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January 2007February 2007 March 2007

April 2007 May 2007 June 2007 July 2007 August 2007

September 2007 October 2007 November 2007 December 2007

January 4, 2007

News

Main Street issues address at MCTC meeting

Alturas' Main Street project is not yet complete, and here are some safety and maintenance issues that need to be dealt with in the neat future

Alturas Chief of Police Ken Barnes is concerned that none of the traffic signs have been put up, including parking restrictions, no U-turn, or even something as simple as speed limit signs
In addition, the curbs have not been painted with parking designations. Barnes said regardless of that fact, it is illegal to park with 15-feet of a fire hydrant

There are several areas on Main Street where parking is an issue. The intersection of Carlos and Main is especially hazardous when drivers park too close to the corner on both streets. Barnes asks that drivers adhere to the 15-foot distance.

Barnes is trying to contact the contractor to have the traffic signs installed.
Several issues involving Main Street will be on the docket at the Modoc County Transportation Commission meeting Jan. 11, 3 p.m. at City Hall.

Alturas City Councilman and MCTC member Rod Gately said he has several issues he'll want addressed by the MCTC. He's concerned about the streetlights being too bright and although correction measures have been agreed to, nothing has been done yet. He's also concerned about the quality of the pavement at intersections, where it appears to be breaking up and creating lots of gravel on the street. He is also concerned about the lack of signage and curb parking zones being painted.

He said he understands the project is not yet completed and there will be some issues addressed in the coming months. But, he said, he'd like to see some measures taken now to deal with safety concerns.

Bone Marrow transplant working for Deena

Deena Bhavindhu and her family have reason to celebrate each day and especially the coming of the new year.

Doctors had said, at best, that Deena's bone marrow transplant in April 2006, had only a 50 percent chance of success. "We are glad we took that chance, even though it was a 50/50 chance that it would work," says her father Dino Bhavindhu, while taking a break from working at he and wife Nipa's "Nipa's Thai and California Cuisine" restaurant in Alturas last week. The doctors attribute some of Deena's recovery to her healthy status before she had treatments.

All other medical avenues of treatment had been exhausted and her seven years of life would have ended, believed the doctors and her parents, had they not made the decision to go through the bone marrow transplant, said her father.

Deena's bone marrow transplant in April 2006 was done at the 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.

"She has had no transfusions for the past six months," said her father. Before the April transplant, Deena was having transfusions weekly.

For the next six months, she will be closely monitored and kept home to ensure her immune system is strong enough to withstand returning to normal activity, such as school, said her father. Deena continues to do her school studies at home in Redding, where she lives with her family, including her twin brother and sister Jamie and Nicole and where the family also operates their second Thai cuisine restaurant.

County officials swearing in Jan. 8

Modoc County officials will be sworn into office January 8, 12 noon at the upstairs Modoc Superior Courtroom in the courthouse.

Taking the oath of office will be: Gary Woolverton, Modoc County District Attorney; Mark Gentry, Modoc County Sheriff/Coroner; Gary Jones, Modoc County Superintendent of Schools; Cheri Budmark, Modoc Assessor; Dan Macsay, Supervisor District I; Dave Bradshaw, Supervisor District 5; Cheryl Knoch, Modoc County Treasurer/Tax Collector; and Judi Stevens, Modoc Auditor/Recorder/Clerk.

Modoc County Clerk Maxine Madison will officially retire Jan. 8 but will continue on a part-time basis as Clerk of the Board. Outgoing officials include District Attorney Jordan Funk and Modoc Sheriff Bruce Mix.

Obituaries:

Pauline "Polly" Filomeo

Pauline "Polly" Filomeo, 84, passed away peacefully at her home in Antelope, OR with her husband Bob at her side December 23, 2006.

Polly was born December 12, 1922, in Achille, OK to Lynn and Beulah Boyce. She moved at a young age to Martinez, CA, graduated from Alhambra High School in Martinez; worked at the Naval shipyard in Vallejo during WWII, the title company in Martinez, and was a private secretary for the CEO of the San Francisco branch of Lloyd's of London Insurance Company.

Polly married Bob Filomeo February 14, 1948, in Reno, NV after a three-year courtship. They moved to Stone Coal Valley in Modoc County in 1959 and lived there many years ranching and raising their\ three daughters. Bob and Polly moved to Antelope, OR in 1991.

She loved gardening, fishing, cooking, quilting, leather tooling, knitting and crocheting. She was an accomplished pianist and an expert seamstress.

Polly was preceded in death by her parents Lynn and Beulah Boyce, her aunt Eula May Varner, an infant brother, brother Lynn Boyce, Jr., sisters Oleta Green and Juanita Smock. She is survived by her husband Bob, daughters Catherine Filomeo of Alturas, Judy Picotte of Alturas, Alicia Wise of Vacaville, and also a son, Tony Herndon of Martinez and daughter Linda Karp of Clayton, CA from a previous marriage; her brother Fred Boyce of Odessa, TX, 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Services will be held at the Catholic Church in Antelope, OR at a later date.

Sports

Wood fourth in Reno invite

Modoc sophomore Josh Wood placed fourth in the huge Reno Sierra Nevada Classic last week. There were 94 teams from eight states at the event including many of the top ranked wrestlers from California, Nevada and Oregon.

Wood went 7-2 in the 189-pound division and his losses came to senior wrestlers who were on top of their sport.

Modoc's Sheridan Crutcher, 140 pounds, went 2-2 in the event, Shawn Brownfield, 215, was 1-2, Victor Garcia, 125, Kevin Richardson, 112, Jacob Ketler, heavyweight, Tyler Wood, 145, and Brandon Anderson, 160, were all 0-2, but coach Shaun Wood said they wrestled some serious contenders.

Modoc top wrestlers head to the classic Anderson tournament this weekend and the junior varsity team will head to the Mt. Shasta tourney.

Coming in sports:

This week in sports:

Modoc's wrestling team will be competing at the big Anderson tournament Jan. 5-6 and will be going 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 Valley's Hornets will be at Butte Valley Jan. 13 and host Dunsmuir Jan. 16

January 11, 2007

News

Boxer offers help in Secure Schools funding

There may be some help on the way for the nearly dead Secure Rural Schools and Communities Act, which was not funded by the last Congress and expires this year.Modoc County Superintendent of Schools Gary Jones said he has received notice of Senator Barbara Boxer's intent to re-visit the issue.

"If Senator Boxer is going to help, Senator Feinstein may re-engage," Jones said. "The tandem could be a real boost to reauthorization this year. So, there is a little hope on the horizon."

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.

The loss of funds locally is substantial. 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.

According to Sean Curtis, Modoc Resource Analyst, the main stumbling block on the issue for Congress remains the Act's lack of a funding source. It was passed six years ago with a sunset this year and was considered by some at that time 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 now that the 110th Congress is seated, the Act will be extended, but there are no guarantees and it puts local schools and counties in a tight spot. Help from Boxer and Feinstein is crucial.

"In its closing hours, the 109th Congress failed to reauthorize the Secure Rural Schools And Community Self-Determination Act, the law that has stabilized payments to rural forest counties and funded a myriad of local projects," Senator Boxer states. "While this was disappointing news for many counties and schools, I wanted to let you know that I have joined in an effort to make sure reauthorization of this program is a priority in the coming Congress."

She said that in 2000, following a 20-year decline in payments to rural counties, Congress passed the act to address the needs of National Forest Counties.

"This landmark legislation addressed the needs of the National Forest Counties and helped establish a new cooperative partnership between citizens in forest counties and our federal land management agencies to develop forest health improvement projects on public lands while stimulating job development and economic stability in rural communities," Boxer said. "A strong effort was made to extend this legislation for one year, but was unsuccessful. You can count on me to continue to work with many of my Senate colleagues, including Senator Diane Feinstein, to enact a longer term reauthorization in the new Congress."

Jones 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, but has some guarded optimism with Boxer's announcement.

Bob Douglas, president of the Forest Counties Coalition, out of Red Bluff, is continuing to work hard on the issue. He wrote in a memo to the NFCSC members that stresses quick action. "Let Congress 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."

City hears ideas on streets

The Alturas City Council Tuesday night addressed some issues involving Alturas Main Street, dealing primarily with unfinished items.

One of the major issues facing the City is the street lighting, which has been the subject of numerous complaints. The primary concern is the lights are too bright, shining directly in drivers' eyes and obscuring vision, especially when it comes to seeing pedestrians.

In addition, Alturas Chief of Police Ken Barnes is very concerned that there are no traffic signs indicating parking areas, restrictions, speed limits or U-turn restrictions. Also, there are no curbs painted with the "no parking" red zones and drivers are parking too close to fire hydrants and to the intersections, creating possible hazards.

The City is also concerned that there are no street signs identifying the streets coming off of Main Street. Councilman Rob Gately has said the improvements and safety issues need to be addressed now, and not wait until spring.

A meeting with the Modoc County Transportation Commission, including a Caltrans representative, is scheduled for today at 3 p.m. at City Hall. While work on the project has been stopped for this season, it could resume in the spring.

The Council also heard a proposal from the Modoc Economic Vitality group to fund a "point person" for Economic Development with the City's share of $25,000 per year.

The first time the issue was proposed last year it was contingent on Modoc County also dropping $25,000 into the position. The county opted not to fund the proposal, pretty much making the city's position moot.

The council took no action on the issue Tuesday night and City Treasurer Kathie Alves explained the city's tight financial position as well as upcoming issues that could be a priority.

Hospital debt up again in December

At the end of December, 2006, Modoc Medical Center's debt to Modoc County went up to $6,887,505 from November's $6,570,715, an increase of $316,790,
according to Modoc County Auditor Judi Stevens.

October's debt stood at $6,417,812. The end of August's $5,989,192.44 went to $5,991,165 at the end of September. That was only an increase of $1,972.

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 $2,196,693.
The Modoc Record will continue to publish the actual debt at the end of each month.

Niles Theater seat tickets remain

The Board of Directors of the Alturas Community Theater, Inc. has announced that, due to slower than anticipated raffle ticket sales, it was not able to hold the drawing on New Years Eve as had been hoped.

"At this point a little over half of the 400 tickets have been sold, and we need to sell them all in order to have the drawing," A.C.T. President, Karen Hays said. "Ticket sales were going well until we announced that we have received a $9,285 grant from the McConnell Foundation. "I am afraid that the public thinks that the grant money can be used to pay off the loan that the Cedarville Rancheria made to A.C.T. for the seat purchase, and that is a misconception. The grant money can only be spent for aisle lighting and seat installation and cannot be spent to pay for the seats. We must sell all of the raffle tickets before we can begin to install the seats. We realize that $50 is an expensive ticket, but it is a very good cause and with only 400 tickets the odds of winning a prize are good."

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 welcome change from the worn and uncomfortable seats currently in the theater. The raffle is a "Sponsor-A-Seat" benefit and only 400 tickets are sold at $50 each. All ticket purchasers will have their names included in a list of "New Seat Donors." This list will be hung permanently in the theater lobby next to a list of "Original Seat Donors," those people who helped A.C.T. when it originally purchased the theater in 1994. The proceeds will be used to pay off the purchase loan and to fund the cash prizes. The first prize will be $3,000. The second prize will be $1,500. And the third $500.

Do the community 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, Modoc Farm Supply, TEACH, K & K Distributing, the Modoc Record and Antonio's, as well as from the individual members of the A.C.T. Board of Directors: Karen Hays, Duanna Knighton, Russ Milton, Seab McDonald, Fritz Barclay and Ken Franklin.

A.C.T., Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit corporation dedicated to keeping the Niles Theater open for movies, plays, concerts, school and other community events.

Obituaries:

Patricia Ann Barry

Patricia Ann Barry was born on Nov. 29. 1928, in Reno, Nevada, to Laurance and Edna Russell Fee.
She passed away on Jan. 2, 2007, at the Lake District Hospital in Lakeview, Ore., from cancer-related causes. She was 78 years old.

Pat spent most of her youth in Surprise Valley on her parents' ranch in Fort Bidwell, Calif. The ranch was established in 1867 by Pat's pioneer great-grandparents James and Martha Fee.

Pat attended high school in Reno, Nev., and, after graduating from high school, attended the University of Nevada at Reno, where she earned B.A. and M.A. degrees in history.

She then spent several years in Germany, where she taught English courses to enlisted men during the Korean War.

Upon returning to the United States, Pat began her career as a high school teacher. Her first teaching position was at Yuba City High School. She next taught at Tulelake High School. The majority of her teaching career and her final teaching position was at Surprise Valley High School in Cedarville, Calif. At Surprise Valley High School, Pat taught English literature and was also a student counselor.

She once estimated that she had over 1,300 students in her career.

Always considering how she might help her students advance their education, Pat taught not only basic English lessons, but a variety of related subjects ranging from Latin conjugation to oratory presentations.

She was beloved by her students for this variety of education and her down-to-earth good humor. Many of her pupils have kept in contact with her over the years.

Pat Barry was extremely well read and enjoyed many forms of art. While teaching at Surprise Valley High School, she initiated the practice of taking students to Ashland, Ore., to attend the Shakespearean Festival. Pat also directed and choreographed several student productions during her tenure, including an all-community cabaret in 1976 in commemoration of the national bicentennial.
Pat was also a prolific writer. She wrote numerous articles for the Modoc County Historical Journal, for which she served as editor for many years. She also wrote numerous articles for magazines, such as Range Magazine, and for newspapers. In addition to the individual articles, Pat authored several ongoing series such as the "Echoes" series she wrote for the Modoc County Record.

She was an accomplished genealogist. In addition to the genealogies she assembled for her family, she was always happy to assist anyone who might need a helping hand in historical matters from genealogy to the early settlement of Surprise Valley. In her later years, she enjoyed visiting historical places of the Great Basin with friends and explaining the history of the area. Evenings were spent at the local fishing hole.

Throughout her life, Pat Barry held a deep affection for Surprise Valley and Modoc County. She loved all things related to ranching, but most of all she was drawn to horses, caring for, training, and most of all riding them.

Without a doubt, Pat's greatest love was her family and friends. In recent correspondence to one of her students, Pat wrote "At the end of the day, or at least getting into the afternoon, my greatest accomplishment is having my sons to admire and love. Secondly, my friends. So be it. Life does not rewind."

Over the years, Pat developed long-term friendships with a number of remarkable people who continued to assist her in her final difficult years. Her family is immensely grateful for the generosity and love bestowed upon her by these wonderful friends.

Pat will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Pat is survived by her brother Jim Fee and wife Susie; her son Ernest James Givan and family Acinda, Fernando, Elizabeth and Christian; her son James L. Olmsted and son Sage Fox. Also surviving Pat are her nephews and nieces Will Cahill and wife Susie, Hugh Cahill and wife Lesa, Joe Cahill and wife Chandra, and Frank Cahill and wife Cynthia, Tom Fee and wife Alyssa, Shannon May and husband Matt, Katie Fee, Mary Gates and husband Byron; grandnephews and grandnieces including James, Jackie, Bill, Donna, Terry, Carley and Rachel Cahill, Savannah, Bailey, Jake and Grace Fee, Jackie, Jeffery, Christopher and Sam May, Taylor and Justin Ritchie, Caralina and Amanda Gates.
Pat was preceded in death by her parents Laurance and Edna Fee, her sister and brother-in-law Martha and Terry Cahill and husband Nick Barry.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Jan. 6, 2007, at noon at the Fort Bidwell Community Church. Pallbearers are Will, Hugh, Joe, Frank, James and Bill Cahill and John Cales. Honorary pallbearers are Jim Hobbs and Terry Cahill.

Donations in memory of Pat Barry may be made to Fort Bidwell Civic Club or Fort Bidwell Cemetery c/o Jane Higgins, P.O. Box 124, Fort Bidwell, CA 96112, or the Modoc County Historical Society, 600 Main St., Alturas, CA 96101.

Ousley Osterman Huffstutter Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements, (541) 947-326.

Susan 'Suze' Flournoy

Susan 'Suze' Flournoy passed away peacefully Thursday morning, January 4, 2007 at Mercy Medical Center in Redding, CA, ending a brief battle with cancer.

Susan was born in Alturas, California, September 3, 1944, to Rob and Lizzette Flournoy. She was raised on the family ranch in Likely, CA, where she attended South Fork Elementary School.
Suze graduate from Modoc Union High School in 1962. She was an accomplished horsewoman and a Modoc County Fair princess.

She attended business school in San Francisco, CA, where she was later employed in the business office of Cleveland Wrecking Company. She went on to live and work on the Atlantic Coast in Pennsylvania, New York, Maine and New Jersey.

She returned to South Fork Valley briefly before meeting Rich Hamel. She and Rich were married and Suze joined Rich's family in the operation of Oak Meadows Registered Hereford Ranch near Herald, CA. They often traveled promoting and studying agriculture and cattle production in the U.S., Australia, and Canada. Rich and Suze relocated Oak Meadows Ranch to Modoc County on the Romero Place north of Likely.

Later, Suze cooked aboard a commercial fishing vessel in the Bering Sea, which she compared to cooking for cowboys on the tailgate of a pick-up. She became an on-board liaison representing small commercial interests in exchanges of fish to a Japanese processor ship. Her duties took her to Japan and all over the Bering Sea. She developed a love of puffins there and operated a photo finishing business in Dutch Harbor, Alaska, before returning to Modoc.

Suze enjoyed working with friends in Likely and caring, as necessary, for beloved family members. Although she had no children of her own, she helped raise many who treasure crocheted items Suze crafted with love. Suze also enjoyed music, reading, and English language arts and skills.

She leaves her parents, brother Pearce Flournoy and wife Lorraine, of Likely; brother Craig Flournoy and wife Valerie of Alturas; sister Joanne Beeson and husband Dwight of Alturas; sister Shelley Flournoy Cooper of Sacramento; Rich and Chris Hamel of Likely, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and numerous dear friends and her cat Kraken.

A celebration of Suze's life is planned at the Likely Fire Hall, Saturday, Jan. 13 at 1 p.m. in conjunction with a potluck.

Ardellas Poindexter

Ardellas Poindexter passed away in the Canyonwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on Benton Drive in Redding on November 16, 2006, at the age of 85. She was laid to rest in the Alturas Cemetery on November 22, 2006.

Born Ardellas Poindexter on the XL Ranch November 1, 1921, she lost her father to the flu in 1922. She lived with her mother and stepfather in Davis Creek and then Alturas. Her first marriage in Reno was to a man in the Army, "who never came back," shared Neil Crabtree, whom she later married on May 1, 1948. Neil and Ardellas moved to Wendel, CA in 1950, then she moved to Redding for a time. She returned to Neil in Alturas on October 24, 1964, and worked as a housekeeper at the Niles Hotel and for Bill Laxague in Cedarville. Neil and Ardellas lived in Cedarville until May 1, 1974. On September 9, 1980 they moved to 1535 First Street in Anderson, CA.

She is survived by Neil Crabtree of Anderson; three half-sisters Dorothy Blocker of Anderson, CA; Alice Doop of Marysville, CA and Margaret Brown of North Platte, Nebraska. She was preceded in death by one sister Marie; nephew Bruce of Sacramento; brother Perry of Alturas and brother Kerry of Idaho. Information submitted by Neil Crabtree.

Gilbert D. 'Buck' Purcell

Eagleville resident Gilbert D. "Buck" Purcell, 83, passed away January 8, 2007, at Surprise Valley Hospital, Cedarville, CA. Services will be held at graveside at the Eagleville Cemetery on Friday, Jan. 12 at 1 p.m. A gathering will follow at the Eagleville Community Hall.

Mr. Purcell retired as an Industrial Engineer with the U.S. Federal Government. He had made Eagleville his home for the past 33 years.

A native of California, he was born February 21, 1923 in Roseville. He is survived by his wife Dorothy of Eagleville; son Daniel Purcell of Eagleville; son Michael Purcell and wife Ann and their children Tyler and Jessica, all of Chandler, Arizona. Mr. Purcell's photograph and complete obituary will be published next week. Services are under the direction of Kerr Mortuary.

Sports

Braves face brutal test at Anderson

Modoc Braves' wrestling coach Shaun Wood described this year's Anderson Tournament as "brutal" and as tough as the huge Reno tournament.

The Braves took just five of their top wrestlers to the Anderson invite Jan. 5-6 and the rest the team traveled to Mt. Shasta. Modoc placed 20th out of 40 teams in Anderson.

Josh Wood, recovering from the flu, took a third place at 189 pounds. He lost a one-point match in the semi-finals. The top 189-pound wrestler in the section was at Anderson and won the event.

Bill Hammerness wrestled very well in a tough weight and placed sixth at 171 pounds. Jesse Harer took an eighth at 215 pounds and Sheridan Crutcher took an eighth at 145 pounds. Jacob Ketler went 0-2 at heavyweight, but placed second in the elimination tourney.

Modoc had two individual winners at the Mt. Shasta tournament: Josue Madrigal won at 140 pounds and Kyle Hartman won at 152 pounds.

Cain Madrigal took a second place at 130 pounds, Tyler Wood was third at 145 pounds, Miguel Torres was third at 215 pounds, Tyler Stains was fourth at 189 pounds, Alex Moreo was fourth at 103 pounds and Victor Garcia was fifth at 215 pounds.

Modoc now travels to the Burney Rotary Invitational and are the odds-on favorites to win the team title this weekend.

Modoc girls open SCL with a win

Modoc's varsity girl's basketball team beat the Weed Cougars 40-21 in Weed Tuesday night to open the Shasta Cascade League. They host Burney Friday and Mt. Shasta comes to town Tuesday.

Modoc took an 11-6 first period lead and led 16-11 at the half. Modoc jumped up 28-17 after three and outscored Weed 12-4 in the fourth. Catherine Lowry led the scoring with 12, Sarah Catania added nine with Kelly Campagna and Alysha Northrup each getting six.

Braves drop league game to Weed

Modoc's varsity boys team lost a Shasta Cascade League game to Weed Tuesday night, 61-49 at Weed. The Braves host Burney here Friday and Mt. Shasta next Tuesday.
Modoc coach Buk Richardson said the Braves were flat, but credits Weed as a solid contender in the SCL.

Weed led 20-8 in the first period and held a 34-15 lead at halftime. By the end of three, the Cougars had built a 47-29 lead and went on for the 61-49 win.
Ross Burgess led Modoc with 29 points and Trent Schmidt had nine.

January 18, 2007

News

Caltrans assures Main Street will be fixed

Caltrans representatives assured the Modoc County Transportation Commission, MCTC, last Thursday that corrections will be made to Alturas' Main Street project as soon as possible. The timeline on some of the issues will have to wait for warmer weather.

Eric Akana, Caltrans Project Manager, said he was aware of the issues confronting the project and asked the commission and public to be candid about their concerns.

The major issues facing the project are the streetlight brightness, signage along the street and curb painting, and most significantly the condition of the new asphalt and lane markings.

The streetlight issue was upfront and measures were taken last Thursday to move towards a remedy. Crews installed four 75-watt metal halide bulbs in the lights from Carlos to Modoc Street and four 100-watt MH bulbs from Modoc to First Street as a sample of how different lighting would appear. The bulbs originally installed are 175-watt metal halide.

Thursday at about 6 p.m. members of the public and the MCTC surveyed the new lighting and most agreed the 75-watt change would be the best in addition, it was suggested that the lights be changed from the metal halide, which produce a white-blue light, to a high pressure sodium which will be more of a warm tone.

Akana said he would be taking those suggestions back to Redding and dealing with the lighting contractor for a solution. He said there was funding available in the project to make the changes. That project will not have to wait for a change in the weather.

The biggest complaint concerning the lights was that they are too bright and create a hazard.
Akana also said that new traffic signage will be put up in the next few weeks. Those will be speed limit and other traffic directional signs, including No U-turn signage. The actual street identification signs will be put up and should be installed by April. Painting of the curbs will have to wait for warmer weather.

"The asphalt is not performing and we'll be remedying that problem next spring," Akana said. "We want to assure you that we will be correcting these issues. We're going to ask for a little patience, because some things can't be done until it warms up. Before we leave this project, we'll take care of it. We'll be working with the contractor to get it fixed,"

He said experts will be testing the "crumb rubber" asphalt mix to see why it's not performing as expected. Akana said he felt the contractor, Eagle Peak Rock and Paving, had done a good job.
Akana pointed out that the same asphalt mixture was used on a separate project last summer, under a different contractor, on U.S. 395 from the Brass Rail north to the county border and it is holding up perfectly. In addition, he said the mixture is used successfully in several areas in the north state including Weaverville's Main Street, State Route 139 and State Route 299 over Hatchet Mountain.

Some of the pavement may have to be reground and repaved, Akana said. He stressed that Caltrans is well aware of the issues and fully intends to have the project complete and corrected this summer.

MTA, MJUSD at impasse crisis meeting in works

The Modoc Teachers Association's leadership team held a meeting late Wednesday afternoon to chart a course following receipt of a letter from the Modoc Joint Unified School District rescinding any previous offers in salary negotiations.

The MTA and MJUSD have been at formal impasse in negotiations. MTA spokesperson Patti Carpenter said the MTA has not felt the district has been making a good faith effort at the bargaining table.

The letter received by the MTA this week states that pending the possible loss of over $725,000 from the Secure Schools and Roads Act, the district was rescinding any and all previous offers.

In addition, the district will pay to have a third party auditor review the district's financial status and come back to the Board of Trustees with a report. That report could take a few weeks to prepare.
The Secure Schools and Roads money, worth about $3.3 million annually to the county was not passed by the last U.S. Congress, but it may be acted upon by the incoming Congress. There is no guarantee it will be reauthorized, and likewise, no guarantee it will completely disappear.

Carpenter said the MTA would be issuing a statement following yesterday's meeting, but it would be too late for this edition. That statement and a response from the district will be reported next week.

SVJUSD board rethinks management decision

Over the holiday weekend, the Governing Board of Surprise Valley Joint Unified School District called a special board meeting for Tuesday evening, January 16, at SV High School.

The sole agenda item consisted of the evaluation of the seventh and eighth grade program and reinstatement of the junior high's lead teacher, Jenny Grove. Most of the meeting took place in closed session where all personnel issues are discussed, but several people spoke in support of Grove at before the Board adjourned to close session.

"The prime concern of our board is to support the education of our children at all times", stated President Robert Staton on Sunday. "We will also be looking at ways to support the junior high teacher and help keep her on track as she continues in her position."

During the closed session portion of the board's regular monthly meeting on January 11, members originally supported Interim Superintendent Debra Schoeppach's "management decision" to shift positions of some members of the teaching staff. She undertook to implement those changes on Friday afternoon.

But upon further reflection, the board agreed on January 14 to call the special meeting. Staton said he personally expected the board would vote to rescind the previous decision.

"One of our main jobs is to help all of our teachers help our kids", said Staton who refused to criticize any of the district's teachers or administrators. However, at least one teacher (not Grove) was so disturbed by the way the decision was implemented, that she left school early on Friday.

On Friday evening, Schoeppach, who accepted the position of Interim Superintendent following the departure of her predecessor Michael Sherrod in November, informed Staton she would be resigning that position. He said she would continue to serve as Principal at Surprise Valley Elementary School.
"With Mike Ray serving as High School Principal and Debbie at the elementary school, we'll be okay", said Staton. "The board will operate for now without an acting superintendent."

The issue of Schoeppach's possible resignation was not part of the discussion Tuesday night and no decision was announced.

Modoc County Superintendent of Schools Gary Jones said he will offer to assist the district, but the request for that assistance will have to come from the SVJUSD Board.

Many parents have been unhappy since the board decided early last spring to move junior high age students from their deteriorating portable classroom at Surprise Valley Elementary School to a new classroom at the high school.

That portable wasn't designed for weather conditions in Modoc County and is slated to be demolished and replaced by new and better-designed model using modernization grants. Moving the seventh and eighth grade combined class to the other school site also made the district eligible to reclassify SVES as a "necessary small school", leading to increased funding from the state.

In the months since the plan to move the students was implemented, the board has dealt with many questions and concerns about everything from keeping the younger students segregated during recess and lunch periods to how Student Council, dances and fundraisers would be handled. "Everyone has had to make some difficult adjustments this year", said Staton.

At the December board meeting, Schoeppach introduced new teacher Leanne Copsey who was hired to work with Grove and the junior high students each afternoon. This month, the daily schedule was again revised and a new lunch period was instituted. "We have continued to make changes that help our day flow better", said Grover at January's regular board meeting. "This new schedule should help our day run smoother with fewer interruptions."

Following the November election, the school board swore in new members at their regular meting on December 14. Alissa Fee was elected to represent Fort Bidwell and Penni Borghi will represent Cedarville. The new five-member board selected Bob Staton of Eagleville to serve as President, while Bill Bostic of Lake City is now Vice-President, and Cedarville's Jim Laacke will serve as the board's Clerk.

Stewardship steering committee meets January 18

Members of the Modoc-Washoe Experimental Stewardship steering committee will discuss wide ranging natural resource topics when they meet Thursday, January 18 at the Cedarville Community Church Hall, corner of Center and Bonner Streets in Cedarville.

The meeting begins at 10 a.m. and is open to the public.

Agenda topics include a report on management of fen meadows (marshy areas), updates on environmental impact statements being developed for sagebrush steppe ecosystems and noxious weed management, and an update on wind energy development proposals in northeast California.

The members also will discuss a proposal for involving livestock grazing permit holders in cooperative rangeland monitoring, and hear plans for upcoming national meetings of the Experimental Stewardship Program and the Society for Range Management.

The Modoc National Forest and Bureau of Land Management will provide updates on agency activities, and representatives of the ESP member agencies will report on significant events and projects.

The 17-member steering committee provides natural resource management advice to the BLM Surprise Field Office and the Forest Service Warner Mountain Ranger District. One of three such committees established by congress, the group works on a full consensus basis to promote innovative approaches to range management and to provide incentives for excellence.

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

Obituaries:

Fran Breshears

Fran Breshears passed away on Monday, January 15, 2007, at her Alturas, CA home. Mrs. Breshears was born in Columbus, Texas on September 7, 1924, and grew up in San Diego, CA. After raising her children, and a brief medical career, Fran relocated to Modoc County with her husband Paul, in the early 1960s, where they owned and operated B&W Alturas Pharmacy for 25 years. After retirement, Fran and Paul enjoyed traveling all across America. Fran's passion was her family, knitting and baking pies from scratch. She is survived by her uxorious husband Paul, her daughter and son-in-law Johnalynn and Ray O'Malley of Alturas, and her son and daughter-in-law Joe and Joyce Greer of San Diego. Fran had five grandsons that were the light of her life: Ray and Carrie O'Malley of San Diego; Tom and Julie O'Malley of Alturas; Kevin and Jennifer Greer and Michael and Diane Greer, each of Minnesota, and Brian and Kelly Greer of Salem, Oregon, as well as 10 great-grandchildren that she enjoyed knitting for.

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Alturas City Volunteer Fire Department Family Emergency Fund, 103 South Howard Street, Alturas, CA 96101.

The family invites friends to join them in a celebration of Fran's life and "martini memories" on January 19, 2007, at the home of Ray and Johnalynn O'Malley, 312 West Third Street, Alturas, CA, from the hours of 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Mary Jane Sheppard

Mary Jane (Merritt) Sheppard, 73, passed away on January 15, 2007, surrounded by family, after struggling for many years with health issues.

Viewing at Davenport's Chapel of the Good Shepherd in Klamath Falls, OR, is scheduled Friday, Jan. 19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A wake will follow at Assembly of God Church, Chiloquin, Oregon, from 5 p.m. Friday to 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 20. A memorial service commences at 10 a.m., with luncheon to follow. Burial will be at Wilson Cemetery in Chiloquin at a later time.

Born October 14, 1933, at Klamath Agency, Oregon, to Fred Sankey and Hosie (George) Merritt, Mary was raised at the family ranch near Williamson River and Agency Lake, Oregon. She attended school in Chiloquin, Oregon.

Mary married Vard McNair in the early-fifties, and had two children. She later married Marlyn Floyd Sheppard, June 21, 1957. They had five children together, and took in one of Mary's nieces.

Mary raised her family on the same ranch where she was raised. After remarrying Marlyn, and having two children, she attended Beauty College in Denver, Colorado. When her youngest daughter entered kindergarten, Mary volunteered in class, and followed her daughter into grade school. She was then offered a job as a teacher's aide, and continued for several years. She also worked in the potatoes for the Cheyne Brothers many more years.

Mary enjoyed playing board and card games and watching all kinds of sports on TV. She especially liked traveling to different casinos and playing Blackjack, and bore the honorary title Miss Kla-Mo-Ya. She attended many pow-wows with family and friends. One of the biggest joys in her life was visiting people - friends, family and strangers, alike - making people smile, laugh, and blind with the flash of her camera.

Survivors include brother-in-law and sister-in-law Ben and Betty Sheppard of Gresham, OR, special sister and brother-in-law Marion and Donald Preston of Alturas, CA; daughter Neena McNair from French Corral, CA, niece and husband Milli and Randall Whiting from Klamath Falls, OR, daughter and son-in-law Tweet and Ronnie Samson, son and daughter-in-law Randy Sheppard and Joy Donahue, daughter and husband, Marylyn Sheppard-Blair and Bruce Blair, and daughter and son-in-law, Toni Sheppard and Jace Ahboah, all from Chiloquin, OR. Grandchildren: Kimberly and Matthew McNair, Randee Jo, Leticia "Tisha", Drew, Meticia "Mag", Steven "Audie", and Sankey Sheppard; great-grandchildren: Zachary and Justin Brennan, Devon and Josalyn McNair, Dymond and Tatiana Jackson, and Jordan Sheppard. Niece Cindy Neese, nephew Gary Sheppard, great-niece Marnie Whiting, great-nephew Casey Whiting, great-great niece Baylie Whiting, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Mary "adopted" many children young and old throughout the years, many called her "Mom" and "Grandma."

Mary, preceded in death by her parents, brothers and sisters, son Mike McNair and baby daughter, now joins beloved husband Marlyn Sheppard.

Davenport's Chapel of the Good Shepherd, directors are in charge of the arrangements.

Sports

Modoc beat Burney 56-38

The Modoc Braves boy's varsity basketball team whipped the Burney Raiders 56-38 Friday night at home.

Modoc took a 15-6 first period lead and built that to a 33-19 halftime advantage. Modoc led 44-26 after three and both teams scored a dozen in the final period. Ross Burgess led Modoc with 24 points; Trent Schmidt added 13 and Dustin Philpott had nine.

Foul trouble in the first period set the tone for an ugly loss to Mt. Shasta Tuesday night 56-36 in Alturas.

Mt. Shasta started with a 12-8 first quarter lead and Modoc fought back to a 21-18 halftime deficit. The Bears ran away to a 38-27 lead after three and added 18 in the fourth, to Modoc's nine.

Burgess had 10 points in the game to lead the Braves.

Modoc has Fall River at home Friday and travels to Etna Saturday.

Modoc beats weak Burney squad

Modoc's girl's varsity basketball team beat a weak Burney Raider squad 65-22 in Alturas Friday night.

The Braves led 11-0 after one and 29-8 at halftime. Modoc led 41-15 after three and outscored Burney 24-7 in the fourth. Catherine Lowry led the scoring with 19, Sarah Catania added 16, and Kelly Campagna had 10.

The Braves beat Mt. Shasta 55-50 here Tuesday night. Modoc led 12-10 in the first 30-23 at halftime and trailed 36-38 after three. They put together a 19-12 fourth quarter for the win.

Lowry led the scoring with 21, Catania added 13 Alysha Northrup had seven and Tacie Richardson six.

Modoc wrestlers win Burney Invite

It came as no surprise that Modoc's wrestling team won the Burney Rotary Invitational last week, but it was tougher than normal.

Coach Shaun Wood said several big schools attended the tourney and made it more competitive than it had been recently.

The Braves won the 210 points, followed by Foothill at 182, Upper Lake 132, Middleton 116, Quincy 114, Trinity 92, Corning Two 84, Mt. Shasta 76, Hamilton City 74, Portola 73, Chester 58, Truckee 55, Fall River 48, Burney 44, Bonanza 43, Etna 41, Modoc Two 19, Big Valley 11 and Weed 6.

Four Braves won individual championship at Burney: Sheridan Crutcher 140 pounds, Bill Hammerness 171 pounds, Josh Wood 189 pounds and Jesse Harer 215 pounds.

Taking second place were Jacob Ketler at heavyweight and Cain Madrigal at 130 pounds. Brandon Anderson took a third at 160 pounds.

Fourth places went to Kyle Voth, 125 pounds, Josue Madrigal 135 pounds and Miguel Torres 215 pounds.

Modoc travels to Fall River this weekend for a smaller tournament.

Modoc JV boys win pair

Modoc's junior varsity boy's team won a pair of Shasta Cascade League games this week.
They beat Burney 65-47 Friday night, leading 18-8 in the first and 35-22 at half. By the end of three Modoc led 49-35. Justin Estes led the Braves with 29 and Dee Hunsaker added 19. Tyler Dowdy had nine.

The boys beat Mt. Shasta Tuesday after spotting the Bears an 18-12 first period lead. Modoc took the lead 35-26 at halftime and 52-46 after three. Estes led the scoring with 33 points and Hunsaker added 23.

January 25, 2007

News

MTA cites concerns and possible violation by district

The Modoc Teachers Association this week sent a letter to the Modoc Joint Unified School District expressing serious concerns over the district's decision to rescind any wage offers."We are extremely concerned by your January 10 letter to Modoc Teachers Association," the MTA states. "In that letter you state that the district has withdrawn its 'economic settlement' offer for the 2006-2007 contract year. MTA's position is that your act constitutes regressive bargaining, and, is, therefore a violation of EERA. Should the district maintain that position, MTA will be left with no choice but to file an unfair labor charge with the Public Employee Relation Board."

MTA President Gene Hess said the association believes the teachers deserve a raise for 2006-07 and stressed a cost of living increase from the state was already received by the district this year.
The MTA and MJUSD have been at formal impasse in negotiations. MTA spokesperson Patti Carpenter has said the MTA has not felt the district has been making a good faith effort at the bargaining table.

The letter received by the MTA last week states that pending the possible loss of over $725,000 from the Secure Schools and Roads Act, the district was rescinding any and all previous offers.
In addition, the district will pay to have a third party auditor review the district's financial status and come back to the Board of Trustees with a report. That report could take a few weeks to prepare.
The Secure Schools and Roads money, worth about $3.3 million annually to the county was not passed by the last U.S. Congress, but it may be acted upon by the incoming Congress. There is no guarantee it will be reauthorized, and likewise, no guarantee it will completely disappear.

There are some indications that the state will backfill the Secure Schools and Roads funding for at least next year. But that has not been formalized.

"It is MTA's position that compensation negotiations for the 2006/2007 contract year are based on funding already received in the district - those funds include an 8.49 percent increase on the base revenue limit, of which 5.9 percent is a designated COLA, and full Forest Reserve funding in the amount of $725,000."

The MTA wonders that if the district was "informed" of the loss of the Forest Reserve funds in early December, why it was not immediately informed of the issue. The teachers had requested the district hold Budget Advisory Committee meetings monthly to allow all stake holders to be active in the budget process. That suggestion has not been implemented.

"We have additional concerns that at this point in the budget year, the district feels compelled to retain an 'independent third party' to review the financial status of the district and determine the 'appropriate economic offer for this year," the MTA states. "It is our position that 'an appropriate economic offer for this year should be determined through the bargaining process, looking at the 2006/2007 budget figures that were used to guide other district expenditures and compensation packages with other employees of the district."

The MTA wants the board to respond to three questions covering that independent review. First, they want to know who that will be; second, what the cost would be; and third, when that review would be completed.

"Finally, consider this letter as a formal request that the district reconsider its position on the 'economic settlement offer for 2006/2007 and advise MTA of the results of that reconsideration, by written response no later than 5 p.m. January 26.

Hess said he believes the MTA has been operating in good faith, and wouldn't predict what action might be taken by the organization if the district's response is deemed inappropriate.

Schoeppach resigns as Super in SV

By Patricia Hemsley
Special to the Record

At a special meeting on Monday, January 22, school board members accepted the resignation of Interim District Superintendent Debra Schoeppach. "The decision to resign was in her own and the district's best interests", said Bill Bostic who represents Lake City on the 5-member board. "It was a courageous decision. But we hope Debbie will stay with our district a long, long time. She is a very positive asset in our schools and in our entire community."

Over thirty residents and staff members attended the special meeting. Many joined in a lengthy discussion on the night's second agenda item that involved administrative reorganization within the district.

"We want to provide for continuity, stability and even growth", said board member Jim Laacke, who explained some of the district's recent history. He said the board determined as early as last June to move toward operating without a full-time superintendent. "When Dr. Sherrod left earlier than anticipated, we had to look at other options. We are still adjusting and will work through this reorganization plan, always staying open to change as we discover what works and what doesn't."
Board President Bob Staton (Eagleville) concurred with one blunt parent who phrased the district's problems as "Your 'customer service' sucks!" Staton said that while everyone's main goal is to educate the valley's children and prepare them to succeed in life, "We also need to be of service to the parents". Staton pointed out many parents have made the decision to exercise "other options" such as enrolling their students in a charter school or homeschooling them on their own."
High School Principal Mike Ray added, "We need to find out what these parents feel we are lacking."

"To get back in the customer service business, we will need help", said Staton. "We are open to constructive suggestions. While we have many dedicated people already serving in various roles, including excellent teachers, we still need direction from our community."

Several in the audience remembered a time when the valley's schools were the "heart of the community" and said they hoped to see that happen again.

It was pointed out that the School Site Council has set up four committees to collect and digest community input prior to developing a "Mission, Vision and Goals" statement sometime within the coming months. Committee chairmen will be inviting parents, teachers, administrators, board members and community volunteers to serve on these committees. Bostic said they will all be open to public input as well.

Many teachers attending agreed that both the elementary and high school staff should meet together at least once a month and work toward integrating curriculum and increasing communication. "We are a tiny district and we need to work together more", said Ray. The board approved a scheduled minimum day on February 5 so staff could hold a combined meeting at 1:00 PM.

The next regular meeting of the school board is scheduled for Thursday, February 8 at 7:00 PM. Meetings are held in the library at Surprise Valley High School on Lincoln Street.

Modoc jobless rate in December up to 7.6%

Modoc's unemployment rate for December 2006 went up to 7.6 percent, according to the California Employment Development Department.

In November it had been 6.5 percent and in Dec. 2005 it was 8.1 percent. In December 2005, there were 3,620 people employed and 320 unemployed. That compares to last month when there were 3,690 employed and 310 unemployed. The state unemployment rate for December was 4.6 percent and the federal rate was 4.3 percent.

Modoc ranked 41st of the 58 California counties for lowest unemployment. Lassen County also ranked 41st at 7.6 percent; Siskiyou County ranked 50th at 8.6 percent. Marin had the lowest unemployment rate at 3.1 percent and Colusa had the highest at 14.8 percent.

New planning fees take effect Feb. 18

The Modoc County Planning Department's new fee schedule will go into effect February 18.
The Board of Supervisors approved the fees at the regular meeting December 19, 2006. To obtain a copy of the new fees, please visit the Planning Department office at 203 W. 4th Street or call 530-233-6404.

Obituaries:

Gilbert D. 'Buck' Purcell

Graveside services were held for Gilbert D. "Buck" Purcell in Eagleville, Ca. on January 12, 2007.
Gilbert D. "Buck" Purcell of Eagleville, CA., passed away in Cedarville, Ca., on January 8, 2007.
Buck was born on February 21, 1923 in Roseville, California. He graduated from Roseville High in 1942 and began working at McClellan Air Force Base until he was drafted into the Army and later transferred into the Air Force. In 1943 he was sent to England as a mechanic to work on warplanes. Not long after he arrived in England he was transferred into the 745th Tank Battalion as a "gunner" under General Patton. This experience took Buck across Belgium, France and Germany. In addition, he participated in liberating Dachau Concentration Camp in Germany. After World War II ended, Buck returned home and continued working in government services at McClellan Air Force Base in Sacramento.

In 1948 Buck married Dorothy Stevens in Sacramento, CA. They resided in Sacramento and had two sons. In 1960, they moved to Auburn, Ca. where they lived until he retired in 1974. After retirement Buck and Dorothy moved to Eagleville, Ca.

During his life, Buck was a member of the Elks Lodge and a lifelong member of the Masons. He gave much of his time after retirement serving on the Modoc County Planning Commission. He was a member of the Eagleville Fire Department and served as the secretary for many years. In addition, Buck enjoyed woodworking, visits with his family, and numerous good times with his friends. Buck was respected and cherished not only by his family, but also by his many friends. His generosity and kind heart were an inspiration. He lived his life with integrity and bravery. Those who knew him will always remember his contributions to his country and community.

Buck is preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Jack and Jim Purcell. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Purcell of Eagleville, Ca.; eldest son Daniel Purcell of Eagleville, Ca.; son Michael Purcell and wife, Ann, and two grandchildren Tyler and Jessica Purcell all of Chandler, Arizona.
Memorial contributions can be made to Surprise Valley Hospital, P.O. Box 246, Cedarville, CA 96104 or the Eagleville Community Church.

Sports

Modoc wins pair on good 4th quarters

Modoc varsity boys team will face the top two teams in the Shasta Cascade League this weekend at Mt. Shasta Friday night and then against unbeaten Trinity here Saturday afternoon.

Coach Bunk Richardson said both teams are good and Trinity is the real deal. He believes the Braves can play with them, but they'll have to play very well and together.

Richardson is buoyed by the team's performance in the last two games, a 60-43 win over Fall River and a 78-57 win at Etna. In both those games a stellar fourth period was the difference. In the Fall River game, the Braves scored 21 final period points and against Etna they poured in 33.

"We may be starting to believe we can play," said Richardson this week. "How we do this weekend will depend upon which team shows up. I believe we can play with the top teams."

In the Fall River game, the game was tied at 13 in the first and Modoc led 24-23 by half. The game stayed close through three with Modoc leading 39-32 and then the Braves opened up in the fourth. Ross Burgess led the scoring with 31 and Trent Schmidt added 11.

The Braves led 20-16 in the first period at Etna and held a 35-27 lead by halftime. Modoc led 45-39 at the end of three and then added the 33-point fourth.

Burgess led the scoring with 33 points.

The games against Trinity Saturday will start with the junior varsity girls at 2 p.m. and the varsity boys will probably start about 6 p.m.

Braves win Fall River, head to Corning for showdown

This weekend could set up one of the matches coach Shaun Wood is anxious to see – his 189-pound sophomore son Josh Wood against senior Kyle Bergstedt of Paradise, who is ranked number one in the state at that weight.

The two have been at the same tournaments this year but have yet to wrestle one another. Bergstedt is unbeaten and Wood has lost three, but only to top ranked wrestlers in the state and nation.

"We are looking forward to that match, and hope it happens this weekend," said the coach. "Corning is a tough tournament, so anything can happen."

Modoc has a dual at Central Valley Friday night and then travels to the Corning event on Saturday. Typically the Corning event draws the best schools and wrestlers in the north state. Wood is hoping is team finishes in the top five this year.

Modoc is coming off a championship win at Fall River last weekend, where Josh Wood could not wrestle because he was nearing the limit of matches.

Modoc won the event with 199 points; Trinity was second with 122 ands followed by Mt. Shasta 100, Fall River 57, Chester 49, Weed 46, Burney 39, Big Valley 32, Hamilton City 28 and Tulelake 0.

Sheridan Crutcher won the individual title at 140 pounds, David Holloway won at 160 pounds, Cain Madrigal won at 130 pounds, Bill Hammerness won at 171 pounds and Jacob Ketler won at 215.

Cody Book took a second at 103, Kevin Richardson was second at 112, Josue Madrigal was second at 135, Tyler Stains second at 189 and Miguel Torres second at heavyweight.
Kyle Voth was third at 125 and Kyle Hartman third at 152. Tyler Wood was fourth at 145 and Alex Moreo was fourth at 103 pounds.

Modoc girls beat Bulldogs, Lions

Modoc's varsity girls team remains on top of the Shasta Cascade League, beating Fall River and Etna this last weekend. This week they have two tough games, against Mt. Shasta Friday and Trinity Saturday.

Against Fall River, Modoc led 14-7 in the first and 26-17 by half. Modoc went on a 16-5 third period run and cruised for the 53-36 win. Catherine Lowry led the scoring with 19, Sarah Catania added 14 and Alysha Northrup had 10. The Modoc-Etna game was a slugfest, with the Braves holding on for the 34-32 win. Modoc has whistled for 23 fouls in the game and a pair of players fouled out.

Lowry led the scoring with 15 and Northrup added six.

Hornets lose a pair

The Surprise Valley Hornet girl's varsity lost a pair of Evergreen League games this week.
They lost to Big Valley 37-27 Friday after being down by three at halftime. Patricia Soletti led the scoring with 16. Big Valley's Leah Ackley had 15.

Tuesday night the Hornets lost to Tulelake 57-30 with Soletti and Tristin Teuscher each scoring nine. Jenna Gasser led Tulelake with 17.
The Hornets travel to McCloud this week.

JV boys split in SCL

The Modoc junior varsity boy's basketball team split this week in Shasta Cascade League action, beating Etna 59-50 and losing to Fall River 70-64.

The Braves led Fall River 16-9 in the opening period and 32-37 by half. The game got close after three, 50-49 and Fall River outscored the Braves 21-14 in the fourth. Dee Hunsaker led Modoc with 30 points; Justin Estes added 22 and Tyler Dowdy had seven.
Modoc took a 12-6 lead against Etna in the first and 25-20 by halftime. The game got tight after three 41-40 and Modoc outscored Etna 18-10 in the fourth. Hunsaker led with 24 points and Estes added 22 points.
Modoc is now 3-2 in the SCL.

Februry 1, 2007

News

Man dies, companion in hospital

An Alturas man died Sunday and his companion is in serious condition at a Redding hospital, while the cause of death is under investigation.

According to Alturas Chief of Police Ken Barnes, Trampis William Gress, age 35, was discovered in a travel trailer at Nifty's Trailer Park, Sunday about 4:40 p.m. by a neighbor.

According to police, Gress was found kneeling at bedside, but showed no signs of life. The neighbor pulled him out of the trailer. His companion, Julli Walter was on a bed, but was non-responsive when the neighbor also pulled her out. She was transported to Modoc Medical Center and airlifted to Redding where she was improving Wednesday afternoon.

An autopsy is planned to determine the cause of Gress's death. No foul play is suspected. Sheriff/Coroner Mark Gentry Wednesday said initial autopsy reports were inconclusive, pending toxicology results.

Police sealed off the trailer until it was determined there was no health hazard to officers or the neighbors. Modoc Agriculture Commissioner Joe Moreo, Environmental Officer Warren Farnum, police and sheriff's deputies searched the trailer Monday and found no dangerous chemicals.One thing that concerned police initially was the fact the two pet birds in the trailer were still alive. The investigation remains open.

BLM manager Billingsley stepping down

Owen Billingsley, manager of the U. S. Bureau of Land Management's Surprise Field Office in Cedarville, has announced his retirement from federal service. His last day on the job will be Friday, Feb. 2.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my work in Surprise Valley, and the good relationships between the public land users and BLM staff," Billingsley said. "I am proud that we have been able to bring various interests together to find common ground and reach solutions to natural resource management issues. I am certain that the good relationships between BLM, local government and the ranching community will continue, largely due to the positive influence of such community-based groups as the Modoc-Washoe Experimental Stewardship Program"

BLM California State Director Mike Pool offered his thanks for Billingsley's five years of work.
"Owen believes deeply that communication and cooperation are the keys to success as we work together with our partners and communities to conserve and manage our natural resources. The BLM and our constituents owe him a debt of gratitude for bringing that positive attitude to his job," Pool said. "The natural resources of Surprise Valley and our public land stakeholders have been well served under Owen's leadership and his contributions to the community."

A replacement for Billingsley has not been named. Pool said various BLM staff members will fill the position temporarily immediately following his departure.

Billingsley is ending a 31-year career in natural resources management. He earned a BA degree in geology from Humboldt State University in Arcata, Calif. and completed graduate work in geology at the University of Montana. He worked as a geologist for the Forest Service, the US Geological Survey and for the BLM in Utah and Montana. In 1995 he became the manager of the BLM's Havre, Montana Field Station, a position he held until his move to Cedarville in 2002.

Billingsley and his wife, Margaret, plan to stay in Cedarville, at least for the immediate future, where they plan to continue involvement in community and civic activities.

Alturas businesses burglarized

At least two Alturas businesses were burglarized sometime in the night or early morning hours of Tuesday and Wednesday.

Alturas Chief of Police Ken Barnes said the burglars broke a window to get into Russell‘s Service on 12th Street and apparently took some change. They also broke into neighboring business King Wah's through a window and made off with more change.

Barnes said a similar burglary had occurred recently to Holdorf's Recycling Center on Court Street. The incidents are under investigation.

Modoc Home Show set for March 31

The Fourth Annual Modoc Home Show is scheduled for March 31 at the Modoc High School Griswold Gym and Social Hall.

Taking the reins of the very popular show is Brooke Fredrickson, who has been involved from the very beginning. She is expecting a very full and exciting run for this fourth year.

The theme for the show is: "Modoc County: The heart of your home improvement needs!" The cost for a booth at the show is $40 and a door prize item worth at least $20 is required.

According to Fredrickson, the show is open to business owners who have an established business in Modoc County consisting of items or services for sale/rent/lease. The businesses must provide a copy of its business license, State Board of Equalization Resellers Certificate, and/or Contractor's license.
The show has always been open to only Modoc businesses and has filled both the gym and the social hall. Spaces will be assigned on a first come, first served basis, with returning businesses given priority.

In addition to the regular Home Show booths, the popular Kitchen Wars will also be held again this year.

Applications for entry into the show are available at the Modoc County Record and Altec Engineering, starting today. Those forms must be returned with fee no later than March 19 to either the Modoc Record, Altec Engineering or mailed to Modoc Home Show, c/o Brooke Fredrickson, P.O. Box 1245, Alturas, Ca. 96101. For more information or to volunteer to help with the show, call 530-233-8472 and watch for ads in the Record.

Howard's Gulch Restoration Work Begins

The Highway 139 Ecosystem Restoration Project has begun in the Howard's Gulch area and will continue for several years. The project will restore the watershed and plant communities in the black oak, sage steppe and meadow areas.

Upon completion, interpretive signs will be installed to educate visitors about the work and about the natural resources in the area.

"This is a great project," said District Ranger Jim Irvin. "I'm excited to work on this and do some much needed restoration on the land."

The project was designed by comparing 1946 aerial photos with the current situation. The comparison illustrates extensive vegetative changes including extensive juniper encroachment. The project will reduce the juniper to historic numbers. It will enhance and improve the oak and aspen stands by reducing the number of pines, which have also increased dramatically.

The project also includes stabilizing erosion caused by run off from the highway. Initially log and rock erosion control structures will be constructed in five head cuts. Over the next seven years, additional structures may be added to control and restore the erosion as needed.

The area is closed to firewood collection during the project. The use for the wood generated from the project is yet to be determined.

Please do not enter the project area during the work phase; it will be muddy and vulnerable to significant resource damage. The area is well signed. You can help protect your National Forest, by staying away during the restoration work. When it is complete the area will be reopened and there will be information explaining the project and its impacts and affects.

Howard's Gulch is an area identified as an interpretive stop on the Emigrant Trail Scenic byway. It is also a stop on the Basin and Range Birding trail. It is an excellent birding location with sightings of Bald Eagles, and many other species common.

Thank you for your help as we implement this important restoration work.

Obituaries:

Betty Jane Driscoll

Born May 24, 1925, to Edger and Eva Brown in French Camp, CA., Betty passed away January 23, 2007, at Renown Medical Center in Reno, NV.

She was a long-time resident of Likely, CA. She owned and operated the Likely Bar and Restaurant with her family for several years. Anyone who knew Betty called her Grandma Betty. She had a heart of gold and would help anyone who needed help. Everyone will miss her.

Betty spent her younger years around Quincy and Portola. From there she lived in Ravendale, Susanville, Alturas and then Likely.

Her mother Eva Butler, husbands William Hooper, Sip Longmire, Noel Driscoll, companion Joe Oakes, great grandson Quynn Hooper, stepchildren Bill Longmire and Erline Longmire preceded Betty in death.

Survived by her sons, Bill (Keri) Hooper, Fallon, NV, Doug (Trish) Hooper, Fernley, NV, grandchildren Bryan (Nikki) Hooper, Sparks, NV, Darin (Jennifer) Hooper, Converse, TX, Jim Hooper, Livermore, CA, Gary Hooper, Livermore, great-grandchildren Dokata and Brock Hooper, Taylor Hooper, Melissa Hooper, Kara Hooper. Betty also had several step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution to the Likely Fire Department or a charity of your choice will be appreciated.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2007, at the Likely Cemetery with a fellowship to follow at the Likely Fire Hall. Services are under the arrangement of Walton's Sparks Funeral Home, Sparks, NV.

Clinton A. Smith

Services for Alturas born Clinton A. Smith will beheld today, February 1 at 2 p.m. at the Alturas Cemetery. Mr. Smith passed away January 29, 2007 in Medford, OR.

Born on February 19, 1928 in Alturas, CA, Mr. Smith graduated from Modoc High in 1946. He married Pauline Decker, on April 9, 1950 in Carson City, Nevada. Mr. Smith worked for Southern Pacific Railroad for 46 years and retired as a railroad conductor in 1975. He enjoyed RV'ing, and bowling and working on his computer. He was a 50-year member of the Alturas Elks Lodge and had also joined the Ashland, OR Elks Lodge. He had lived outside Modoc County for 33 years.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Pauline Smith of Medford, OR; daughters Terry (Larry) Turner of Sparks, NV; Sherry (Ed) Cavasso of Medford, OR; Karen (Rudy) Viola of Sparks, NV; son Richard Smith of Medford, OR; grandchildren Jennifer, LeAnn, Angie, Nichole, Katie and Great-grandchildren Hayden, Rebecca, Quinton, Katelynn, Laura, Mary, Justin and Jacob.
Kerr Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Eugene R. Hanks

Eugene R. Hanks, 88, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2006, in Medford, Ore.

Gene was born on March 21, 1918, in Fort Bidwell, CA to Roy and Vida Hanks.

As a teenager, he set out for Elko, Nev., to join his uncle Ed working as a cowhand on some of the area's largest ranches.

In 1940, Gene met and married Alice Jane McFarlane, the unlikely pair of a cowboy and a city girl in a marriage that would last 55 years until Jane's death in 1995.

After starting their family, Gene and Jane moved to Fallon, Nev., where he began working as a carpenter and farmer. Gene's skills and management style helped many of the area's carpenters to become contractors, including his son Alvin.

In 1978, Gene and Jane "retired" to their son Carl's ranch in Railroad Valley, Nev. Gene returned to his first love, being a cowboy. He always thought the world looked better from the back of a horse.
Following the death of his wife, Gene became restless, traveling until he met Vera Fern Fisher. Fern became his constant companion and faithful sidekick, or was he hers? No dirt road or cow trail was safe from this pair.

Gene is lovingly survived by his children and their spouses Carl (Carole) Hanks of Blue Eagle Ranch, Nev., Alvin (Tina) Hanks of Fallon and Nancy Landon of Missoula, Mont.; his companion Fern Fisher of Lakeview, Ore.; sisters Opal Daniels of Fallon, Zola (Jerry) Lewis of Grants Pass, Ore., and Norma Hapgood of Lake City, Calif.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

His wonderful grandchildren and continuously growing number of great-grandchildren will carry on Gene's legacy of love and laughter.

He was preceded in death by his wife Jane; brothers Carl and Jim Hanks; and three grandchildren.
To all who knew him as Grandpa Gene or just Grandpa and those who called him a friend, do not mourn his passing, but celebrate his life. Learn from his lesson and find humor in everything.
No funeral is planned at this time.

Iola B. James

A memorial service for long-time Davis Creek resident Iola Bessie James will be held Saturday, February 3 at 11 a.m. at the Davis Creek Community Hall. A potluck will follow. Minister Richard Landrith will conduct the service. Interment will be private and follow at a later date at the Davis Creek Cemetery.

Mrs. James passed away Saturday, January 27, 2007, in Lakeview, Oregon. She was 80.
Born in Westwood, CA. as Iola Watson on May 26, 1926, she finished high school in Ukiah. During her early 20s, she moved to Davis Creek and was married to Roland James for 49 years. He preceded her in death in 1997. The two owned and operated the Davis Creek Mercantile for about 10 years during the 1960s when Mrs. James was Postmaster there. She remained an active member of the Davis Creek Women's Auxiliary for the Volunteer Fire Department. She was also a member of the Modoc County Historical Society and a past Grange member. Mrs. James was a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and homemaker who kept active also doing woodcrafts and puzzles. She was an avid reader. She was proud to have passed her test for her drivers' license when she turned 80.

She is survived by her twin sister Viola Bailey of Houston, TX; son Robert and wife Carmen James of Klamath Falls, OR; daughter Charline Blair and husband Don of Davis Creek, CA; grandson Kary James, Redding; Kami Spriggs, Klamath Falls, OR; grandson Roland Baldwin, Alturas, CA; grandson Clint Baldwin, Caldwell, Idaho; Chet Blair, Battleground, WA; Scott Blair, Phoenix, AZ; great grandchildren, Thomas James, and Cammi James, Redding; Ashley Spriggs and Tyler Spriggs of Klamath Falls, OR; Chelsea Baldwin, Alturas, CA; Kyle Baldwin and Chance Baldwin, Caldwell, ID; Ty Blair and Morgan Blair, Battleground, WA; Robin Blair and Dean Blair of Phoenix, AZ.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the donor's charity of choice. Services are under the direction of Kerr Mortuary, Alturas.

Sports

Modoc favored to repeat as SCL wrestling champs

For the past two decades, the Shasta Cascade League wrestling championship has been owned primarily by the Modoc Braves and this year will be no different.

The SCL league finals are Friday and Saturday in Tulelake. Friday are dual meets and Saturday will be the team and individual championships. While some SCL teams have shown improvement, none are at the point of unseating the Braves this year.

Modoc will be coming into the league finals after placing a very respectable fourth at the huge Corning tournament last weekend and beating up on Central Valley Friday.

"We'll be fine this weekend and I'm just trying to keep everyone healthy," said coach Shaun Wood. "We get a week off after the league matches, so that'll help going into the section tourneys."

In Corning, the team results were as follow: Corning 180, Paradise 158, Pleasant Valley 149, Modoc 148, Oroville 91, Trinity 84, Middletown 82, Gridley 77, Enterprise 74, Willows 68, Portola 65, Las Plumas 62, Wheatland 61, Golden Sierra 60, Durham 57, Hamilton City 47, Central Valley 47, Chester 42, Live Oak 37, Hugg 34, Etna 27, Fall River 26, Esparto 23, Mt. Shasta 20, Biggs 19, and Hoopa 12.

Jesse Harer was Modoc's top finisher, winning the 215-pound category.

The billboard match between 189-pound Kyle Bergstedt of Paradise, the number one ranked wrestler in the state at that weight and Modoc's Josh Wood came off as planned with the pair meeting in the 189-pound finals.

Bergstedt, a senior, showed why he is that highly regarded, beating sophomore Wood 16-6 for the title.

"Bergstedt wrestled the best match I've seen him wrestle this season," said coach Wood. "He impressed me and we learned some things. But he is very good."

Modoc's Bill Hammerness took a second at 171 pounds, Sheridan Crutcher took second at 140 pounds, Brandon Anderson was fifth at 160 pounds and Jacob Ketler was fifth at heavyweight. In addition, several other wrestlers wrestled well at Corning, including Cody Book, Kevin Richardson, David Holloway, Cain Madrigal and Kyle Voth.

On Friday against Central Valley, Book won the 103-pound match, Voth won at 125 pounds, Cain Madrigal was second at 130 pounds, Crutcher won at 140, Tyler Wood won at 145, Kyle Hartman won at 152, Anderson won at 160, Hammerness won at 171, Wood won at 189, Harer won at 215 and Ketler was second at heavyweight.

Modoc favored to repeat as SCL wrestling champs

For the past two decades, the Shasta Cascade League wrestling championship has been owned primarily by the Modoc Braves and this year will be no different.

Modoc will be coming into the league finals after placing a very respectable fourth at the huge Corning tournament last weekend and beating up on Central Valley Friday.

"We'll be fine this weekend and I'm just trying to keep everyone healthy," said coach Shaun Wood. "We get a week off after the league matches, so that'll help going into the section tourneys."

Jesse Harer was Modoc's top finisher, winning the 215-pound category.

Bergstedt, a senior, showed why he is that highly regarded, beating sophomore Wood 16-6 for the title.

"Bergstedt wrestled the best match I've seen him wrestle this season," said coach Wood. "He impressed me and we learned some things. But he is very good."

Modoc girls split in ACL action

Modoc's varsity girl's basketball team had a tough time in Mt. Shasta Friday night, losing 50-37, but rebounded to beat Trinity here Saturday.

Mt. Shasta led after a cool first period 6-4, but by half, took a commanding 28-14 lead. Modoc stayed cold through three periods, trailing 35-19. Modoc scored 18 to the Bears' nine in the fourth. Catherine Lowry had 165 points for Modoc. Alysha Northrup had eight.
The Braves had no trouble against Trinity Saturday at home, winning 61-27. Sarah Catania led the scoring with 15, Lowry had 13, and Northrup added 12. The Braves lost Tacie Richardson, ranked third in the section in blocked shots with 78, to a broken wrist in the fourth period.

Modoc is 6-1 in league play and 13-4 overall.

Modoc boys lose a pair

Modoc's varsity boy's basketball team lost a pair of Shasta Cascade League games this week, and will face Weed here Friday and travel to Burney Feb. 6.

The Braves lost to Mt. Shasta, there, 65-34 Friday night. The Bears jumped out to a 15-9 first period lead and by halftime had built that to a 30-24 lead. By the end of the third, the Bears led 58-18. Modoc scored 16 in the fourth compared with the Bear's 17.

Keith Montague led the scoring with 10 and Dustin Philpott added nine.

League-leading Trinity beat the Braves in Alturas 64-50 Saturday. The Wolves had an 18-5 first period lead and led 29-21 by half. Trinity got hot in the third and led 59-38. The Braves fought back in the fourth to lose 64-50.

Montague led the scoring with 12 and Philpott added 10.

The Braves are now 3-4 in the SCL and 9-8 overall, with a good shot still at making the playoffs. Trinity and Mt. Shasta are in an upper division come playoff time.

JV boys split in SCL

Modoc's junior varsity boy's team lost to Mt. Shasta 67-42 Friday night there, but came home Saturday to avenge an earlier loss to Trinity 73-63.

Modoc played league-leading Mt. Shasta tough, down 26-24 by half. The Bears uncorked a 26-6 third period to go up 52-30 at the led of three. Dee Hunsaker led Modoc with 17 points, Justin Estes added 11 and Tyler Dowdy had six.

Modoc got hot early against Trinity, outscoring them 23-8 in the first and led 40-22 by half. Modoc maintained a 54-35 lead after three and went on for the 73-63 win.
Hunsaker led the scoring with 32 points, Estes added 21. The Braves improved to 4-3 in the SCL.

February 8th, 2007

News

There's very little snow in the hills

While it's obvious from looking at the Warner Mountains, the actual snow survey taken Jan. 30-31 confirms a serious lack of snowpack in the mountains.

The snow level at Blue Lake was 11 inches, just 44 percent of the 63-year average of 25 inches this time of year. The water content was 3.2 inches, just 42 percent of the average of 7.6 inches.

Last January, snow levels at Blue Lake measured 17.1 inches, containing 4.7 inches of water. That was 68 percent of normal for snow depth and 61 percent of water content. In 2005, Blue Lake had 15 inches of snow in January with a water content of 3.4 inches.

Cedar Pass had 18 inches of snow this year, just 51 percent of the average of 35 inches and 5.9 inches of water, 55 percent of the 10.7 inch average. Cedar Pass had 30.8 inches of snow last year containing 8.3 inches of water. The annual average for that spot is 35 inches containing 10.7 inches of water. In January 2005, the area had 27 inches of snow containing 7.8 inches of water.

Adin Mountain had 55 percent of its average snow depth at 15.4 inches this year containing 4.4 inches of water. That's 53 percent of its average moisture content of 8.3 inches. The average snow depth is 28 inches. In January, 2006 the area had 23.6 inches of snow with 6.6 inches of water. That was 84 percent of average snow depth and 79 percent water content.

The Warner surveys were completed byt the U.S. Forest Service's Jake Coffey and the Resource Conservation Service's Tom Hill.

January turned out to be a dry month in Modoc as just .44 inches of precipitation was measured, well below the average of 1.54 inches. That measured rainfall showed up in two days, Jan. 3 and Jan. 4.
It was cold during January, with the mercury going below zero twice, the coldest being minus six degrees on January 13. The high temperature for the month was 57 degrees on Jan. 25. The record low for January was on Jan. 20, 1937 at 32 degrees below zero. The record high was Jan. 21, 1961 at 69 degrees.

Carbon monoxide could be cause of death

Modoc County Sheriff/Coroner Mark Gentry reported this week that Trampis Gress, age 35, who died last week in a travel trailer at Nifty's Mobile Home park, had some level of carbon monoxide in his system, indicating a possible accidental death.

Alturas Chief of Police Ken Barnes, said his department is still investigating the incident and is waiting to talk with Julli Walter, who was also in the trailer and was recently released from a Redding hospital. Police hope she will be able to clear up what happened in the trailer.

Gress died January 28 and Walter was transported in serious condition to a Redding.

According to Alturas Chief of Police Ken Barnes, Gress was discovered in the travel trailer at 4:40 p.m. by a neighbor. He was found kneeling at bedside, but showed no signs of life. The neighbor pulled him out of the trailer. Walter was on a bed, but was non-responsive when the neighbor also pulled her out. She was transported to Modoc Medical Center and airlifted to Redding.

Last week, Gentry said initial autopsy reports were inconclusive, pending toxicology results.
Police had sealed off the trailer until it was determined there was no health hazard to officers or the neighbors.

Alturas puts out bid for sewer rehab

The City of Alturas has put its estimated $2.2 million wastewater system improvement project out to bid.

According to the City's Joe Picotte, the bids will be opened March 6, and he hopes to have the actual construction start in April. He anticipates construction to go through January 2008.

"This is a big project and one's that's necessary and overdue," Picotte said this week. "Once it's complete it will satisfy the state's requirements and the cease and desist order will be lifted."Alturas had been operating under that cease and desist order for several months, primarily due to pollution of the Pit River from the treated wastewater. The new system will clear up that problem.

According to Picotte, the major parts of the improvement project include a new clarifier mechanism, new trickling filter system, new sludge drying area encased in concrete, lift station improvements, mobilization, replacement of filter pumps and controls, improving the control building and more.
The sewer system will remain in the same location off of Centerville Road, but the improvements will bring it into the 21st century. Picotte stressed this is Phase I of the project.

The cost fro the project is a combination of loan and grant funding. It is anticipated the city will have to raise sewer and water rates to pay for the improvements as well as set up a fund for future improvements and maintenance

Thinning at Tionesta takes a new twist

They say if you wait long enough, everything comes back into style-an adage that apparently applies to forestry as well as fashion.

Make the forest pay for its own maintenance rather than using taxpayer dollars. That's the innovative motivation behind a large Forest Service project underway in the Modoc National Forest near Tionesta, just north of Big Valley.

Classified as a biomass project, this venture in the forest's Wildland Urban Interface (WUI, pronounced "woo-wee") is set to reduce fire-prone fuels and as the next phase of a plantation project begun nearly thirty years ago.

After wildfires decimated this area in the 1970s, the Forest Service promptly moved in to replant. Now those "plantations," as the foresters call these landscape-scale tree plantings, are beginning to mature. The average height of these trees is about 25 feet and their average diameter is about 6-inches-not large enough for commercial use, but useful as biomass.

So, the primary commercial value of the material removed in this thinning process-mandatory at this stage in the progress of a plantation if the forest is to remain healthy and fire safe-is as biomass to fuel the local power generating plant. But the cost of doing so can be prohibitive.

"Thinning like this … runs anywhere from about $250 an acre … up to $500 an acre," said Anne Mileck, a silvaculturalist with the Forest Service who has over 27 years of experience in forestry. "And, we didn't have that kind of money."

Of course, in the heyday of the logging industry, it was the commercial value of the timber that covered all the costs of its removal from the forests. But since logging in the national forests has become a hiss and a byword, what treatment has been done was almost always at taxpayer expense.

"That's the dilemma," said Mileck. "We knew that we had a huge landscape-about 6,330 acres of plantation out here-we knew we needed to treat it, but the dilemma was how because, we don't have the money anymore."

That part of the equation comes from the end user in this plan, who pays for the chipped biomass: the power producer. Small power plants are key to the disposal of unhealthy and unsafe fuels removed from local forests.

Big Valley Power's electric generating plant in Bieber depends upon a constant flow of biomass from local forests to provide valuable fuel for its operation. This will also be true for proposed biomass power planet in Alturas.

Crabtree noted that under this plan, otherwise costly thinning and removal programs become self-funded projects, saving taxpayer dollars while providing useful fuels for power generation. The forests benefit, the local economy benefits and electric power is produced. "I don't think anybody is losing, really," he said. "I'm convinced that with the success we've had here and the things we've learned, we will continue to expand this kind of operation. We're working on projects right now to keep going."

However, unlike the forestry of yesteryear, this project's primary objective is not to turn a profit. Today's foresters and logging contractors work to thin the forest to a more natural, healthy state rather than denude it for commercial purposes. The prime objective is to improve the health of the trees and thereby make the forest far less vulnerable to fire.

"Laurence and I are foresters," said Mileck. "So, the part that really touches us is the fact that these places are getting managed. We need to be out here, on the ground, taking care of this stuff. We can't plant and walk away."

"From my perspective, it's a little different prescription than we're used to," said Kurt Dowell, the thinning contractor for this project. "If you thin a stand out, that tree that you leave is going to grow faster and it's going to be healthier than if it's competing with a bunch of little trees and brush."

Dowell also sees the value of thinning in fire prevention and suppression. "It's a very good deal for the plantations out here, suppressing any fires that may come later, opening the stand up along the main roads a little more to ensure that if a fire does get started, they can get it stopped quickly," he said.

Explaining the enduring value of thinning Dowell also said, "I've worked in the woods all my life, and I like the thinning. I like to think that I'm improving things out here so that there will be something out here for our kids and grandkids that's not going to burn up or become bug infested."
"We know this is a fire prone area; we know we're going to have fires burning through here," said Laurence Crabtree, the district ranger for this part of the Modoc National Forest and the lead for this project. "So, we have this plantation. It's uniform. The crowns are down to the ground. We know it's going to be very difficult to protect (from fire), to keep these trees growing until they can become mature saw timber. That was what was driving us."

Seed money for the inception of this thinning was provided by a Forest Service grant to North Cal Neva RC&D under the Healthy Forest Restoration Act. Those funds were then leveraged to provide further funding from federal, state, county and private sources.

The project also includes large tracts of private land as well, mostly owned by W.M. Beaty & Associates and various smaller parcels belonging to private landowners. Their cooperation and support was solicited from the inception of the project. "We got the community of Tionesta in very early on with a couple of public meetings," said Mileck.

Other partners in the project are the Modoc County Fire Safe Council, North Cal Neva RC&D and the California Department of Forestry (CDF), each lending support and service.

"This whole thing was atypical, and everybody said it wouldn't work," said Mileck, citing the difficulty of working "outside the box."

"We were nervous," said Crabtree, "and we didn't want to prepare a project that couldn't be managed.

"The big key was pulling all the partners together and coming up with a plan," he said, continuing. "(And) we're going to definitely keep going … designing projects that are pretty much in balance economically. We have a lot of ground that we can do that on."

Obituaries:

Lynda Grimme

Former Modoc resident and business owner Lynda Joy Grimme passed away after a battle with cancer on January 24, 2007, in San Diego, CA. She was 57 years of age.

Lynda was born August 11, 1949, in Long Beach, CA and was adopted shortly after her birth by Irving and Gail "Goldie" (Wiesenthal) Donnenfield. She graduated with the class of 1967 at Westchester High in Westchester, CA. and enrolled in general education classes at Santa Monica City College, Santa Monica, CA. She married Tom Grimme in 1973 in Palos Verdes. Their two children, Jessica, born in Hollywood in 1977 and Nicholas, born in Alturas in 1981, were reared in Modoc County, where the family lived from 1979 to 1999. The Grimmes owned and operated the first Radio Shack store, tucked in between the Niles Hotel and Walt's Market in Alturas. They sold their business in the 1980s. Lynda had a vibrant personality. She was actively involved in the Alturas community in 4-H, Little League, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, PTO and Modoc Horseman's Association. She enjoyed traveling, sailing and had a great love of the ocean, music and culture. She also was artistic and enjoyed painting drawing and photography, along with gardening. Lynda thoroughly enjoyed spending time with friends and family. She and Tom divorced. Lynda left Modoc County eight years ago and was living in San Diego at the time of her passing. Up until December 2006, she worked as a legal assistant for Mulvaney, Kahan and Barry in San Diego.
A celebration of her life was held January 28 in San Diego.

She is survived by her son Nicholas Grimme of Homewood, CA; daughter and son-in-law Jessica and Jeff Fredrick of Alturas, CA; grandson Hayden Fredrick, Alturas, CA; cousins Marci Plopper, San Diego, and Michelle Denton, Pine Top, AZ; David Donnenfield, San Francisco; Paul Donnenfield, Santa Monica; Stephen Donnenfield, Lakewood, CA; Mitchel Fink, Pittsburg, PA; former spouse Thomas Grimme, Alturas, CA; faithful pet Schnauzer Ziggy.

Memorial donations may be directed to San Diego Hospice and Palliative Care, 4311 Third Ave., San Diego, CA 92103 or California Breast Cancer Research Program at www.cbcrp.org.

Gail Vivian Wellman

Loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and Wildcats Fan

Gail Vivian Wellman, 57, of Forest Ranch, CA, passed away at home in the arms of George, her high school sweetheart and husband of 40 years, on February 2, 2007.

Gail was born at home on June 15, 1949 in Likely, CA, to Jim and Velma McCrary. She graduated from Big Valley High School in 1967 and married her only love, George Albert Wellman, that same year. A beautiful baby girl, Sheri Rene', entered their lives shortly after.

In 1969, the young Wellman family moved to Chico. Gail served lunches with a smile at the Chico Junior High Cafeteria for 11 years while she supported George in his pursuit of his MBA at CSU, Chico. She later delighted in serving up scrumptious lunches at Swenson's Ice Cream Parlor. In 1986 she received her certificate in Early Childhood Education from Butte College and enchanted little children with happy songs and hands-on learning at Play N' Learn School House.

In 1991 she and George moved to Forest Ranch. As her career as a paid employee ended, she became a professional volunteer for her new community. And then the real work began. She spearheaded the refurbishing of the Forest Ranch Community Center and served on the boards of The Forest Ranch Women's Club and Community Association, she also regularly contributed to the Forest Ranch Post. She proudly stated that "volunteers are made of gold" and her family and friends saw through her tireless service that no one was more golden than her.

For more than 40 years George and Gail were the best of buddies. They spent countless hours camping under the pines, challenging each other's fishing skills (Gail almost always won), singing "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" at Wildcats baseball games and sitting next to each other in their lifetime seats at Acker Gym.

She was the heart of our family. Her avid quilting hobby was a metaphor for her life. She gathered people like scraps of cloth and pieced us together with her thread of love, she crafted us into something beautiful and held us all together. It was important to her to make personalized quilts for her family. We now find ourselves clinging to those beautiful blankets as a living reminder of her loving arms wrapped around us.

Gail Vivian Wellman was quite simply the best. Best Wife. Best Mom. Best Daughter. Best Sister. Best Aunt. Best Friend. She was instinctively able to be whatever it was that we needed her to be. Her legacy of love is survived by her husband, George Wellman, daughters, Rene' Wellman and Megan Olson, her mother, Velma McCrary, siblings Margaret Sherer, Mickey McCrary and Linda Montz, her grandchildren, Matt, Rachel, Cheyenne Allison and Justin Branch, brothers and sisters-in-law, John and Jeanne Wellman, Jane D'amelio, Gail McCrary and Bill Montz, nieces Genny Monchamp and Brooke Pebely, and numerous other nieces, nephews and close family friends.

She wanted her life to be celebrated and so we will gather to remember her and rejoice in the time we spent together on February 8, 2007 at Newton-Bracewell Chico Funeral Home at 10:00 a.m. Contributions in her memory can be made to University Foundation – Chico State Athletics Department or the Forest Ranch Community Association in care of the funeral home. View obituary and send condolences online at nbcfh.com.

Howard L. Harris

Bieber resident Howard L. Harris, 67, passed away February 1, 2007, of natural causes at Mercy Medical Center in Redding, CA. Father Vincent Juan of St. Stephens Catholic Church will give a graveside service with the family at a later date at the Adin Cemetery.

Mr. Harris was born in Alameda, CA on August 4, 1939. He had moved to Lassen County in 2003, from Lodi, CA. He had worked as a crane operator and in heavy construction for 35 years. He had served in the U.S. Coast Guard, was a member of the National Rifle Association, Lodi Elks Lodge and Operating Engineers Local Union #3.

He leaves his wife Kathy Harris of Bieber, Stepson David Hume or Hemet, Ca and daughter Kimberly Cook of Kilgore, Texas. He also has two grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Mercy Hospitality House, 2175 Rosaline Ave., Redding, CA 96001. McDonald's Chapel of Burney is handling arrangements. Condolences may be posted at www.mem.com.

Sports

Modoc wins 8th straight SCL title

Some of the names change each year, but the results don't. Modoc's wrestling team won its eighth straight Shasta Cascade League championship last weekend.

The Braves scored 224.5 points, well ahead of Mt. Shasta's 152.5, Trinity's 104, Etna's 75, Fall River's 53.5, Big Valley's 46, Burney's 45, Trinity's 11 and Weed's 3.

"I was very pleased with the boys," said coach Shaun Wood. "Every guy we took to league placed and that's a first. They did very well. We had 10 guys in the finals."

Six of those Modoc wrestlers won the title, and all by pin. The individual champions were: Cody Book, 103 pounds; Sheridan Crutcher, 140 pounds; Bill Hammerness, 171 pounds; Josh Wood, 189 pounds; Jesse Harer, 215 pounds; and Jacob Ketler, heavyweight.

Taking second places for the Braves were: Kevin Richardson, 112 pounds; Victor Garcia, 125 pounds; Cain Madrigal, 130 pounds; and Brandon Anderson, 160 pounds.

Coming in third place were: Alex Moreo, 103 pounds; Kyle Hartman, 152 pounds; David Holloway, 160 pounds; and Miguel Torres, 215 pounds. Fourth place went to Kyle Voth at 125 pounds, Tyler Wood at 145 pounds, Matt Mayes at 152 pounds and Tyler Stains at 189 pounds.

Modoc also dominated the dual matches at the league meet, beating Etna 60-25, Trinity 66-18 and Mt. Shasta 58-14.

Modoc now has a week off and travels to the North Section Small Schools Championships in Hamilton City Feb. 16-17. The top four qualifiers there will move into the North Section Master tournaments in Redding Feb. 23-24 and the top two in that tourney qualify for the state finals.

Wood said he fully expects to send 10 wrestlers to the Masters tourney and probably two, Josh Wood and Harer, have the best chances of qualifying for the state finals.

Modoc top four wrestlers have amassed the following season records: Josh Wood 37-4; Hammerness 32-6; Crutcher 32-9 and Harer 24-7.

Weak 4th period downs Braves

A weak fourth quarter against the weed Cougars cost the varsity boys Friday night, losing 59-43.

Weed led 15-12 after one and 29-25 at halftime. The Braves were still in the game after three, trailing 46-38, but the Cougars outscored them 13-5 in the fourth.
Dustin Philpott led Modoc with 14, Trent Schmidt had nine and Daniel Morgan added seven.

The Braves lost a tight game to Burney Tuesday night, 45-44. They had a chance with 10 seconds left, but could not get a shot off.

Modoc led 11-8 after one and 26-22 at halftime. By the end of three, Modoc led 32-31, but Burney caught them in the fourth. Schmidt had 21 and Philpott added 10.

The Braves have Etna for the last home game of the season Friday night, travel to Fall River Feb. 13 and to Trinity Feb.16.

Girls top Weed easily

Modoc's varsity girls had no trouble with the Weed Cougars Friday night, winning 52-32. They have Etna here Friday night, then travel to Fall River Feb. 13 and Trinity Feb. 16.

Modoc led 10-6 in the first and 17-9 by half. At the end of the third, Modoc led 40-15. Weed added 17 to Modoc's 12 in the fourth.

Alysha Northrup led the scoring with 20, Catherine Lowry had 16, Sarah Catania had seven and Tanya Blake five.

The girls beat Burney Tuesday night 39-27 with Northrup and Catania leading the way with 11 each. Modoc grabbed a 13-0 lead in the first and led 21-8 at halftime. Modoc led 30-14 after three.

Modoc is now 8-1 in the SCL.

JV boys win two

Modoc's junior varsity boys basketball team beat Weed 54-49 here Friday with Justin Estes scoring 24 and Dee Hunsaker adding 21.

On Tuesday the Braves beat Burney 64-40 in Burney with Estes getting 29 points and Hunsaker netting 16.

Modoc is now 6-3 in SCL play.

February 15, 2007

News

BREAKING News: Bradbury pleads guilty to lesser charge

At a hearing Thursday morning in Modoc Superior Court, Christopher Bradbury accepted a plea offer by new Modoc District Attorney Gary Woolverton and entered a guilty plea to a felony charge of accessory after the fact in the Betty Lou Parks murder case.

As a condition of his plea, the murder charge against him would be dropped, he would agree to cooperate in the prosecution of other people in the case and would accept a two-year prison sentence, with credit for time already served.

The plea offer is now under consideration by the court and will come back for sentencing, acceptance or rejection March 22, 1 p.m. following a review by the Modoc Probation Department.
Woolverton said the offer will have a dramatic effect on the Parks’ case. More details next week.

Forest funds still in limbo

A Senate spending bill likely headed to President Bush does not include a one-year, $400 million county payments extension sought by lawmakers from several Western states, and affecting Modoc County Schools and Roads

The county payments program, known as the Secure Rural Schools and Self Determination Act was not renewed in September.

Separate bills introduced by Western lawmakers in the Senate and House would extend the act for another seven years. No date has been scheduled for a vote on either bill.

"There's still a chance for a one-year renewal," Modoc County Superintendent of Schools Gary Jones said this week. "It's in a political quandary right now. No one's real positive at the moment. I don't think it's dead, we just haven't been able to find a path to give it life."

Jones said Senator Barbara Boxer and Diane Feinstein still seem to be on board and there is intent to re-visit the issue.

MJUSD is at impasse in contract negotiations with the Modoc Teachers Association and the forest funding is central to the issue.

According to Sean Curtis, Modoc's Resource Analyst, the annual funding of the Act amounted to about $530 million and covered 750 counties and 4,400 school districts in those counties.

According to Curtis, the main stumbling block on the issue for Congress continues to be the Act's lack of a funding source. It was passed six years ago with a sunset this year and was considered by some at that time 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 hoped now that the 110th Congress is seated, the Act will be extended, but there are no guarantees and it puts local schools and counties in a squeeze.

Jones cautions that the loss of the forest funding would be a major blow to county schools.
In an article in the Sacramento Bee last week, forest counties estimated the loss of the Forest Funding could mean the termination of thousands of jobs across the northstate.

Bob Douglas, president of the Forest Counties Coalition, out of Red Bluff, wrote in a memo to the NFCSC members that stresses quick action. "Let Congress 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."

That date is rapidly approaching and as far as anyone can predict, March 1 is likely to pass without a resolution to this issue.

1994 assault case comes to court

In March 1994, Alturas Police arrested Johnny Cleo Freeman, then age 64, alleging assault with a deadly weapon.

On Tuesday, Freeman was arraigned in Modoc Superior Court on those assault charges, having been arrested in Napa on a warrant. Oddly, according to Alturas Police Chief Ken Barnes, the warrant was issued in 1994, but was not put "into the system" by the Sheriff's Office until recently. According to Barnes and other law enforcement officials, that has been standard practice of the Sheriff's Office.
New Sheriff Mark Gentry was surprised and said that certainly will not be the policy of his Sheriff's department. He said warrants would be put into the system as they come in, especially those for felony arrests.

On Tuesday, Public Defender Bill Briggs told the court Freeman, now age 77, would plead not guilty, would like the case continued and he would be filing a motion to dismiss the charges based upon the length of time since the offense.

The court case has been set for Feb. 22 and bail was set at $45,000. Freeman was remanded to the custody of the Modoc County Jail.

According to an article in the March 10, 1994 Modoc Record, Freeman was arrested March 5, 1994 during an incident at Alturas Gardens Apartments. He had allegedly broken an apartment window with a .25 caliber handgun and pointed the gun at a passerby. According to Police, while carrying the gun, he then chased the manager of the apartment complex, into an apartment where she locked herself in.

Larry Pickett, who was Chief of Police at that time, said after police were called to the scene, a standoff with Freeman took about 45 minutes. During the standoff, Pickett had called the Modoc Mental Health Department, who were successful in distracting Freeman.

According to the 1994 report, Pickett entered the Freeman apartment through the broken front window and was able to restrain Freeman. No shots were fired and there were no injuries.

New EIS rules spark debate

New rules proposed for governing the management of national forests in five Western States have sparked a heated debate, and local foresters have their own view of the issues at hand.

The Forest Service has proposed doing away with formal environmental impact statements (EIS) and environmental assessments (EA) in long-term forest management plans, saying that time and experience have demonstrated that certain actions have little or no effect on the forest, making it unnecessary to consider them in planning.

Instead, it is proposed that these considerations only come into play as each project is developed. "We still look at the environmental effects and consider that. But, that's (done) at the ground level, where it really makes a difference," said the planning officer for the Modoc National Forest, Robert Haggard.

"Instead of doing an environmental impact statement for the whole forest, the environmental work happens on a case-by-case, project-by-project level," said Laura Williams, public affairs officer for the Modoc National Forest, further explaining the proposed rules. "Under the new planning rule, we don't spend 10 years of our time planning. Instead, we take a year or two, and the projects get going on the ground. It saves a load of time for our specialists."

"We're spending more time and money doing analysis than we are in getting projects done on the ground," said Haggard.

There is little benefit in the old approach adopted nearly two decades ago, which is now in need of a major overhaul, according to Haggard, who has nearly 30 years of experience in forest planning.

"We spent over 10 years developing that forest plan," he said. "We knew in 1995 that we had a lot of problems with it."

According to Haggard, past predictions based on EIS assessments "never happened." He noted that projections for timber and biomass harvesting, forest treatment to reduce fire danger and improve forest health, deer herd increases and job stabilization were completely inaccurate, in spite of the many man-hours of work and study that went into the documents, "making them virtually useless."

To emphasize his point, Haggard reiterated his experience with the original forest plan. "Within a year of trying to implement the (present) forest plan, I knew it needed to be changed. Everyone in the Forest Service knew it needed to be changed."

To graphically contrast the paperwork associated with the new rules and the old rules, Haggard placed the governing documents for both plans side-by-side on his desk. The stack of documents for the old rules was nearly two feet high, while the documents for the new rules were less than an inch thick.

"The new planning process looks at planning like a regional plan or a city plan or a county plan that gives you broad goals that state what you want," Haggard said, thumping the two stacks of documents.

Critics charge that the new rules are an attempt to avoid environmental considerations in forest management. Lawsuits have already been filed in federal court to prevent their implementation.

"There is so much resistance from folks that don't understand what we're trying to do," said Haggard, explaining what he sees from his vantage point. "Politics is playing