm and 8:00
pm on Friday, October 27, 2006. Services will be held at the Federated Church
in Alturas at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 28, 2006.
Lillian was born July 13, 1917, in Girard, Kansas. She moved to Idaho Falls,
Idaho as a child. It was in Idaho that she met and married Robert W. Mize in
1936. Of this union she had four children. In later years of their marriage
the Mize's ranched in Fort Bidwell, CA and spent a number of years in Cottonwood,
CA. Lillian returned to Alturas in the late sixties to make her home there.
Lillian was preceded in death by her daughter Carolyn J. Vernon, late husbands
Robert W. Mize, Don Gibson and Al Gossage.
Survivors include sons, Robert A. Mize of Crescent City, CA, James Mize (Linda)
of Cottonwood, CA and daughter Pamela Mize of Redding, CA; grandsons Shawn Mize
(Laura) of Spring, TX and Robert Vernon of Grants Pass, OR. Grandaughters Patricia
Cullins (Sid) of Alturas, CA, Judy Witherspoon of Grants Pass, OR, Sandi Bright
(John) of Big Pine, CA, Tracy Jay (Brad), Sherri Hasting and Candie Hasting
all of Meridian, ID, Tarfi Pratt (Steve) of Chico, CA and Shannon (Rich) Baldry
of Cottonwood, CA; daughter-in-laws Janice Mize and Aggie Keeler; son-in-law
Larry Birge. step-children Ken Gloster (Pat) and Kessler Gossage of Alturas,
CA and Drusilla (John) Van Ripper of Oregon. She also has 16 great-grandchildren
and five great-great grandchildren. Many very special friends and family too
numerous to mention by name.
The last year and months of her life were spent surrounded constantly by those
who loved and cared for her at her homes in Alturas and Redding.
Memorial contributions may be made to Mercy Hospice, 1544 Market St., Redding,
CA 96001 or an organization or charity of your choice.
Guyila Agness Hess
Guyila passed away peacefully at the home of her son in Alturas, California
on October 22, 2006. She was 88 years old.
Guyila was born in Hobart, OK. On December 23, 1917, and moved to Bakersfield
in 1937. Guyila married Herbert Hess in 1938 and they were married for 54 years.
He preceded her in death in 1992. She is survived by her 4 sons and their families,
George & Maxine Hess, of Atlanta, Jim Hess of Bakersfield, Eugene &
Ann Hess of Alturas, Steve & Ann Hess of Taft; she has 14 grandchildren,
23 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren.
Guyila loved all her family and many holidays and family events were held at
her home. When the boys were young, she was busy with Cub Scouts and PTA. Guyila
was a faithful servant to Trinity United Methodist Church in Bakersfield, serving
many capacities for over 50 years. Guyila was loved by all her family and her
many friends. She will be missed by all who knew her.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, Nov. 4, at 11 a.m. at Trinity United
Methodist Church, 724 Niles, Bakersfield, CA.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Trinity Untied Methodist Church.
Sports
Modoc blasts way through SCL
Modoc's Varsity Braves football team continued its Sherman March
like journey through the Shasta Cascade League, beating Weed 53-14 Friday night.
The SCL, notoriously weak this year, has not yet been able to
stand up to Shaun Wood's team. Modoc meets Fall River Friday night there, and
should have little trouble with the Bulldogs. Fall River lost to Bishop Quinn
44-36 last week and Burney lost to Etna 31-20.
The Braves opened the SCL with a 50-14 win over Etna, and then
beat Bishop Quinn 58-20. In three league games, the Braves have scored 161 points
while giving up 48.
Wood doesn't expect to lose to either Fall River or Burney, which
should set up his playoff's hopes of at least one home game. The Braves move
up a division in the playoffs, where they're currently ranked fourth, behind
Mt. Shasta Pierce and Live Oak.
Modoc is ranked second in total offense in the North Section with
3,255 yards and second in rushing with 2,747 yards. Both Jesse Harer and Bill
Hammerness are expected to break the 1,000 yard rushing mark this Friday night
in MacArthur.
Weed started the Modoc Homecoming game in good fashion, on a tight
end option pass that went 53 yards to the Modoc three. Weed scored on a run
and led 6-0 with less than two minutes ran off the clock. That was the end of
the Weed offensive threat until the late fourth period.
Modoc marched down the field and Hammerness scored to even the
score. Victor Garcia put the Braves up with the point after. The Braves added
two more scores in the first to lead 21-6 and here in the second period to go
up 41-6 at halftime. The Braves added one touchdown in the third and one in
the fourth for 53 points, and Weed added a late score in the fourth to make
the final 53-14.
The Braves rushed the ball 38 times for 509 yards, a 13.4-yard average and added 51 yards passing for a 560-yard offensive total. The Braves defense limited Weed to 139 yards on 35 carries and 109 yards passing.
Harer led the Braves' rushing effort with 189 yards on 11 carries;
Hammerness added 130 on 13, Brandon Anderson 87 on four, Sheridan Crutcher 74
yards on one. Harer also grabbed one pass for 43 yards.
Harer and Hammerness each scored a pair of touchdowns; Anderson, Crutcher, Devin
Urroz and Trent Schmidt each added one.
Leading Modoc's defense were Harer and Hammerness with 11 tackles each, Josh Wood with 10 and Daniel Morgan with six.
Weed blanks Modoc JVs
The Weed Cougars blanked the Modoc junior varsity football team
21-0 Friday night in the opening game of Modoc's Homecoming. The Braves play
at Fall River Friday night.
Weed scored seven in the first, six in the third and eight in
the fourth for the win. Modoc lost two fumbles, had one pass intercepted and
was flagged seven times for 70 yards.
Modoc had 147 yards rushing for the game and only nine yards passing.
Justin Estes led the Braves with 16 carries for 87 yards.
Weed racked up 212 yards rushing and 21 yards through the air. They lost one fumble and were only flagged for three minor penalties. Matt Mayes led Modoc's defense with 10 tackles. Modoc is now 2-1 in the Shasta Cascade League and 4-3-1 overall.
Modoc on top of volleyball game
Modoc struggled in one match this last week, but appears to be
on top of their volleyball game.
The Braves had a test against Weed, winning the first two games 25-15 and 25-23,
then lost two 19-25, 19- 25, before winning the deciding game 15-4.
"We struggled against Weed, got some bad calls and came back
in the fifth game with a vengeance," said coach Kim Schmidt. "Etna
was a tough team, but the girls were on fire. We kept hitting hard at them and
we covered everything. It was awesome to watch them play up to their full potential."
Modoc beat Etna 25-14, 25-13 and 25-23.
Against Weed, Tacie Richardson led the charge with 11 kills, served
100 percent with four aces and had one block. Stacey Main had nine kills, served
100 percent and blocked a pair. Megan Thompson and Alysha Northrup each had
eight kills with Thompson serving four aces and blocking one shot. Marlana Bartram
had five kills and four aces and Brynn Juanarena had three kills and two aces
with Sarah Catania getting a pair of kills and three aces.
Against Etna, Thompson had eight kills, Richardson and Main had
six each with Richardson serving 100 percent and two aces. Northrup had three
kills and served 100 percent with one ace. Catania had two kills.
Things fell apart in Burney Tuesday as the Braves just won 25-13, 25-20, 18-25,
25-26 and 15-10. Richardson had nine kills and three aces; Thompson had nine
kills. Main had four kills. Northrup had seven kills.
Modoc has Trinity at home Saturday afternoon and travels to league-leading
Fall River Tuesday to round out league play and wait for a playoff seeding.
Modoc's junior varsity team beat Weed, 25-11, 25-22, and Burney
25-23, 17-25 and 15-13, but lost to Etna 22-25, 25-21 and 9-15.
Against Weed, Sami Schmidt had five kills, Alea Bagwell added three and a block and Emily Conner had nine aces. Against Etna, Modoc had had trouble at the net with just six kills in the match. Conner had eight kills against Burney; Bagwell and Schmidt added four each and Katie Hetherwick had three.
Soccer ends season with win, tie
Modoc's soccer team finished the regular season with a 4-0 over
Weed and a 1-1 tie with Etna.
"We tied the number two team in the league twice this season," said
first-year coach Mike Yarbrough. "We ended our season with three wins,
two losses and four ties."
Dustin Philpott and Keith Montague scored goals in the first half
against Weed to put Modoc up 2-0. Yarbrough said defenders Richie Gover, Chrissy
Hall, Dusty Oates and Chris Buchanan did an excellent job on the Weed offense.
Philpott scored again in the second half and then one on a free
kick to put the Braves up 4-0.
On Saturday, the game against Etna was physical and tough, said Yarbrough. Etna scored halfway through the first half, but goalie Kevin Haggard made several good saves, Etna led 1-0 at halftime. Modoc came out much tougher in the second half, Courtney Holloway had a shot on goal and Isidro Chavez had a pair of shots. Modoc tied the game midway through the period on a goal by Montague
News
Mosquito measure passes, Doolittle just beats Brown
Measure J, the Alturas Mosquito Abatement assessment issue passed resoundingly
with 73.96 percent of the voters casting ballots in favor and only 26.04 against.
It needed a supermajority, 66 2/3 percent to pass.
The measure, which raises the mosquito abatement fee one dollar per month,
added to the water and sewer bills, received 750 votes in favor and 264 people
voted against. It had failed in the June primary with just over 60 percent voting
in favor. The fact the West Nile Virus had been confirmed in animals and humans
in Modoc was considered a tipping point.
Gary Woolverton was elected as the next Modoc County District Attorney with
2,224 votes, 67.27 percent over Richard Cotta who still received 985 votes even
though he has left the county.
Incumbent Karen Hays was reelected to the Modoc Joint Unified School District
Board of Trustees with 1,577 votes, 45.78 percent, and Erin Bevil was elected
with 1,250 votes, 36.28 percent. Eric Sittig received 596 votes.
For U.S. Congress in District 4, John Doolittle barely survived a challenge
by Democrat Charlie Brown, 104,307 (49.3 percent) to Brown's 97.022 (45.7 percent).
Libertarian Dan Warren received 10,629 votes (5.0 percent). In Modoc, Doolittle
received 2,174 votes 59.17 percent, Brown received 1,230 (33.38 percent) and
Warren received 262 (7.13 percent).
In the California Pines Community Services District where three seats were
open, the winners were Stanley Ehlinger with 95 votes, Bruce Rodgers with 89
votes and Hank Drury with 85 votes. James Ganoe received 82 votes and Lola Milliron
received 72.
Edward John Drew, Jr. won the seat on the Fort Bidwell Fire District Board
with 39 votes, while challenger John Brauner, Jr. got 24.
In the Tulelake Basin Joint Unified School District, incumbent Roy Wright was
re-elected with 228 votes and Randall Bailey was elected with 177 votes. Venancio
Hernandez received 102 votes.
On the state propositions, Modoc voted against most, which is not unusual.
Modoc liked Measure IA the transportation fund protection by 70.8 percent and
it passed statewide by 76.6 percent. Modoc voted against Measure 1B the highway,
airport bond by 60.1 percent, but is passed statewide by 61.3 percent.
The housing shelter fund, Measure 1C failed in Modoc by 53.4 percent but passed
the state by 57.5 percent. And Measure 1D, the school facility bond failed in
Modoc by 59.8 percent, but passed statewide by 56.6 percent. Measure 1E, the
disaster, flood bond was opposed in Modoc by 51.4 percent, but passed the state
by 64 percent.
Proposition 83, the sex offender reform issue was favored in Modoc by 75.4
percent and at the state level by 70.4 percent. Proposition 84, the water, flood
and park bond, was opposed in Modoc by 73,6 percent, but passed state muster
by 53.8 percent.
Controversial Proposition 85, the parental notice for teen abortions was liked
by 52.8 percent of Modoc voters but failed statewide by 54.1 percent. Prop.
86, the tax on cigarettes was opposed by 74 percent for Modoc voters and failed
in the state by 52.1 percent. Prop. 87, the energy and oil tax issue was opposed
by 76.5 percent of Modoc voters and failed at the state by 54.7 percent.
Prop. 88, the education property tax increase failed in this county by 88.3
percent an in the state by 76.9 percent. Prop. 898, the public funding for campaigns
failed here by 87.4 percent and statewide by 74.5 percent. Prop. 90, protection
from eminent domain was approved here by 54.2 percent of the voters and statewide
by 52.5 percent.
For Modoc, the voter turnout was 68.2 percent as 3,790 of 5,559 voters cast
ballots. Only Sierra at 73.7 percent, Trinity at 71.1 percent, Alpine County
at 71.7 percent and Amador at 69.3 percent had higher voter turnouts this election
than Modoc.
On other races, Modoc liked Arnold Schwarzenegger by 74.79 percent to 19.28
percent for Phil Angelides for Governor agreeing with the state. However, Modoc
voted 66.57 percent for Republican Tom McClintock for Lt. Governor, while Democrat
John Garamendi won the office statewide.
Modoc did not like Jerry Brown for Attorney General, voting 58.41 percent for
Republican Chuck Poochigian. Brown won the office statewide. For treasurer,
Modoc liked the Republican Claude Parrish by 56.63 percent, but Democrat Bill
Lockyer won the seat.
In the U.S. Senate Race, Modoc voted heavily for the Republican, Richard Mountjoy, 56.93 percent, but Democratic incumbent Diane Feinstein carried the state easily.
Man stabbed at Desert Rose Casino
An Alturas man was stabbed in the leg and two people arrested following an
incident at the Desert Rose Casino the evening of Nov.4.
According to Modoc Undersheriff Mark Gentry, the victim was Charlie Pratt of
Alturas. He sustained a serious stab wound to his leg and was transported to
Modoc Medical Center and then flown to Redding's Mercy Hospital. He has been
released.Arrested alleging assault with a deadly weapon was Doug Bradbury of
Alturas. He was arrested by Alturas Police after he left the Casino.
Arrested at the Casino alleging battery, resisting an officer and drunk in
public was Harvey Pratt of Alturas.
Gentry said the Pratts, Bradbury and a juvenile had been together during the
day and the adults had been drinking. They went to the Casino in the evening,
and according to Gentry, Harvey Pratt had gotten belligerent. Charlie Pratt
apparently had gone out to the Bradbury vehicle and was asleep.
Gentry said Bradbury became agitated when he came out of the Casino and grabbed
a pair of pliers from the vehicle. A witness said he broke out the window of
the pickup and reached into the glove compartment to find a knife. Gentry said
he is alleged to have stabbed Charlie Pratt in the leg, causing a serious wound.
Bradbury has denied the allegation.
Gentry said Bradbury then pulled Pratt from the vehicle. Harvey Pratt came
out and started to protect Charlie Pratt. Bradbury had left in the vehicle.
Harvey Pratt allegedly would not allow anyone near Charlie to assist him. At
one point, when a fire department official tried to assist, he was kicked in
the chest by Harvey Pratt.
Sheriff's Sgt. Palmer, the fire official and a California Highway Patrol officer finally subdued Pratt. He was subsequently arrested and ambulance crews were able to treat Charlie Pratt and transport him to the hospital.
Join in Thanksgiving Dinner
Alturas Christian Life Assembly will sponsor a free Thanksgiving Day dinner,
replete with all the trimmings, again this year. Dinner will be served at 12
noon on Thanksgiving Day, November 23 at the church hall at 225 West B Street,
Alturas.
Delivery can be arranged for shut-ins only. Please call by November 20, to
make a reservation to attend or to arrange a delivery to a shut-in, by leaving
the address and phone number for the shut-in delivery.
Donations of willing hands, food or money to support this dinner will be appreciated. Please call 233-2804 or contact Jeanne at 233-5772, evenings.
Obituaries:
Ruby Mae Stevenson
Ruby Mae Stevenson, a 50-year resident of Cedarville, passed away November
1, 2006, in Cedarville, CA of natural causes. Mrs. Stevenson was age 83 years.
Services were held Monday, Nov. 6 morning at the Cedarville Community Church,
followed by a graveside service at Cedarville.
Born Ruby Mae Milliron in Perry, Oklahoma on October 26, 1923, she graduated
from Perry High School. On May 27, 1944, she married Joseph Harley Stevenson
in Redding, CA. The two have been married for 62 years and operated their family
ranch together.Mrs. Stevenson took pride in her role as a mother, wife and
homemaker. She worked hard on the books, helped run the family ranch and above
all, enjoyed being with her family. She was also an accomplished gardener, still
planting a large garden into her 80s.
During her later years, she enjoyed sewing unique quilts for her grandchildren,
arranging flowers, doing family genealogy and lapidary work.
She was a member of the Cedarville Community Church, Veterans of Foreign Wars
Auxiliary 7888 and Modoc County CowBelles, later named Modoc County CattleWomen.
She nurtured her children, instilled a love of music in them and was very proud
of and supportive of their individual talents.
She is survived by her six children, Larry Stevenson, Merrill, OR; Diana Davis,
Rocklin, CA; Linda Wallace, Mount Shasta, CA; JoAnn White, Alturas, CA; Laura
Johnson, Loomis, CA and William Stevenson, Cedarville, CA. and daughter and
sons-in-law Connie Stevenson, Keith Davis, Rick Wallace, Monty White, Paul Johnson
and Kara Stevenson;16 grandchildren: Catherine Cundy, Shannon Holtzclaw, Curtis
Stevenson, Kelly McLaughlin, Emmy Westlake, Amber Schertz, Thad Wallace, Bret
Wallace, Tiffany Martinez, Nicholas Johnson, Joe Johnson, Natalie Johnson, Racheal
Stevenson, Cole Stevenson, and Wade Stevenson and six great-grandchildren; two
sisters Quada Bernice Potter of Stillwell, OK and Idena Verta Spillman of Oklahoma.
She was the youngest child of William and Ida Milliron, formerly of Perry,
OK and was preceded in death by one sister and four older brothers.
Memorial donations may be made to the Community Church in Cedarville.
Services were under the direction of Kerr Mortuary.
Dorotha Babcock
A celebration of life for former Shasta County resident Dorotha Jane Babcock,
81, of Nubieber, CA will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11 at Grace Bible Church
behind Hillside Cemetery in Nubieber. Burial will be at Hillside Cemetery. The
Rev. Kent House of Grace Bible Church will officiate.
Mrs. Babcock died Saturday, October 28, 2006 at Shasta Healthcare in Redding.
She was born November 5, 1924 in Pittville and moved to Lassen County in the
late 1940s from Redding.
She was a homemaker and a member of a garden club, the 50 Plus Club and the
senior citizens, all in Bieber.
Survivors include son Mike of Bieber; daughters Peggy Wust of Redding and Patty
Givens of Susanville; brothers Bill Cessna and Sonny Cessna, both of McArthur;
half brother Bud Cupp of Pittville; two grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Arrangements are being handled by Lawncrest Chapel in Redding.
Gertrude 'Jo' Cuppett
Alturas resident Gertrude 'Jo' Josephine Cuppett, 87, passed away from natural causes, peacefully on the morning of November 8, 2006, at Surprise Valley Long-term Care in Cedarville, CA. She was born 1918 in Yakima, WA. At her request, no services will be held. Her obituary will be published in a future Modoc Record issue.
Sports
Modoc meets Willows in first round of section
Playoffs
The Modoc Braves will meet Willows in Alturas Friday night, 7
p.m. in the first round of the North Section CIF football playoffs.
Willows comes in with a 5-5 record, had beaten Trinity 21-6, lost
to Mt. Shasta 13-0 and will be coming out of last Friday's loss to Live Oak
35-7. Willows has the second-leading rusher in the North Section, Erin Thompson,
with 1,551 yards.
The Braves will be coming off a 40-0 win over Burney to round
out an easy Shasta Cascade League unbeaten season. Willows will be much tougher
than any team Modoc faced in the SCL, but Modoc coach Shaun Wood is confident
in his squad.
"We've improved each game and we met the goals we set for
ourselves," he said this week. "We're improved dramatically from our
early season loss to Mt. Shasta, (7-12) and our line is now seasoned and very,
very good. We know we've had some easy games, but I don't think we'll be overconfident.
I can say this, this team is much better than I thought they'd be at the start
of the season."In addition to losing to Mt. Shasta, Modoc also lost to
Trinity 48-26, so Wood is expecting a good game this Friday night. If Modoc
beats Willows, they will travel to Mt. Shasta (who had a bye this week) next
Friday. Wood is savoring a rematch with the Mt. Shasta Bears. But Willows come
first.
"They have a very good back, their line is more athletic
than we've seen, but I think we'll be able to match up well," said Wood.
Modoc comes into the game with two of the top backs in league,
Jesse Harer and Bill Hammerness. Both have rushed for over 1,000 yards this
season, meaning defenses can't key just one of them. Modoc's passing game is
suspect, but they haven't had to throw the ball much this year.
The admission prices for Friday's night's playoff game are set
by the section, and Modoc season passes are not accepted.
Against Burney, Modoc scored 19 in the first period, and seven
in each of the last three quarters for the win. Wood backed his team off in
the second half.
Modoc ran the ball 46 times for 369 yards and passed for 79 yards.
The defense limited Burney to just 89 rush yards and 30 passing yards.
Harer carried the ball 12 times for 173 yards, Hammerness packed
it 14 for 88 yards and Brandon Anderson two for 30 yards. Hammerness scored
a pair of rushing touchdowns and one receiving. Harer scored two on the ground
and Daniel Morgan scored on a run.
Josh Wood and Hammerness led the defense with a dozen tackles
each, Harer and Anderson had 10 each, Victor Garcia and Morgan each picked off
a pass.
In other SCL action Friday, Fall River beat Etna 22-6 and Bishop Quinn topped
Weed 38-16.
Modoc beats Pierce in five, sets up match
with Fall River
Modoc's varsity volleyball won their first volleyball playoff
game at Pierce, Tuesday 25-15, 15-25, 25-14, 24-26 and 15-13, setting up a rematch
with Fall River Nov. 14 in Fall River.
The Braves have lost to Fall River twice this year, but coach
Kim Schmidt said the second match was much better for Modoc and the girls are
anxious for the chance to see them again. Fall River won the Shasta Cascade
League.
Against Pierce, Megan Thompson and Stacey Main each had 12 kills. Alysha Northrup added eight, Sarah Catania six, Marlana Bartram five and Tacie Richardson four. Richardson had three blocks and three aces. Thompson and Main each had two blocks. Catania had three aces, Amanda Fain added three, Northrup had two and Bartram had two.
Modoc JVs trounce Burney
Running back Justin Estes led the Modoc Braves junior varsity
football team to a 38-0 drubbing of the Burney Raiders Friday night.
Estes carried the ball 20 times for 281 yards and scored four
touchdowns. Modoc had 433 yards rushing and 33 yards passing on the night ad
held Burney to 103 yards n the ground and 38 yards passing.
Matt Mayes had nine carries for 97 yards and two TDs. Jack Callaghan
had one carry for 11 yards and a TD. Josh Lowe had four carries for 36 yards.
Tyler Dowdy was two-for-eight passing got 33 yards, with both receptions to
Dee Hunsaker.
The Braves ended the season at 5-4-1 overall and 3-2 in the Shasta
Cascade League.
Estes carried the ball 157 times this season for 1,061 yards, Hunsaker carried it 79 times for 473 yards, Mayes packed it 83 times for 385 yards. Dowdy had eight interceptions for the year.
November 16th, 2006
News
Bradbury case continued
Following a preliminary hearing last week that took part of two days, Christopher
Bradbury was bound over for further proceedings on Nov. 20 in the Betty Lou
Parks murder case.
Bradbury's attorney, Tom Gifford, of Alturas, asked that the preliminary hearing
be closed to the public last week, but Modoc Superior Court Judge Fritz Barclay
denied that request. Gifford was concerned that a jury pool could be tainted.
Most of the prosecution evidence stems from testimony of Bradbury's ex-wife
Kim, and another person who was a resident with Bradbury at a group home in
Redding in 1992. Kim Bradbury was employed at the home during that time and
that's where she and Chris met and started a relationship. Both those people
told Department of Justice investigators that Bradbury said he'd been involved
in the death of a girl in Alturas. Several other names were brought up during
the preliminary hearing, and more will be forthcoming during a court trial.
While Gifford attempted to establish that there was no evidentiary proof the
trauma to Park's head was inflicted purposefully, Barclay felt there was enough
to move the case to trial. That trial date has not yet been set.
At the preliminary hearing, Dr. Joseph Tripoli, a forensic pathologist out
of Shasta County, said he examined the remains of Betty Lou Parks and concluded
the cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head.
Bradbury has entered a "not guilty" plea in the Parks' homicide case.
Alturas resident Betty Lou Parks was 14 years of age in 1992 when she disappeared.
Bradbury, age 31, of Shasta Lake, was 17 years of age at the time of Parks
death. Judge Barclay has ruled that there was sufficient evidence to try Bradbury
for the murder of Parks and that he would be tried as an adult.
Bradbury has continually said he had nothing to do with the murder.
Bradbury was arrested in May at his job in Redding and remains in the Modoc
County Jail on $500,000 bail. The case was turned over to DOJ in 2002 by the
Modoc Sheriff's Office.
Parks disappeared on June 25, 1992 and her remains were found by a hiker at
a remote Modoc Estates lot on May 16, 1993.
Crews had to dig street, place pipe
Well, they thought they were done with the new storm drain and the new paving
project on Alturas' Main Street. But they missed something, about 15 feet of
storm drain.
Construction crews on Monday had to cut through the new pavement in the southbound
lane just north of Fifth Street, remove it, dig out the trench and put in and
attach the missing storm drainpipe. The pavement was then redone.
While the general consensus of the Main Street project, under local contractor
Eagle Peak Rock and Paving through Caltrans, was good, there were several issues
throughout the construction period and more are lingering.
According to city officials, there are drainage issues at Main and McDowell
Street, 10th and Main Street and at the East Street Intersection of 12th Street.
Those issues are being addressed and should be rectified in the near future.
In addition, the city is asking for nuisance abatement bids to remove fill
dirt from the street project that was dumped on several properties in the city.
One of the major areas is on the Baird property near the Alturas Elks Lodge.
There are safety concerns and some concerns about the contents of those piles
of fill.
While the general population apparently likes the new streetlights, the city
has received several complaints that they are too low, too bright and impair
a driver's ability to see. Pedestrians are pleased with the amount of light
put out by the new lights. The visuals should change some when the traffic lane
lines and crosswalks are finished.
Modoc Transportation Commission officials point out that the contractor finished
the project about a year ahead of schedule using primarily the local labor force.
The public invited to an opening ceremony for the street project Nov. 21, 2 p.m. at Main Street between North and Modoc Streets. Refreshments will follow at the Modoc County Transportation Commission offices, 111 W. North Street.
Building reports up and down
Building in Modoc County decreased for the month of October, but building in
the city increased, according to both agencies.
The County Building Department issued 23 permits, worth an estimated $701,045.
That's down from September's 27 permits valued at $1,357,414. The big difference
is that in September there were five new homes permitted and only two in October.
There were nine shop, garages or barns permitted in October.
The number of city building permits went up from seven in September to 23 in October. The September valuation was $23,817 and October's was $42,686. The permits in the city were for re-roofing, siding, heating and other such work.
Obituaries:
Manuel A. Chavez
Manuel A. Chavez, a resident of Alturas for 45 years, passed away peacefully
in Palo Cedro. CA, on November 12, 2006.
Although diabetic, Manuel maintained a strong heart and healthy mind. His failing
health only began in 2004, in his 93rd year. He moved to Chico for one year,
and then to Palo Cedro to be cared for by his children. His family joined him
to celebrate his 95th birthday this year.
Beginning in 1942, Manuel served 3-1/2 years in the U.S. Army as a Combat Engineer/Pontonier.
He spent most of that time overseas, in jungle combat conditions in New Guinea
and the Philippine Islands, attaining the rank of Private First Class. He was
awarded the Philippine Liberation Medal with Bronze Service Star, the Philippine
Republic Commendation Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Service Medal, American National
Defense Medal, WWII Victory Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably
discharged at Ft. Lewis, WA, on December 28, 1945. He was married to his beloved
wife and friend, Beatrice Cordova, in May of that year, in Nampa, ID. This began
a long and meaningful married life.
Known for his courage and strength, he was a traveler and self-employed for
the last half of his working life. He enjoyed mechanical work, building, farming
and gardening. Above all, Manuel was devoted to his children. He believed in
Christianity, and raised nine children to follow those beliefs; he taught honesty,
hard work, and a good education were important. His values included the importance
of a strong and supportive father-figure for a healthy family, and devotion
to his spouse of 53 years. Raising nine children with his late and revered wife
Bea, he was blessed with 27 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. His children
include: Manuel and Kathy Chavez of Klamath Falls, OR; Walter and Marsha Chavez
of Redding, CA; daughter Benita and Wick Humble of Chico, CS; Steve and Lisa
Chavez of Alturas; daughter Denice and Laurence Crabtree of Bieber, CA; daughter
Marcia and Doug McDonald of Susanville, CA; daughters Monica and Mark Hansen
of Palo Cedro, CA; daughter Anita and Ross Bullen of Redding, CA and daughter
Patty and Joe Cardoza of Redding, CA.
His children will remember the years of devotion and commitment to them with
love and much cherished memories.
Mr. Chavez was born in Trinidad, Colorado on September 17, 1911. He was a member
of the American Legion.
Tonight, Nov. 16, Visitation hours will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Kerr Mortuary
Chapel in Alturas. On Friday, Nov. 17 at 1 p.m., Pastor John Pierce will conduct
a church service at Christian Life Assembly in Alturas. Burial with military
honors will follow at the Alturas Cemetery.
Carl Thomas, Jr.
Carl Thomas, Jr., 33, died unexpectedly of a possible heart attack while visiting
in Alturas, CA on November 8, 2006. Born March 10, 1973, in Redwood City, CA.
Mr. Thomas was living in Roseburg, OR, where he is survived by his wife Danyal
Thomas. No local services are planned. Kerr Mortuary is handling arrangements.
Paul Ray Fitch
Paul Ray Fitch passed to his home in glory on Saturday, November 11, 2006 in
Alturas, CA. He and his wife have made their home in Alturas for the past nine
years. A memorial celebration of his life will be held at Kerr Mortuary Chapel
in Alturas on Saturday, November 18, at 1:00 p.m. His life-long friend Marsh
L. Solomon will conduct the service.
Born in Tyler, Texas on April 20, 1934, Mr. Fitch loved life, friends and most
of all his family. He is survived by his wife Peggy, his sons Paul Ray Jr.,
Craig Scott, Randy Allen and Keith Paul, his daughters Suzanna Lee and Teri
Marie, son-in-law Steve and daughter-in-law Katherine; 14 grandchildren and
two great-grandchildren; sisters Erma, Norma, Sarah and Lois; brother Patrick;
sister-in-law Mary, brother-in-laws Bob, Ricci, Addison and George. He was preceded
in death by his mother Winifred and father John James, brother John and mother-in-law
Lee.
At a young age he and his family moved to Louisiana where three of his sisters
and brother still reside. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1956, where he
met and served with Marsh. After his discharge, he resided in California where
together with his first wife, he fathered his first three sons. He returned
to Louisiana where he pursued his naturally inclined mechanical and welding
abilities and enjoyed his trade repairing, leasing and maintaining heavy equipment
and locomotives. He adopted his son Keith during those years and now shares
that son with his wife Peggy, whom he returned to Rosemead, California to marry
in 1986. That union blessed him with the sharing of her daughters Suzanna and
Teri.
He and his wife retired in 1997 and moved to Alturas where they enjoyed the
peacefulness and isolation country living provided. Paul loved the seasons and
the change from fall to winter, which was his favorite time of year. He also
loved spring and early summer when he and his wife would take their dog "Bleu"
into the forest and chop the coming winter's firewood.
Paul loved the openness of the country, which took him back to memories of
his childhood, and he and his wife met a great many new friends. He and Marsh
spent many an idle hour doing as a hobby what they had both spent their lives
doing as a trade. Paul's hobbies were few because he mostly loved to work, although
he did have a passion for operating radio control airplanes and enjoyed this
one hobby for over 30 years. He will be missed by so many, but remembered as
a very gentle and caring man with a heart of gold and the ability to love unconditionally.
He enjoyed a faith that was very deeply rooted and personal. We all have been
blessed for the privilege of knowing and loving such a man. He is in a better
place preparing and waiting for his loved ones; we will be together again. Services
under the direction of Kerr Mortuary.
Paulette L. Rex
Paulette Louise Rex, 39, who had been a resident of Cedarville for the past
few months, passed away November 11, 2006 at Surprise Valley Hospital, Cedarville.
Cause of death was deemed heart attack. She was born June 19, 1967.
Her sister Christina Rex lives in Cedarville. Her mother Diane Rex is of UpperLake, CA. No services have been announced. Kerr Mortuary is handling arrangements.
Sports
Modoc has no answer for Willows
The Willows Honkers exposed Modoc's Achilles' Heel Friday night
and the Braves could not recover, losing 24-7.
When Willows stopped Modoc's running game flat, the Braves were
forced to an area where they have had minimum success all year, the passing
game. That part of the game didn't do any better against a much faster Willows
squad.
Modoc's season ended with the loss Friday in the opening round
of the North Section CIF Division III playoffs, while Willows will travel this
week to play Mt. Shasta there.
"They handled our line, it was our juniors against their
seniors, and they shut us down," said coach Shaun Wood. "They were
a very good team, but I was proud of our guys. They didn't give up and they
fought hard all game. We just didn't take advantage of our opportunities and
couldn't move the ball."
Modoc had two golden opportunities, each set up by Willows miscues.
The first was a muffed punt reception in the second period by Willows, setting
up Modoc deep in Honker territory. Modoc was able to push the ball to the one
where Bill Hammerness scored and Victor Garcia kicked the point.
Unfortunately, Willows had scored in the first period on a five-yard
run by Erin Thompson and in the second period on an 11-yard touchdown pass,
on a fourth down, from Karl Olson to Evan Daniels.
Modoc's other opportunity came in the second half when Willows
intercepted a Modoc pass, but on the runback, the Willows back fumbled the ball
and Modoc recovered. Modoc was unable to move the ball on that turnover.
Willows scored another touchdown in third on a 14-yard pass from
Olson to Brandon Boyd, also on a fourth down play. The Honkers final score came
when Thompson broke loose in the fourth period and scored from 46 yards out.
Willows failed on all for point-after tries.The Willows line shut down Modoc's
usually potent running game. The Braves ran the ball 43 times for only a net
85 yards and never broke a long run. Jesse Harer carried the ball 19 times for
49 yards; Hammerness packed it 16 times for 46 yards, Brandon Anderson three
for nine and quarterback Trent Schmidt three for minus 16.
Schmidt was 8-for-18 passing for 80 yards with one interception.
Anderson snagged three passes for 54 yards, Harer caught three for 12, Devon
Urroz one for nine and Jose Madrigal one for five.
For Willows, Thompson proved his worth as the second leading rusher
in the section. He carried the ball 31 times for 219 yards and two touchdowns.
Kent Thayer ran it four times for 12 yards.
"Our last five games were too easy for us, and I knew going
into the Willows game that we would be seeing a much different opponent,"
said Wood. "I won't take anything away from them, they were tough and fast."
Modoc finishes a solid season at 7-4 overall, with a perfect 5-0
Shasta Cascade League Championship, the second league title in a row.
None of the Shasta Cascade League teams fared well in the first round of the playoffs: Etna lost to Quincy 34-14, Hayfork beat Bishop Quinn 43-14, Maxwell beat Fall River 48-14 and Big Valley beat Burney 55-0.
Braves lose to Bulldogs
Modoc's varsity volleyball team played tough, but lost to Fall
River 16-25, 18-25, 27-25 and 21-25 in the second round of the North Section
CIF playoffs Tuesday in McArthur.
"Our serving hurt us every game, but our blocking was great
as was our strong hitting game," said coach Kim Schmidt. "It was a
tough match, but we had a great season this year with an awesome group of girls.
I am very proud of them all and wish them luck the rest of the year."
Alysha Northrup had seven kills in the Fall River game, Stacey
Main had five kills and four blocks, Megan Thompson had six kills and one block,
Tacie Richardson had three kills and two blocks, Sarah Catania had four kills
and a block and Amanda Fain, Brynn Juanarena and Marlana Bartram each had a
kill."
For Fall River Caitlin Royse was tough on Modoc, getting 14 kills, blocking four and serving for three aces. Kayleen Drollinger had five kills and nine aces.
Pair of runners go to state
Two Modoc High School cross-country runners will be heading to
the sate meet in Fresno Nov. 25.
Cain Madrigal will represent the varsity boys. He finished 59th
out of 197 runners at the North Section Finals in West Valley last week. He
clocked an 18:37 over the 3.2-mile course. He was ninth in his division and
the top 14 qualified for state. Robert Spedding ran 20:11 for 114th overall.
In the varsity girl's division, Michel Funk placed 28th out of 136 runners at 21:00 and was seventh in the division. The top 12 advanced to state. Stacey Main was 56th overall at 22:05, Marielle Nardoni was 126th overall a 28:40. Danielle Moriarity did not run because of injury.
November 23, 2006
News
Bradbury trial setting Jan. 16
A trial setting conference has been set January 16, 2007, 1 p.m.
in the murder case against Christopher Bradbury. He entered a not guilty plea
Monday to the alleged murder of Betty Lou Parks, which occurred in 1992.
Current District Attorney Jordan Funk, who filed the case against Bradbury,
will leave office in January and the trial will be under the auspices of incoming
DA Gary Woolverton.
Funk told the court Monday that the prosecution has to tie up some outstanding
discovery issues, which he hopes to have finished before he leaves office.
Bradbury's attorney, Tom Gifford, of Alturas, asked that the preliminary hearing
be closed to the public two weeks ago, but Modoc Superior Court Judge Fritz
Barclay denied that request. Gifford was concerned that a jury pool could be
tainted by news coverage.
Most of the prosecution evidence stems from testimony of Bradbury's ex-wife
Kim, and another person who was a resident with Bradbury at a group home in
Redding in 1992. Kim Bradbury was employed at the home during that time and
that's where she and Chris met and started a relationship. Both those witnesses
told California Department of Justice investigators that Bradbury said he'd
been involved in the death of a girl in Alturas. Several other names were brought
up during the preliminary hearing, and more will be forthcoming during a court
trial.
At the preliminary hearing, Dr. Joseph Tripoli, a forensic pathologist out
of Shasta County, said he examined the remains of Betty Lou Parks and concluded
the cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head.
While Gifford attempted to establish that there was no evidentiary proof the
trauma to Park's head was inflicted purposefully, Barclay felt there was enough
to move the case to trial. That trial date has not yet been set.
Alturas resident Betty Lou Parks was 14 years of age in 1992 when she disappeared.
Bradbury, age 31, of Shasta Lake, was 17 years of age at the time of Parks'
death. Judge Barclay has ruled that there was sufficient evidence to try Bradbury
for the murder of Parks and that he would be tried as an adult.
Bradbury has continually said he had nothing to do with the murder.
Bradbury was arrested in May at his job in Redding and remains in the Modoc
County Jail on $500,000 bail. The case was turned over to DOJ in 2002 by the
Modoc Sheriff's Office.
Parks disappeared on June 25, 1992, and her remains were found by a hiker at
a remote Modoc Estates lot on May 16, 1993.
Alturas' new main street: a pretty face on a big problem
The bright lights on Alturas' newly paved and remodeled Main Street are a welcome
upgrade, giving the town a fresh, suburban look. But, city officials warn that
beneath the pleasing facade lurks an impending problem.
Like many small towns in California, Alturas faces an infrastructure decay
dilemma that has nearly reached crisis proportions.
"A lot of old towns, like Alturas, their infrastructure was put in a long,
long time ago," said Chester Robertson, new Alturas City public works director.
"That infrastructure is now aging."
"It's a trend that's happening to a lot of the old towns," said city
mayor, John Schreiber. "Alturas is not alone. It's more of a negative impact
on small towns because their systems are so outdated."
Both point to the recent Main Street makeover as an example. In their view,
the sewer lines under the street should have been replaced as part of the project.
"We have manholes on Main Street that should have been rehabilitated,"
said Robertson. "They're made of brick and mortar. Some of these date from
before the 1920s. They're crumbling and decaying, and the debris falls into
the sewer system. We're paving over manholes (and a sewer system) that are completely
in need of rehabilitation."
But, because there were insufficient reserves in the city's coffers to make
the upgrade, that part of the project had to be abandoned. "They had the
pipe, but they had no money to put it in. So, they shipped it all back,"
said Schreiber, regretfully.
According to both Robertson and Schreiber, a failure in the past to stay abreast
of improvements needed for the city's water and sewer systems has put the town
in jeopardy. "The city's been under a cease and desist order for a number
of years," said Robertson. "The city's been dumping too much coliform
(bacteria) into the river."
As a result, the state has given the city an ultimatum. "We have until
November of 2007 to upgrade the wastewater treatment plant," said Robertson,
glumly, "or we face significant fines.
This is the last straw. It's
a plant that hasn't been upgraded for years."
"When people think about a small town, they really don't think about all
that's involved: the water system, the sewer system, the lights, the police,
the infrastructure, how we get our money, how many strings are on our money,"
said Schreiber, framing the problem. "These are things that we would really
like to do but can't because we don't have the funding for it."
Both Schreiber and Robertson are painfully aware that when the last rate increase
was proposed, voters promptly recalled all the city council members.
"The people are not in favor of more fees," said Schreiber.
"That makes me a little nervous," said Robertson.
"That's why people (previous administrators) put it off. They're afraid,"
said Schreiber.
Nevertheless, these two seem willing to face the situation with an eye to solving
it as painlessly as possible, if they can get public support. "My hope
is to educate people as to why we need to do it and have their involvement.
We haven't had involvement in the past," said Robertson. "I think
one of the wisest things we can do is to educate people."
Part of that education is taking responsibility for what needs to be done,
according to Schreiber. "If we don't look after it, who's going to?"
he said. "We're willing to step up to the plate and find a solution to
the problem."
From their point of view, the problem can be fixed now, costly though it may
be, or it can be ignored until it becomes a major crisis, requiring a much more
costly fix down the road.
"I think it's a great idea to look in the future, to try to protect your
town, protect your people and make a good environment where we live," said
Schreiber. "This is a great place to live."
Robertson laid out the painful part. "Since you haven't seen a lot of
growth here, the percentage of things being outdated in our system is excessive
relative to other areas."
Rehabilitation of the city's sewer and water systems requires a multimillion-dollar
project. "We anticipate around $1800 per rate payer in costs," Robertson
said, quickly adding that 74 percent of that sum will be covered by state grants,
leaving the ratepayers holding the bag for only about 26 percent. "That's
going to mean a rate increase."
"And this is just to bring us up to compliance," said Schreiber.
"So, you're seeing rates increase drastically."
Asking that city residents not "shoot the messenger," Schreiber said
that taking on these difficult tasks means they will need the public's help
to do what needs to be done. "We're just going to try to ease the pain
as much as we can."
Saying, "Everything's been going up, but the rates have been flat,"
Robertson explained that water and sewer rates in Alturas have remained constant
for a number of years while the costs of operation such as labor costs, fuel
costs, material and equipment, have been rising. Water and sewer revenues no
longer cover day-to-day operations, according to Robertson. "That line
was crossed quite some time ago. The city's been using reserves to stave off
a rate increase. In the process, they haven't been rehabilitating things."
In fact, the city has been tapping its reserves to do ordinary maintenance,
leaving no funding for badly needed system upgrades.
In other words, the city's cupboard is bare.
"We anticipate rate increases in both (water and sewer), no matter what
we do," said Robertson, since all possible cost cutting measures are already
in place. "It's not a matter of cutting costs. It's a matter of increasing
revenues."
"We're both relatively new on the city council," said Schreiber.
"What we decided is that we need to address the problems that everybody's
been avoiding. We need to get ahead of the game. We see it coming; we see what's
going to happen. We want to make it as beneficial to everyone with the least
amount of pain.
"As a council member and mayor," he continued, "I would like
to look ahead and not be caught flatfooted when things do start happening. You
know it's going to. Growth is going to come here sooner or later. If we don't
address all the problems that the city has nowat least get an idea of
what to look forwe're really going to get caught flatfooted. And, it's
going to hurt everybody."
To avert the fines, work has already begun on the multimillion-dollar rehabilitation
project. "We had to pursue a loan (to fund the construction) because meeting
the compliance was way beyond the capacity of a grant or the city's reserves,"
said Robertson. Also, environmental paperwork slowed the process. "That
put us off a few months."
The city will soon seek bids to begin construction next season. "We've
done everything we can to meet that short timeline," said Robertson, who
described being trapped in a difficult situation. "We were behind the eight
ball when I got here."
"The only way we can get things done, almost, is after a disaster,"
said Schreiber. "We have to have a disaster to get people to see the problems
we face."
Avoiding this disaster will require a modest rate increase in water and sewer fees. Said Schreiber, noting that there is really no other choice, "It will not be a huge amount."
Modoc Medical Center airs its issues
Modoc Medical Center has more than one major problem, but above all, it has
to earn the trust and respect of the community. That's no easy solution, but
at the first in a series of Town Meetings Friday night, the issues were out
in the open.
Chief Executive Officer Bruce Porter presented an overview of the current hospital
situation, but the primary focus of the first meeting was the emergency room
and emergency services.
Dr. Lee Hamilton, of Yreka, who works here in the clinic and emergency room,
stressed the absolute necessity for the facility to be open and supported.
"We do a lot of good work here; life-saving work," he told the audience,
but stressed the hospital does not have the technological ability that other
small community hospitals have and need. "The ER here is different than
any hospital I have ever worked, there are limited services here and what we
try to do, for seriously ill patients, is stabilize and transfer. It's often
frustrating for patients and us, and the ER sucks up a great deal of resources
to transfer."
One of the major parts missing is a CT scanner, he said, which would be a major
benefit to the community. He explained, for instance, that MMC transfers about
20 percent of its emergency patients to other hospitals, which have the necessary
equipment to make the diagnosis. In addition to the obvious improvement in medical
services, Hamilton said having a CT scanner locally could cut costs to about
$1,200 as opposed to $5,000 to $10,000 to transfer a patient to another hospital.
The transfer costs would be on top of the medical costs.
With an operable CT scanner at MMC, he said some diagnosis could be made quickly
and effectively and the patient could be treated well here. As it stands now,
Hamilton agrees that some patients need to be transferred. But he explained
that other hospitals with the current technology need only transfer two to five
percent of their patients. They are able to treat the remainder in their facilities
and keep them closer to home. He explained that Mayers Memorial in Fall River,
for instance, has the ability to treat the majority of its emergency patients
in house and does a very good job.
He felt the community should try to get behind the purchase of a CT scanner
that would pay dividends in health care and the ability of this hospital to
survive.
"This community is so isolated," he said and the need for an upgraded
facility is paramount. "We have the ability, just not the capability,"
he said of making some diagnosis of emergency situations.
He explained that the CT scanner would make the diagnosis and the actual treatment
much faster than transferring patients out to other hospitals. He also explained
that the procedure to arrange that transfer could take three to four hours.
The process he said is sometimes tedious in the best of conditions.
First the local ER physician has to diagnose the issues facing the patients,
and decide whether to transfer the patient to another hospital. He then has
to decide which method of transfer, air or ground. But before anything like
that happens the patient must be stabilized.
Before the hospital can release a patient to another hospital it has to have
an accepting physician at that hospital and it must arrange for transportation.
The availability of transportation depends on the situation around the northstate
at the time the request is made. More often than not, there are arrangements
made, but complications or delays are not uncommon.
The hospital staff presented an effective skit on just what happens in the
ER when a patient is deemed to need transferred.
People in the community, Dr. Hamilton said, need to decide what type of hospital
they would like to have. He believes it's possible to have well more than just
a rural clinic and emergency room that transfers patients out. He would like
to see the community come to support a more full service facility that makes
sense, fiscally and patient care wise, to deal with the isolation of this area.
His vision is a hospital that can take care of a majority of the injuries and
illnesses that are common to rural areas and become a model for other rural
hospitals. He knows that's a big undertaking and that it will take time and
money.
Porter told the audience that rural hospitals throughout the nation are having
trouble surviving and MMC is no different. He envisions a time when the community,
including the administration, staff, auxiliary and community can work together
for the benefit of all. He knows that's not happening at the moment, but stresses
the need to push forward.
When the hospital finally met the State and Federal Licensing and Certification
compliance issues this fall, it took a huge step in the right direction. But
the money issues are still an anchor dragging behind the facility.
Porter explained that the hospital is making gains, but is still well behind
in billing and collections and the debt to the county is not going down. Part
of the problem is the revenue hole when the hospital lost Obstetrics and surgery
services, estimated at about $200,000 annually.
He said MMC is down in patient days about 25 percent since 2005-06, but is
up six percent during the past 12 months versus 2006. He said the hospital provides
about $400,000 in service per year to non-paying patients. As a county hospital,
it is required to give services.
MMC operates with no tax subsidy, or assistance and has lost business over
the past year and the county ambulance covers a huge area. Each of those issues,
when combined with a 24-7 Emergency room operation is a drain on cash flow.
The possibility of going to the voters for a funded hospital district is in
the discussion stage at the hospital and Board of Supervisors level, but that
is still some time away from fruition.
Porter also explained that there is a serious nationwide shortage of nurses,
which means the continued hiring of registry nurses to staff the hospital. In
addition, recruiting physicians to this area is difficult. Dr. Hamilton said
the community could probably use another two family practitioners. MMC Clinic
is down to just one full-time physician, and one half-time doctor.
MMC is also a major part of Modoc's economy. It employs about 127 people and
has an annual payroll of some $4 million.
MMC will be having more of the Town Meetings and will be working to coordinate
with local government, groups, organizations and service clubs to bring the
community up to speed on the situations facing the facility.
Porter said the meetings are a chance for the public to come and address issues
that are a concern to them, as well as listen to plans and priorities for the
future.
"We need the community's input and we're committed to listening and explaining
things in an honest and open fashion," Porter said.
No date has yet been set for the next Town Meeting.
Alturas Police concerned about Prop. 83
impacts
For every action there's an opposite reaction, and Alturas Chief of Police
Ken Barnes said recently passed Proposition 83 could hit rural cities as well
as more urban areas.
Proposition 83, called Jessica's Law, was passed by state voters in the November
7 general election by about 70 percent. It prohibits sex offenders from living
within 2,000 feet of a school or park.
"As far as I can tell, that would mean none of the sex offenders who meet
the Prop. 83 restrictions could live within the city limits of Alturas,"
Barnes said Monday. "Those people would have to move into the county. We'll
be looking into this carefully over the next week or so. It could have a major
impact."
In addition to not being able to live in the city of Alturas, the bigger issue
statewide is those sex offenders could probably not live in any of the major
metropolitan areas of the state. What concerns rural officials is that the majority
of them could be moving into counties and rural areas, generally less equipped
to handle the oversight.
"We know the oversight responsibilities would fall to the probation offices,"
said Modoc County Chief Probation Office Leo Fernandez.
Since there's no enforcement funding attached to the law, that supervision
would be going into offices possibly under funded and stretched throughout the
rural counties of the state, including Modoc. According to the DOJ, there are
14 registered sex offenders living in Alturas and 22 total in all of Modoc.
Proposition 83 is facing a challenge in the federal courts. It's feared that
if allowed to go into effect, waves of newly released sex offenders would be
released to rural areas. The law now states that these offenders must be released
into the county of origin. One of the challenges to the law is whether Prop.
83 is intended to be retroactive or just covers sex offenders released after
its enactment.
State Attorney General Bill Lockyer is arguing that it was not intended to be
retroactive, but the language in the measure is not explicit and a court will
have to interpret the issue.
High-risk sex offenders in the state were already under a restriction requiring
them to live at least a quarter-mile from a school.
Barnes said the geography of the city and its relationship to schools and parks probably puts nearly every residence within 2,000 feet of a school or park. School includes all the public schools, plus the charter schools, the state preschools, Head Start, other preschools, plus the Veteran's Park, and Youth Park.
Truck driver killed on Adin Pass
A 60-year-old truck driver from Burns Or., was killed Nov. 15, about 3:15 a.m.
on Adin Pass east of Stone Coal Road.
According to the California Highway Patrol, Arnold Pratt, was driving westbound
in a 2007 Kenworth on State Route 299 at an unknown speed, but believed to be
less than 50 m.p.h.. For unknown reasons, he allowed the truck to leave the
road, where it went down a steep embankment, overturned and struck several large
trees. The crash totally destroyed the tractor and the load of laminate lumber
spilled.
Pratt was wearing his seatbelt, but suffered fatal injuries due to the severe
damage to the vehicle.
There were minor injuries reported in a single vehicle accident Nov. 17, 11
a.m. on U.S. 395 at Sugar Hill. The CHP reports that Gerald Wilkie, age 48,
Lakeview, was driving a 1994 Chevy pickup southbound when he apparently fell
asleep at the wheel.
The pickup drifted across the highway, left the road and went airborne for 80 feet. Wilkie woke up at impact. He was treated at Modoc Medical Center in Alturas.
Wish Tree opens Monday
Registration opens Monday, Nov. 20 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for this year's Community
Christmas Wish Tree, coordinated by TEACH, Inc. at the TEACH office, 112 East
Second St., Alturas.
Christmas Wish Tree sponsors provide Christmas presents to children in the community who otherwise would not receive any. Those who wish to provide a gift of a new, unwrapped toy, items of clothing such as winter coats, boots or other, or make a cash donation, may drop it off at the TEACH office through December 15. For more information please call 530-233-3111.
Patricia Jean Pepperdine
Patricia Jean Pepperdine was laid to rest in the Likely Cemetery on November
21, 2006. Pat passed away peacefully on November 16, 2006, in Alturas, CA. Pat
lived in Modoc County for 72 years. She and Milo, her husband of 59 years, lived
in Likely for 42 years.
Pat was born on September 24, 1926, in Standish, California to Edna and Devon
Olsen. When Pat was very young the Olsen family moved to West Valley prior to
the reservoir being built where Devon and Edna ran the dairy for the Van Loan
family. Pat attended elementary school in Likely and high school in Alturas.
She attended Heald Business College in Sacramento and later worked for the Forest
Service in Alturas.
She and Milo were married in Carson City, NV on June 4, 1947. After starting
their family, Pat became a full-time homemaker and mother. Later, she helped
Milo operate the peat moss business in Likely until they retired. Pat was a
member of the Order of Eastern Star for more than 50 years.
Pat was a loving wife, mother, sister and friend who was adored by all who knew
her. She was an accomplished pianist in her younger years and her family always
stopped whatever they were doing to listen when she played. She enjoyed crocheting,
sewing and leatherwork. She loved working in her yard and growing beautiful
flowers. Most of all she loved spending time with her family and friends. She
was a kind, gentle person who showered all those around her with unconditional
love. She will be greatly missed by many.
She is survived by her husband Milo Pepperdine of Likely; daughters Jo Ann
Pepperdine of Susanville, CA and Leasa Bair of Shoreline, WA; grandchildren
Brett and Jennifer Smith of Susanville, CA, Aaron Smith of Chico, CA, Mikel
Bair of Camp Pendelton, CA, Jeffrey Bair of Shoreline, WA, Lacey Smith and Candy
Smith both of Susanville, CA and great-grandchildren Jordan Smith and Austin
Smith also both of Susanville, CA; sister Doris Hale of Sacramento, CA and brother
James Olsen of Medford, OR, and numerous nieces and nephews. Her parents Edna
and Devon Olsen preceded her in death.
Donations in Pat's name may be made to the American Lung Association, 61 Broadway, New York, NY 10006 or to the Macular Degeneration Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 531313, Henderson, NV 89053.
Sports
Modoc heading into winter sports seasons
Modoc High School is now preparing for the winter indoor sports seasons with
girls and boys basketball and wrestling all getting the aches and pains of new
sports out of the way.
The only really sure thing in sports is that Modoc will win another Shasta
Cascade wrestling title.
The wrestling seasons starts with the Chester tournament Dec. 1-2. The big
Modoc Northeast Classic is scheduled here Dec. 8-9.
Modoc's boys and girls basketball teams will be at the Block F in Fall River Nov. 30-Dec. 2; at Lost River Dec.7-9; and the Modoc Block M Tourney will be held Dec.14-16.
Braves boys coach pleased with opening scrimmage
Bunk Richardson, Modoc's varsity boys' basketball coach, was pleased
with a series of non-scored scrimmages over the weekend in Westwood and Chester.
While no score was kept, Richardson said his tally found the Braves
on top of Anderson, on the short end against Portola and Liberty Christian,
but on top of Lassen. They also played tough in rough scrimmages against Carson
City and Douglas.
"I'm quite pleased, especially since we've only had four
practices and we just got the football players back," said Richardson.
"We still have some work to do, but we're off to a good start.
Modoc will open the season at the Block F Tournament in McArthur
against Liberty Christian Nov. 30, 4 p.m.
Ross Burgess leads the team, with Liam Iverson, Dustin Philpott as probable starters. The guards may rotate between Keith Montague, Dustin Oates and Jesse Cuevas. Also projected to get plenty of playing time are: Cam Hall, John Hughes, Daniel Morgan, Trent Schmidt and Jacob Close.
Modoc girls switch to basketball
Modoc's Braves will field a strong varsity girl's basketball team
this year and practice is underway. The girls will open with The Block F Tournament
in Fall River Nov. 30. That will also mark the opening for the boy's team.
Returning players for the Braves include seniors Tacie Richardson,
Catherine Lowrey, Alysha Northrup, Marlana Bartram, Kelly Campagna, Marielle
Nardoni and Telia Floyd and junior Sarah Catania. Two juniors joining the team
are Brynn Juanarena and Whitney Ponti.
Bill Hall is the head coach with Jennifer Slinkard assisting.
Hornets fall to Bishop Quinn in playoffs
Surprise Valley High School volleyball play ended in the second
round of playoffs on Tuesday, November 14. They faced Bishop Quinn, ranked number
one in Division Six and were undefeated in league.
The Lady Hornets gave Bishop Quinn a good fight, losing in three
17-25, 14-25, and 17-25. They were cheered on by approximately half the student
body who attended the game in Redding along with the Hornet Mascot.
The Hornet Mascot and fans also showed up for the first round
of playoffs against Loyalton at home. The Hornets defeated Loyalton in three
games 25-18, 25-16, and 25-14. The fans did a great job cheering the Hornets
on during playoffs.
The team this year was coached by Erin Erquiaga and Cassie Cockrell
and consisted of seniors, Patricia Soletti and Alicia Barrera, juniors, Tristin
Teuscher and Alice Hill, sophomores, Candice Sakahara, Shelby Anderson, Mindy
Conner and Marie Dinor, along with freshmen Hanna Goodwin, Lanie Pulfer and
Kelli Sakahara. Gracie Cadenhead was the official stat keeper for the team.
The Hornets initially started off the season with two teams but once league
started had to consolidate into one varsity team.
Teuscher lead the Evergreen League with 136 kills and 51 blocks.
Soletti followed with 29 blocks and was also third with 68 aces. Both tied for
the lead in service receive with 150 each. They were followed by Goodwin with
80. Hill led the league with 406 assists. In addition, for CA state leaders
for league games, Soletti ranks 51 for aces and Hill ranks 36 in assists.
There was a lot of good play seen throughout the season. The Hornets finished league in third place with a 6-4 record. Their overall record this season was 8-12-2.
November 30, 2006
News
Cold and wet, but no records
November turned out to be cold and wet, especially in the last week, but there
were no records set.
The coldest November day on record was -17 degrees on Nov. 12, 1985. The coldest
day this November was on Nov. 29 when the mercury dropped to -2 degrees. The
warmest day ever in November was 82 degrees on Nov. 1, 1962. This year, the
warmest day was 69 degrees on Nov. 7.
The average monthly precipitation for November is 1.47 inches and 2006 will
meet that moisture level.
So what does the Farmer's Almanac predict for the winter? "Winter will
be colder and snowier than, with near-normal precipitation. The coldest temperatures
will occur in mid-January, with other cold periods in December, early January
and mid-February, The snowiest periods will occur in mid-January, mid-and late
February, an early and mid-March.
"Temperatures in April and May will be near normal, on average, with above
normal temperature. Summer will be drier than normal, with below normal temperatures."
Farmer's Almanac.
So does the Farmer's Almanac predict a white Christmas? Maybe.
TEACH helps fill needs with funds
TEACH, Inc. offers a variety of services and works to meet many county-wide
needs by offering the Modoc Emergency Food Bank, the Heat and Energy Assistance
Program, the Children's Wish Tree and a limited supply of clothing and blankets.
Year round, the food bank has need of items like peanut butter, canned tuna,
macaroni and cheese, pork'n beans, notes Chris Garner of TEACH Client Services.
Favorite holiday food items are also currently being sought to create 75 Christmas
Food Baskets.
"Instead of turkeys for Christmas, we are really in need of hams, gravy,
canned fruits and pies," she said.
U.S. Bank has been added as a drop off site for food donations. Cub Scouts
Troop 56 has stationed donation barrels at Walt's Market, 4 Corners Market and
Holiday Market in Alturas and at the Alturas Post Office in Alturas. The barrels
will be in place through December 8, to help supply the food baskets and Food
Bank shelves. The barrels are delivered to the TEACH office twice a week. Donations
may also be delivered to the TEACH office at 112 East Second Street, or call
530-233-3111 for more information.
As a food sponsor, a $20 donation will provide an entire family with a holiday
meal.
Male teen jackets needed
TEACH is also seeing a need for jackets for boys, ages 12 to 18. "We seem
to have a lot of small jackets for young children and larger coats for adults,
but we're short on jackets for boys," described Garner.
Make small wishes come true
The Children's Wish Tree has signed up 97 children county-wide so far, which
includes several from Newell. The 16 children registered in Surprise Valley
are not included in the tally.
Sign ups will close on Wednesday, Dec. 15 at 5 p.m. at the TEACH office. Anyone
who would like to sponsor a gift for a child, may call or pick up a Wish Tree
tag at the TEACH office.
Christmas Wish Tree sponsors are needed to provide Christmas presents to children in the community who otherwise would not receive any. Those who wish to provide a gift of a new, unwrapped toy, items of clothing such as winter coats, boots, gloves or other, or make a cash donation, may drop it off at the TEACH office Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through December 15. For more information please call 530-233-3111.
McConnell grants awarded to Modoc entities
The Shasta Regional Community Foundation Board of Directors has awarded five
organizations in Modoc County grants from The McConnell Foundation Fund totaling
$46,293.
The Surprise Valley Health Care District was awarded $23,116 to purchase a
Pyxis Medstation and chairs for staff and residents.
The Alturas Community Theater was awarded $9,285 for upgrades to the theater,
including the installation of new seats and aisle lighting and the purchase
of a film cleaner.
Surprise Valley High School was awarded $5,152 to purchase commercial tables
and equipment for the greenhouse and Surprise Valley Joint Unified School District
received $4,100 to purchase equipment for the PBS transmitter in Surprise Valley.
The Central Modoc River Center received $4,640 for flooring.
In addition to the grants for Modoc, several grants were awarded to entities
in Shasta and Siskiyou Counties, bringing the total to $101,875.
For more information about the future deadlines and other details for The McConnell Foundation fund and other funds of the Community Foundation, visit the website at www.shastarcf.org.
Adelaide Hagerman
Adelaide "Addie" Hagerman passed away in Alturas Sunday, November
26, 2006, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born, Adelaide Elaine Foster, to John and Edythe Foster on Bogus Ranch
located outside of Montague, CA on July 11, 1939. She was raised on that lovely
ranch until she graduated from Yreka High School in 1957. She attended Heald
College and received an AA Degree in Steno Type; attended Lassen Junior College
and graduated with a degree in Business Administration.
She and her daughter Kim moved to Modoc County in September of 1964 to fill
the position of Modoc County Official Court Reporter from which she retired
in 2002. She was regarded with great respect for how well she accomplished the
position over the years. Addie had recently served as a member of the Grand
Jury for 2005-2006. She was also an active member of the Veterans of Foreign
Wars Ladies Auxiliary to Pete Christensen Post 3327, Alturas. She loved all
animals, and was very fond of her cats.
Married to John Junior Hagerman on March 29, 1969, at her parents home in Yreka,
they enjoyed camping, swimming, gardening and their grandchildren, until his
death in 1997.
Addie is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Kim and Jim Fournier of Rio
Linda, CA; her granddaughter Aimee and grandson Joseph, also of Rio Linda, CA;
step-children Barbara and Dennis Van Duren of Salt Lake City, UT, Jan and Larry
Stafford of American Fork, UT, John and Kathy Hagerman of San Antonio, TX and
numerous step-grandchildren and great step-grandchildren; brother Harold Foster
of Bogus Ranch, sister Beverely Foster and Marcia Allen of Yreka, CA.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Edythe Foster and her loving
husband John Hagerman.
Six months ago, Addie was diagnosed with cancer.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, December 1, at 1:00 p.m. at Kerr
Mortuary Chapel in Alturas, CA. A reception will follow at the Veterans' Memorial
Hall, So. Main St., Alturas.
Addie requested that in lieu of flowers please donate to the charity of your choice.
Dene Walsh
Dene Walsh, age 70, of Nubieber passed away November 23, 2006 at Mayers Memorial
Hospital in Fall River Mills, CA. A memorial service was held at Grace Bible
Church in Bieber on November 28 at 11 a.m. Pastor Kent House of Grace Bible
Church officiated. Inurnment was private at Pine Grove Cemetery in McArthur.
Mr. Walsh was born in Wheeler County, Texas on November 29, 1936. He worked
as a truck driver and lived in Adin until 1991, when he moved to Nubieber.
He is survived by his wife Shirley Walsh of Nubieber; son Gordon Walsh of Kennewick, WA; stepsons Karl Lewis of Ventura, Mike Lewis of Oakdale and Veeman Ray Lout of San Jose; daughter Karen Grimes of Modesto; stepdaughters Debra Lewis Kindrick of Arkansas; brother Gene Walsh, Kendrick, ID; sister Louise Helget of Pleasant Hill, CA. Mr. Walsh also had 16 grandchildren. Condolences may be posted at www.mem.com. McDonald's Chapel in Burney handled arrangements.
Sports
Modoc wrestlers head to Chester
Modoc's wresting team will be at the big Chester tournament this weekend, where
coach Shaun Wood expects the team to do well.
There will be a few glitches in the weight classes as the state rules for dropping
weight have changed this year. What that means is some of the Braves will be
wrestling up a weight or two from where they'll be once the actual league season
starts. The state is regulating how much weight a wrestler is allowed to lose
in certain periods of time.
The Braves have 29 wrestlers on the team this year, with all but three having
wrestled for Wood either in the high school or younger programs. Wood fully
expects to win his eighth straight Shasta Cascade League title, and figures
he'll be in competition for the section small school title once again. Willows
and Durham will also be tough.
The following wrestlers are out for the team, although some of the weight divisions will change as they get into their wrestling shape: 103 pounds, Cody Book; 112 pounds, Kevin Richardson, Willy Hamann; 119 pounds Dillon Flournoy; 125 pounds, Victor Garcia, Kyle Voth; 130 pounds, Can Madrigal. Zack Holloway; 135 pounds none; 140 pounds, Sheridan Crutcher, Kevin King, Josue Madrigal; 145 pounds, none; 152 pounds, Matt Mayes, Tyler Wood, Chris Buchanan, Kyle Hartman, Aurora Hall; 160 pounds, David Holloway, Anson Oakley, Morning Wilson; 171 pounds, Brandon Anderson; 189 pounds, Bill Hammerness, Tyler Stains; 215 pounds, Jess Harer, Josh Wood, Miguel Torres, Kevin Haggard, Shawn Brownfield; 285 pounds, Jacob Ketler.
Modoc heading into winter sports seasons
Modoc High School enters the fall-winter sports season this weekend
with all teams seeing action.
The wrestling seasons starts with the Chester tournament Dec.
1-2. The big Modoc Northeast Classic is scheduled here Dec. 8-9.
Modoc's boys team will be at the Block F in Fall River Nov. 30-Dec.
2; at Lost River Dec. 7-9; and the Modoc Block M Tourney will be held Dec. 14-16.
Modoc's varsity opens the Block F against Liberty Christian today at 4 p.m. Other teams in the event are Big Valley, Weed, Burney, Trinity, Hayfork and Fall River. The Modoc JVs open against Liberty Christian at 8:30 a.m. Friday.
Mt. Shasta wins football title
The Mt. Shasta Bears won the CIF North Section Division III football
title with an 8-7 win over Live Oak at Mt. Shasta Nov. 22.
The Bears beat Willows 15-7 the previous Friday to get into the
title game. Willows had beaten the Modoc Braves handily, 24-7, in their opening
round of the playoffs.
Mt. Shasta also beat Modoc 12-7 in the opening game of the season and won the tough Greater Mountain Valley League, going 5-0.
News
County asks for military addresses
The Modoc County Board of Supervisors wants to send an official letter of appreciation
to all Modoc County military service people who are on active duty.
Relatives of those military personnel are asked to write or call the Modoc
County Clerk and submit the name, rank, military unit and address so the letters
an be sent soon.
"We've done this before and it was well received by the troops,"
said Dan Macsay, Chairman of the Board. "We would like to get the military
unit they are attached to so we can send the letter to the Commanding Officer
of the individual. That way the servicemember will receive a little more recognition."
People may call the Modoc County Clerk's Office at 530-233-6201 or mail the information to the County Clerk at P.O. Box 130, Alturas, Ca. 96101. The Board would like this information as soon as possible.
Hospital debt up again in November
Modoc Medical Center's debt to Modoc County moved up again in November to $6,570,715
from October's $6,417,812.29, a $152,904 increase, according to Modoc County
Auditor Judi Stevens.
That's a smaller increase than the difference between September and October
which was $426,647 The end of August's $5,989,192.44 went to $5,991,165.75 at
the end of September. That was only an increase of $1,973.30.
August's debt had grown $387,234 from July's $5,601,957.81.
That was up from June's $5,355,838.60. The debt has increased since September
2005's $4,690,812 by a total of $1,879,903.
The Modoc Record will continue to publish the actual debt at the end of each month.
Likely goes postal
Tensions are running high among Likely residents after a recent dustup over
changing access to mailboxes in the town's post office.
The problem began a little over two weeks ago when post office employees began
replacing the older style, more traditional keyless combination locks to keyed
locks.
According to many patrons, no notification was given of the changeover. "You'd
come in one day and find that suddenly you couldn't get your mail," said
Paul Armstrong, a Likely resident who came home last Saturday to discover he
was locked out of his post office box. "You had to request a key, and then
you had to pay a dollar per key."
Since Armstrong discovered this problem on a day when the post office was not
open, he was effectively prevented from obtaining his mail. Fortunately, the
postmaster, Lynn Travertini, happened to be in her office at the time. Armstrong
reports that he was able to prevail upon her to open his box for him, but that
several others were not so fortunate.
Apparently, the Likely postmaster made more than one trip to open reworked
boxes for people who could no longer get their mail.
Noting that serving the public is the stated role of the U.S. Post Office,
one patron was puzzled why the change was enacted without public input. "There
wouldn't have been such a big deal had there been notification," said the
patron, who wished to remain anonymous. In the past, proposed changes were always
preceded with a public inquiry, according to another.
As the negative response to the ongoing change grew, the townspeople took matters
into their own hands. A meeting in the local fire hall was quickly organized
last Saturday in an attempt to resolve the issue.
Reportedly, 20 or more people attended, including the Likely postmaster and
her immediate supervisor, Doug Taylor of the Alturas post office. A petition
signed by 37 box holders was presented, requesting that the changeover be halted
immediately.
In that meeting, officials justified the changeover, citing "security
purposes" and "esthetics." Several residents challenged this.
"The boxes are absolutely no more secure now than they were before,"
said Armstrong, who must now use a key rather than his preferred combination
to get his mail. "I'd just like to have my combination lock back."
An avowed opponent to the change, Armstrong admittedly doesn't like change.
"There's an old saying. 'If it's not broke, don't fix it.' It wasn't broke;
it worked just fine. I didn't have to fiddle for a key or turn my car off to
go in and get my mail."
After some discussion to reach a consensus in the Saturday meeting, it was
decided to make no further changes until after the first of the year. All seemed
to agree, according to those who attended, that the matter could be thoroughly
examined and acceptable solutions found.
Armstrong felt the matter was moot. Noting that a clear majority of those at
the meeting wanted the combination system left in place, he said, "When
people started to complain
it should have stopped right then and there.
The combinations should have been left in place."
According to several residents, polling the public would have avoided this
problem entirely. They cited the fact that such a changeover was considered
once before, several years ago. But a poll revealed the community's preference
for retaining the combination locks and the idea was dropped.
"I think that if we were asked if we wanted a change, it would have stopped
right there," said Armstrong, noting that he is dismayed that such a problem
should have arisen at all.
Though the problem seems to have been resolved for the present, the townspeople
are clearly still agitated by the move, and emotions are running high. Most
of those contacted were unwilling to be named for fear of recriminations or
reprisals by neighbors.
Additionally, residents were disinclined to protest too loudly because they
fear further restrictions and even, perhaps, the loss of their post office in
town altogether. "I like the convenience of not going to Alturas when I
need to buy stamps," said one resident.
Both Travertini and Taylor declined comment when contacted, saying that any questions should be referred to their superiors in Las Vegas.
Streetlights will be dimmed
The new Alturas Main Street lights will be toned down, according to the Modoc
County Transportation Commission.
The lights had been designed with a "hood" that will direct more
of the light downwards and the wattage of each lamp will be lowered by about
30 percent.
Caltrans has agreed with the changes and they should be made in the near future,
with the cost covered under the project funds. According to the MCTC, concerns
from the city and residents were instrumental in getting the changes approved.
Several complaints had been received by the City of Alturas, primarily concerning visibility and glare.
TEACH offers relief in coping with winter,
holidays
TEACH, Inc. offers a variety of services and works to meet many county-wide
needs by offering the Modoc Emergency Food Bank, the Heat and Energy Assistance
Program, the Children's Wish Tree and a limited supply of clothing and blankets.
Year round, the food bank has need of items like peanut butter, canned tuna,
macaroni and cheese, Pork'n beans, notes Chris Garner of TEACH Client Services.
Favorite holiday food items are also currently being sought to create 75 Christmas
Food Baskets.
"Instead of turkeys for Christmas, we are really in need of hams, gravy,
canned fruits and pies," she said.
U.S. Bank has been added as a drop off site for food donations. Cub Scouts
Troop 56 has stationed donation barrels at Walt's Market, 4 Corners Market and
Holiday Market in Alturas and at the Alturas Post Office in Alturas. The barrels
will be in place through December 8, to help supply the food baskets and Food
Bank shelves. The barrels are delivered to the TEACH office twice a week. Donations
may also be delivered to the TEACH office at 112 East Second Street, or call
530-233-3111 for more information.
As a food sponsor, a $20 donation will provide an entire family with a holiday
meal.
TEACH is also seeing a need for jackets for boys, ages 12 to 18. "We seem
to have a lot of small jackets for young children and larger coats for adults,
but we're short on jackets for boys," described Garner.
The Children's Wish Tree has signed up 97 children county-wide so far, which
includes several from Newell. The 16 children registered in Surprise Valley
are not included in the tally.
Sign ups will close on Wednesday, Dec. 15 at 5 p.m. at the TEACH office. Anyone
who would like to sponsor a gift for a child, may call or pick up a Wish Tree
tag at the TEACH office.
Christmas Wish Tree sponsors are needed to provide Christmas presents to children in the community who otherwise would not receive any. Those who wish to provide a gift of a new, unwrapped toy, items of clothing such as winter coats, boots, gloves or other, or make a cash donation, may drop it off at the TEACH office Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through December 15. For more information please call 530-233-3111.
Obituaries:
Janice L. Clough
Janice Lee Clough, 62 of Alturas, CA, passed away from breast cancer on Wednesday
November 29, 2006, in Portland, OR.
Janice was born in Durant, OK on January 31, 1944, to Russell & Velma Aldridge.
Her family moved briefly to Massachusetts before settling in Oakland, CA where
she lived until completing high school at Oakland Tech. Janice moved to San
Jose, CA where she met and married Richard Clough on June 27, 1964 in Oakland.
She gave birth to two of her three children and graduated with a Bachelors Degree
from San Jose State College.
In 1968, Janice moved with her family to Alturas, CA where she taught Art and
English for the Modoc Joint Unified School District. Janice soon earned her
credentials to practice Speech Therapy and became a Speech Therapist for the
Modoc County Office of Education, retiring from there in 2004.
In addition to her work and family, she enjoyed such hobbies as sewing, pottery,
art, stained glass, gardening and computers.
Janice was survived by her mother Velma Aldridge of Vacaville, CA, husband
Richard Clough of Alturas, CA, daughter Kristin Clough of San Diego, CA, daughter
and son in-law Colleen and Jeff Roden of West Linn, OR and granddaughters Audrey
and Allie Roden. Jan also had a son, Aaron Clough, who preceded her in death
in 1979.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 9 at 1:00 p.m. at the
Federated Community Church, 307 E. First Street, Alturas, CA. The Rev. Dr. Ben
Zandstra will officiate. A pot-luck reception will follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in honor of Janice Clough to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. www.komen.org
Albert J. Mitchell
Longtime Alturas resident Albert Joseph Mitchell died December 1, 2006, at
Modoc Medical Center, Alturas, CA. Mr. Mitchell was 79.
He was born March 6, 1927, in Lovelock, NV to Albert and Aileen Freeman Mitchell,
the second of four children.
In 1949, the family moved to the Madeline Plains at which time Albert Sr.,
worked as a telegraph operator for the railroad. When he died in 1957, the Mitchell's
moved to Alturas.
After his mother died in 1981, Albert began attending Modoc Work Activity Center
and was an active participant for the remainder of his life. The staff and consumers
who attended the center through the years were like his second family. He truly
loved going to the Center.
In earlier years, he enjoyed walking, square dancing and pottery. An avid sports
fan, he liked watching baseball and football. His favorite professional football
team was the San Francisco 49'ers.
In 2003, he became a resident of Modoc Medical Center's Skilled Nursing Facility
where he was quick to make friends with fellow residents and staff alike. He
had a great sense of humor and enjoyed teasing the nurses who cared for him.
His sister Betty Mae and brother Paul and Vincent preceded him in death. He
is survived by family members Donna Mitchell of Weaverville; Karoline and Too
Nelson of Alturas; Paul and Adele Mitchell of Alturas; Fred and Lori Mitchell
of Alturas; Smiley and Chris Glenn of Springfield, OR; Terry and Sue Mitchell
of Red Bluff; Lauri and Tom Ziemer of Brookings, OR; Jeff and Mary Mitchell
of Lafayette, CA and several great nephews and great-nieces.
A graveside service was held Dec. 6 at Alturas Cemetery with the Rev. Dr. Ben
Zandstra officiating. A reception followed at Modoc Work Activity Center.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Modoc Work Activity Center and/or MMC's Skilled Nursing Facility.
Marguerite E. (Allen) Sherer
Marguerite E. Sherer passed away in Alturas, CA on Thursday, November 30, 2006.
She was 72. At her request, no ceremony will be held. Cremation was held at
Eternal Hills Crematory in Klamath Falls, OR.
Mrs. Sherer was born Marguerite Allen on January 16, 1934, in Blair, Nebraska
and moved to California as a young girl. She lived in the Montague and Yreka
area. She worked as a nurse's aid for nearly 30 years at various locations in
Medford, Klamath Falls and Reno. She lived in Modoc County for the last 31 years.
After her mother Charlotte married Earl Payne and moved to Canby, Marguerite
was visiting her mother when she was introduced to Donald Sherer of Stone Coal
Valley. She and Donald were married in Reno, Nevada on August 16, 1975. She
enjoyed cutting and baling hay and was a member of the Ladies Club in Canby.
Survivors include her husband, Donald Sherer of Canby CA; daughter Lydia Mercer
of Lakeview, OR; grandson John Mercer of Lakeview, OR; brothers Jim Allen of
Tidewater, OR; Ed Allen of Yreka, CA and Pat Payne of Gazelle, CA.
Eternal Hills Funeral Home, Klamath Falls, OR, is in charge of arrangements.
Donations may be directed to the American Heart Association in memory of Mrs.
Sherer.
Randy Kramer
Services for Randy Kramer, 40, of Redding were held Tuesday, Dec. 5 at 1 p.m.
at McDonald's Redding Chapel. The Rev. Kent House officiated.
Mr. Kramer passed away in a truck accident on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2006, in
Crescent Mills, CA.
He was born May 22, 1966, in Bieber and moved to Shasta County in 2001.
He worked for Wheeler Logging in Red Bluff and was a member of an operators
union.
Survivors include wife Vicky; stepdaughters Jenny Cotton of Round Mountain,
Jackie Neiley of Redding, Heather Neiley of Arbor, Mich., and Dana King of Redding;
brother Rob of Bieber; parents Charles and Karen Kramer of Bieber; and grandparent
Dortha Kramer of Bieber.
Arrangements were handled by McDonald's Redding Chapel.
Carmen Gonzales
Alturas resident Carmen Gonzales, age 86, passed away December 5, 2006, at
Modoc Medical Center, Alturas, CA. Mrs. Gonzales was born December 28, 1919
in Mexico and had made Alturas her home for the past year, where her son Mike
Gonzales, also resides. Kerr Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
James 'Curly' Spencer
James "Curly" Spencer, 92, of Alturas, passed away December 3, 2006, at Modoc Medical Center, Alturas, CA. Services will be Friday, Dec. 8 at 1 p.m. at the Alturas Cemetery. Mr. Spencer was born in Ulysses, Nebraska on August 31, 1914. He had retired as a packing manager for a bakery. He is survived by his wife Connie of Alturas and grandson William "Billy" Jacques of Alturas. Arrangements are being handled by Kerr Mortuary, Alturas.
Marilyn Offield
Marilyn Offield, age 83, passed away at Surprise Valley Hospital, Cedarville, CA on December 4, 2006. She was born Marilyn Mims in San Francisco, CA on January 28, 1923. Mrs. Offield was a member of the Pit River Tribe and had resided at the XL Reservation. Her daughter Elizabeth Zimmerman lives in Lincoln, CA. Kerr Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
Sports
Modoc wins Chester Invite, huge Modoc tourney this weekend
Modoc's wrestling team won the big Chester Invitational Tournament over the
weekend, topping schools like Chico, Reed (Sparks), Lassen, Central Valley and
others.
This weekend Modoc hosts the huge Northeastern Classic Wrestling Tournament
at the Griswold Gym. Wrestling in the dual meet portion will start at 2 pm.
Friday and the individual elimination rounds will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday.
The finals are expected to start at 6:30 to 7 p.m. Saturday.
Modoc Coach Shaun Wood expects about 300 wrestlers to compete here this weekend,
making the Modoc tourney one of the biggest in the northstate. Schools on the
way are: Corning, Anderson, Burney, Fall River, Bishop Quinn, Portola, Tulelake,
Lassen, Chester, Etna, Central Valley, Mt. Shasta, Big Valley, Weed, Klamath
Union, Mazama, Crane, Henley, Chiloquin, Gridley, North Monterey, Esparto, and
North Valley (Reno).Wood expects the teams from Anderson and Corning to be
at the top. But doesn't know what to expect from the Reno schools. He figures
his Braves will be in the top three.
Modoc won the Chester Tournament with 169 points; Chico had 141, Reed 113,
Lassen 112, Central Valley 104, Live Oak 95, Trinity 88, Mt. Shasta 86, Quincy
85, Portola 59, Corning 52, Chico II 47, Chester 27, Fall River 24, Biggs 23,
Burney 20, Modoc II 19, Big Valley 15 and Weed 11.
Josh Wood won the 215-pound title and was also named the Outstanding Heavyweight
of the tourney. Modoc's Josue Madrigal won the 145 pound title.
Jesse Harer took second at heavyweight while Bill Hammerness was third at 189,
Sheridan Crutcher was third at 145 and Kyle Voth was third at 125. Chris Buchanan
took a fourth at 152.
Wood said all the Braves won matches and he was very pleased with the overall
team performance. He also noted that because of the new weight rules, most of
the Braves were wrestling up a weight over their normal division.
The section ranking have been posted this week and Modoc is the number one ranked small school. Wood is ranked second at 189, Harer third at 215, Hammerness fifth at 171, Crutcher sixth at 149 and Jacob Ketler fifth at heavyweight.
Modoc girls beat Lassen
Modoc's varsity girls basketball team beat a depleted Lassen team
46-38 Tuesday night.
Modoc led 10-9 in the first and 22-21 at halftime. Modoc outscored
Lassen 19-9 in the third.
Catherine Lowrey, above, led the scoring with 17, Alysha Northrup had nine and
Sarah Catania added eight.
Braves take consolation in Block F
Modoc's boys varsity won the consolation racket at the Block F
Tournament in McArthur last weekend, beating Fall River and Big Valley and a
loss to Liberty Christian.
"Overall, I'm very pleased with the team," said coach
Bunk Richardson. "We had a slow start and couldn't hit anything against
Liberty Christian, but we came back and played well in the final two games at
Fall River. We'll be fine this year."
This weekend the boys and girls will travel to the Lost River
Tournament.
Against Fall River the Braves got a quick start, leading 16-6
in the first period and 32-21 by halftime. Modoc led 44-28 after three and scored
18 to Fall River's 19 in the fourth.
Ross Burgess led the Braves with 29 points, Dustin Philpott had
14 and Daniel Morgan added 11. Robertson led Fall River with 27 points.
Modoc beat Big Valley 57-52 in their second game with Burgess
scoring 23 and Philpott adding 15.
The Braves started slowly, with Big Valley taking a 7-4 first
period lead, but Modoc led at halftime 21-18. The Braves led 39-33 after three
and held off the Cardinals 18-19 in the fourth.
Keith Montague had nine points and Jessie Cuevas added eight.
Modoc proved no match for the Liberty Christian Patriots Thursday
afternoon, losing 66-28.
Richardson knew the Patriots were going to be very strong, but didn't expect
a blowout.
The Braves got down early, 18-8 in the first quarter and by halftime
trailed 39-18. As bad as the first half was, the second was even worse as Modoc
only scored four points in the third period and six in the fourth. Liberty meanwhile
poured in 27 second-half points.
Ross Burgess led Modoc with 14 points, Dusty Oates added six and
Dustin Philpott had five. Poncia led the Patriots with 16 and Griffith added
10.
Trinity won the Block F with a 56-46 win over Liberty Christian
and Weed beat Hayfork 50-49 for third place.
Burgess was named to the All-tourney team.
Modoc JV win one lose pair
The Modoc junior varsity boys basketball team won one game, but
lost the next two at the Block F tournament in McArthur last weekend.
Modoc opened with a 56-46 win over Liberty Christian where Justin
Estes led with 26 points. Dee Hunsaker added 16 points and Tyler Dowdy and Ethan
Bonham each put up seven. That would be their last game of high scores.
In the semi-final, the Braves lost to Weed 21-18. While Modoc
played solid defense, the Cougars held Hunsaker to seven points, Estes to six
and Dowdy to five.
The Braves could not do much more in the third place game against
Trinity, who hit seven three-point shots on the night, and cruised to a 56-18
win. Estes led with nine and Hunsaker added six.
Modoc's next game is Dec. 15 at the Block M Tourney in Alturas.
Hornet boys win off and running
The Surprise Valley Hornet varsity boys team opened up the season
with an 82-48 loss against Westwood, but followed that with two wins.
Against Westwood, the Hornets trailed 16-15 in the first and 34-23
by half. At the end of three, they were down 51-37. Kevin Quick led the scoring
with 13, Ian Konz and Jace Indrebo added 11 each and Jordan Mussa had eight.
The Hornets beat Greenville in their second game, 50-37. They
led 14-9 in the first and 31-20 by half. By the end of the third, the Hornets
had a 41-31 lead. Quick, Konz and Indrebo each had 14 points with Indrebo pulling
down 13 boards.
The Hornets beat Plumas Christian 60-40 in the third game. The
Hornets led 20-6 in the first, 34-10 at half at 50-26 after three. Quick led
the scoring with 23, Indrebo had 16 and Konz added 15. Indrebo had 11 rebounds.
Coach Josh Oilar was pleased with the final two games and credited Mussa with playing good defense in all three, averaging five steals per game.
Hornets take consolation
The Surprise Valley Hornet girls varsity took consolation at the
Elk Creek tournament last weekend, spending about six-and-a half hours on the
road.
They lost to the home team 46-17. Freshman Christine Price led
the scoring with eight points and Patricia Soletti added seven.
The Hornets beat the Esparto JV team 35-29 in the second game.
Emma Ruiz, Tristin Teuscher and Price had 10, nine and eight respectively.
In the consolation game against Herlong, nine of 10 players scored
and the Hornets won 37-35. Mindy Conner led with nine, followed by Teuscher
with six and Price and Hanna Goodwin with five each.
The Hornets will be in the Tulelake Honker Classic at Dec. 8-9.
December 14, 2006
News
Secure Schools, Road funding not passed by Congress
The U.S. Congress fired a shot heard round the northwest last week when
it failed to pass an extension of the Secure Rural Schools and Communities Act.
Last week a team from the National Forest Counties and Schools Coalition traveled
to Washington D.C. to lobby for the Act's passage, but came away unsuccessful.
The Act expires this year, after a six-year run, and the loss of funding to
Modoc County Schools and Roads would be about $3.3 million annually. The Act
was passed to offset the loss of timber receipts from logging's serious decline
and near disappearance from much of the northwest. The Forest Receipts Program
allocated 25 percent of production receipts from the forests to local counties.
Those funds were split evenly between county road and schools. That split with
the Secure Rural Counties Act worked out to about $1.3 million to Modoc Schools
and the same amount to County Roads. In addition, about $600,000 was allocated
annually to the Forest's Resource Advisory Committee for projects.
Sean Curtis, Modoc County's Resource Analyst, was among the team visiting Washington
and came away disappointed with the lack of Congressional action, and not wholly
optimistic about its future.
According to Curtis, the main stumbling block on the issue for Congress is the
Act's lack of a funding source. It was passed six years ago with a sunset this
year and was considered by some as temporary relief.
The goal of the Forest Counties Coalition was to get the Act extended at least
for one more year, giving them time to come up with a permanent replacement
and possible funding source. It is possible that once the next Congress is seated,
the Act will be extended, but there are no guarantees and it puts local schools
in a tight spot.
Gary Jones, Modoc County Superintendent of Schools, cautions that the loss
of the forest funding would be a major blow to county schools. He is somewhat
skeptical that it will be reauthorized by the incoming Congress, based on the
political climate, and wants to be realistic. He believes the Act may have lost
some key Congressional support.
Bob Douglas, president of the Forest Counties Coalition, out of Red Bluff,
is continuing the effort to move Congress in what he feels is the right direction.
"Now is the time to express your anger and disappointment at Congress
for failing to keep their promise to protect the forest counties and schools,"
he wrote in a memo to the NFCSC members this week. "Let them know that
planning for the 2007-8 budget cycle starts now and layoff notices will need
to, by law, be sent to staff (schools) by March or April. We absolutely need
to convince the members of Congress to act to renew our legislation by March
1, 2007."
Jones is also concerned about the budgeting for the next fiscal year. For instance,
a loss of the funding would amount to about $730,000 annually to the Modoc Joint
Unified School District, Surprise Valley Joint is $141,923 and Tulelake Joint
$169,240.
According to Curtis, the annual funding of the Act amounted to about $530 million
and covered 750 counties and 4,400 school districts in those counties. Taken
in context with the entire federal budget, the amount is insignificant and the
value of the dollar is enhanced when it comes to real service, according to
Curtis.
The Forest Counties Coalition has been preparing for the sunset of this Act,
so it was not completely unanticipated, but the attempt was to find a permanent
funding method.
Jones said the change in Congress will have some impacts and those changes
always tend to stop momentum on certain items. The biggest impact of not extending
the act will show up on the area's schools in the second interim budget report,
probably in March, Jones said. "There's no indication there is a political
(nationally) will to reauthorize this Act," said Jones. "People are
going to have to speak up."
With the questions of where the funding comes from at the forefront, there
is one proposal out there that may be offered to the new Congress.
According to Curtis, the Association of Oregon and California proposal would
sell land in 18 counties once associated with the Oregon and California Railroad.
Those lands were allocated originally to the O&C to build a railroad from
Portland to California. They have reverted to government ownership and have
been managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
The proposal calls for selling half of the 2.4 million acres for production
and the remaining land would be managed by the BLM for preservation. It's anticipated
that the sell of the land would raise $12 billion. Interest from the trust funds
and receipts from the sale of timber on the non-preserved lands would go into
various trust fund to replace the northwest's lost timber receipt funding and
could provide for a really secure road and school funding mechanism.
That proposal was to be introduced before the end of 2006; but was not and
will not be introduced in the early part of 2007.
Curtis said the O&C proposal makes a lot of sense, but expects serious national opposition from some environmentalists, conservationists and public land advocates.
The street with no names
Anyone notice anything missing from Main Street following the much-heralded
renovation and construction project that just finished?
Well some people have noticed something missing - street signs. Not a single
street sign was replaced, not to mention parking signs, speed limit signs and
the like.
The issue came to a head this week when people from out of the area tried to
find where to turn off Main, as directed by residents they were going to visit.
The directions "Go north down Main to Fourth Street and turn right."
The Main Street part was fine, but since there are no street signs, Fourth Street
was an illusion. The new directions: "Go to just past U.S. Bank and turn
right before the Shell Station."
According to Alturas Public Works Director Chester Robertson, the construction
project included new signage, but apparently some parts may have been missing
or the communication was not clear.
The project has been closed down for the winter, but the City would still like
to see the street signs up soon. One city official called the situation "embarrassing."
The City, for its part, did purchase some new Christmas decorations out of a special community fund, including the lighted wreaths now adorning some of the new streetlights and some seasonal banners. Those items are expensive and the City will be working with the public to raise funding to purchase more in the coming years.
Should watermaster service be local?
Two meetings will be held next week on the question of whether watermaster
service should be legally transferred from the state to the local level. It's
a question involving both money and efficiency.
Tony Francois, the Director of Water Resources for the California Farm Bureau
will host a meeting Dec. 18, 7 p.m. at Alturas City Hall for the water users.
He will then be at the Modoc County Board of Supervisors meeting Dec. 19, in
the morning to address them. The Board will have to decide certain issues if
they plan to go with the local option.
According to Sean Curtis, of the Modoc Farm Bureau and the county land use
analyst, once the board makes its choice the issue has to go to the Superior
Court because of the water decrees. He said the watermaster is actually an officer
of the court, charged with enforcing water rights.
The reason the switch is being considered, according to Curtis, is because
the state has changed the fee formula for the watermaster service, which has
a direct and expensive impact on local users.
Curtis said the fees for local water users in North Fork, Ash Creek and Surprise
Valley could go from about $117,000 in fiscal year 2003-004 to $551,300 for
2006-07 if left at the state level.
If the county takes over the program, it's expected the cost would be about
$235,000 annually for those three areas, a $315,000 difference. Curtis also
pointed out that if the watermaster service is local, that money stays within
the county rather than going to the state.
The Department of Water resources changed the fee schedule because the state
requires that it pay for itself.
According to Curtis' figures; Ash Creek's service cost $22,600 in 2003-04 and
would go up to $112,100 for 2006-07 if the sate retains the service; North Fork
would go from $33,900 to $166,500 and Surprise Valley would go from $61,220
to $272,700.
If it is switched to local, the projected fees would be Ash Creek $45,204;
North Fork $67,796; and Surprise Valley $122,444.
The county would be targeting the switch to July 1, 2007.
Wish tree needs help
The deadline for gift sponsors has been extended because more than 50 tags
remain dangling on the TEACH, Inc. children's Wish Tree with the hope of receiving
a gift for Christmas.
So far, 200 children in Modoc County (not including 40 registered in Surprise
Valley) have registered for the Wish Tree. Gift sponsors are desperately needed
and have until 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21 to supply a wrapped gift.
A new, warm coat, a pair of mittens to keep young hands warm, or a special
toy to call their own, are all gifts that can bring joy to a youngster registered
on the Christmas Wish Tree.
Ornament tags are waiting for gift sponsors to make wishes come true. The paper
tag ornaments are marked with a few of the child's needs and/or wishes, the
child's age, size and gender.
Modoc County children have been registered for this year's Wish Tree based
on their family's needs and income. The children must qualify and fall between
the ages of infant to age 12 years. Their wishes are simple and their names
remain anonymous to gift sponsors.
Anyone who would like to be a gift sponsor for a child or children whose family
could use a helping hand this Christmas, may stop by or call the TEACH office
at (530) 233-3111 at 112 East Second St., Alturas. The office is open from 8
a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The good news is the food donations have been generous and will provide for Christmas Ham Food Baskets. The Food Bank willingly accepts non-perishable food items throughout the year, including peanut butter, macaroni and cheese, canned foods, tuna and more.
Obituaries:
Lois Van Nes
Lois Ann Van Nes passed away Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006, at the age of 67. Her passing
concluded a three-month bout with cancer at her home in Alturas, which she cherished
so much.
Services will be held Friday, Dec. 15 at 11 a.m. at Kerr Mortuary Chapel, Alturas,
followed by a committal service at Alturas Cemetery. A reception will take place
at the Alturas Elks Lodge, following the services. Friends and family may attend
visitation between 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. today, Thursday, Dec. 14 at Kerr Mortuary.
Lois was born in Princeton, Minnesota on March 3, 1939, and moved with her
family to California as a young girl. After graduating from high school in the
Sacramento area, she studied nursing and began her nursing career there. She
pursued her nursing work at hospitals in Sacramento, primarily the Sisters of
Mercy Hospital.
In 1986, she moved to Alturas with her husband and continued her nursing career
a Modoc Medical Center, Alturas and Surprise Valley Hospital District, Cedarville,
until her retirement in February, 2006.
She loved to travel and visited over 40 of the states in the nation, Alaska
and Hawaii included. She even visited Russia when it was still the Soviet Union.
She traveled with a group of nurses from the United States, with the purpose
of sharing ideas for improving nursing services there.
Her zest for adventure also led her to Mexico three times. She and daughter-in-law
Robin, insisted, so husband Hans and his son Randolph accompanied them to Puerto
Vallarta, Acapulco and Cabo San Lucas in three successive years.
Lois is survived by her husband Hans Van Nes, Alturas, CA; daughter and son-in-law
Robbin and Jerry Desporte, Chunchula, AL; stepdaughters Rhonda Millwee, Rio
Linda, CA and Rebecca Keeling and husband Scott, Placerville, CA; stepsons Raymond
Van Nes, Alturas, CA and Randolph Van Nes and wife Robin, Valley Springs, CA;
brothers Robert Foote, Phoenix, OR; and John Foote, Sacramento, CA. She was
also the proud grandmother and step-grandmother of 10 grandchildren and four
great-grandchildren. Lois loved gardening and was known for her beautiful roses
and flowers at her home on Carlos Street in Alturas.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Modoc Medical Center, 228 McDowell St, Alturas, CA 96101 or Surprise Valley Hospital District, Cedarville, P.O. Box 246, Cedarville, CA 96104.
Sports
Anderson wins Modoc invite; Braves take second
The Anderson wrestling team won the Modoc Northeast Classic wrestling tournament
over the weekend in Alturas, and Modoc pulled ahead of Corning for second place.
More than 300 wrestlers competed in the Modoc tourney, making it one of the
biggest in the northstate, and several large schools were represented. The top
team scores were: Anderson 203, Modoc 174, Corning 164, Mazama 105, Lassen 102,
North Valley (Reno) 99, Central Valley 72, Mt. Shasta 68, Portola 50, Etna 48,
Crane 46, Chiloquin 44.5, Fall River 44, Burney 40 and Chester 27.
Modoc had three individual championships: Sheridan Crutcher at 140 pounds;
Bill Hammerness at 189 pounds and Josh Wood at 215 pounds.
Wood had to wrestle teammate Jesse Harer in the 215-pound final and Harer placed
second.
Modoc's wrestlers will now be able to move into the weight divisions they'll
be wrestling at for the rest of the season. Wood will move to 189, leaving Harer
on top of the 215 category, Hammerness will drop to 171 and others will move
as they cement their weights.
Modoc's other placers at the local tourney were: Kevin Richardson, third at
112 pounds; Chris Buchanan, fourth at 152 pounds; Cain Madrigal, fifth at 130
pounds; Josue Madrigal, fifth at 135 pounds; David Holloway, fifth at 160 pounds;
Jacob Ketler, fifth at heavyweight; and Kyle Voth, sixth at 125 pounds.
"I was exceptionally pleased with how well we wrestled," said Wood.
"We really did well in the upper weight classes and got a lot of experience,"
said coach Shaun Wood. "The tournament ran really well and I thank all
of the help we received and the wrestling staff did a great job."
In the junior varsity divisions, Miguel Torres won the 215-pound division and
Shawn Brownfield placed third. Tyler Stains won the 189-pound title and Matt
Mayes took a third at 152 pounds.
Modoc goes to the Lakeview tournament this weekend, where the Braves will be heavily favored.
Modoc host Block M tourney this weekend
The Modoc Braves, both boys and girls will play host to the Modoc
Block M Tournament this weekend at the Griswold Gym. Play starts Thursday night
and runs through Saturday.
The boy's varsity will open against Surprise Valley at 8:30 p.m.
Thursday, will meet Tulelake at 8:30 p.m. Friday and will finish with Lakeview
at 8:30 p.m. Saturday. Modoc's varsity girls open against University Prep Thursday
7 p.m., meet Tulelake Friday at 6:30 pm. and Lakeview Saturday at 7 p.m.
The boys are coming off a two win, one loss tourney performance
at the Lost River tournament. They beat a poor Ashland JV team 73-9 in the opening
round and then ran into a hot Bonanza team, losing 64-38.
Bonanza stunned the Braves early, going up 18-7 in the first and
led 34-17 by half. Bonanza led 46-26 in the third. Kyle Gomez who scored 37
points and controlled the game led bonanza. Modoc's Dustin Philpott and Ross
Burgess each netted 13 points.
The Braves took Lost River to overtime in the third game, to win
it 59-54. Lost River led 12-10 in the first and 26-25 in the second. By the
end of the third Modoc had taken a 40-37 lead, but Lost River tied it at 54-54
in the fourth. Modoc scored four to Lost River's zero in the overtime period.
Philpott led the scoring with 22 and Burgess had 19.
Modoc coach Bunk Richardson said the Bonanza squad was for real
and that Lost River also gave Modoc a fit. "I think we're going to be fine
for the year, we can play with the tough teams, but we have to have a solid
game," said Richardson. He figures Tulelake and Lakeview will be tough
this tournament and expects a lot out of Surprise Valley.
Girls win three
The Modoc varsity girls had a couple of close games at the Lost
River Tourney, after walking over a weak Ashland JV team 44-10. In that game
Kelly Campagna had 10, Tacie Richardson had seven and Alysha Northrup had six.
Modoc beat Lost River 48-47 in overtime in the second game. Lost
River led 9-5 in the first and 22-15 at halftime. They trailed 34-27 after three,
but outscored the Raiders 16-9 in the fourth to tie it at 43-43 and won the
overtime period 5-4. Catherine Lowrey had 19; Sarah Catania added 10 and Northrup
had six. Richardson blocked six shots in that game.
The Braves beat Triad 41-38 in the third game. The game was knotted
at 8-8 in the first and Triad led 19-17 by half. Modoc tied it at 28-28 after
three and outscored Triad 13-10 in the fourth.
Lowrey led with 13 points, Northrup had 11 and Richardson eight.
News
Cops in school program cut
The Modoc Joint Unified School District chose not to fund the Cops in Schools
program at a meeting Dec. 12, which will eliminate a program that had been in
place since 2001.
According to Alturas Chief of Police Ken Barnes, funding for the program would
have been $45,400 per year. That cost would cover some but not all of the city
police officer's salary and benefits, estimated at about $61,000 annually. The
cost to the school does not cover vehicle, maintenance, training and other equipment
costs. Barnes said it would not be fair to charge the school district for the
summer months.
The MJUSD's decision last week curtailed Barnes' plan to send three officers
to the police academy this month. He did send two of the city's new officers,
Jaime Harris and Mike Main, Jr. The third officer would have been ready to take
on the school program come September.
The Cops in Schools program started out with a federal grant of $125,000, which
covered most of the program from 2001 to 2003. In 2004-05, the school was to
pick up $50,000 of the cost, which it did. For 2005-2006, Barnes had requested
a school payment of $22,700 paid twice per year.
According to Barnes, personnel shortages at his department this last year made
it impossible to have a full time officer on campus so the school wasn't billed.
He did, however, place an officer at the schools on a part time basis. In addition,
other officers always respond to issues at the schools.
"I think the program had a positive impact and we'd like to continue with
it," said Barnes. "However, the city can't cover the entire cost."
The federal grant funds are no longer available for the program. The MJUSD
may be facing the loss of about $730,000 annually if there is no eventual reauthorization
of the Secure Rural School and Roads program. That program was a six-year stopgap
by the federal government to make up for lost timber receipt funds for schools
and roads. The last Congress did not extend the program.
The Secure Schools and Road fund meant about $1.3 million to Modoc schools and a like amount for roads, plus an additional $600,000 for the Resource Advisory Committees of the federal agencies.
Ft. Bidwell men arrested alleging assault, kidnap
Three Ft. Bidwell men were arrested Dec. 19 on various charges including kidnapping,
assault and firearm possession.
According to incoming Modoc Sheriff Mark Gentry, deputies from the Modoc County
Sheriff's Office, Modoc Interagency Task Force and the California Highway Patrol
executed two search warrants and three arrest warrants Tuesday morning at 200
Gidutikad Square.
Marvin Phoenix, age 43, Ft. Bidwell, was arrested at that location on suspicion
of assault with a deadly weapon, inflicting corporal injury on a co-habitant,
criminal threats and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Also arrested at that location was Dominic Belisle, age 25, Ft. Bidwell, on
suspicion of kidnapping. Both were booked into the Modoc County Jail and the
residence was searched with several items of evidence recovered.
The team executed a second search warrant at 218 North Street in Cedarville
where several firearms were confiscated and collected as evidence.
Also taken into custody was Ft. Bidwell resident Chaz Williams, age 19. He was arrested alleging kidnapping and booked into the Modoc County Jail.
Alturas woman hurt when hit by school bus
An Alturas woman was struck by a Modoc Joint Unified School District school
bus Friday about 4:30 p.m. while crossing Main Street.
According to the Alturas Police Department, Berneice Pratt, age 87, was crossing
Main in the crosswalk at the Carlos Street intersection. The bus, driven by
Ed Harris was making a left turnoff off of Carlos onto Main Street.
Harris said he didn't see anyone when he started to make the turn, but through
the side rear-view mirror saw the middle of the bus strike and knock Pratt down.
She sustained moderate injuries and was transported to Modoc Medical Center
in Alturas.
"I'm a mess," she said Tuesday from home. "I have two black eyes,
my left hip and leg is a huge black bruise, I have to use crutches to get around,
and my hands and arms are bruised and scraped. I was in the middle of the crosswalk.
I don't know what it was, but my purse got caught on a part of the bus and just
threw me backwards. It tore both handles off my purse and my head hit the side
of the bus before I hit the ground."
Pratt said she'd just finished work at the Art Center and had walked across
the street to Walt's Market for groceries. She was heading back across Main
Street in the crosswalk and was wary of speeding traffic, so had stopped to
make sure the cars approaching from the north were going to stop. That's when
the bus hit her.
While she's pretty unhappy about the situation, one of her biggest concerns
is the traffic heading in and out of Alturas at the Carlos and Main intersection.
"I want them, the city and Caltrans to place a four-way stop at Carlos and Main Street," she said. "Cars start to speed up in that block on their way out of town and don't slow down enough on their way into own. A four-way stop would make everyone safer."
Wishes do come true thanks to caring folks
It is the hope that bright smiles and squeals of delight will come with the
opening of the many Christmas packages made possible through the community's
generous donations to this year's Children's Christmas Wish Tree.
By Monday morning, all the tags were removed from the tree, thanks to an influx
of cash donations and gifts after TEACH contacted the Record to ask for community
help with the 50 tags that remained on the tree last Wednesday. The community
gave in a big way for the two hundred children in Modoc County (not including
40 registered in Surprise Valley) who were registered for this year's Wish Tree.
On Monday morning, TEACH "elves" set about with the colorful tags
in hand, shopping locally to find the gifts to match each child's wishes. And
merchants, described the elves, were more than accommodating.
Modoc County children were registered for this year's Wish Tree based on their
family's needs and income. The children had to qualify and fall between the
ages of infant to age 12 years. Their wishes were simple and their names remain
anonymous to gift sponsors.
The Wish Tree was initiated in the early 1980s by Ron Boran, who was serving
as the Modoc Chamber of Commerce Manager then and wanted to make a difference
and Christmas special for needy children. Boran took it upon himself to dress
as Santa to make the gift deliveries to Modoc families. The project grew and
once taken on by TEACH, Inc., some years served over 250 children in Modoc County
who were registered for the Wish Tree.
Food donations this Christmas will also provide for 75 Christmas Ham Food Baskets.
The TEACH Emergency Food Bank willingly accepts non-perishable food items throughout
the year, including peanut butter, macaroni and cheese, canned foods, tuna,
soup, bags of noodles, and more. Donations may be made directly to the Food
Bank located at the TEACH office, 112 East Second St., Alturas, phone 530-233-3111.
In addition, churches in Modoc also have gifted families and shut-ins with baskets of food. Faith Baptist Church asks that anyone who needs food at this time of Christmas to contact the church at 233-2015.
Frontier radio glitch clicks off services
An issue with a Frontier Communications microwave radio on Likely Mountain
created some problems for local Internet users and also affected credit and
debit card machines.
According to Stephanie Beasley, Community Relations Liaison for Frontier, the
radio was repaired Monday afternoon and service was restored. According to Frontier
spokespeople, their DSL service was down on Saturday because of a radio malfunction.
Telephone service was not interrupted at any time.
On Monday and over the weekend, the lack of credit and debit card use was felt at several local businesses, including grocery stores. A long line of people with packages to ship and at the U.S. Post Office in Alturas also had to make adjustments Monday when the machines wouldn't work. Monday was a huge shipping day at the Post Office.
Obituaries:
Donald J. Cooley
Services for Donald J. Cooley, age 82, of Alturas, will be held Friday, Dec.
22 at 11 a.m. at Christian Life Assembly, Alturas. Pastor John Purial will officiate.
A graveside service will follow at the Alturas Cemetery with military honors
by the Alturas Veterans Group.
Mr. Cooley was born in Alturas, CA on January 2, 1924. He passed away in Alturas
on December 16, 2006, due to cancer.
A graduate of Modoc High School, Mr. Cooley went on to serve in the U.S. Navy
during World War II as a Boatswain Mate, 2nd Class. He received his discharge
on May 27, 1946 and married his wife Sarah "Betty" on December 24,
1946, in Reno, NV. The two have shared a marriage of 60 years this year.
Mr. Cooley's career with the U.S. Forest Service spanned some 35 years. He
worked on the Modoc National Forest for some six years, before transferring
to the Sierra Nevada National Forest. He served as District Ranger for Shaver
Lake District in Fresno County on that forest. When he retired in 1983, he returned
to Alturas.
He is survived by his wife Sarah E. "Betty" Cooley of Alturas; son
Jerry Cooley of Oceanside, CA; daughters Barbara Cooley, Dallas, Texas; Juanita
Sudduth, Alturas, CA; sons Tim Cooley of Alturas, CA and Bryan Cooley, Coeur
d'Alene, Idaho. Mr. Cooley has 12 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Services are under the direction of Kerr Mortuary
Sports
Braves 1-2 in Block M, girls are 3-0
Modoc's varsity boy's basketball team finished 1-2 in the Block M Tournament
over the weekend in Alturas.
Modoc opened with a 50-49 loss to Surprise Valley, beat Tulelake 50-48 and
lost to Lakeview 65-50.
"We learned some good things from this tournament, but each of the teams
we played was good," said coach Bunk Richardson. "I feel fine about
the team and they're learning that they need to play together. We'll be fine
in league, we can play with the good teams."
In the game against in-county rivals Surprise Valley, the Hornets led 10-9
in the first period and it was tied 18-18 at halftime Modoc got up 32-27 after
three, but the Hornets outscored the Braves 23-17 in the final period for the
win.
Dustin Philpott led the scoring for Modoc with 19, Ross Burgess added 13. Ian
Konz and Kevin Quick each scored 15 for the Hornets and Jace Indrebo added nine.
Burgess led the Braves in the win over Tulelake with 21 points. The game was
knotted at 8-8 in the first and Tulelake grabbed a 25-20 lead at the half. Modoc
tied it at 35-35 after three and outscored the Honkers 15-23 in the final period.
Philpott added 14 points for the Braves. Woodson has 16 for Tulelake and Egar
added 10.
Lakeview got a first quarter jump on the Braves and didn't relent through the
game. They led 20-17 in the first and 34-22 at halftime. The game stayed at
that margin through three as both teams scored 13 and Lakeview outscored Modoc
18-15 in the fourth for the 65-50 win.
Burgess led the Braves with 24 points and Trent Schmidt had eight. Jordan Kiely
led Lakeview with 18 and Kasey Clemens added 13.
Modoc responded to the loss with a rematch Tuesday night and Lakeview and won
an exciting game in overtime 85-84.
"I was very please with our play and our scoring was more balanced,"
Richardson said. "Lakeview was unbeaten at 9-0 and they are a very good
team, so beating them on their floor was tough. It was an exciting game the
whole way."
Modoc opened with a 16-14 first period lead and led at halftime 38-29. The
Braves maintained a solid 54-42 lead through three, then Lakeview's Kiely took
over, scoring 19 points in the period and the team scoring 37 points to tie
Modoc at 79-79 at the buzzer. Modoc wasn't sleeping in the final period as they
pumped in 25 points.
In the overtime period with Lakeview leading by two and four seconds left on
the clock, Modoc's Keith Montague hit a running three-point shot from near half-court
for the one-point win.
Burgess led Modoc with 21 points, Philpott added 15, Daniel Morgan had 14 and
Montague 12. Kiely led Lakeview with 34 points.
Modoc girls win Block M
Modoc's varsity girls won three at the Block M. They beat University Prep 42-16,
Tulelake 38-22 and Lakeview 39-27.
"We sought revenge from last year's championship loss," said coach
Bill Hall. "We're playing well and open league January 9 at Weed. I feel
we're one of the teams to beat."
University Prep wasn't much competition as the Braves led 13-2 in the first
and 22-2 by half. Modoc led 32-24 after three and finished with a 10-point fourth
period. Catherine Lowry led the Braves with 15 points; Marlana Bartram added
eight.
Modoc beat Tulelake in the second game, taking an 11-4 first period lead and
building that to a 20-12 halftime advantage. Modoc led 30-20 after three and
scored eight to Tulelake's two in the fourth. Lowry had 15; Sarah Catania added
10 and Alysha Northrup had eight.
Modoc also had an easy game against Lakeview, leading 15-6 at halftime and
29-12 after three. Lakeview scored 15 to Modoc's 10 in the fourth. Lowry had
13 and Northrup 12 in that game. Tacie Richardson had five blocked shots, six
steals and nine rebounds in the game.
Modoc lost its first game of the season Tuesday night in Lakeview to the Honkers
37-27.
Modoc trailed from the start 12-9 and at the half 22-19. The Braves only added eight points in the second half while Lakeview hit 15. Lowry led Modoc with 10 and Tanya Blake added six.
Modoc wins Lakeview wrestling invite
Modoc had little trouble winning the Lakeview Invitational wrestling
tournament over the weekend. The Braves had 124 points, Henley and Lakeview
had 77, Crane 73, Chiloquin 66, Fall River 47 and Burney 28.
Josh Wood, at 189 pounds and Sheridan Crutcher at 140 pounds both
won individual championships. Wood has pinned all 14 wrestlers he's faced this
season.
Taking second place at Lakeview were: Jesse Harer 215 pounds;
Jacob Ketler heavyweight; Kevin Richardson 112 pounds; and Willy Hamann 103
pounds.
Third place finishers were: Cody Book, 103; Kyle Voth 125; Bill
Hammerness 171; Brandon Anderson 160. Miguel Torres took a fourth at 215 and
taking fifths were Tyler Wood 145, Victor Garcia 125 and Liam Iverson at 215.
Modoc will travel to the 94-school Sierra Nevada Classic in Reno
the day after Christmas. Only a few of Modoc's wrestlers will make that trip
with Josh Wood, Crutcher and Ketler leading the way.
In the CIF North Section rankings Josh Wood is second at 189,
Harer is second at 215, Crutcher fourth at 140 and Hammerness fourth at 171.
Modoc JV boys lose three Block M
Modoc junior varsity boy's team lost three games in the Block
M tourney last weekend. They fell to Lakeview 27-34, University Prep 32-17 and
Tulelake 48-41.
Modoc played its best game against Tulelake, taking that contest
into overtime. The Braves led 19-15 at halftime and Tulelake came back to tie
it at 28-28 after three. The game was tied at 41-41 at the end of regulation.
Foul trouble caught up with the Braves in overtime and Tulelake pulled away
for the win. Justin Estes led the Braves with 19 points.
Estes scored 15 to lead the Braves against Lakeview and Dee Hunsaker added 10. Against University Prep Hunsaker led with nine points.
December 28, 2006
News
Sagehen pass set for spring upgrades
Drivers beware. Sagehen Pass on Highway 395 between Likely and Madeline may
be hazardous to your health.
That seems to be the unanimous message from the emergency personnel that are
called to respond to accidents on that infamous stretch of highway.
"For starters, the road's too narrow," said Dewayne Matthews, chief
of the Likely Fire Department, the emergency unit invariably called to the scene
of an accident on Sagehen Pass. "And, once you get off the edge of the
road, there's no shoulder in several spots, which causes most accidents."
But, all are agreed that the greatest problem lies in the slope and abruptness
of certain curves on the pass.
"Several of those turns that instead of being banked inward, are banked
outward. When you're on a turn, it throws you to the outside, and there's no
place to go," said Patricia Cantrall, Modoc County supervisor and first
responder out of Likely. "It's been that way as long as I can remember.
Whoever put in the original highway just didn't do that right."
"That one turn is really bad," said Matthews of a curve left that
takes northbound travelers by surprise. "The outside edge of it drops off.
You can actually appreciably feel it in the suspension of your vehicle."
"It's absolutely a blind curve," said Paul Armstrong, the Likely
assistant fire chief. "The northbound traffic, when they approach the turn,
can't see around the turn."
Armstrong calls this particular curve an accident waiting to happen. "Of
the three curves that I'm aware of on this pass, this is the worst of the three."
Matthews estimates that two out of ten accidents on the pass occur at that
curve. "It's gotten better in the last couple of years. But, we've averaged
one death on Sagehen Pass every year."
The good news is that Caltrans has plans to improve those three, dangerous
curves. "There's an accident concentration in that area. That's how this
became a safety project, " said Derek Willis, project manager for the Caltrans
Redding office. "It's attempting to take care of the accident concentration
we're seeing in that area.
"Right now, the paved shoulders out there vary from none to about one
foot," said Willis of the current roadbed. "So, we're going to make
sure we have standard lanes and standard shoulders."
According to Willis, about two miles of highway at the top of the pass, from
mile markers 131 to 133, will undergo major changes in a $3.1 million project
this upcoming summer.
Two of the three most perilous curves will be modified, increasing their radius,
while the curve designated as the most dangerous by first responders will be
removed altogether. "Basically, out of two curves, we'll be making one,"
said Willis.
Moreover, the project specifications call for the modification of the banking-what
highway engineers call "cross slope"-to correct the absence of banking
in the affected turns.
While the contract for the project has yet to be let, Willis said that tree
removal along the two-mile stretch should begin early next year. "Construction
will begin, probably, in May or June, when things dry out there."
Beyond that, no additional improvements to the pass are projected by Caltrans,
which leaves emergency personnel from Likely puzzled and perplexed.
Matthews pointed out that Caltrans improved the flat, straight stretch of highway
on both sides of the pass in recent years, but improvement of the pass itself,
with its hazardous curves, has been left until last.
Armstrong cannot understand Caltrans' priorities. "I can't see any logic.
I would take the most dangerous stretch of road and correct it first,"
he said. "This would have been my first priority."
"On both sides of the summit, it's a nice, big, wide road," said Matthews,
"But on Sagehen, if you drift over the white (fog) line two inches, you're
off the road."
"These trucks get off of that edge, into the soft shoulder, and they have
a full-time wrestling match to get it back onto the road," said Armstrong.
"That was the root cause of the last accident (here), I'm certain."
Cantrall pointed out that the approach to the pass on either side can be deceptive
for unwary travelers. "It looks like big, slow, sweeping curves. It doesn't
give you a feeling of panic."
"Any attempt to straighten out some of the curves and re-bank the curves
in the correct direction is an improvement," said Armstrong, acknowledging
the value of the planned improvements. "Even if they only address the three
worst areas on the pass and make corrections, they've made an improvement. Doing
nothing, as they have in the past, just simply isn't going to work."
"We all know that most trucks do not do the 55 mile per hour speed limit
they're supposed to," said Cantrall, arguing that the whole stretch of
highway through the pass badly needs improvement. "I'm sorry. You've got
a load on, you can't hold it on to the road."
At the same time that Cantrall faults the current road design, she also places
a goodly part of the blame for accidents of the drivers. "The road is at
fault," she said, "but in my opinion, it is because people take that
too fast."
Her advice: "Slow down on Sagehen. It may look nice, but it's not. I don't
like to pull people off of there dead or cut to ribbons."
"People just drive too fast," said Matthews, agreeing. "They're
lulled into a false sense of security. When they hit that narrow road with no
shoulder, then "
Armstrong would hope to see improved warning signs posted. "With the exception
of the one, cautionary sign to reduce speed to 55, there's no other indication
that this is a nasty turn," he said. "I don't think there's any way
to get around that corner doing the recommended speed limit and stay within
bounds of the lines on the pavement."
Willis noted that the duration of the improvement project this coming summer
will be about 65 working days. "There will probably be 10 to 15 minute
delays," he cautioned, due to the construction.
Those who have had accidents on Sagehen can take comfort in the fact that Caltrans is moving to make improvements, according to Willis. "There are people who have had accidents up there. At least, it's nice for them to know that we see a concentration, and we're moving forward to take care of it."
New law says no to chaining dogs
A bill that flew well under the public radar banning the chaining of dogs last
year goes into effect January 1.
According to Alturas Chief of Police Ken Barnes, SB 1578, which prohibits a
person from tethering, fastening, chaining, tying or restraining a dog to a
doghouse, tree, fence or other stationary object, was signed into law last September.
"We just want local residents to be aware that the new law is in effect
next week," said Barnes. "It has some impact for people who don't
have fenced yards or other ways to secure their dogs."
Violators of the law can be guilty of an infraction punishable by up to a $250
fine or a misdemeanor punishable by up to a fine of $1000 or imprisonment in
the county jail for no more than six months. The animal control department can
issue a correction warning to a violator, requiring the person to correct the
violation, unless the violation endangers the health or safety of the animal,
the animal has been wounded or a correction warning has been previously issued
to the individual.
There are some exemptions in the law including: being able to tie or chain
the dog for up to three hours whole completing a temporary task; dogs may be
retained with a running line, pulley or trolley system (but not in conjunction
with a choke or pinch collar); a person may tether or chain a dog for longer
than three hours if in a camping or recreation area; while engaged in a hunting
or similar activity and other such activities; while engaged in the conduct
of herding livestock; while engaged in the conduct directly related to the business
of cultivating agricultural products, if the restraint is reasonably necessary
for the safety of the animal.
SB1578 was authored by Senator Alan Lowenthal (D-Long Beach).
Unique parade celebrates onset of 2007
Looking for something fun to do on an otherwise quiet New Year's Day in Modoc
County? The Juniper Berry Parade on New Year's Day in the quaint burg of Davis
Creek is not your typical parade and offers a unique blend of rural fun.
About 25 minutes north from Alturas on Highway 395 toward Lakeview, the parade
will begin at high noon on New Year's Day, Monday, January 1, 2007. Ring in
the New Year by participating in the parade line-up or by being a spectator
along Plum Street, which passes "plum through town," says organizer
Betsy Ingraham.
All ages, from children to senior citizens have enjoyed the event these past
five years. Original "Creeker" Margaret Landrith, who was born in
Davis Creek 83 years ago, will oversee the line up as Grand Marshal for the
fifth year, says Ingraham. Rain, snow, sleet or shine, the parade will be "a
go." Any trees that could blow down to block the parade path, have already
blown down with past storms, describes Ingraham, jokingly, but honestly.
About the parade line-up it's anyone's guess, as anything goes, reminds Ingraham.
"We'll run with whatever we get."
Davis Creek's Volunteer Fire Department will be serving coffee, hot chocolate and hot baked potatoes with all the toppings, for a small fee at the little red school house, on County Road 133B. Everyone is welcome for the warm-hearted camaraderie and fun on New Year's Day. For more information call Ingraham at 233-3009.
Sports
Coming in sports
Sports activities get underway next week as league play starts in basketball.
Modoc wrestling team will be competing at the big Anderson tournament Jan.
5-6 and will be gong to Burney Jan. 12-13.
Modoc boys and girls basketball teams will open league play Jan. 9 at Weed
and will host Burney Jan. 12. Mt. Shasta comes to Alturas Jan. 16.
Surprise Valleys Hornets will be at Butte Valley Jan. 13 and host Dunsmuir Jan. 16.