January 2008February 2008 March 2008
April 2008 May 2008 June 2008 July 2008 August 2008 September 2008 October 2008 November 2008
News
Public comment sought on city rate increase
The City of Alturas has adopted a substantial rate fee increase
for water and sewer service, and will have a public hearing on those increases
for January 15, 6 p.m. at City Hall.
The City has proposed a $15.61 base increase in the water rate,
going from the current $28.21 to $43.82 and a $5.51 increase in the base sewer
rate, going from the current residential base of $23.48 to $28.99 and from
the current commercial rate of $17.58 to $23.09.
An informational workshop is scheduled at City Council Chambers
January 9, 6 p.m. The council will explain why the rates are being raised
as well as how the city arrived at the rate increases.
The $43.82 base water rate allows up to 1,000 cubic feet of
water use. Any usage over that is billed at .44 cents per hundred cubic feet
of water used.
A combination of the two rates means an overall monthly increase
for sewer and water of $21.12, going from the current base of $51.69 for residential
to $72.81.
Written or oral comments can be presented at the Public Hearing
January 15, or written comments can be submitted between now and then to the
Clerk's Office at City Hall. The council will hear oral comments at the public
hearing.
If the rate increases are approved as presented, they would
become effective January 16, 2008. In addition to the proposed increase, the
base rates for sewer and water will be increased equal to the Consumer Price
Index effective on July 1 of each following fiscal year.
The rate increase were triggered partly by the state's requirement that the Alturas Sewer plant be repaired and refurbished to meet water quality standards as well as maintenance and age issues with the current sewer and water system.
No DUI arrests on New Year's
Alturas Chief of Police Ken Barnes was pleased to report that
there were no driving under the influence arrests for New Year's Eve this
year.
"I don't remember that ever happening," Barnes said.
"It might be a sign that people are taking the law more seriously and
having designated drivers, or not taking chances. I know the Desert Rose Casino
had offered and gave many rides home from its celebration. Our guys even took
a couple of people home."Barnes said reports he's heard from around
the northstate also indicate that people were more responsible when it came
to drinking and driving this year. Fore instance, one traffic checkpoint in
a neighboring county stopped 200 cars and not a single driver was arrested
for DUI.
"Driving under the influence is a serious offense and law enforcement
is making every effort to enforce the law," Barnes said. "We can't
stress enough that if a person is going out to party, a designated driver
is literally a lifesaver."
Hospital debt increase for year over $2
million
Modoc Medical Center's debt to Modoc County spiraled to $9,796,084
at the end of December, according to tentative figures released by the Modoc
County Auditor's Office.
That means the debt has risen $2,282,154 since January of 2007.
The auditor's numbers will be reconciled this week and if those figures change,
the difference will be reported. The debt has increased since September 2005's
$4,690,812 by a total of $5,105,272.
What December's total reflects is an increase over November's
$9,455,953, of $340,131. That's on top of an increase of $406,011
for November.
The debt was reported at $9,049,942 at the end of October, down $59,416 from
$9,109,358 in September. That October number has since been judged as incorrect
and no positive impact was realized.
In August the debt was $8,855,311, up from July's total of $8,242,609.77.
The debt to Modoc County first went over the $8 million mark in June
at $8,023,311.68, an increase of $128,430 from $7,894,881 at the end of May,
which was an increase of $196,649.
The debt was $7,698,232.34 at the end of April, which had been a slight improvement ($26,011.50) from the end of March's debt of $7,724,243.85. February's debt total was $7,471,849; at the end of January the debt was $7,513,930.
Modoc Fair seeks 2008 theme, board members,
exhibit additions
The Modoc District Fair is accepting theme suggestions for their
annual Fair Theme Contest. When submitting themes, please keep in mind that
the creation of feature booths, parade entries, still exhibits and floral
entries usually focus around the theme.
The contest winner will receive admission for two to Friday
or Saturday's grandstand event. The dates for this year's Fair will be August
21-24.
Submit theme suggestions by January 19, 2008, 12 p.m. All participation
will be appreciated.
Two vacancies currently exist on the Board of Directors. Applications to fill
the vacancies are being solicited. The position of Director includes attendance
at monthly meetings at the fairgrounds, making decisions regarding the Fair
and other activities at the Fairgrounds throughout the year and performing
other Fair-related activities. Meetings are held the fourth Tuesday of each
month at 7 p.m. at the Cedarville Fairgrounds office. Applicants should be
familiar with and enthusiastic about Fair activities.
Applications for Board appointments must be submitted electronically
to the Governor's office, available on the State of California, gov.ca.gov,
and online board applications. For more information regarding becoming a Director
and other Fair activities, please contact Dannette DePaul, Manager 279-2315,
or a current Board members, Jeannine Primorac, Seab McDonald, Brian Cain,
Ken Roberts, Diana Milton, Carol Sharp or Michelle Anderson. The public is
welcome and encouraged to attend monthly meetings.
In addition, the Modoc District Fair will be revising the Exhibit/Premium
Book in February. "We welcome suggestions for improvements on existing
exhibit entries and new ideas to hold the interest of Fair exhibitors and
patrons. The Board of Directors will review all recommendations. Please submit
suggestions before February 29, 2008," encourages Manager DePaul.
Contact the Fair office by phone: 530-279-2315, Fax 530-279-2555, email: mdocfair@hdo.net or mail: P.O. Box 26, Cedarville, CA 96104.
Franklin Lee Hayes
Former Alturas resident Franklin Lee Hayes, 74, passed away
in peace, surrounded by his family on December 29, 2007, at home in Burney,
CA.
Mr. Hayes was a very family-oriented person who was greatly
loved and will be deeply missed. He was a wonderful husband to Kathryn, his
wife of 53 years, father to 13 children and grandfather to 40 grandchildren
and 10 great-grandchildren.
Born in Little Rock, Arkansas to Lee Owen and Nova Irene Hayes,
on September 5, 1933, he served in the U.S. Army from April 7, 1953 until
his discharge April 6, 1955. He and Kathryn Hill were married on July 15,
1954 in Klamath Falls, OR. They were living in Placerville before relocating
to Alturas over 23 years ago. Frank was known to enjoy camping. About five
years ago, he moved to Burney.
In loving memory of Frank Hayes, his family will gather for
private graveside services at 1 p.m. January 5 at the Alturas Cemetery. Kerr
Mortuary is handling arrangements.
Mr. Hayes is survived by his wife Kathryn of Burney; his 13
children: Jeanne, Round Mountain, CA; Karen, Palmer, Alaska; Kathy of Eagle
River, Alaska; Vickie, Elko, NV; Kimberly, Portland, OR; Frank Jr., Alturas,
CA; Mark, Grants Pass, OR; Shawna, Modesto, CA; Dawna of Burney, CA; Jerry
of Gunnison, CO; Leah of Burney, CA; Joshua of Alturas,, CA; and Anna of Burney,
CA
We love you Papa. Rest in peace.
Sports
Wood second in Reno
Modoc's 215-pound Josh Wood took a second place in the big Reno
Invitational last weekend, losing to the second-ranked California State wrestler.
Coach Shaun Wood, and Josh's father, said the scoring was a
little creative and he believes Josh can beat that wrestler if they meet again.
Wood went 5-1 in the tournament.
Heavyweight Jacob Ketler went 4-2 in the tourney, and finished
just out of the medals. David Holloway, at 160 pounds went 2-2 and Tyler Wood
went 1-2.
Several other wrestlers ran into stiff competition at Reno and
went 0-2, including Tre Wright, Victor Garcia, Kevin Richardson and Tim Holloway.
The Braves travel to Anderson this weekend for one of the bigger northstate tournies. Wood will be favored in his division and coach Wood expects several of his wresters to do well.
Coming
events in sports-
High School sports are on break until after the holidays but
have games this weekend.
The girls, will start league play by hosting Weed Jan. 8. Burney
will come to Modoc Jan. 11 and Modoc will travel to Mt. Shasta Jan. 15.
Modoc wrestling team is the consensus favorite to continue its
stranglehold on SCL wrestling. No team has challenged the Braves this decade.
The whole wrestling team is idle, but a selective few went to the huge Reno Invitational last weekend. On Jan. 4-5, the team will compete in the Anderson tournament.
January 10, 2008
News
Alturas man dies in trailer accident
An Alturas man, Clint Mansker, age 41, died Thursday from injuries
sustained when a mobile trailer at Modoc Medical Center he was helping move,
fell and pinned him underneath.
Mansker was freed by a fellow worker William Voth, Eddy Hill,
who lives near by, and others and taken into the Emergency Room. The ER was
adjacent to the trailer. The accident occurred at about 2 p.m. and Mansker
succumbed to his injuries about an hour later.
According to Modoc Sheriff Mark Gentry, Voth credited Mansker
with saving his life. Voth told the Sheriff that Mansker advised him to move
just before the trailer fell. Voth was still under the trailer when it dropped,
but was able to free himself.
Gentry said the pair was working for North State Mobile Homes,
under contract to move the trailer and make room for a new unit, which would
house the recently purchased CT Scan. The older trailer was used as the ambulance
office and other related hospital services.
Gentry said the trailer had been jacked up and there are reports
that a very strong gust of wind could have been at least partly responsible
for the trailer falling. Winds that day had gusted between 40 to 60 m.p.h.
Gentry also said that while the ER personnel called to get an
air ambulance to transport Mansker out for care, those ambulances were all
grounded because of the high winds throughout the north state. According to
Gentry, the pathologist report indicates Mansker was so severely injured that
a transport would not have saved his life.
According to Gentry, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, OSHA, conducted an investigation of the accident site on Friday afternoon. The results of that investigation have not been released.
New dam proposal
could flood Stone Coal
A new proposal to build a dam at Ostrum Point could mean the
flooding of Stone Coal Valley to form a new reservoir.
The Lookout Grange is asking the Modoc County Board of Supervisors
on Jan. 15 to support a feasibility study for the project.
According to Norm Carpadus, the Chairman of the Water Storage
Committee for the Grange, the California State Grange is making the dam project
a top priority for the Secretary of Agriculture.
Carpadus will make a presentation to the board, arguing that Ostrum Point
is a better location for a dam than what was once proposed as the Allen Camp
Dam project in the 1980s. He said Ostrum point has two hills sloping down
on either side of the Pit River, and is a natural setting for a dam.
According to Carpadus, a recent arrival to the Lookout area, the project is
asking for 90,000 acre feet of flood storage and 20,000 acre feet for flood
control. In addition, he cites electric power generation and recreation as
positive aspects of the project.
There are large ranches in Stone Coal Valley, and those owners
and residents will have a say in what happens. Stone Coal is also a historic
site.
One of the issues driving the project, according to Carpadus,
is that Big Valley ranchers and farmers have been tapping into aquifers that
are drying up, and are considering drilling very deep "super wells"
to tap the water source. He said Big Valley needs more water storage and the
state is looking seriously at storage options throughout California.
A feasibility study will have to address all the issues involved.
Public meeting on water, sewer rates Jan.
15
The City of Alturas has adopted a substantial rate fee increase
proposal for water and sewer service, and will have a public hearing on the
issue January 15, 6 p.m. at City Hall.
The City has proposed a $15.61 base increase in the water rate,
going from the current $28.21 to $43.82 and a $5.51 increase in the base sewer
rate, going from the current residential base of $23.48 to $28.99 and from
the current commercial rate of $17.58 to $23.09.
The $43.82 base water rate allows up to 1,000 cubic feet of
water use. Any usage over that is billed at .44 cents per hundred cubic feet
of water used.
A combination of the two rates means an overall monthly increase
for sewer and water of $21.12, going from the current base of $51.69 for residential
to $72.81.
Written or oral comments can be presented at the Public Hearing
January 15, or written comments can be submitted between now and then to the
Clerk's Office at City Hall. The council will hear oral comments at the public
hearing.
If the rate increases are approved as presented, they would become effective January 16, 2008. In addition to the proposed increase, the base rates for sewer and water will be increased equal to the Consumer Price Index effective on July 1 of each following fiscal year.
Tribes, government hospital issue sets
historic goal
On Tuesday, the Modoc County Board of Supervisors unanimously
passed a resolution to form the Modoc Frontier Healthcare Coalition and Tuesday
night the Alturas City Council did the same.
That resolution is set for a meeting between local Indian Tribes Monday morning
and from there the wheels will really start to turn on the proposal to seek
funding to build a new hospital in Alturas.
Belinda Brown, Director of Strong Family Health Center, and the spearhead
of the hospital funding proposal, said there is support among the tribes,
but each has the opportunity to support the resolution approved by local government.
The Tribes involved currently include the Pit River, Cedarville Rancheria
and Fort Bidwell.
Once the resolution is adopted, a Memorandum of Agreement will
be hammered out and work will begin in earnest to prepare an appropriations
bill to submit to the U.S. House of Representatives in March. According to
Brown that request will be asking for between $60 and $80 million to build
a new hospital in Alturas. She said it's possible an actual grant application
could be required by July.
"One of the things that needs to be clarified is this is a government-to-government
agreement between the city, county and the Tribes," Brown said. "It
is historic and perhaps a first for the nation."
Jerry Smith, former Alturas City Councilman and a member of
the group that will take the proposal to the U.S. Congress, said the confusion
surrounding the issue needs to be clarified. This effort to secure funding
for a new hospital is separate and distinct from anything the Save the Hospital
Committee is doing or that the County is doing to shore up the current operation
of the hospital. Those things will dovetail in the future, but Frontier Health
Coalition's goal is to secure the appropriation for the new facility.
Smith said he certainly wasn't downplaying the efforts of the
county or the SOH group, but at this time the coalition's focus is on the
appropriation.
Brown stressed that the Tribes want to have representation on
the appropriations committee, which would include a representative from county
and city government and from each of the Tribes involved. She stressed the
Tribes are not concerned about having representation on a committee charged
with the day-to-day operation of this hospital or the new facility.
"The Tribes want to be on the board to see the appropriations
all the way through," she said. "That's our goal and we see this
as being on safe ground. This is a strong proposal that helps the entire community."
Once the resolutions are approved and an MOA established, the
grant application will actually go to the Health Resource and Services Administration,
HRSA, under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Brown said the Tribes' access to federal funds will allow them
to leverage more funding, and the fact that the city, county and Tribes are
in cooperation on the project will be a major benefit.
Smith said what's important is that the community understand what the Frontier
Hospital Coalition's goals are and not confuse them with the other efforts
to maintain a hospital in Alturas. All of the entities are vital and have
a serious role to play.
Brown successfully secured a $500,000 grant recently from HRSA,
which was used by Surprise Valley and Modoc Medical Center.
According to Smith, this proposal is very strong and will meet the criteria for funding. While the funding could be appropriated this year, a new hospital is a ways off with all the planning, architectural, site and building issues. Smith figures the facility would be up and operational in five to eight years.
January 22 last day to register to vote
January 22 is the last day to register to vote in the Feb. 5
California Presidential Primary Election.
People who have never registered, have moved or changed addresses or changed
political parties need to register to vote by that deadline. To register a
person must be a United States citizen, a resident of California, age 18 or
older by election day, not in prison or on parole for conviction of a felony,
and not have been judged by a court to be mentally incompetent to register
to vote.
Voters must register to vote in the county where they live,
Call the Modoc County Clerk's Office at 233-6201 to request a registration
form or go to that office, or the Department of Motor Vehicles, Post Offices
or go online to the Secretary of State's office or call the toll free voter
registration hotline at 1-800-345-8683 and request a form.
January 29 is the last day for county election officials to
receive a request for an absentee ballot to be mailed and Feb. 5 is the day
absentee ballots must be returned to the elections office or to a polling
place.
Poles are open Feb. 5 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Check the back of
the sample ballot to find out where to vote. Many of the precincts in Modoc
County are mail-in ballots only.
It's important to note that in this presidential primary, Decline
to State voters can vote in the Democratic presidential primary, but only
registered Republicans may vote in the Republican presidential primary. In
addition, the only issues on Feb 5 primary are the presidential primaries
and seven state propositions.
Mail-in ballots for Modoc include Lake City, Fort Bidwell, Eagleville,
Likely, Davis Creek, New Pine Creek-Willow Ranch, Canby, Parker Creek, Adin-Lookout,
and Day.
Voters will go to the polls in Alturas A, B, C, and D, Cedarville,
Hot Spring, California Pines and Cedarville.
Supervisor seats on June Primary
There are three Modoc County Supervisor seats up for election
in the June Primary Election: those of District Two's Mike Dunn, District's
Three's Patricia Cantrall and District Four's Shorty Crabtree.
Candidates are taking out in-lieu papers now, but the first day to actually
file for office is February 11 and the nomination papers must be returned
to the County Clerk by March 7. There are indications that there will be contested
races in all three districts this year.
Clinton Ward Mansker
Clinton Ward Mansker died Thursday, January 3, 2008, in Alturas,
CA at the age of 41. His premature death came as a result of an accident he
sustained while working. The Alturas resident was the beloved father of three
children, a husband and friend. He had made Modoc County his home for the
past 28 years.
Clint was a hard worker over the years in carpentry, as a cook
and setting up mobile homes. He enjoyed building things, working on cars,
fishing, racing cars and being a family man. He also enjoyed his dogs and
nature.
Born in Garden Grove, CA on February 19, 1966, to Doyle and
Margie Louise Mansker, he earned his GED. On December 13, 2005, he married
Megan Ann Sweeney in Alturas, CA. On June 5, 2007, their daughter Jade Wyatt
Sandra Louise Mansker was born.
Clint was preceded in death by his parents Doyle and Margie
Mansker of Alturas and his daughter Brittnie Mansker.
He is survived by his wife Megan of Alturas; son Bronson Mansker,
Lancaster, CA and daughter Jade Wyatt Mansker, Alturas, CA; siblings Richard
Anderson, Sheila Anderson, Debra Russell, Doyle Mansker, II and Betsy Lamez.
Funeral services will be held Friday, January 11 at 10 a.m.
at Kerr's Chapel in Alturas. Pastor Dewey Potter will conduct the service
with burial to follow at the Alturas Cemetery. Arrangements are under the
direction of Kerr Mortuary.
Richard G. 'Sam' Rossington
Richard G. "Sam" Rossington, 79, of Alturas, CA passed
away November 9, 2007 in Palmer, Alaska, where he was undergoing medical treatments,
while staying with his son Frank and daughter-in-law Summer Rossington and
their family. "Sam" as he was known, had many friends and touched
many lives while living in Alturas. He was an independent, kind and intelligent
person. He loved adventure, visiting Alaska and was an avid reader and prolific
writer who often submitted "Letters to the Editor."
Sam was born August 22, 1928, in Ohio. He served in the United
States Navy from 1944 through 1988, until he retired as a Boatswain Mate Chief.
While serving in the Navy, he was involved in the following campaigns and
received the following medals: Asian, Asiatic/Pacific, American Defense, World
War II, Victory Medal, Korean War Service, Vietnam Service, National Defense
and Good Conduct award. He was a life member of AmVets. He was also a devout
supporter of Al-Anon and AA.
In his memory, a bronze marker will be placed on the wall at
the Big Flag in Alturas. A memorial brick will also be placed at Klamath Falls
Veterans' Park. Both efforts are being arranged by his local friends.
Sam will be missed by his many friends, but will live on forever
in their hearts. He is survived by family members in Idaho, Ohio and Alaska.
John Lewis Valena
Long-time Alturas resident John Lewis Valena passed away in
Alturas, CA on December 26, 2007 at the age of 90.
An electrician who worked on electrical towers spanning the
west from Canada to the Mexican border, Mr. Valena was a member of the Electricians
Union. An on the job accident in which he was electrocuted and subsequent
medical issues, forced his early retirement. During the years that followed,
he loved to fish for bass and Eagle Lake trout and enjoyed spending time at
his Eagle Lake property. Mr. Valena had maintained his home in Alturas for
61 years.
Born in Albion, Humboldt County, CA, on December 5, 1917, to
John L. Valena, Sr. and Lena Mary Valena, he was one of six boys and four
girls. He served six years in the U.S. Navy and received his discharge in
1946. He and Beverly White were married in Virginia City, NV on December 2,
1960.
He is survived by his wife Beverly of Alturas, CA; step-children Terry Ingersoll
of Redding, Dixie Mahan, Redding, Marian Luna of Summer, Arkansas; Joanne
Bowman, Klamath Falls, OR; stepson Steven Horning, Hilmar, CA; sisters Darlene
Brown, Lakeview, OR; Wilda Turner, Lakeview, OR; and Mary Lou Riley, Clermont,
FL. and many nieces and nephews, along with 12 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren
and three great-great grandchildren.
Services were held December 28 at the Alturas Cemetery. Kerr
Mortuary handled arrangements.
Donations in memory of Mr.Valena may be made to the University of California
Davis Medical Center -- Regional Burn Center, 2315 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento,
CA 95817-2201.
Sports
Wood
wins Anderson invite, Burney next
Modoc's 215-pound Josh Wood went 5-0 to win the Anderson Invitational
last weekend, beating the number two ranked wrestler in the section 15-4.
Wood is the top ranked North Section wrestler at that weight and is also holding
down the fifth place ranking statewide.
Heavyweight Jacob Ketler also had a good tournament, taking
third place and moving up to number three in the section.
Two other wrestlers went 2-2 in the tourney: Alex Moreo at 103
pounds and Josue Madrigal at 140 pounds.
Finishing with one win and two losses were: David Holloway 160;
Tyler Wood 171; Victor Garcia 125; Kevin Richardson 119; and Miguel Torres
215.
The Braves travel to the Burney Invitational this week and should be one of the favored teams to win the event. Several of Modoc's wrestlers are expected to make the finals.
Hoop
games cancelled
Tuesday night's Modoc High School basketball games against Weed
were cancelled by the Weed principal because of the snowstorms.
The Braves are scheduled to travel to Burney Jan. 11 and to Mt. Shasta Jan.
15 as they open Shasta Cascade League play.
Girls
youth hoops signups
Modoc girls youth basketball registration for girls in grades
fifth trough eighth, will be held Jan. 14 and Jan. 15 at the latch Key Buildings,
Room 3, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The cost of registration is $10. Games are scheduled every Saturday from Jan. 19 through March 1, except Feb. 23. Fore more information, call Audrie at 640-9210 or 233-4529.
January 17, 2008
News
City approves water, sewer rate increase
The Alturas City Council Tuesday night approved a substantial
rate increase for water and sewer rates which goes into effect Jan. 16, raising
rates to $72.81 per month.
The rate means a $15.61 base increase in the water rate, going
from the current $28.21 to $43.82 and a $5.51 increase in the base sewer rate,
going from the current residential base of $23.48 to $28.99 and from the current
commercial rate of $17.58 to $23.09.
The $43.82 base water rate allows up to 1,000 cubic feet of
water use. Any usage over that is billed at .44 cents per hundred cubic feet
of water used.
A combination of the two rates means an overall monthly increase
for sewer and water of $21.12, going from the current base of $51.69 for residential
to $72.81.
About 20 citizens attended the public hearing Tuesday night,
and some expressed concern that the rate increase will make things hard for
them.
Mayor John Schreiber said he understands the rates will be a
hardship on some elderly or low-income residents. He said he's going to look
into setting up a fund through another agency or churches that may be used
to offset some of the negative impacts.
In addition to the proposed increase, the base rates for sewer
and water may be increased equal to the Consumer Price Index effective on
July 1 of each following fiscal year. Schreiber said the council opted to
look at those rate increases each year
Alturas Public Works Director Chester Robertson has put together
a comprehensive study explaining the need for the rate increases and it will
be detailed next week in the Record. He also intends to disseminate an annual
financial statement to the public to show exactly what the financial situation
of the water and sewer departments.
Robertson believes the city has a responsibility to be open and honest about the financial picture and those decisions that must be made to correct or meet obligations.
County okays
letter in support of feasibility on Stone Coal dam
The Modoc County Board of Supervisors Tuesday agreed to draft
a letter in support of a feasibility study for a proposal to build at dam
near Stone Coal Valley.
The board stressed that the county would not pay for the feasibility
study and did not indicate approval or disapproval of the project at this
point. Proponents of the plan had not contacted landowners or affected public
land agencies prior to the presentation at Supervisors.
The proposal to build a dam at Ostrum Point could mean the flooding of Stone
Coal Valley to form a new reservoir and is being proposed by the Lookout Grange.
Norm Carpadus, the Chairman of the Grange Water Storage Committee
showed the plan to the Board in a power point presentation and was asked to
clarify several issues.
He has said the California State Grange is making the dam project
a top priority for the Secretary of Agriculture.
Carpadus argues that Ostrum Point is a better location for a
dam than what was once proposed as the Allen Camp Dam project in the 1980s.
He said Ostrum point has two hills sloping down on either side of the Pit
River, and has been determined as a natural setting for a dam.
According to Carpadus, the project is asking for 90,000 acre
feet of flood storage and 20,000 acre feet for flood control. In addition,
he cites electric power generation and recreation as positive aspects of the
project. He estimated a project about 15 miles long, as the river flows, or
seven to nine miles in a straight line.
One of the main issues driving the project, according to Carpadus,
is that Big Valley ranchers and farmers have been tapping into aquifers that
are drying up, and are considering drilling very deep "super wells"
to tap the water source. He said Big Valley needs more water storage and the
state is looking seriously at storage options throughout California.
A feasibility study will have to address all the issues involved and landowners will have input into that study. In addition, overall costs, exporting Modoc water, environmental impacts, including some threatened or endangered species, historic, archeological, land use, and timber resources will have to be addressed.
3 Modoc Supervisor seats on June Primary,
challengers emerging
It appears there will be challengers in the upcoming Modoc County
Supervisoral election in June with all three incumbents seeking re-election.
The seats up for election in the June Primary Election are District
Two's Mike Dunn, District's Three's Patricia Cantrall and District Four's
Shorty Crabtree.
In District Two, Jeff Bullock, of Bullock's Donuts, has taken
out papers and in District Three, Walt Nicholson, of Jess Valley has entered
the race. No one has taken out papers as of yet to run against District Four's
Shorty Crabtree, but it's very early in the process.
While candidates are taking out in-lieu papers now, the first
day to actually file for office is February 11 and the nomination papers must
be returned to the County Clerk by March 7.
Also, January 22 is the last day to register to vote in the
Feb. 5 California Presidential Primary Election.
People who have never registered, have moved or changed addresses
or changed political parties need to register to vote by that deadline. To
register, a person must be a United States citizen, a resident of California,
age 18 or older by election day, not in prison or on parole for conviction
of a felony, and not have been judged by a court to be mentally incompetent
to register to vote.
Voters must register to vote in the county where they live.
Call the Modoc County Clerk's Office at 233-6201 to request a registration
form or go to that office, or the Department of Motor Vehicles, Post Offices
or go online to the Secretary of State's office or call the toll free voter
registration hotline at 1-800-345-8683 and request a form.
January 29 is the last day for county election officials to
receive a request for an absentee ballot to be mailed and Feb. 5 is the day
absentee ballots must be returned to the elections office or to a polling
place.
Polls are open Feb. 5 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Check the back of
the sample ballot to find out where to vote. Many of the precincts in Modoc
County are mail-in ballots only.
In this presidential primary, Decline to State voters can vote
in the Democratic presidential primary, but only registered Republicans may
vote in the Republican presidential primary. The only issues on February 5
primary are the presidential primaries and seven state propositions.
Mail-in ballots for Modoc include Lake City, Fort Bidwell, Eagleville,
Likely, Davis Creek, New Pine Creek-Willow Ranch, Canby, Parker Creek, Adin-Lookout,
and Day.
Voters will go to the polls in Alturas A, B, C, and D, Cedarville, Hot Spring, California Pines and Cedarville.
Comprehensive agreement for Klamath Basin
Restoration
The details of a proposed Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement
were released today by the Klamath Settlement Group. The Group includes representatives
from diverse Klamath Basin communities and officers from tribal, federal,
state, and county governments that all have a stake in water and power management
in the area. The Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement is the result of more
than two years of negotiation among interest groups as varied as farmers who
rely on irrigation water from the Klamath watershed system to conservation
groups dedicated to improving habitat for fish and other wildlife.
Key provisions of the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement include
a program to rebuild fish populations sufficient to sustainable tribal, recreational,
and commercial fisheries; reliable water allocation to sustain the needs of
the agricultural community and national wildlife refuges in the basin; a program
to stabilize power costs in the area; and a compensation program for counties
that may be impacted by the removal of the identified hydroelectric facilities.
Implementing the agreement, as it is currently outlined is expected to cost
approximately $400 million in new funding over 10 years.
"The Klamath River was once the third greatest Pacific salmon producing
stream in the lower 48 states," said Brian Barr of the National Center
for Conservation Science and Policy. "Decades of degrading habitat and
blocking fish from 300 miles of stream have caused wild salmon populations
to drop by 90 percent. We need to build a robust future for the Klamath River
and the communities that depend on it."
The Klamath Settlement Group was first formed in 2004 after
PacifiCorp applied to the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for
relicensing of five mainstream dams it currently runs on the Klamath River.
The lower three dams block passage for salmon, steelhead and lamprey to over
300 miles of spawning and rearing habitat. Under the federal relicensing process,
parties can submit to FERC a preferred negotiated outcome. Negotiations with
PacifiCorp on an agreement are still proceeding.
The groups still face one significant hurdle before the proposed
agreement can be adopted and implemented and that is an agreement to remove
PacifiCorp's lower four Klamath dams.
"The Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement marks a major stride forward
in bringing peace to the Klamath River," said Brian Stranko, Chief Executive
Officer of fishing and water quality advocacy group California Trout, one
of the conservation groups that participated in the Proposed Agreement. "This
is, however, only half of the pie. We also need success in negotiations with
PacifiCorp to remove four mainstem dams before this Basin Restoration Agreement
can be signed and implemented - the two separate agreements make a non-severable
package."
"It hasn't been easy; it was a tough several years putting
this proposal together, but I've got new found respect for all the communities
involved from Tribal to environmental and farming," said Chuck Bonham
of Trout Unlimited. "I am also hopeful we can develop a good business
deal that works for PacifiCorp and for the river too. We can and should do
both."
The Proposed Agreement developed a series of priorities for water management that take into account the competing needs of farmers, fish, power users, and protected natural habitat in the area.
"Removing these dams makes sense," said Steve Rothert
of American Rivers. "By releasing the proposed Basin Restoration Agreement
today, we're saying that there is a better way, and that ongoing environmental
degradation is no longer an option. It's time to bring disparate groups together
and work out realistic solutions that will pave the way for a better, more
responsible future."
The Klamath Settlement Group is working on two agreements: the Basin Restoration
Agreement and the Hydropower Agreement. The Klamath Settlement Group will
approve both concurrently after public review and completion of the Basin
Restoration Agreement, and negotiations for the Hydropower Agreement are concluded.
As a package, these agreements will create effective and durable solutions
that will restore and sustain natural production of fish species throughout
the Klamath Basin, establish reliable water and power supplies to sustain
agricultural uses and National Wildlife Refuges, and contribute to the public
welfare through responsible management practices.
Fern E. Harper
Fern Harper, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother
and sister was called home by Jesus on December 31, 2007, in Redding, California,
surrounded by family and friends after a long struggle with congestive heart
failure.
Born August 2, 1927, in Lake City, CA, to Preston and Frances
Jones, Fern was reared in Modoc County where she was educated, married and
reared her family. Fern was the beloved wife of Jack Harper, married 62 years.
Jack served in World War II. Fern waited for him while working
at the Oakland Naval base. Fern then transferred to Long Beach until Jack
returned home from the Pacific front. Jack and Fern were married October 5,
1945. They enjoyed that first Christmas in San Diego. The couple returned
to Modoc County to build their home on the family ranch. Fern was the mother
of four children: Bonnie Porter (Ed Porter), Jackie Andrews (Ron Andrews),
Mary Armstrong (Dan Armstrong) of Redding and Gordon Harper (Leslie Harper)
of Carmichael. CA.
Fern raised her family in the Adin Community Church. She taught
Sunday School and helped with Vacation Bible School. She participated as a
room mother and attended many school games and events. Fern was a member of
Adin Community Church for many years. She held a life-long membership with
the Adin Ladies Auxiliary.
Grandma Fern lived for her family. She enjoyed every visit and
telephone call with one of her 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Grandma Fern's favorite thing in life was to get each and every family member
together.
She will always be loved and remembered, always in our prayers
and thoughts.
Four siblings have preceded her in death. Fern has one brother,
John, who resides in Montana.
Interment will be at the Adin Cemetery.
Capt. Vernon A Brown
Vernon passed away peacefully at the age of 89 on New Year's
Day, January 1, 2008. He was a long time resident of Rossmoor in Walnut Creek,
CA.
A native Californian, he was born Sept. 19, 1918 and raised
in Alturas, CA where he loved playing football in high school. He received
a degree in forestry from UC Berkeley following in the steps of his father,
William S. Brown, a well respected state forester.
Vern worked 40 years for the US Geological Survey as a cartographer
and helped make the official topographic maps of Hawaii and the Western United
States. He spent many years surveying the rugged mountains and deserts of
Northern California and Utah and was delighted in the early 60's to be sent
home to his beloved Modoc County to remap that area.
During WWII he was called to active duty after Pearl Harbor
and captained a couple minesweepers including the SS Strategy, clearing the
approaches of Iwo Jima, Okinawa and the East China Sea. He received Bronze
Stars for his heroic rescue efforts during the war.
He always enjoyed square dancing and was a Deacon and Elder
at the Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church. After moving to Rossmoor he was an active
member of the Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church and founded the Rossmoor
Big Band so he could play swing music on his saxophone. Vern enjoyed his childhood
growing up in Alturas and was proud of his Modoc pioneering families, the
Davis's and Hartleroads. For a number of years, he and his wife Lyda attended
the Modoc Picnic in the Sacramento and liked visiting with other Modocers.
Vern always had a fond place in his heart for Modoc County.
His loving wife Lyda of 58 years and his sister Mary Todd preceded
him in death. His ever-present smile will be missed by daughter Karen Phillips
and son-in-law Dr. Stephen from Walnut Creek, son Dr. Bill V. Brown and daughter-in-law
Michiko from Fall River Mills as well as granddaughter Mimi Brown in Bristol,
England, grandsons Tim Phillips and his wife Cori in Sacramento, Rusty Phillips
in San Francisco, Vern Brown Jr. in Ridgecrest, and Jeff Phillips in Walnut
Creek. He will also be missed by a large extended family and many friends,
especially his good friend, Marie Emley.
A memorial service celebrating Vernon's life will be held on Sunday, January
20th at 1:30 PM at the Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Drive,
Lafayette, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions made
to the Modoc County Historical Museum, 600 South Main Street, Alturas, CA
96101, in memory of Vernon Brown.
Sports
Braves win Burney wrestling tourney
Modoc's Braves won the Burney Rotary Invitational wrestling
tournament last weekend with 174 points, beating Central Valley's 154. Shasta
Cascade League rival Trinity finished third with 141.5 and Quincy was fourth
with 133.5 points.
The Braves only had two champions in the tourney, Josh Wood
at 215 pounds and Jacob Ketler at heavyweight. Wood decisioned teammate Miguel
Torres in the title match. Ketler pinned his opponent in the first round to
win the title.
David Holloway took third place at 160 pounds and Tyler Wood
was third at 171 pounds. Wood had the most pins of the tourney with four.
Tyler Stains wrestled to a fourth place finish at 189 pounds.
Cody Book was fourth at 103 pounds and Alex Moreo was fifth. Victor Garcia
took a fourth place at 130 pounds. David Potter was fifth at 112 pounds and
Kevin Richardson was fifth at 119 pounds.
Josue Madrigal took a sixth at 140 pounds and Kyle Hartman was
sixth at 152 pounds.
Team scores were as follows: Modoc 174; Central Valley 154;
Trinity 141.5; Quincy 133.5; Upper Lake 116; Chester 113; Corning 89; Mt.
Shasta 74; Hamilton City 62.5; Bonanza 53; Etna 47; Truckee 43; Westwood 40;
Modoc 2, 36.5; Fall River 26; Burney 20, Big Valley 14 and Tulelake 2.
Modoc take its varsity team to Mazama in Klamath Falls this weekend and the junior varsity will go to Fall River.
Braves
knock off Weed to open SCL
Modoc's boys' varsity basketball team upset Weed 45-36 Jan.
12, avenging an earlier 67-54 loss to the Cougars.
Modoc trailed 11-10 in the first and 26-19 at halftime but fought
back to a 33-31 lead after three and won the fourth period.
According to Modoc coach Keith Weber the strategy going into
the game was to stop Weed's prolific three-point game. That plan worked as
the Cougars only hit one three-pointer. Trent Schmidt led the scoring with
14 points, Dee Hunsaker and John Hughes each added 12.
That game came off a Friday night win against Burney 60-56,
thanks to a 21-3 fourth period. Burney led 13-10 in the first and 32-22 at
the half. Burney still maintained a 53-39 lead after three, but Modoc got
hot in the fourth. Schmidt led the scoring with 18; Hunsaker added 15 and
Daniel Morgan had 11.
The Braves travel to Fall River Friday and play host to Etna
Saturday.
Modoc beat Mt. Shasta 54-45 after getting off to a slow start
Tuesday. The Braves and Etna Lions remain unbeaten in League and Etna comes
to Modoc Saturday.
The Bears led 16-7 in the first and the game was tied at 24
for intermission. Modoc went up 39-37 after three. Justin Estes led with 14
points and Hunsaker added 10.
Modoc girls open strong
The varsity girls' team also opened with two wins, beating Burney
46-42 and Weed 43-26.
Modoc took an early 17-10 lead against Burney and by halftime
held a 24-21 advantage. Burney tied it at 34 after three and the Braves outscored
the Raiders 12-8 in the fourth.
Sarah Catania led the scoring with 18 and Michel Funk added
13.
Modoc had no trouble with the Weed Cougars, taking an 18-9 first
period lead and a 31-12 halftime lead. The Braves scored 12 and Weed 14 in
the second half. Catania led the scoring with 25; Sami Schmidt and Emily Conner
add six each.
The Braves got stomped in Mt. Shasta Tuesday 38-16. The Bears took a 10-8 first period lead and built that to a 16-8 halftime advantage, Mt. Shasta led 30-15 in the third and held the Braves to one point in the fourth. Schmidt led the scoring with seven.
Hornets
beat Bulldogs in EL game
The Surprise Valley Hornet boys' varsity used a 29-9 fourth
quarter run to beat the Butte Valley Bulldogs 70-61 Saturday in an Evergreen
League contest.
Butte Valley had jumped out to a 17-12 first period lead and
the Hornets cut that to a 32-30 lead by halftime. The Bulldogs bumped their
lead to 52-41 by the end of the third, but the Hornets' strong fourth period
sealed the win.
Jordan Mussa led Surprise Valley with 20 points; Ian Konz added
17 (five three-pointers), Geoffrey Washburn had 14 and12 rebounds and Chris
Fenske had 11. The team's leading scorer for the season, Kevin Quick, missed
the game because of a sprained ankle.
The Hornets beat Dunsmuir Tuesday 70-69 when Sal Ruiz hit a
three pointer with nine seconds left in the game. Dunsmuir had a shot to tie
the game with under a second left but a shooter missed the second end of two
free shots.
The Hornets led 17-10 in the first and 32-26 at halftime. Surprise
Valley held a 48-42 lead after three. Dunsmuir battled back in the fourth
to take a 68-67 lead before Ruiz's trey.
Mussa led the scoring with 22, Washburn had 20, Ruiz added 15
and Fenske had 10.
The Hornets travel to Big Valley Friday and host Tulelake Jan. 22, game time
at 4:30 p.m.
January 24, 2008
News
Hospital committee, Supes discuss district issues
Jim Sato was formally hired as interim administrator of Modoc
Medical Center at Tuesday's board of supervisor's meeting. His contract will
run from Jan. 18 until April 30. The former Trinity County Hospital administrator
will be paid an amount not to exceed $75,000.
"One of the first things I want to do is revisit the $700,000
figure stated that the hospital will generate if they get their CAH designation.
We need to be absolutely sure of what revenue will be generated in order to
make a solid business plan," said Sato during a break at the supervisor's
meeting. Sato has said the CAH designation for MMC should go through without
much difficulty, although it could take time.
Marlin Ravago was hired as new clinic manager. It was reported
that there was a 5 percent turnover in personnel at MMC and that the hospital
lost $526,000 in November.
The BOS thanked the MMC Hospital Auxiliary for purchasing $50,743
in new equipment for the facility.
Mike Mason, chairman of the SOH committee told the board that
without everyone's support the effort to save the hospital will fail. County
CEO Mike Maxwell indicated that there were many questions to be answered before
the BOS could endorse the SOH efforts.
"We need to get the answers to a long list of unasked questions,
such as the conditions of transfer of hospital ownership. Without these answers,
this effort is just rumor based and can't go forward," said Maxwell.
Mason then asked the BOS to come up with a list of their concerns
so the committee could address them.
A motion made by Supervisor Pat Cantrall and seconded by Shorty
Crabtree, both members of the new hospital committee, asking that the board
adopt a resolution allowing (only if a hospital district is formed and funded
by the voters) that the first hospital board be elected at the same election
as the district formation.
In a call for discussion of the resolution, Cantrall was asked
why not have the BOS appoint the hospital district board. Cantrall responded
by saying that the general perception of the community is that the board cannot
run the hospital adequately.
According to Mary Fender, the SOH's telephone survey of public
opinion concerning the hospital situation indicated that approximately five
percent of the respondees volunteered that they would not vote for a hospital
district if the BOS were involved in appointing the board of directors.
Trinity County hospital has just gone through similar financial
problems and formed a hospital district. Because of distrust of their government
officials they decided to elect their first hospital board rather than have
them appointed.
"In asking the board's support in endorsing AB245 Chapter
18 where the district board be elected by the people rather than be appointed
by the BOS, we are addressing the concerns of the citizens of this county.
This resolution has nothing to do with unasked questions about the hospital
district or whether it is voted in or not," explained Judy Mason, chair
of the SOH's LAFCO committee.
The resolution was denied in a 3 to 2 vote.
Administrator Sato, who was the CEO at Trinity during their
successful district formation process, indicated that emergency legislation
could be enacted at the state level and the resolution may not yet be dead.
During a later discussion Mike Mason clarified that even though
two former hospital board members indicated an interest in the SOH actions,
they didn't say they wanted to be on the board.
"The SOH committee will not take a political stance or
support any specific individuals wanting to be on the hospital district board,"
said Mason.
In another matter, the appeal hearing filed by Vernon Knoch on a decision made by the Planning Commission concerning his proposed subdivision south of Cedarville was postponed because not all the adjoining landowners were notified in writing.
Even with rate increase, city water budget on edge
Alturas Public Works Director Chester Robertson knows the recently
approved $21.12 sewer and water/sewer rate increase will be a burden for some
residents, but his studies indicate that was on the low side of the equation.
The Alturas City Council approved the rate increase last week,
which goes into effect Jan. 16, raising rates to $72.81 per month.
The rate means a $15.64 base increase in the water rate, going
from the current $28.21 to $43.82 and a $5.51 increase in the base sewer rate,
going from the current residential base of $23.48 to $28.99 and from the current
commercial rate of $17.58 to $23.09.
The $43.82 base water rate allows up to 1,000 cubic feet of
water use. Any usage over that is billed at .44 cents per hundred cubic feet
of water used.
A combination of the two rates means an overall monthly increase
for sewer and water of $21.12, going from the current base of $51.69 for residential
to $72.81.
According to Robertson, there are a total of 1,304 sewer accounts
in the city and 1,345 water accounts. In the water department rate increase,
$6.47 is for debt recovery, $6.53 is for current operating deficits and $2.65
is to address immediate capital needs.
The sewer rate increase includes operation and maintenance,
a loan repayment and capital needs improvement.
According to Robertson's detailed analysis. The water department's
2006 operation and management budget showed income of $352,839 and expenses
of $485,776, a deficit of $132,839.
'It is not anticipated that it will be practicable that the
current rate increase will be able to encompass debt recovery, current operating
budget shortfalls, repairs and maintenance shortfalls, and the establishment
of a capital replacement fund all at the same time," Robertson stresses.
"The solution to resolve the water department's problems as identified
in this report will require much more extensive management by City staff,
increased scrutiny by the City Council, and extensive education efforts to
ratepayers."
As a part of the ratepayer education process, Robertson plans
on presenting an annual report to them, showing the true picture of the budget.
For instance the annual cash balance in the water fund for 2006/07
was a negative $277,480.
The water operating and maintenance fund has been seeing increasing negative
cash for annually. "The negative cash flow has led to significant negative
cash balance," said Robertson. "The expenses of the fund are currently
carried through the pooled cash balance of the city. Staff projects a negative
cash balance for this fund of $330,000 by January 08, before any new rates
can legally become effective.
"The current problems facing the water department go beyond
the negative cash flow and resulting debt. There are no reserves left for
capital replacement . . . the current budget does not reflect adequate set
aside for essential maintenance to the system . . . a rate set aside for monitoring,
maintenance, and repairs of the system is needed to reduce current operating
costs, maximize total assent life and minimize future capital expenditures.
To put it bluntly, current management practice is crisis management."
Robertson wanted the city to incorporate a Consumer Price Index
adjustment into the approved rate structure, but the council opted not to
make that CPI increase automatic. The council prefers to take a look at the
issue each year in the summer and make a determination.
"Due to the nature of the business, most of the large line
items, such as labor, health care, retirement, workers comp, fuel and oil
and liability insurance in the Water O&M fund have historically exceeded
that of the CPI and will likely continue to do so," he said. "Electricity
usage for pumping, one of the largest line items has been fairly stable in
the past, but there is a current rate increase proposed by PP&L of as
much as 13.3 percent."
About half of the prior rate was applied to pay a long-term debt to USDA for the 1993-94 waterline replacement project. That 40-year loan will be repaid in 2032.
Challengers expected for Supervisor seats
Some challengers have indicated they'll toss their hats into
the upcoming Modoc County Supervisoral election in June with all three incumbents
seeking re-election.
The seats of District Two's Mike Dunn, District's Three's Patricia
Cantrall and District Four's Shorty Crabtree are up for election in the June
Primary.
In District Two, Jeff Bullock, of Bullock's Donuts, has taken
out papers and in District Three, Walt Nicholson, of Jess Valley has entered
the race. No one has taken out papers to run against District Four's Shorty
Crabtree.
While candidates are taking out in-lieu papers now, the first
day to actually file for office is February 11 and the nomination papers must
be returned to the County Clerk by March 7.
January 29 is the last day for county election officials to
receive a request for an absentee ballot to be mailed and Feb. 5 is the day
absentee ballots must be returned to the elections office or to a polling
place.
Polls will be open Feb. 5 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Check the back
of the sample ballot to find out where to vote. Many of the precincts in Modoc
County are mail-in ballots only.
In this presidential primary, Decline to State voters can vote
in the Democratic presidential primary, but only registered Republicans may
vote in the Republican presidential primary. Those decisions are made at the
state party level. The only issues on February 5 primary are the presidential
primaries and seven state propositions.
Mail-in ballots for Modoc include Lake City, Fort Bidwell, Eagleville,
Likely, Davis Creek, New Pine Creek-Willow Ranch, Canby, Parker Creek, Adin-Lookout,
and Day.
Voters will go to the polls in Alturas A, B, C, and D, Hot Spring, California Pines and Cedarville.
Teenage pregnancies, STD's worry health
officials
The Maternal Child and Adolescent Health (MCAH) Advisory Committee
is writing this letter to inform the community and professionals of the increased
rate of teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections among our
youth in Modoc County.
According to Modoc County Public Health in 2007 there were 26
cases of gonorrhea and Chlamydia in the county with age ranges from 15-24
years old. Each case is investigated by a Public Health Nurse to determine
treatment and prevention of the sexually transmitted infection. The statistics
for 2006 were 14 cases, with 2005 showing 15 cases and 2004 and 2003 showing
seven cases of gonorrhea and Chlamydia. The Health department is already showing
cases for 2008 as well. Over the last four years the cases of Chlamydia and
especially gonorrhea have increased drastically.
The Modoc County Public Health Department offers free pregnancy testing. According
to their year-end statistics in 2007, 10 girls ages 19 and under, received
positive pregnancy tests. This number only reflects what the Health Department
tested, it does not include over the counter pregnancy tests or positive pregnancy
tests taken at clinics. As the rate of teen pregnancy climbs the Public Health
Department has also seen an increase in services/referrals for therapeutic
abortions as well as Plan B (morning after pill). In 2006 positive pregnancy
tests, for 19 years old and younger, were four and the same for 2005.
The Maternal Child and Adolescent Health Advisory Committee would like to acknowledge that this is a hard to reach population, while not ignoring this age range developmentally participates in risk taking behaviors. These numbers show that they are most in need of education and availability of preventative services. The MCAH committee is focusing on decreasing these numbers with collaborative support from the community and professionals by providing education and services to this population.
David Lawrence Matulewicz
David Lawrence Matulewicz had never been sick a day in his life,
while growing up in Walnut Creek, Grass Valley and Alturas, CA. The 36-year-old
son, father and husband, was a fun-loving person who loved to collect things
and who had a fascination about how mechanical things operated from the time
he was a young boy. He was meticulous about his many collections, including
his three classic Barracuda vehicles and his work at Aerojet in Washington.
David was born on January 18, 1971, in Walnut Creek to Frank
"Ski" and Sheryl (Hooper) Matulewicz. He spent most of his young
life in Grass Valley where the house was "always full of his friends,"
described his father. He graduated from Nevada Union High School.
In 1990, the family moved to Modoc County, CA, where David worked
for California Market, Surprise Valley Bureau of Land Management, and as a
parts distributor for Cedarville Airport, before moving to Washington. While
working in Seattle for Precision Airlines, he started out building carburetors,
then engines and moved his way up to Shipping manager and Parts Director before
transferring to Aerojet in Washington. He was living happily with his successes
in his home on the Snohomish River, where he loved fishing.
David was "greatly loved," expressed his mother. So,
it is with great sadness among his family and friends, that his life was cut
short as the result of a third and final brain tumor he had experienced in
the past seven years, while holding down a successful job and loving life.
David passed away at his home in Arlington, WA on January 11, 2008. A memorial
service was held on his 37th birthday, at his Arlington home on January 18.
He leaves many friends as well as his family which includes
his wife Darcia Matulewicz of Arlington, WA; his son Dylan, age 16 of Las
Vegas, NV; his parents Frank "Ski" and Sheryl Matulewicz of Alturas,
CA; sister Jennifer Potap and husband Ben of Alturas, CA; maternal grandparents
Larry and Marietta Hooper, Lake of the Pines, CA; paternal grandmother Louise
Sayers, Marquette, Michigan; four aunts and uncles on his mother's side and
six aunts and uncles on his father's side, their spouses, and numerous nieces,
nephews, grand nieces, and grand nephews.
Condolences may be addressed to the Matulewicz family at HC02, Box 25013, Alturas, CA 96101. Solie Funeral Home, 3301 Colby Ave., Everett, WA was in charge of arrangements.
Services for Don Eppler
Donald Leonard Eppler, a long-time Alturas resident, passed
away in Redding, CA on January 16, 2008. A Mass of Christian Burial will be
held on Monday, Feb. 4 at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Alturas.
Inurnment will follow at Alturas Cemetery. A fellowship gathering will follow
at Sacred Heart Parish Hall, East Fourth Street, Alturas. Arrangements by
Kerr Mortuary. Mr. Eppler's obituary and photo will be published in a future
issue.
Gilbert "Ray" Phillips
Former Canby resident, Ray Phillips, age 73, passed away, Wednesday,
January 9, 2008, at home in Anderson, CA, surrounded by his family.
He was born in Muse, Oklahoma, on April 16, 1934. He moved to
Canby, California in 1948, and resided in Shasta County since 1954. He was
employed with Meeks Building Center/Western Buyers Trucking for over 35 years.
He was an avid outdoorsman. His love of fishing and hunting took him to many
states throughout the country.
He leaves his beloved wife, Barbara, of over 55 years. He is
also survived by his family, Kathy and Chris Spalding of Anderson, Charlie
and Ellen Phillips, and Lonnie and Leigh Ann Phillips, all of Cottonwood,
and Mandy and Clarence Kirch of Redding; 9 grandchildren and 11 great-children.
He also leaves two sisters, Gracie Davis of Silverton, Oregon and Janell Gerig
of Bieber, and a brother, Lloyd Phillips of Yuma, Arizona. He will be missed
by numerous nieces and nephews and many longtime friends.
At his request, formal funeral services will not be held. A
celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
Ellington A. 'Andy' Peek
Ellington A. "Andy" Peek passed away January 3, 2007
at his home in Cottonwood, with his wife and close family members at his side.
Andy, with the support of his wife, Rhonda and his family, bravely fought
his pancreatic cancer this past year. He demonstrated strength, faith and
even humor during this difficult time.
Andy was born January 11, 1952 at Mather Air Force Base in Sacramento.
In 1955 the family relocated to the Cottonwood area. Andy graduated from Red
Bluff High in 1970 and attended Shasta College, all the while working in the
family livestock business, Shasta Livestock Auction and Western Video Market.
Andy was president of Western Video Market which is an innovator in the video
marketing of livestock across the Western United States. Andy was involved
in numerous local and state programs, projects and organizations dealing with
the livestock industry. He was former chairman and ex-director of the Shasta
District Fair and served on the board of the National Livestock Marketing
Association. He was a member of the Farm Bureau; the California Cattleman's
Association and was recently named Tehama County Cattleman's 2007 Man of the
Year. He gave his knowledge and talents to help his community in countless
projects. Andy could be counted on to give a helping hand to those in need
and was known by all as a man of deep integrity and honesty.
Andy is survived by his wife Rhonda and son Mason of Cottonwood; step-daughter,
Tarin Regelin of Anderson; step-son J.P. Vansickle of Red Bluff and four step-grandchildren;
parents Ellington and Betty Peek of Cottonwood; sister and brother-in-law
Callie and Darrell Wood of Vina; sister and brother-in-law Laurie and Jerry
Norene of Wheatland and brother Brad Peek of Elk Grove. Andy is also survived
by two nieces, Dallice Wood of Susanville, Courtney Norene of Wheatland and
two nephews, Ramsey Wood of Susanville and Matt Norene of Cottonwood.
A celebration of Andy's life was held January 9 at the Shasta District Fairgrounds at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers the Peek family would appreciate donations made in Andy Peek's name to one or all of the following charitable causes: Hirshberg Foundation (Pancreatic Cancer Research) 2990 S. Sepulveda Blvd. Suite C, Los Angeles, CA 90064. Mercy Hospice, 1544 Market St Redding, CA 96049. Andy Peek Livestock Scholarship, C/O Red Bluff Bull Sale, 270 Antelope Blvd., Suite 3 Red Bluff, CA 96080
Sports
Boys, girls split in SCL hoop action
Modoc's boys and girls varsity team split in Shasta Cascade
League action last week, beating Etna, but losing to Fall River.
Fall River used a high-scoring offense to beat Modoc 75-59 Friday
night on their home boards. The Bulldogs took a 22-17 first period lead and
by half turned it into a 41-28 advantage. Modoc cut into the lead with 19-18
third period, but the Bulldogs outscored them 16-12 in the fourth. Erik Hubbard
had 20; Taylor Sloat added 19 and Adam Brubaker 15 for the Bulldogs. Justin
Estes put up 23 and Dee Hunsaker 11 for Modoc.
The Braves then turned around and handed Etna its only league
loss of the season Saturday 54-46.
Etna jumped out to a 17-12 first period and led 28-27 by halftime.
The team went cold in the third with Etna maintaining a one-point lead 34-33.
Modoc outscored Etna 21-12 in the final period for the win. Trent Schmidt
led Modoc with 32 and Hunsaker added nine.
Modoc's girls lost to Fall River 52-45, losing the first period
20-13 and the fourth period 15-4. The Braves won the middle quarters 16-12
and 12-5. Sami Schmidt led the scoring with 18; Sarah Catania added 10 and
Emily Conner eight. Modoc had trouble with the bulldogs' Jessica Neugebauer,
who scored 20 and picked off 12 rebounds.
The Braves beat Etna 50-42 the following night. The Lions opened
with a 10-7 first period and led 22-15 at intermission. Modoc came back to
cut the lead to 34-30 in the third, then outscored Etna 20-8 in the last quarter.
Catania led with 18 points; Schmidt added 13 and Michel Funk had 10.
Modoc faces Mt. Shasta at home Friday and travels to Trinity on Saturday.
Modoc
wrestlers scattered for weekend
Modoc's wrestling team will be somewhat scattered this weekend.
The bulk of the team will travel to Central Valley Friday night and then to
the Corning tournament on Saturday.
Josh Wood and Jacob Ketler will head to Gilroy for the prestigious
MidCal tourney, facing some of the top wrestlers in the state. Wood is currently
ranked number five at 215 pounds statewide and first in the North Section.
Ketler is ranked third in the North Section at heavyweight.
Last weekend, Wood won the Mazama Invitational at 215 pounds
and was named Outstanding Wrestler of the event. Ketler took a second, wrestling
against one of the top ranked Oregon wrestlers.
In Mazama, 103-pound Cody Book won the title and 125-pound Victor
Garcia won his weight division.
Josue Madrigal took a second at 135 pounds, with Tyler Stains
taking third at 189 and David Holloway third at 160 pounds. Tyler Wood took
a fourth place at 171 pounds.
While eight members of the team went to Mazama and placed third
overall, the remainder of the team traveled to Fall River's tournament, where
they also placed third.
Kyle Voth won the title in Fall River at 130 pounds, Alex Moreo
was second at 103 pounds, Kevin Richardson second at 119 and Miguel Torres
second at 215.
Third places went to Gustavo Chavez at 130 pounds, Tim Holloway at 135 pounds
and Tre Wright at 145 pounds.
In addition, Modoc's Aurora Hall took a second in the girls' regionals in Sacramento at 146 pounds. That qualified her to wrestle at the girls state finals at Hanford High School Feb.1-2. She is ranked third in the state currently in the girls' 146 pound division.
January 31, 2008
News
Modoc votes Feb. 5 in presidential primary
Modoc will join California voters February 5 in the Presidential
Primary election. California will be a big part of the "Super Tuesday"
primaries across the nation.
Polls will be open Feb. 5 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Check the back
of the sample ballot to find out where to vote.
Many of the precincts in Modoc County are mail-in ballots only.
Feb. 5 is the day absentee and mailed ballots must be in to the elections
office or to a polling place.
In this presidential primary, Democrats and Decline to State
voters can vote in the Democratic presidential primary, but only registered
Republicans may vote in the Republican presidential primary. Those decisions
are made at the state party level. The only issues on February 5 primary are
the presidential primaries and seven state propositions.
According to the Modoc County Clerk's Office there are 5,214
registered voters in Modoc for this election. That's not many more than in
1984 when there were 5,108, when the votes were counted by hand.
Modoc will not have any issues with the electronic voting machines
either, as the type used here have a paper trail. Some counties in the state
that used touch-screen only machines had to make adjustments to satisfy the
Secretary of State' office.
Mail-in ballots for Modoc include Lake City, Fort Bidwell, Eagleville,
Likely, Davis Creek, New Pine Creek-Willow Ranch, Canby, Parker Creek, Adin-Lookout,
and Day.
Voters will go to the polls in Alturas A, B, C, and D, Hot Spring,
California Pines and Cedarville.
Local election in June
Challengers are emerging for the upcoming Modoc County Supervisoral
election in June and all three incumbents are seeking re-election.
The seats of District Two's Mike Dunn, District's Three's Patricia
Cantrall and District Four's Shorty Crabtree are up for election in the June
Primary.
In District Two, Jeff Bullock, of Bullock's Donuts, and long-time
resident Bob Clark have taken out papers. For District Three, Walt Nicholson,
of Jess Valley has entered the race. No one has yet taken out papers to run
against District Four's Shorty Crabtree.
While candidates are taking out in-lieu papers now, the first day to actually file for office is February 11 and the nomination papers must be returned to the County Clerk by March 7.
Timeline speeds
up for new hospital funding application
The deadline for submitting an appropriations application to
the U.S. House of Representatives for a new Modoc hospital has been moved
to Feb. 15, from an original date in March.
Jerry Smith, the coordinator of the multi-government effort,
believes the Feb. 15 deadline is not a problem. He expects to have the application
in the right hands before that date and is in steady contact with state and
federal legislators
The government agencies involved - the City of Alturas, County
of Modoc, Pit River Tribe, Cedarville Rancheria and possibly Fort Bidwell
- have a tentative meeting Friday to adopt a Memorandum of Agreement to apply
for grant funding.
Smith said some good news did come this week when David L. Yarbrough,
Chief Adminsitrative Officer Senior Planner for Aspen Street Architects in
Angels Camp reviewed the plans and determined the cost would be about half
of what was projected as early as last week.
According to Smith, the cost for about a modular and upgradeable
35,000 square foot facility would be around $35 million, not the $60 to $80
million estimated recently.
Yarbrough told Smith, since Modoc Medical Center is a member
of the Rural Health Design Network, it has the availability of using the Critical
Access Hospital prototype, which is already Office of State Health Planning
and Development, OSHPD, approved.
"Modoc Medical Center would only have to pay for the changes
made to the footprint (floor plan) civil changes (on site and off site services,
roads, drainage, etc.) and attendant changes to mechanical, electrical and
structural systems," Yarbrough said. "This process would save MMC
something in the neighborhood of $500-$700,000 in architectural and engineering
fees."
Yarbrough said once funding and a site are secured, the prototype
could be reviewed and the necessary changes made, in about four to eight weeks.
"Simultaneously, the entitlement process for the land,
including local agency approvals, environmental considerations, soils analysis,
geotechnical, archeological and agricultural survey would begin," he
said. "The timeline for this process is hard to ascertain, but, ideally
should be completed before construction begins . . . once the documents are
complete and submitted to OSHPD, the review time would be 12-16 months, dependent
upon the number of types of changes made to the previously approved prototype."
He figures the bidding process would take about 12 weeks after
the plans are approved and actual construction about two years.
Smith said that if a local government agency, the city or county,
can provide the actual building site for the new hospital, timelines would
be even shorter.
"I'm feeling very confident about this project and things
are falling into place quicker than expected," said Smith. "What
we do need very soon are letters of support for the project from local people
and entities. The more we get the better. This is really an important project."
Anyone willing to write a letter, should send it to: modocfrontierhealthcarecoalition@yahoo.com.
Two women rescued at Lava Beds
A pair of Rancho Cordova women was rescued by Modoc Sheriff's
Deputies, the Park Ranger and other citizens Sunday after their 4x4 pickup
became stuck in a snowdrift on the Lava Beds Road.
According to Modoc Sheriff Mark Gentry, Shirley R. Griffin, age 67, and her
adult daughter Janice Johnson, of Sacramento, 44, were visiting the area and
traveled to the Lava Beds. He said they drove past the "No Winter Maintenance"
sign and their vehicle got stuck.
Gentry said his office received a call about 5:24 p.m. from
the daughter indicating that they were stuck on the Lava Beds road. Four deputies
responded with vehicles and their Snow Cat.
The searchers were concerned because a strong blizzard in that area had created
major whiteout conditions.
The daughter apparently got out of the vehicle and started walking
towards the Lava Beds Ranger station about 3:30 p.m. The mother stayed in
the vehicle, which had a full tank of gas and remained warm. The Chief Park
Ranger, Terry Harris, found Janice, about 7:45 p.m. and the other vehicle
shortly thereafter. Sheriff's Deputies arrived in the Snow Cat and took the
mother from her car about 8:30 p.m.
According to Gentry, two Klamath Falls residents, Michael Dooley and Mo Biria
assisted the search with their snowmobiles.
Murder suspect faces three day preliminary
hearing
A three-day preliminary hearing for Robert Chad Haralson, age
32, the suspect in the 1992 murder of Betty Lou Parks, has been set for Feb.
13, 14 and 15 in Modoc Superior Court.
Haralson remains in the Modoc County Jail with bail set at $500,000.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation arrested Haralson May 25
in Casper, Wyoming. Modoc had issued an arrest warrant in late April for Haralson
after the initial suspect in the case, Christopher Bradbury, accepted a plea
bargain and identified him as the suspect in the Parks' murder.
As a part of the plea deal, the murder charge was dropped, and
Bradbury pled guilty to an accessory after the fact charge. Bradbury must
identify and testify against Haralson.
Parks, who had just graduated from Modoc Middle School, was
reported missing in June 1992 and her remains were found by a hiker at a remote
location in Modoc Estates in May 1993.
The case languished for more than a decade in the Modoc County
Sheriff's Office before finally being turned over to the Department of Justice
cold case investigator. That investigation led to the arrest of Bradbury in
Shasta County.
Haralson who was 17 and an Alturas resident at the time of the crime has entered a not guilty plea and will be tried as an adult in the case. John Webster of Redding, who was appointed by the court, is representing him.
Donald Leonard Eppler
Don Eppler, a long-time resident of Alturas, CA, passed away
in Redding, CA on January 16, 2008. Services will be held Monday, February
4, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, East Fourth St., Alturas.
Interment will follow at the Alturas Cemetery. A fellowship gathering
will follow at the Sacred Heart Parish Hall, East Fourth Street, Alturas.
Don was born in Birmingham, Ohio on August 15, 1927, to
Loring and Georgie Eppler where he grew up and attended Birmingham High School.
On June 28, 1952, he married Elizabeth "Betty" Beursken.
Throughout Don's life he was employed by the following entities
-- Norwalk Truck Lines, and Ohio Edison Power Company. Following
his tenure with these employers, Don relocated his family to Colton, California
where he was employed as a maintenance person for the Redland School District.
Other ventures in life included being a part-owner of a persimmon ranch in
Cottonwood, CA, and employment as a manager of a ranch owned by Tennessee
Ernie Ford in Riley, OR. In 1968, he and Betty purchased the Chief Motel
(now known as the Wagon Wheel) in Alturas, and Don worked as a salesman for
Carstens Motors. He was a co-owner of Lakeview Ag Center selling farm machinery. Following
his retirement he thoroughly enjoyed driving the Modoc County Senior Citizen's
bus, delivering meals to home-bound individuals, and assisting many others
with their personal business.
In his early life he coached Little League Baseball, and provided
transportation for the youth wrestlers from Alturas when a group was started
many years ago. He was active in the Alturas Kiwanis Club, serving at
one time with an honor guard for the Governor of California. As a Kiwanis
President, he was influential in bringing a Special Olympics event to Alturas
for the first time. He also spent many hours volunteering for the Alturas
Chapter of the American Cancer Society, and Sacred Heart Guild, serving as
chairperson for many years. He was instrumental in the construction of the
Alturas Park Pavilion. He was a member of the Nor-Cal Tractor Club in
Redding. For many years Don provided citizens of Alturas with transportation
to out of town medical appointments and shopping trips.
One of Don's greatest joys in life was being with and watching
his grandchildren participate in anything in which they were involved. From
T-ball to college basketball, you could always find him cheering on his favorite
players. He traveled many miles to watch and enjoy out-of-town games, and
was the proudest grandpa when he attended the plays and concerts.
Another joy for Don was the opportunity of making trips to Alaska to visit
his daughter and her family, and to be able to accompany his daughter, son-in-law
and grand-daughter Mikayla on two luxury cruises.
Don is survived by Betty, his wife of 55 years; son and
daughter-in-law Jay and Gail Eppler of Alturas, CA; daughter and son-in-law
Raney and John Hardman of Eagle River, AK; grandchildren Micah and Monica
Eppler and Mikayla Hardman; and numerous sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces,
nephews and friends. Four brothers and five sisters, and a dear friend
Sam Harris preceded him in death.
Don will be missed by family, friends and athletes of Modoc
High School and Simpson University.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Modoc
Unit of the American Cancer Society, 402 East Fourth St., Alturas or to the
Modoc County Senior Citizens Center, 906 West Fourth Street, Alturas, CA 96101.
Harry Allen Larimore
Eagleville born and long-time Alturas resident Harry Allen Larimore
passed away at his Alturas home on January 28, 2008. Mr. Larimore was 86.
Services are pending, with the family planning to hold a service this Spring.
Mr. Larimore was born July 28, 1921 in Eagleville, CA.
In addition to several children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren,
and extended family, Mr. Larimore's immediate family members in Alturas include
his wife Beatrice and daughter Jane. The Record will publish further information
as it becomes available. Arrangements by Kerr Mortuary.
Flora June Lord
Flora June Lord, known as "June," was born in 1916
in Likely, CA. She was the last surviving child of Will and Gladys Flournoy.
June was married in 1935 to Philip B. Lord of Los Angeles. She lived for 56
years in the Susanville, CA area. She is survived by daughter Nancy Lord Enefer
of Auburn, CA; Leanna Lord Fair of Portland, OR and Lois Lord Waller of Boston,
MA, and she was "Nana" to nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
June was a life-long lover of all manner of livestock and wildlife. Her love of the beauty of nature was evidenced in her home and her art work. A life-long Christian, June found solace in her faith and in the friendships she developed within her faith-community. She died surrounded by her family in Redding, CA on January 19, 2008. She was 92. A family memorial for June was held on Tuesday, Jan. 22. Her inurnment will be with her late husband at the Likely Cemetery this summer.
Sports
Modoc expected to win 9th straight league title
Modoc's wrestling team is aiming to win its ninth straight Shasta
Cascade League title this weekend in Mt. Shasta. Coach Shaun Wood said for
the first time in several years, another SCL school, Trinity, could challenge
for the championship.
"They are good in a lot of areas, but I don't know if they
have the overall depth at all weights that we do," Wood said. "We'll
have to wrestle well, but we should be able to win it again."
Wood is confident his upper weight wrestlers will do their part,
and said if the light and middle weights come through, a win should be in
the picture. The tourney starts with duals on Friday and the overall tourney
on Saturday.
In last weekend's action, Modoc's 215-pound Josh Wood placed third at the
tough Gilroy MidCal tourney. Wood lost in the quarterfinals, to a wrestler
he then beat in the third place match.
For the tourney Wood won six matches and lost just one. The
wrestler who won the event was the one that tripped Wood by one-point in the
huge Reno tournament. Wood should move up in the statewide rankings to fourth.
He's ranked number one at the weight in the North Section.
Jacob Ketler went 5-3 in Gilroy, taking eighth place in the
heavyweight category.
While Ketler and Wood were in Gilroy, the rest of the team competed in a dual
meet against Central Valley Friday and then in the 37-team Corning invitational
on Saturday. The Braves lost the CV dual 40-27, and placed a very respectable
seventh in the Corning Invitational. In addition to not having Wood or Ketler,
Victor Garcia was ill and couldn't wrestle in Corning.
The Corning Invite saw Josue Madrigal take a third at 135 pounds; David Holloway took third at 160 pounds; Miguel Torres was third at 215; Tyler Stains was fourth at 189; Tyler Wood was fifth at 171 and Kevin Richardson was sixth at 119 pounds.
News
Modoc voters like McCain, Romney, Clinton,
Obama
Modoc County voters tracked fairly close to all Super Tuesday
results in the Presidential Primary.
Republicans choose John McCain here by 41.7 percent (712 votes); followed
by Mitt Romney with 35.8 percent (612 votes); Mike Huckabee 13.9 percent (237
votes); Rudy Giuliani with 3.3 percent (56 votes); Ron Paul with 2.9 percent
(49 votes); Fred Thompson with 22 votes, Duncan Hunter with 13 votes, Alan
Keyes with seven votes and Tom Tancredo with two votes.
Modoc's Democrats were almost equally split with Hillary Clinton
picking up 45 percent of the vote (478 votes) and Barack Obama getting 39.9
percent (424 votes). John Edwards picked up 11.9 percent (126 votes); Bill
Richardson 16 votes, Mike Gravel nine votes, Chris Dodd and Joe Biden four
each, and Dennis Kucinich two votes.
Since Modoc has substantial mail in and a large percentage of
absentee voters, some of the candidates who had dropped out of the race before
the California Primary, picked up votes early - Giuliani and Edwards specifically.
Statewide, McCain got the lion's share of the Republican votes
with 42.1 percent, while Romney got 33.0 percent and Huckabee 11.6 percent.
On the Democratic side, statewide, Clinton won the state with 51.9 percent,
followed by Obama's 42.4 percent.
Modoc actually agreed with the rest of the state's voters on
the Propositions. Modoc voted in favor of all the Indian Gaming compact issues,
and against the other three.
The results were as follows: Prop. 91, transportation funds,
Modoc 1,303 yes vote and 1,785 no votes (statewide it failed by 58.1 percent
to 41.9 percent); Prop. 92 Community College funding, Modoc 2,144 no votes
and 973 yes votes (statewide it failed 57.4 percent to 42.6 percent); Prop.
93, term limits, Modoc 1,785 no votes, 1,378 yes votes (statewide it failed
53.5 percent to 46.5 percent); Prop. 94, Pechanga Compact, Modoc 1,869 yes
votes, 1,316 no votes (passed statewide by 55.8 percent); Prop. 95, Morongo
compact, Modoc 1,872 yes votes, 1,305 no votes (passed statewide by 55.8 percent);
Prop. 96, Sycuan Compact, Modoc 1,882 yes votes, 1,300 no votes (passed statewide
by 55.7 percent); Prop. 97, Agua Caliente Compact, Modoc 1,876 yes votes,
1,302 no votes (passed statewide by 55.7 percent).
Modoc was in the top five for statewide voter turnout as 62.1 percent of eligible voters cast ballots. The remaining top five were Sierra County, 68 percent; Amador County, 66.1 percent; Glenn County 64.5 percent; and Sonoma 62.5 percent.
Slick roads
an issue
Salvador Martinez, age 21, of California Pines was not hurt
in a single vehicle accident Jan. 28, 5:15 p.m. on County Road 56 at the Desert
Rose Casino.
The California Highway Patrol reports that Martinez was eastbound
in a 1994 Ford Explorer at about 20 m.p.h. when he attempted to turn right
into the Casino on a snow and ice covered road. He failed to make the turn,
collided with a stop sign and ran into a fence on the southeast side of the
road.
No injuries were reported in a single-vehicle accident Feb. 1, 4:55 a.m. north
of Sagehen Summit on U.S. 395.
The CHP reports that Gilberto Martinez, age 28, Portland, was
southbound in a 1999 Chevrolet at about 45 m.p.h. He fell asleep and lost
control of the vehicle which ran off the east side of the road, over an embankment
and struck a juniper tree. Martinez and two passengers were seatbelted and
were not hurt.
Dan Morton, age 26, Alturas, sustained minor injuries when he
lost control of his 1983 Chevy Blazer on U.S. 395 north of Likely.
According to the CHP, Morton was southbound on the ice-covered
highway Feb. 2, 5:40 a.m. when he lost control and started to swerve. The
vehicle left the road and overturned. He was wearing a seatbelt.
There were no injuries in a single-vehicle accident Feb. 3,
1:55 p.m. on U.S. 395 north of Ash Valley Road. The CHP reports that Alan
Uchida, age 51, Alturas, was northbound in a 1984 Ford, with the road covered
with ice and snow. The vehicle broke traction and went out of control because
of speed. It left the road and rolled onto its top. Uchida was wearing a seatbelt,
which is credited with preventing injury.
A pair of vehicles collided Feb. 2 at the Alturas Desert Rose
Casino, County Road 56 intersection. The CHP reports that Thomas McDonald,
age 53, Likely, was northbound on the Casino entrance road at about 25 m.p.h.
Because of his speed, he was unable to stop at the posted sign and slid through
the intersection, colliding with a 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass driven by Sarah
Hewitt, age 21, Alturas.
McDonald was not hurt, but Hewitt and passenger Elizabeth Wiles,
age 17, sustained minor injuries.
No injuries were reported in a two-vehicle accident Feb. 1, 9:35 p.m. on U.S.
395 south of Alturas. According to the CHP, Eduardo Reyes, age 27, Lakeview
was southbound in a 1995 Pontiac at about 40 m.p.h. A 2007 Nissan driven by
Kurt Klein, 19 Virginia Beach, Va., was following at a speed of above 40 m.p.h.
on the ice and snow covered highway. He approached the Reyes vehicle and was
unable to slow down, striking the vehicle from behind causing moderate damage
to both cars.
Modoc snow pack well above average
There is plenty of snow in the mountains this winter, as major
storms dumped on the area in January. This winter is in sharp contract to
last year when the snow levels were about half of normal.
According to the U.S. Forest Service, Cedar Pass had 42.2 inches
of snow on Jan. 31, containing 10.9 inches of water. That's 22 percent above
the long-term average of 34.7 inches. Last year the area had 18 inches of
snow at this time containing 5.9 inches of water. In 2006, Cedar Pass had
30.8 inches of snow containing 8.3 inches.
The SNOTEL (automated sensor operated by NRCS) measurement for
Cedar Pass at 7100 feet elevation showed 59.5 inches of snow Feb. 4, containing
13.9 inches of water.
The Forest Service manual reading at Blue Lake had 35.2 inches
of snow containing 9.4 inches of water Jan. 30. That's 41 percent higher than
the long-term average of 25 inches of snow. Last year Blue Lake measured 11
inches of snow and 3.2 inches of water. In 2006, there was 30.8 inches of
snow at the site.
Adin Mountain's Sweagert Flat snow survey showed 37.4 inches
of snow containing 8.7 inches of water Jan. 28. The snow depth is 33 percent
above the long-term average of 28.1 inches. Last year the area had 15.4 inches
of snow with 4.4 inches of water and in 2006 here was 23.6 inches of snow.
The SNOTEL measurement on Adin Pass showed 57.8 inches of snow with 13.1 inches
of water at 6,200 feet elevation on Feb. 4.
Bidwell Mountain's SNOTEL sensor had 80.4 inches of snow with
17.5 inches at 7,000 feet and Crowder Flat (5,100 feet) showed 29.5 inches
of snow with 7.7 inches of water.
January precipitation amounted to 1.83 inches, above normal
of 1.54 inches. The month was also cold, with 14 days never getting above
freezing as a high and 14 days with lows at 10 degrees or below. Four days
showed below zero low temperatures: Jan. 16 (-2); Jan. 17 (-1); Jan. 22 (-7);
and Jan. 23 (-2).
The month of February has stayed wet and cold from he beginning.
So far .31 inches of precipitation has been measured, above the .11 inches
to date average. The normal for the month is 1.27 inches.
The snow over the weekend dropped between six and eight inches of snow in
Alturas and more in the surrounding areas and foothills. Some yards in Alturas
have more than 12 inches of snow accumulation and fields around the county
are measuring drifts well over three feet.
According to eye-witness accounts, Jess Valley, east of Likely has four feet of snow and the hill units in California Pines have as much as six feet of snow. One family was snowed in for at least five days because of the snow in Cal Pines.
County snow plows doing best to keep up
Continuing heavy snows and high winds have pushed the Modoc
County Road Department snowplowing efforts to the extreme. There are set priorities
as to which roads get attention first.
A road department spokesperson explains that during these heavy snowfall events,
the following snowplowing procedures are in effect.
"School bus routes and emergency vehicle routes are our
first priority," he said. "During the last several days, due to
the amount of snow we have received as well as the high winds, the first priority
routes have received all of our attention, manpower, and equipment in an attempt
to keep these roads passable. Our crews have been working around the clock,
seven days a week to try and keep up. All secondary routes will be plowed
as we get time to do them.
"We have received many complaints about piling snow into
people's driveways," he continued. "Everyone's driveway is treated
the same and it is up to the individual to clear his own driveway. The Road
Department is prevented by state law from removing snow from private roads,
lanes or driveways, however, we do make every effort to minimize this inconvenience."
He further explains that the Road Department receives no funding
from the county general fund.
"Road Department funding is dependent upon the gas tax money you pay
to the state when you fill up your tank," he said. "If the state
diverts these gas tax funds, as they are proposing to do at this time, the
Road Department will face a cash flow problem that will affect our snow plowing
efforts. Your patience is appreciated."
Flu shots available free
The Modoc County Public Health Department has free flu shots
available as influenza cases are up and more vaccine is available.
Residents are asked to call 233-6311 or 1-800-762-3003 to schedule an appointment. Business hours are 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Obituaries:
Marion 'Gene' Malson
Marion Eugene "Gene" Malson passed away February 3,
2008, at his home in Alturas, CA. Gene was born August 14, 1929 in Canby,
CA at what was known as the Kelly Hot Springs Ranch. He was the first born
to Dorothy (Vermillion) and Marvin Malson. Gene's parents divorced when he
was 1-1/2 years old, leaving him and his younger brother Francis Lee "Guy"
to be raised by his paternal grandparents, Tom and Clara Chambers. Gene attended
Alturas schools, participated in Boys' State, band (played tenor sax), football
and graduated from Modoc High School in 1947 with a scholarship to Annapolis.
His grandmother felt the move to Annapolis was "too far from Modoc"
so Gene traded the scholarship for enrollment at University of Nevada, Reno.
His completion of college was terminated when Gene enlisted in the U.S. Navy
in 1948, serving onboard the USS St. Paul as Damage Control Officer. While
in the Navy, Gene married his high school sweetheart, Betty Bayne. Their son
David was born June 23, 1952. Upon discharge, Gene returned to Modoc County
to manage the Bayne family ranch and livestock, and built his family's home.
Gene and Betty were divorced in 1968.
Gene and Patti (Oliver Barsi Ash) were married July 10, 1970
at the Alturas Elks' Lodge. To that union, Gene's son David was joined by
Patti's daughters Chris, Terri, Traci and Mari Jo. Gene loved camping with
family, elaborately decorating the family home for the holidays and involving
the entire family in building floats for community parades. During the 60s
and 70s, Gene created theme-related costumes for the Alturas Firemen's Ball,
enabling friends and family to win various competitions. Many a summer's eve
Gene and friends could be found pitching horseshoes in the pits he created
in the family's front yard. Gene loved Modoc County and encouraged family
to do the same by participating in community activities. Gene taught not only
his family, but dozens of others kids, and their parents, how to water-ski.
Gene was instrumental in establishing the annual Fandango Days water festival,
which included logrolling, boat racing and ski competition. He loved to pull
family and friends in water pyramids and was extremely proud to have pulled
seven skiers, at the same time, at Lake Britton.
Gene owned and operated First and Main Shell Service Station
in Alturas for 14 years. He also was in partnership with Richard Schluter
in the first harrow-bed, hay-hauling business in Alturas. After selling the
station and ending the partnership, Gene worked for George Weigel in the diesel
repair business. Eventually, Gene purchased George's business and Gene and
David owned and operated G 'n D Truck 'n Tractor, the only diesel repair shop
in Modoc at that time.
Gene was a former member of the Alturas Lions Club; Adjutant
for the original American Legion Post #162; an extremely active participant
in several bowling leagues until the close of Modoc Lanes; and retired fire
chief of Alturas Rural Volunteer Fire Department. Gene annually challenged
vegetables to grow in his backyard garden and loved taking family and friends
on, in any card game. He was an avid fisherman and hunter, having shot his
first deer on Devil's garden when he was 10-1/2 years old.
Elkdom was a very important part of Gene and Patti's life. Gene
was a lifetime member of Alturas Lodge #1756, holding all the offices, several
chairmanships and serving as Exalted Ruler three times: 1970-71, 1986-87 and
1987-88. Gene was the California State Vice President for Northeast District
in 1972-73, and the recipient of the Elks Distinguished Citizenship Award
several years and was voted Elk of the Year 1997-1998. Gene was proud of Elkdom,
especially the scholarship program.
Gene is survived by his wife Patti of Alturas, CA; son David of Alturas; daughters
and spouses: Chris and Doug Crist, Woodland, CA; Terri and Alejandro Gonzalez,
Puebla, Puebla, Mexico; Traci and Buck Silva, Alturas; Mari Jo and Jim Owens,
Ignacio, CO; his brother and spouse, Bill and Diane Vincent, Grants Pass,
OR; mother Dot Whitby, Grants Pass, OR. Gene also leaves nine grandchildren
(Francesco, Marcelino, Michelle, Sara, Bradley, Lindsey, Emerald, Amber and
John) ad two great-granddaughters, Adriana and Hannah, all of whom will miss
Gene's special talents of woodworking and his ability to created anything
their minds could imagine.Gene was predeceased by his father Marvin Malson;
his siblings Gale Stevenson, and Ron, Mae and Guy Malson.
Memorial service will be held Monday, February 11 at 10 a.m.,
officiated by Dr. Ben Zandstra, assisted by Elks' Memorial Officers, at the
Federated Church in Alturas. A social hour will follow in the Fellowship Hall.
Memorial donations may be made to Elks' National Foundation
Scholarship Fund, c/o BPOE#1756, 619 N. Main St., Alturas, CA 96101; Blue
Lake Youth Camp c/o Federated Church, P.O. Box 1708, Alturas, CA 96101 or
charity of choice.
Harry Allen Larimore
Eagleville born and long-time Alturas resident Harry Allen Larimore
passed away at his Alturas home on January 28, 2008. Mr. Larimore was 86.
Services are pending, with the family planning to hold a service this Spring.
Mr. Larimore was born July 28, 1921 in Eagleville, CA.
In addition to several children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and extended family, Mr. Larimore's immediate family members in Alturas include his wife Beatrice and daughter Jane. The Record will publish further information as it becomes available. Arrangements by Kerr Mortuary.
Patrick Henry Tignor
Patrick Henry Tignor, 87, former Vice Principal and teacher
at Modoc High School for many years, passed away in his sleep at his home
in Madras, Oregon, from complications of emphysema on January 16, 2008. He
and his wife of 55 years, Wanda, had relocated to East Cascade Retirement
Community in Madras, OR. Mr. Tignor was born April 10, 1920, in Hindman, Kentucky.
He and Wanda Walker were married in Huntington, OR on January 26, 1951. They
reared their two daughters in Alturas.
A graveside service will be held April 19, 2008, at 2:30 p.m. at the Alturas Cemetery. A fellowship gathering will follow at Alturas Baptist Church on Fourth Street, Alturas. Condolences may be sent to the Tignor Family at 165 N.E. 16th Street, Madras, OR. 97741. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Modoc County Senior Citizens Center, 906 West Fourth St., Alturas, CA 96101 or the Modoc Unit of the American Cancer Society, 402 East 4th Street, Alturas, CA 96101. Mr. Tignor's obituary will be published at a later date.
Gerald 'Jerry' Keller
Gerald "Jerry" Keller passed away in Alturas, CA on
Friday, Feb. 1, 2008, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was
born in Lakeview, Oregon on Dec. 24, 1946 to Willard and Nola Keller as the
youngest of five children. He grew up in several small towns in Oregon.
Jerry was employed by PG&E as a lineman for 40 years. He
was in General Construction for about 15 years, working all over the north
state. His later years were spent as a Troubleman, mainly in the Willows
area. He enjoyed sports and the outdoors. He loved spending time
with his family.
He is survived by his wife, Doris Keller of Corning, CA; his daughter
Cheryl, Mrs. Scott Stewart of Redding, CA. and daughter Sandra, Mrs.
Brad Azevedo, of Chico, CA and grandchildren Kendall, Hayden and Sean. He
is survived by brothers Willard (Bill) Keller of Bly, OR, Donald Keller of
Alturas, CA, Leonard Keller of Portland, OR and sister Nola Nichols of
Council, ID.
A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, February 9, 2008 at
11:00 a.m. at Longhorn Cafe in Bonanza, Oregon. In lieu of flowers, donations
may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Richard and Florence Hough
Richard and Florence Hough, long-time residents of Modoc County,
passed away a day apart from one another in January 2008. Florence in Alturas,
CA on January 26 and Richard in Redding, CA on January 28. A memorial service
will be held at 2 p.m. February 9, 2008 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses,
Alturas. Following the service, family and friends will share a meal and fond
memories together at the Strong Family Health Center, Alturas.
Richard was born on a dairy farm in Pennsylvania on January
2, 1925. After milking many cows, graduating from high school and spending
a number of years overseas in the Army, he became acquainted through letters
with a young woman from Arkansas named Nora Mae Crane. Even after learning
that she could not walk due to an inherited disease, he still wanted to meet
her. They met and were married in 1954. After their first child Mary was born
in Pennsylvania, they moved to California where three more children- Sarah,
Steve and John were born. Sadly, after only 11 years of marriage, Nora passed
away September 25, 1965, due to complications of the disease.
Richard, while a single parent, met and dated a number of women,
but he always asked the opinion of his children. One wanted to heat the milk
for their Cheerios; that wouldn't do. Another had five children of her own,
but on visits only allowed one of hers, her favorite to come in the house.
That wasn't going to work either. But, on the first visit to Florence's, she
had waiting, for four children who had been eating their father's cooking
for five years - a pot roast with all the trimmings and six pies. On the way
home, they told their father, "This is the one."
Florence Vetkos was born in Corning, CA on August 28, 1923.
After picking much fruit in California orchards and graduating from high school
in Klamath Falls, OR, she met and married Lemuel McBride in Reno, NV in 1941.
They had two children Marlene and Robert. After Lem died in 1968, she married
Richard Hough on October 17, 1970 in Redway, CA. Florence's two children were
grown, so she took on the daunting task of raising four more - Mary, 15, Sarah,
13, Steve, 11 and John, 8.
So she became their mother. She loved to cook -- yeast breads
from scratch, fudge, divinity, taffy, pies galore, and they loved to eat.
She would sneak out of the house on winter evenings, hiding in the low fog
in the trees. They would go looking for her and she loved scaring them to
death out in those trees and they loved it, too. If a rare snow came, even
on a school night, she would tell them to suit up and go walking with them
in the dark, quiet snow. Through all this fun, she taught them important things
- faith, discipline, hard work. For all this and much more, they loved her
and always called her Mom.
After the children were grown and gone, Richard heard of a job working on
a ranch in Modoc County. He had ranches and farmed in his younger years and
loved it, so off they went in the summer of 1980. They worked and lived on
a ranch in Lake City for many years. They loved those years on that ranch
- Richard farming, raising chickens and growing a huge garden; Florence helping
Richard with the garden, canning and freezing food all summer long, delivering
milk to neighbors and cleaning house for many of them. Some of the fondest
memories of all their grandchildren was to go see Grandma and Grandpa on the
ranch. Snowball fights, playing in the barn, shearing sheep, feeding with
Grandpa, eating tons and tons of Grandma's buffalo chip cookies. Then, as
owners of the ranch came and went, they bought a little house in Cedarville.
And still the visits of family and friends went on until many finally moved
to Modoc too.
As the years and age took their toll, Richard and Florence sold
their house and moved to Alturas. Having both worked until they were 78, they
settled into town life and a much smaller garden. As their health began to
decline, they took comfort in the faith they had acquired and built on over
many decades. They believed in and talked about to others of their God Jehovah's
promise that through His son, the meek would inherit the earth and that upon
their death, they would rest in God's memory until the resurrection to life
on earth. They looked forward to that life of perfect health, gardening, hiding
in the trees, and walking in the snow.
All of their children are forever grateful to Richard for having
been so unselfish in his choice of mates and to Florence for having been the
very best of fun and loving mothers. Also to both of them for sharing their
faith with them and their grandchildren. They are both deeply missed by so
many. Mary, Sarah, Steve and John would especially like to thank Marlene for
having so graciously shared her mother's love with them.
Richard is survived by his brother Donald, Altoona, PA; brother
Lewis and wife Dorothy, Rebersburg, PA; sister Jennie Sloan and daughters
Jennie and Susie of Brookville, PA; sister Annie Seals, Eureka, CA; and brother
Frank, Crystal River, FL; Both parents, Raymond and Hazel preceded him in
death, as did his sisters Susie, Helen and Irene and brother Nelson. Also
one tiny son, Dennis, who died at age three months, many years ago.
Florence's parents, Frank and Lena and brothers and sisters,
Kenneth, Pearl, Raymond, Phyllis and Ronald preceded her in death as did her
son Robert in 1998.
Richard and Florence are survived by their children, grandchildren
and great-grandchildren: Daughter Mary Barry and husband Don of Alturas; grandchildren
Israel, Uriah, and Rachel Wilder, Cassia and husband Cam Winkler, Jedidiah,
Keturah and Amos Wilder, David Barry; and great-grandchildren Ethan, Kailee,
Kalynne and Isaak Wilder; Daughter Sarah Channell and husband Mark of Alturas
and grandchildren Cameron Channell and wife Melissa, Reece and Landis Channell.
Son Steve Hough and wife Nicole of Pateros, WA; grandchildren Stevie, Andrew,
Richard, Mikel, Kacy, Ami, Nikolis and Lia Hough; Son John Hough of Louisiana;
daughter-in-law Robin Hough of Fairfield, CA and grandchildren Kyle, Victoria,
Austin, Zachary and Olivia Hough. Daughter Marlene Whitney of Willits, CA;
granddaughters Sandra Whitney, Tanya and husband Salvador Garcia, Jody Whitney;
great-grandchildren Jeff Martin, Angelina Frost, Tykaila Orozco, Ana Whitney,
Salvador Jr. and Maggie Garcia, and Darian Gavazza.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Warnerview Skilled Nursing Facility, 225 West McDowell Street, Alturas, CA 96101.
Marguerite L. Roy
Former Alturas resident Marguerite Louise Roy, 87, passed away
June 11, 2007 in Newport, WA. Her family informed the Record this week, as
many local residents will remember Marguerite for her work as a volunteer
with Modoc Medical Center Auxiliary during the early 1980s and through her
positions at Bank of America, Alturas Branch and Modoc National Forest as
a receptionist and assistant.
Marguerite worked for well over 20 years as a main secretary
for McDonnell Douglas Air Craft near Long Beach, CA, until she retired in
1978. She and her husband Joseph purchased and added onto their east side
corner home at Carlos and West Streets, where she was meticulous about her
garden and expansive lawns.
Born Marguerite Gateman on December 3, 1919, in Kitchner, Ontario,
Canada, she graduated from high school in 1937. Marguerite will be remembered
as a fun-loving, loyal and good friend, quick to share a laugh. She was a
loving mother, grandmother, great and great-great grandmother. Her husband
Joseph preceded her in death during their time in Alturas. She relocated to
Newport, Washington in 1991, to be closer to family.
She is survived by her son Paul Richard Roy and wife Arden of
Newport, WA; son David Allen Roy and wife Louise of Dorris, CA; daughter Debra
Ann Roy of San Rafael. Grandchildren: Trishia, Gerri Bailey and husband Dana
Bailey of Alturas, CA; David Roy, Jr. and wife Shawn or Dorris, CA; great-great
grandchildren: Timothy Northrup, Dorris; Heather Bailey, Dorris; Megan and
Jayson Sheldon, Tulelake; Amanda and Dean Hamilton, Alturas, Erica Bailey,
Yreka; great-grandchildren Seth and Tristan Hamilton and Jayson and T. Jay
Sheldon.
Services were held in Newport, WA June 14, 2007.
Sports
Girls, boys lose at Weed
Modoc's varsity girls' and varsity boys' basketball teams lost
game at Weed Feb. 4.
The girls lost 53-46 after staying close for the first half. The Cougars led
17-16 in the first and 25-24 at halftime. The Braves tied the game at 38-38
after three, but Weed outscored the Braves 15-8 in the fourth.
Sarah Catania led the scoring with 16; Sami Schmidt added 14
and Emily Conner had 12.
On Tuesday, the girls lost to Burney 40-33. Burney got up 13-7
in the opening period and led 20-13 at halftime. Each team scored 20 second-half
points. Schmidt led with 12 points, Conner added 10.
Modoc's boys lost to Weed in a lopsided game 60-37. The Braves
trailed 13-7 in the first and 21-15 at the half. They played even in the third,
but trailed 38-32 after three. Weed ran away with a 22-5 fourth period.
The Braves beat Burney Tuesday 45-26, jumping out to a 13-2 first period lead and leading by half 20-12. Modoc led 32-20 after three. Justin Estes led with 17 points, John Hughes added nine and Dee Hunsaker had eight.
Hornets have Homecoming Friday night
The Surprise Valley Hornets will celebrate Homecoming Friday
night with games against Big Valley set to start at 4:30 p.m. with the junior
varsity girls.
The Homecoming Queen will be crowned that evening with Gracie
Cadenhead and Rachel Stevenson vying for the honor. The court also includes
Shelby Anderson, junior princess, Lani Pulfer, sophomore princess and Lauren
Soletti, freshman princess.
The Hornet boy's varsity will be coming off a 64-54 win over
Dunsmuir Feb. 5. The Hornets led 10-9 in the first and 33-27 by halftime.
Dunsmuir cut into the lead 45-44 after three. The Hornets made their free
throws down the stretch for the win.
Chris Fenske led the scoring with 21; Geoffrey Washburn added 18; Kevin Quick had 10.
Schools scramble to make up games
Modoc High School is scrambling to make up basketball games,
postponed by the series of heavy snow storms over the past two weeks.
In addition, the Shasta Cascade Wrestling Championships, scheduled
last weekend have been postponed and rescheduled for this Friday and Saturday
in Weed.
The Braves made up games this week and will have to piggyback some other games.
Upcoming regularly scheduled games are at Etna, Feb. 8, with Fall River here
Feb. 13 and Trinity here Feb. 15.
Middle school hosts hoop tourney
Modoc Middle School is hosting its annual boy's basketball tournament
Feb. 8 and 9 at the Griswold Gym.
Teams participating in the A Division this year are Modoc, Lakeview,
Surprise Valley, Burney, Big Valley and Fall River. The B Division has Surprise
Valley, Big Valley, Burney, Fall River, Lakeview and two teams from Modoc.
Games will start at 9 a.m. Friday and run until 5 p.m. and then again at 9 a.m. Saturday though about 7 p.m.
February 14th, 2008
News
Local June 3 elections perking up
The interest in local elections for the June 3 Primary is perking
up as more candidates are emerging.
The City of Alturas will have elections for City Clerk, and the City Council
seats of John Schreiber, George Andreasen and Cheryl Nelson. City Clerk Cary
Baker will run for re-election as will as Schreiber and Nelson. Andreasen
has said he will not run. Alturas businessman Bobby Ray has taken out papers
to run for City Council.
At the county level, Supervisors Mike Dunn, Patricia Cantrall
and Shorty Crabtree will all seek re-election. As of today, two people have
taken out papers to runs against Dunn: Bullock's Donut Shop owner Jeff Bullock
and long time resident Bob Clark.
Cantrall is facing a challenge from Walt Nicholson, of Jess
Valley. No one has yet taken out papers to run against Crabtree.
The filing period began officially on Feb. 11 and runs through
March 7. If an incumbent doesn't run, the nomination period is extended by
five days.
Several other local elections are set for the November General
election. Three seats will open on the Modoc Joint Unified School District
Board of Trustees -- Alan Hopkins, John Fogerty and Fernand Larranaga.
The seats of Bill Bostic and Bob Staton will be up for re-election
on the Surprise Valley Joint Unified School District Board of Trustees and
the seats of Tom Macy and Jerry LeQuieu will come up in the Tulelake Basin
Joint Unified School District.
The County Board of Education seats of Jim Hayts and Bucky Harris will also be up in November.
Haralson
murder hearing in process
A three-day preliminary hearing for Robert Chad Haralson, age
32, the suspect in the 1992 murder of Betty Lou Parks, started yesterday and
runs through today and tomorrow in Modoc Superior Court.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation arrested Haralson May 25 in Casper, Wyoming.
Modoc had issued an arrest warrant in late April for Haralson after the initial
suspect in the case, Christopher Bradbury, accepted a plea bargain and identified
him as the person who killed Parks.
As a part of the plea deal, the murder charge was dropped, and
Bradbury pled guilty to an accessory after the fact charge. Bradbury must
identify and testify against Haralson.
Parks, who had just graduated from Modoc Middle School, was
reported missing in June 1992 and her remains were found by a hiker at a remote
location in Modoc Estates in May 1993.
The case languished for more than a decade in the Modoc County
Sheriff's Office before finally being turned over to the Department of Justice
cold case investigator. That investigation led to the arrest of Bradbury in
Shasta County.
Haralson, who was 17 and an Alturas resident at the time of
the crime, has entered a not guilty plea. John Webster of Redding, who was
appointed by the court, is representing him.
Modoc County District Attorney is planning to present new witnesses in the case.
Strong winds topple UPS Van
Winds estimated at about 97 m.p.h. were cited as the cause of
a UPS Van accident Feb. 7, 10:30 a.m. on County Road One, south of County
Road 33 near Eagleville.
According to the California Highway Patrol, Ernie Givan, age 41, was southbound on CR1 at about 55 m.p.h. when a large gust of wind hit the 2006 Dodge Van broadside and caused the vehicle to left up and turn over. Givan was wearing his seatbelt with prevented more serious injuries. He was treated at Surprise Valley Hospital. The van had substantial damage.
BLM field offices announce seasonal firewood
cutting closures
Firewood cutting on public land managed by the U. S. Bureau
of Land Management in northeast California area is closed due to winter conditions.
All permits, including those issued in recent weeks, are suspended.
The seasonal wood cutting closures are in effect for lands managed
by the Alturas, Eagle Lake (Susanville) and Surprise field offices.
BLM officials said that deep snow prevents access to cutting
areas in high elevations, while mud is a problem in lower elevation areas.
BLM field offices will announce resumption of permit sales and authorize wood cutting when conditions improve this spring.
County building remains slow
Modoc County's Building Department issued eight permits in January,
worth an estimated $420,211. That's close to December when eight permits with
an estimated value of $368,001 were issued.
And that wasn't much different than the nine permits issued in November, worth
an estimated $416,215.
For January, one new office structure, an ag shop, two manufactured
homes and a parking garage made up the majority of the value.
The recent permits are down substantially from October when
25 permits were issued by the building department, worth an estimated $574,726.
September building activity in Modoc had dropped a little from August's 29
permits worth an estimated $1,069,022, to 24 permits worth an estimated $986,475.
The City of Alturas issued just four permits in January, worth $103,165. One new building made up most of that total. That was up from December when six permits worth $23,626 were issued. In November the City had 19 permits valued at $224,114.
Obituaries:
Charles Milton Shelton
Alturas resident Charles Milton Shelton, known as "Charlie"
to his friends, passed away Saturday, February 9, 2008 at the age of 77, at
Modoc Medical Center, Alturas, CA.
Born November 15, 1930 in Colfax County, Raton, New Mexico,
Charles was such a bright and intelligent child that he skipped several grades.
When he was 17, he graduated in 1947 from Arizona State College. He served
as a Private First Class with the U.S. Army from 1950-1956. Upon his discharge
he returned to earn his Bachelor of Science degree from Arizona State in Flagstaff,
AZ in 1958.
Mr. Shelton worked as an accountant in San Francisco's Financial
District. He also was a Merchant Marine who worked as a deck hand on San Francisco
Ferries in the Golden Gate for 15 years.
In 1993, he relocated to Alturas, where he loved playing golf, fishing and
became a member of the Alturas Elks Lodge. He leaves many friends.
He is survived by his sister Shirley Cricchio of San Jose, CA
and Donald Shelton, Miami, AZ; four nieces and three nephews.
To comply with his wishes, no formal services will be held.
Arrangements under the direction of Kerr Mortuary, Alturas.
Harold Lloyd Hall
Harold Lloyd Hall of Likely, CA passed away on February 4, 2008,
at 4:20 p.m. in Redding, CA at Regional Rehabilitation, where he accepted
Salvation, with family by his side. He was 72. Lloyd and Melvena have resided
at their Likely home for the last 42 years.
Born Harold Lloyd Hall in Westmoreland, CA on November 23, 1935,
to Preston Harold Hall and Mary Inez (Mansker) Hall, he was known as Lloyd
to all his friends. He loved people. After high school, he was stationed with
the U.S. Army in Germany and was highly regarded as a top driver for generals
and dignitaries while in the service of his country from 1956 until 1959.
Upon his discharge, Lloyd met his true love Melvena Ruth Lovelace of Yreka,
while they both attended the church where his father was a minister. He "gently
wooed, but firmly pursued" his young love until they were married May
5, 1959 in Red Bluff, CA, described Melvena.
"We had a wonderful life," said Melvena, who is also
known as "Bobbe." Lloyd was never without work. He worked for Robinson
Timber in Grass Valley, CA for several years as a logging truck driver, heavy
equipment hauler and drove special loads for the large company. During the
summers and weekends, he and his family would pack in as much fun as possible,
gold dredging, camping and having fun. The company wanted him to stay, but
Lloyd had visited Jess Valley and wanted to move there. Lloyd worked as a
foreman at the Likely Peat Moss plant, and at Oak Meadows for 20 years. Among
his varied responsibilities, he was also a good mechanic and worked at keeping
all the vehicles and equipment operating. He worked for Likely Land and Cattle
for 10 years and also constructed Likely Links Golf Course.
"They believed Lloyd could fix anything, and he was responsible
for building a lot during his lifetime. He could do or figure out anything,"
describes Melvena.
Lloyd enjoyed frequenting the Desert Rose Casino with friends.
"He really loved the people there," said Melvena.
He knew all of Modoc County like the back of his hand as he
loved hunting and fishing every year with friends and family. He loved camping
and big family gatherings.
Lloyd will be greatly missed by his wife of 50 years; his eldest
son Rick Lloyd Hall of Phoenix, AZ; his daughter Rhonda Lynn Atkins, Canby,
CA and his youngest son Terry Lee Hall of Alturas, CA. Lloyd had five granddaughters:
Elizabeth Lucille Hall, Tessa Leanne Atkins, Rochelle Ruth Hall, Alizza Anne
Atkins and Katelynn Ruth Hall; two grandsons Brandon Lee Atkins and T.J. Hall.
Lloyd has two brothers Gerald Lee Hall, Corning, CA and James Preston Hall
of Wheatland, CA; sister Janie Mae Roper of Oroville, CA; three nieces and
four nephews: Tamara, Patty and Debbie, Scott Hall, Kevin Rikard, Eric Rickard
and Jr. Hall.
Private interment will be at Likely Cemetery. A memorial service
is pending and will be held in Likely. Condolences and memorial contributions
may be sent to Melvena Hall, P.O. Box 493, Likely, CA 96116. Arrangements
are under the direction of Kerr Mortuary.
Robert Bob' Schwyhart
Robert (Bob) William Schwyhart passed away February 6, 2008,
at his home in Red Bluff, CA. Funeral services were held Tuesday, Feb. 12
at 1 p.m. at the Tehama District Fairgrounds in Red Bluff. Graveside services
will be held Thursday, Feb. 14 at 1 p.m. at the Alturas Cemetery in Alturas,
CA.
Bob was born January 20, 1951, in Alturas, California. He spent
his childhood and teen years living in Cedarville, CA. He graduated from Surprise
Valley High School in 1969. During the summers, when he was in high school,
he worked with his dad at the fairgrounds in Cedarville. In August 1969, Bob
joined the Marines. He served in Vietnam Vet from 1969 until 1971, when he
was honorably discharged as an E3 Lance Corporal. During his military career
he received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/1
star, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal with device Rifle Sharp Shooter Badge.
When Bob returned from his military services, he worked at the Laxague Saw
Mill in Cedarville until December 1972, when he went to work for the Johnny
Hussa Ranch. Bob married the love of his life and best friend Daisy Lloyd
of Alturas on May 5, 1972, in Alturas, CA. They have one son, Bobby Schwyhart
who resides in Caldwell, Idaho. Bobby is married to Jolene and they have two
daughters, Dakota and Nikki, and two sons, Nicholas and Joey. Bob and Daisy
have one daughter, Shawna Schwyhart who resides in Santa Cruz, CA. In 1973,
Bob left the Johnny Hussa Ranch. He moved his family to Yreka, CA, where he
worked as the Junior Maintenance Man for the 10th District Ag Association
from 1973 until 1980. In October 1980, Bob took the position of Senior Maintenance
person for the 30th District Ag Association in Red Bluff, CA. where he worked
until January 2006 when he retired. Bob will be remembered in great admiration
for the hard work and commitment he made to the 30th District Ag Association
and the many friends he made there throughout the years.
Bob was predeceased in death by his father Issac William Schwyhart,
mother Betty Ann Schwyhart, and brother Dale Walter Schwyhart. He is survived
by his wife Daisy of Red Bluff, son Bobby and wife Jolene of Caldwell, Idaho;
daughter Shawna of Santa Cruz, CA; granddaughters Dakota and Nikki, and grandsons
Nicholas and Joey of Caldwell Idaho.
Robert Ray Bender
Robert Ray Bender was born June 24, 1966, in Parker, Arizona
and Entered into Rest January 26, 2008 in Parker, AZ, due to complications
of pneumonia. He was buried February 2, 2008 at Parker Colorado River Indian
Tribal Cemetery.
A member of the Mojave and Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, Robert
had 12 brothers and sisters, three who preceded him in death. Robert lived
in Ft. Bidwell for 16 years with his long-time companion Neasha Comanche until
she passed away. He then returned to Arizona, where he lived. While living
in Ft. Bidwell, Robert was employed at Surprise Valley Community Hospital
as a housekeeper and a Certified Nurses Aide for many years. He was also a
great basketball player who would be at all the tournaments in the area. That
was Robert's greatest hobby.
After hearing of his passing, a group of close friends and relatives traveled to Parker, AZ to attend his funeral. Robert has many friends and relatives who will miss him dearly. He leaves behind a son Christopher Bender and granddaughter Jasmine, who reside in Arizona; daughter LeeAnn Comanche and grandchildren Selynn and Lendrick Polite of Oberlin, Louisiana. Cards and letters of condolence may be sent to Christopher Bender, P.O. Box 2232, Poston, AZ 85371
Sports
Modoc powers way to 9th straight SCL wrestling
title
While Modoc head wrestling coach Shaun Wood felt the team's
ninth straight Shasta Cascade League wrestling title could be in question
this year, the Braves had other thoughts.
Modoc put 13 wrestlers, out of a possible 14 divisions, in the
finals during last weekend's SCL championships, pinning the title with 253.5
points, miles ahead of Trinity's 160.5 and Mt. Shasta's 153.5. The remaining
teams scored as follows: Big Valley 81.5; Modoc JV 46; Etna 36; Weed 35; Burney
32.5; Trinity JV 27; Fall River 22.5; Tulelake 14 and Mount Shasta JV 10.
"We did very well and we had some kids get into the finals
that really pushed us over the top," Wood said. "I was very pleased
with our performance."
Modoc had six individual league champions: Josh Wood won at 215 pounds; Jacob
Ketler won at heavyweight; David Holloway won at 160 pounds; Kyle Hartman
won at 152 pounds; Victor Garcia won at 125 pounds; and Cody Book won at 103
pounds.
Placing second for the Braves were: David Potter, 112 pounds;
Kevin Richardson at 119 pounds; Kyle Voth at 130 pounds; Josue Madrigal at
135 pounds; Trey Wright at 145 pounds; Tyler Wood at 171 pounds; and Tyler
Stains at 189 pounds.
Alex Moreo took a third at 103 pounds, while Gustavo Chavez
was third at 125 pounds; Kevin Jones third at 152 pounds; and Miguel Torres
third at 215 pounds. Tim Holloway was fifth at 130 pounds; Webb Dunn was fifth
at 140 pounds; and Aurora Hall was fifth at 145 pounds.
The top four wrestlers qualified for the Division III Championships
this weekend in Portola, but Modoc is allowed only one wrestler per weight
division. That means Modoc will take 13 wrestlers to the event.
Coach Wood said the team competition will be between Modoc,
Trinity, Willows and Durham and he said the results should be close. Modoc
will go into the event as the top seed.
In the dual meets at the league finals, Modoc beat Trinity 54-24 and Mt. Shasta 61-18.
Modoc boys, girls split in action
Modoc boys and girls varsity teams split Shasta Cascade League
basketball contests this week.
The boys beat Mt. Shasta 42-29 after trailing 25-18 at halftime.
The Braves outscored the Bears 24-14 in the second half. Justin Estes led
the scoring with 17, while Dee Hunsaker and Trent Schmidt added 10 each.
The Braves couldn't keep pace with the Etna Lions, losing 78-56.
Modoc led 18-17 in the first, but the Lions took over in the second leading
37-31 by half. Etna led 53-46 after three, but outscored Modoc 25-10 in the
fourth period. Estes led with 15; Schmidt added 14 and Hunsaker had 10.
The Braves lost to Trinity Monday night 60-42 after taking a
15-13 first period lead. The Wolves took a 33-27 lead at the half and pushed
that to a 47-35 lead after three. Trinity outscored Modoc 13-7 in the fourth.
Estes scored 12 points; Daniel Morgan and Dee Hunsaker each
scored nine.
The boys are now 13-8 overall and 6-4 in Shasta Cascade League play and should
make the playoffs.
Modoc's girls won a thriller in overtime against Mt. Shasta,
beating them 41-38. The win was tough, as Modoc led 14-8 in the first, and
23-17 at halftime. The Bears cut into the lead 31-28 after three and tied
the game at 35-35 in the fourth. Both teams scored three in the first overtime
period to leave the game knotted at 38, but Modoc put up three to the Bears'
none in the second overtime for the win.
Sarah Catania led the Braves with 13 points and Emily Conner
added 12.
Modoc lost to Burney 40-33. The Raiders took a 13-7 first period lead and
built that to a 20-13 halftime advantage. Each team scored 20 points in the
second half. Sami Schmidt led the scoring with 12 and Conner added 10.
Modoc's girls lost a game to Trinity 56-49 Monday. Modoc led
11-8 in the first but Trinity took a 25-22 halftime lead and led 42-35 after
three. Each team scored 14 in the fourth. Conner led the scoring with 18,
Catania added 16 for Modoc.
Modoc's girls are now 6-14 overall and 4-6 in SCL play and may
not make the playoffs.
The Braves played Fall River after presstime Wednesday and finish the regular season hosting Trinity Friday night.
February 21, 2008
News
Haralson will face murder trial
Robert Chad Haralson will be put on trial for the murder of
Betty Lou Parks.
That was the decision of Modoc Superior Court Judge Francis
W. Barclay last week after three days of compelling courtroom testimony and
evidence presentation in a pre-trial hearing held in Alturas Feb. 13-15. The
hearing was held to determine whether or not to try Haralson for the crime.
"I do find that there has been sufficient evidence and
testimony to establish probable cause," said Barclay, ruling immediately
and without hesitation after the last of the witnesses testified on Friday.
In a case with all the twists and turns of a television drama, Gary Woolverton,
Modoc County District Attorney presented evidence and questioned numerous
witnesses in the baffling, 15-year-old murder case. John Webster represented
Haralson, occasionally objecting to the prosecutor's questions and asking
his own questions of each of the witnesses.
Called "Rob" by all of the witnesses, festooned with tattoos on his head, neck and arms and wearing glasses, Haralson sat impassively during the entire hearing in his orange prison jumpsuit.
Furthermore, he showed no emotion when Barclay announced his
decision to hold Haralson for trial.
Parks, a 14-year-old Alturas girl, went missing the summer of 1992 after a
swimming outing with friends in the Pit River at Fitch's Bridge on Highway
395 north and east of town. Several witnesses testified as to Parks' movements
that day, including a girlfriend and a neighbor.
She was not found until almost a year later, in May of 1993.
Her remains, later identified by DNA tests, were discovered
in an area adjacent to the Modoc Estates near a dilapidated mobile home where
trash and junk had been dumped. A passerby walking her dog discovered a decomposed
human skull when she investigated to see what caused the dog to become agitated
and begin barking.
Former county sheriff Bruce Mix testified that when he and his
deputies were called to the scene, they found the skull "with a slight
amount of flesh" lying about four feet from "a piece of particleboard."
When they moved the particleboard, they found a nearly complete human skeleton,
with the bones generally arranged "where they should be."
They subsequently recovered the bones together with a black
bra, cutoff pants, and "a large amount of human hair." Parks' neighbor,
Sharry Morava, testified that the bra and pants were those she had loaned
to Parks the day she went missing. Park's mother, Bonnie Dukes, identified
the hair recovered at the scene as that of her daughter.
Scientific evidence as to the cause of death was submitted by
way of testimony from Dr. Joseph Tripoli, a forensic pathologist, who performed
the autopsy. Saying that there were at least two blows to the head, one to
the back of the head and one to the right forehead, Dr. Tripoli admitted in
cross examination that "it's difficult for me to say how many impacts"
were administered.
He nevertheless identified the fatal blow as the one to the
temporal region of the forehead, just behind and above the right eye, saying
that the individual would have been completely incapacitated by such a blow.
The doctor pointed to another "depression" on the opposite side
of the skull as a "contra coup" injury, possibly sustained as a
result of the primary blow to the temple. He identified the murder weapon
as "a blunt object."
Dr. Turhon Murad, a physical anthropologist who is often called
to assist in the identification of remains, emphatically declared that his
examination of the skull revealed that the individual died as the result of
"blunt force to the head." While DNA evidence had not yet been obtained
at that time, he was able to identify the individual as an adolescent female.
"I thought the person may have been hit rather dramatically
on the right side," said Dr. Murad, adding that the murder weapon could
have been "anything that was sufficiently heavy with a broad surface."
Under oath, Mix testified that he kept the cause of death to
himself in order to aid in the investigation. Only the murderer or a witness
would be likely to know the exact cause of death. So, he withheld that information
from the public in order to validate testimony and eliminate suspects.
Crucial and graphic evidence supporting the forensics conclusions
came in the form of a videotaped interview with Christopher Bradbury, who
is the alleged witness to the murder. Played for the court, the videotape
showed Bradbury at the site where the murder allegedly took place. He described
in detail the events which led to Parks' demise that day for the investigator,
who held the video camera.
Significantly, Bradbury's description of Haralson's actions toward Parks that
day seems to mirror the conclusions of the pathologist and the anthropologist.
Bradbury told how an argument erupted between Haralson and Parks
when she would not submit to him, and he subsequently tore her shirt in a
scuffle. "Rob wanted to date her," said Bradbury of Parks.
Feeling sympathy for her, Bradbury claimed to have then taken
off his own shirt to give it to the girl.
After Parks spurned Haralson's overtures, she turned and walked away from
the two boys, toward the pickup truck they arrived in, which was parked near
the abandoned trailer. Haralson paused momentarily before starting up the
trail after her. "I thought he was going to apologize to her for tearing
her shirt," said Bradbury.
According to Bradbury, Haralson next picked up a rock and cocked
his arm. "I seen Rob throw a rock and hit her in the back of the head,"
said Bradbury.
Stunned, the petite teenager began screaming as she ran toward
the trailer. "She was screaming in fear and pain, I believe," Bradbury
said. "I can't really believe what's happening."
Parks next rounded the corner of the trailer, with Haralson
in hot pursuit. Both were out of Bradbury's sight for a few moments, and he
heard no more screaming.
When he rounded the corner, Bradbury alleged that Parks was
on the ground and Haralson was "stomping on her head . . . stomping hard."
He testified that Haralson then picked up a "basketball-sized rock and
smashed it down."
Bradbury testified about Parks' injuries in gruesome detail,
but his recollection of events after that is "fuzzy." He recalled
seeing Parks' body dragged to the spot and covered by "plywood,"
where it was later found.
He told that he feared Haralson might do the same to him, that
Haralson told him to say nothing of the incident and that he was equally guilty.
"I very rarely saw Rob after that," Bradbury said.
Bradbury claimed that by testifying, "the only thing I gain is a little
peace of mind."
Two inmates who once shared a prison cell with Haralson at different
times also presented key testimony. Both Burt "Demon" Lewis and
Scott "Speedy" Williams testified that Haralson claimed to have
murdered a woman in order to qualify for membership in a prison gang called
the Nazi Low Riders. When they later learned Parks' young age, they both agreed
to testify against him. "We don't believe in crimes against kids,"
said Lewis. "A little girl was killed . . . It bothered me a lot."
Details in the testimony of both criminals tended to corroborate the Bradbury
account, particularly the details of the cause of death, which Mix had withheld
from public knowledge.
Haralson pled "not guilty" to both counts against him after Judge Barclay's decision. The trial is set to begin in mid-March.
Supervisor
seats will be contested in June
All races for Modoc County Supervisor in the June 3 Primary
Election will be contested.
Supervisors Mike Dunn, Patricia Cantrall and Shorty Crabtree
are seeking re-election. Two people have taken out papers to runs against
Dunn: Bullock's Donut Shop owner Jeff Bullock and long time resident Bob Clark.
Cantrall will face a challenge from Walt Nicholson, of Jess
Valley.
New this week are challengers to District Four's Crabtree. Two
people have taken out papers for that seat: Ron McCullough and Jim Wills.
The filing period is open through March 7.
Also on the June Primary Ballot will be the Alturas City Council
seats of John Schreiber, Cheryl Nelson and George Andreasen. Nelson and Schreiber
will run for another term, but Andreasen said he will bow out. As of today,
one person has taken out papers for City Council, Alturas businessman Bobby
Ray.
Alturas City Clerk Cary Baker is also seeking re-election to
her position.
The nomination period runs through March 7 normally, but if Andreasen does not file, the council period will be extended for five days.
Newell area hit by gang violence
While Modoc County has been relatively immune from gang activity,
District Attorney Gary Woolverton and Sheriff Mark Gentry said that calm came
to a sudden end in October and December in Newell.
According to Woolverton, there are currently two separate and
distinct gang prosecutions ongoing in Modoc Superior Court involving two separate
gangs and several individuals.
Woolverton said the first gang-related crime occurred Oct. 6
when five members of a gang called the Nortenos attacked a rival gang known
as Surenos.
That attack apparently sparked retaliation by the Surenos, who
attacked the Nortenos in Newell on Dec. 16. While both attacks included firearms,
the Dec. 16 attack is considered the more serious of the two since shots were
fired into an occupied residence.
Both cases have had some twists and turns along the way.
"The Oct. 6 crime is complicated," said Woolverton.
"Apparently in late September or early October there was a gang fight
between the two rival gangs in Merrill, Or. It is not known whether the attacks
by the Nortenos against the Surenos was in retaliation, but the victims mentioned
the Merrill, Or. fight when they were interviewed. That attack involved five
individuals, four of whom were adults and one a juvenile. The names of the
four adults were Victor Chavolla, Ricardo Chavolla, Alejandro Perez and Luis
Valerio."
All five of the suspects were arrested, and a preliminary hearing
was held Oct. 31. Each of the gang members was bound over on assault with
a deadly weapon and other charges.
Woolverton said at the preliminary hearing a gang expert was
not available, so his office was unable to establish gang enhancements or
gang type crimes. Therefore, on Jan. 29, he dismissed that series of cases
and refiled the complaint including the gang-related enhancements. That case
went to preliminary hearing on Feb. 6 with gang experts available. Before
the hearing started, the defendants asked for a recess and following consultation,
asked Woolverton to consider a plea agreement.
He agreed, with approval of Sheriff's Deputy William Engel, the lead investigator,
and Sheriff Mark Gentry, to a plea that would have them plead guilty to felony
assault with a deadly weapon, that they be placed on five years probation,
that the probation include standard gang provisions, such as not being a member
of a gang, nor associated with a known or reputed gang member, no colored
gang attire, no gang paraphernalia, not being on the grounds of any school
unless enrolled or with prior administrative approval, not frequent areas
of gang activity, or be in possession of a paging device or scanner.
Four of the defendants entered no contest pleas to the felony
assault with a deadly weapon and the fifth defendant will enter a plea at
a future date. Sentencing on the plea agreements is set for April 1.
According to the DA, on Dec. 16, five suspected members of the Surenos gang
- Jonathan Gomez, Josue Gomez, Temoc Azamar, Ulisses Garcia Perez and Jose
Luis Garcia Perez - are alleged to have fired several shots into an inhabited
Newell residence and were charged with attempted murder, assault with a deadly
weapon, shooting into an inhabited dwelling, gang crimes and gang enhancements.
A preliminary hearing was set for Jan. 30, with only one gang
expert called to testify. That expert became extremely ill the morning of
the hearing. Woolverton said the gang expert was unable to testify and all
the defendants were still in custody. He said that presented him with a legal
problem.
"Under California law, absent waivers by the defendants, a preliminary
hearing must take place in one session," he said. "Therefore it
was not possible to put on part of the hearing and then continue it to a future
date for the testimony of the gang expert. Additionally, California law requires
in custody defendants to have their preliminary hearing within the 10-day
period. The judge must dismiss the charges against the defendants if the hearing
cannot be held within 10 days of their arraignment."
Woolverton said he opted to release the defendants from custody on their own
recognizance rather than have the judge dismiss the case. That decision caused
some concern in the community. A new hearing was scheduled for Feb. 20 and
two gang experts were to testify.
Sheriff Gentry, investigating Deputies Engel and Dirk Williams
felt releasing the defendants on their own recognizance "made more sense
than starting the case all over." The OR release contains some strict
gang-related conditions and strict stay-away orders.
Woolverton said law enforcement has done a thorough job on the Dec. 16 case and his office is prepared to proceed with the prosecution. He declined to state the probable range of punishment, but said the case is considered more serious than the one resolved through plea bargain on Feb. 6.
No layoffs in MJUSD picture as budget
tightens
The Modoc Joint Unified School District is blessed with healthy
reserve, and Superintendent Lane Bates said he and the Board of Trustees made
the decision to dip into that reserve this year to avoid any employee layoffs.
"We are not looking at any reduction in force for the coming
year," said Bates Tuesday. "We believe we can cover the costs for
the next year and in the short term ride out this budget crisis."
Bates is well aware that the district went about $380,000 into deficit spending
last year and can't continue to absorbing those types of costs on a year-to-year
basis.
Bates said the District has nearly $630,000 remaining from last
year's allocation of Secure Schools funding (formerly Forest Reserves) and
is treating those funds as one-time monies. There remains a big question mark
as to whether the Secure Schools fund will be approved at the federal level
this year, and in what form.
What would the allocation of those funds ($730,000) mean to
the District? According to Bates, it would mean going from the deficit spending
situation to a positive financial period and lessening the impact on the reserves.
In addition, the current state budget crisis will have an impact
on the local schools, but just what the actual numbers will be remains in
the projected impact realm.
Bates said it's his and the Board's desire to keep communication
lines open within the district and community and to operate above board. It's
pretty common knowledge that the state and federal budget cuts are going to
have an impact on the district, but reassuring the staff that their jobs aren't
in jeopardy is vital, Bates said.
Bates, who took over the reigns of the district last fall, said
he is blessed with an excellent adminsitrative team, quality staff and a Board,
which is involved and interested to solutions. He believes in coordinated
problem solving, using more of a team effort and not the "top-down"
philosophy often practiced.
"When we have a problem, we put the issue on the table
and discuss possible solutions," Bates said. "We problem solve together
and we leave the table with a plan. We work as a team, we have good people
who care about the education of our students."
He said the District has to address the state accountability
standards, but its goal is to educate the whole student and maintain the education
programs needed. Two areas the District will address for the next school year
are the science and math programs at Modoc Middle School and Modoc High School.
On a positive note, Bates said the declining student population
trends may have reversed or at least leveled out. The Average Daily Attendance
for the District in 2006 was 867 students and as of the first report for this
year it is up to 878. That's up for the first time in the past four years.
In 2003-04 the ADA stood at 938. In the not-too-distant pass the District
had over 1,100 students.
Bates said the upward trend is bolstered by larger student populations
this year in the Kindergarten and first grade classes. An increase in ADA
translates directly into more funding from the state.
"I'm learning and this has been an eye-opener," Bate said. "It's
been a challenge, but I like new challenges and I think things are going well.
The morale in the district is good and we will address issues openly. I believe
I'm a good listener, and I value the staff's input."
There are a variety of issues that will come to the forefront over the year, the budget probably taking center stage. Bates knows there will be some bumps in the road, but expresses solid confidence in the people who work in education at the district and county levels.
APD investigating several crimes
The Alturas Police Department is investigating three violent
cases that occurred last week.
On the evening of Feb. 15, two or three people jumped Gary Smith behind Quizno's
Sandwich shop on Main Street. Smith sustained a serious concussion and had
to be airlifted out of the county for treatment. Police are searching for
at least one of the attackers, who has been identified, alleging assault and
battery.
Police are also searched for Ronald Lindsey, Jr. alleging spousal
abuse, false imprisonment and assault with the intent to cause great bodily
harm. The incident happened over a four-day period but was reported Feb. 16
according to Police. The victim was flown out and was hospitalized for three
days. Lindsey has not been apprehended.
Police are also investigating serious injuries to Richie Chapman. He was discovered at the Charles Redding residence in Alturas and was flown out for treatment. No charges have been filed and the case remains under investigation.
Obituaries:
Dorothy Feldhake
Former Alturas resident Dorothy Marie Feldhake, age 97, passed
away at Mercy San Juan Hospital in Carmichael, CA, Jan. 9, 2008. She
was born June 26, 1910, in Columbus, Ohio, to John W. and Olivia Jacobs Vernon.
She lived in Concord, CA, from 1940 to 1968, in Paradise from
1968 to 1996, then resided with family in Concord, San Jose, Central
Point, OR, Alturas, CA, (with niece Jo Harder) and Fair Oaks, before
moving to Carmichael. She was a member of the Holy Family Church of
San Jose and St. Thomas More Church of Paradise, where she was housekeeper
for eight years. She also attended Shepherd of the Valley Church in
Central Point and Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Alturas.
An active supporter of Veterans, she belonged to several auxiliary groups,
and the GPO chapter of NARFE. Starting as a nurse's aide in the 1940s,
Dorothy later became an LVN. After retirement she worked in nursing
homes in Paradise and also volunteered on behalf of nursing home residents.
Her family was her greatest priority. She enjoyed reading, crafts, and
traveling.
Dorothy will be missed by her loving children, Byron Feldhake of Concord, William Feldhake of Oregon, Mary Cosme of Fair Oaks, eight grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Bill, and brother John. The funeral liturgy was celebrated Jan.16, at St. Agnes Church in Concord, with burial following at St. Stephen's Cemetery. Her loving heart and generous ways will always be remembered by her family.
Friday service for 'Lloyd' Hall
Harold Lloyd Hall of Likely, CA will be laid to rest at the
Likely Cemetery on Friday, February 22 at 3:45 p.m. Pastor Destry Campbell
will conduct the graveside service with family and friends welcome. A potluck
gathering will follow at the Likely Fire Hall, where all who knew Mr. Hall
are welcome to bring a favorite dish to share.
Mr. Hall passed away on February 4, 2008, in Redding, CA. He
was 72. He was a 42-year resident of Likely.
Lloyd will be greatly missed by his wife Melvena of 50 years; his eldest son Rick Lloyd Hall of Phoenix, AZ; his daughter Rhonda Lynn Atkins, Canby, CA and his youngest son Terry Lee Hall of Alturas, CA; five granddaughters: Elizabeth Lucille Hall, Tessa Leanne Atkins, Rochelle Ruth Hall, Alizza Anne Atkins and Katelynn Ruth Hall; two grandsons Brandon Lee Atkins and T.J. Hall; two brothers Gerald Lee Hall, Corning, CA and James Preston Hall of Wheatland, CA; sister Janie Mae Roper of Oroville, CA; three nieces and four nephews: Tamara, Patty and Debbie, Scott Hall, Kevin Rikard, Eric Rickard and Jr. Hall. Condolences and memorial contributions may be sent to Melvena Hall, P.O. Box 493, Likely, CA 96116. Arrangements are under the direction of Kerr Mortuary.
Sports
Braves win Small School wrestling title
Modoc's wrestling team just keeps filling up the trophy case.
The Braves won their second consecutive North Section Small
Schools title in Portola last weekend with 207 points, well ahead of Willows
with 162 and Trinity 131, Durham 134, Chester 108, Mt. Shasta 94, Quincy 79,
Hamilton City 69, Esparto 64, Los Molinos 61, Portola 48, Burney 34, Biggs
32, Bishop Quinn 27, Etna 25, Big Valley 23, Weed 22, Fall River 20, Tulelake
4, Redding Christian and Westwood 0.
The top four placers at small schools qualify for the North
Section Masters Tournament this Thursday and Friday in Redding. The top two
there qualify for the State Championships in Bakersfield Feb. 29-March 1.
"I though it might be a little closer, but we put 11 guys
in the semi-finals and had five in the finals," said coach Shaun Wood.
"That sealed it for us. And the team really wrestled well. We had 12
guys place 6th or better."
Modoc's 215 pounder, Josh Wood, goes into the Master as the
number one seed and is Modoc's best chance at making the state finals. Heavyweight
Jacob Ketler also has a very good chance to advance to state.
At the Small Schools Final, Wood had no trouble winning the
215-pound category. Ketler took a second, but will probably get to see that
wrestler again at the Masters.
Josue Madrigal won the title at 135 pounds for Modoc.
Kevin Richardson took a second at 119 pounds and Kyle Hartman was second at 152. Kyle Voth placed third at 130 pounds, Victor Garcia was third at 125 pounds, and David Holloway took third at 160 pounds. Tyler Wood took a fourth at 171 pounds while David Potter was fifth at 112 pounds and Tyler Stains took fifth at 189 pounds. Cody Book took a sixth at 103 pounds. Webb Dunn and Trey Wright wrestled well, but finished just one match out of the medals.
Boys in hoop playoffs, girls miss cut
Modoc's boys varsity team got the 10th seed, out of 16, in the
CIF North Section Division V boys basketball playoffs and played seventh seed
Tulelake, there last night after press time.
Modoc's varsity girl's team did not make the post season, finishing
with a record of 6-16 overall and 4-8 in the Shasta Cascade League. The boys
finished at 14-9 and 7-5 in the SCL.
Both teams lost their final games of the season to Trinity Feb.
15. Modoc's girls fell 52-41.
Modoc's boys come into the playoff after the 65-55 loss to Trinity. The Braves
led 13-7 in the first, and led 30-19 at halftime. Trinity blew them away in
the second half, outscoring the Braves 21-11 in the third and 25-14 in the
fourth. Trent Schmidt led the scoring with 21 and Justin Estes added 13.
Modoc beat Fall River Feb. 13, 54-38, after jumping out to a
15-4 first period lead. Modoc led 29-16 at halftime and 44-29 after three.
Schmidt led with 18 points; Estes added 13 and Dee Hunsaker 10.
If Modoc beats Tulelake, they would probably have to travel to the winner
of the Pierce (seeded number 2) versus Los Molinos, seeded number 15, on Feb.
22.
The following are the seedings for the tournament: 1, Liberty
Christian; 2, Pierce; 3, Quincy; 4, Redding Christian; 5, Portola; 6, Hamilton;
7, Tulelake; 8, Etna; 9, Durham; 10, Modoc; 11, Weed; 12, East Nicolaus; 13,
Chester; 14, Esparto; 15, Los Molinos; and 16, Fall River.
The girls lost to Fall River Dec. 13, 50-47. Fall River led
13-6 in the first, but Modoc led 21-19 by half. The Braves held a 32-29 lead
after three, but Fall River outscored them 21-15 in the fourth period for
the win. Emily Conner led with 15 points; Brynn Juanarena added 11 and Sarah
Catania had 10.
Against Trinity, Modoc was tied at 20 at halftime. Trinity outscored them 15-7 in the third and 17-14 in the fourth. Catania led with 10 points, Sammy Schmidt had nine and Michel Funk and Juanarena each netted eight.
Hornets advance in playoffs
Surprise Valleys' boys varsity basketball team beat Downieville
69-49 in the first round of the Division VI North Section Basketball playoffs
Tuesday night, there. They will travel to Hayfork tonight for their second
round game.
The Hornets survived the five-hour drive to Downieville and
came out strong with a 19-19 first period. Surprise Valley jumped up to a
34-21 lead at halftime and led 56-32 after three.
Chris Fenske and Alex Konz led the balanced scoring attack with 14 points each, Kevin Quick chipped in with 12, Geoffrey Washburn added 10, Sal Ruiz had eight, Ian Konz seven and Jordon Mussa four.
February 28th, 2008
News
Board approves hospital price increase
The Modoc County Board of Supervisors Tuesday approved a host
of recommendations from Interim Chief Administrative Officer Jim Sato and
staff.
Sato had presented Supervisors a lengthy and detailed analysis
of his recommendations, backed up by current and historical financial data.
Probably the biggest issue the board approved was an average
22 percent price increase at Modoc Medical Center for services at the facilities,
and relating items approving a sliding fee scale for the clinic and Fair Pricing
Policy for the hospital. The later two issues would cover patients who do
not have third party insurance and would provide a discount based upon income.
In addition, the Board approved an increase in the on-call pay
for ambulance employees from the current $2.75 per hour to $3.00 per hour,
changed an accounting position to Revenue Cycle Coordinator and added a temporary
position to the business office.
Sato said one of his main objectives was to enhance the revenue
producing side of the hospital, by reinstating services for the community
and adding new and needed services.
For instance, the CT Scanner that has been leased is expected
to be in and running by April 30, although there has been some delay in manufacturing,
Sato said.
Sato will be on board at MMC until April 30, when he'll be off
to assist another hospital. He told the Board he would like to see it advertise
and possibly hire a full time, non-interim administrator by that time. He
would like the county to continue recruitment of that position in earnest.
Sato said he is feeling very positive about the Critical Access
Hospital certification and believes MMC will pass that survey once it is undertaken
by the state. He projects the extra funding from that CAH designation could
come as early as September. Sato said a second audit firm confirmed the initial
estimate that the CAH revenue could amount to about $700,000 annually to MMC.
He said he has no reason to doubt those figures, which would be a large boost
to the hospital's bottom line.
Some of his other revenue enhance goals are to reduce the days
in accounts receivable (billing) to 60 by June 30. The current time lapse
is about 97 days. The staff is evaluating every step of the revenue cycle
now to determine where the bill is stuck.
Another big revenue producing item is filling the beds at Warnerview,
the skilled nursing facility. The current Warnerview patient number is 42
and Sato would like to see that increased to 50 by June 30.
According to Sato's presentation, the percent of revenue at Modoc Medical
Center by department is as follows: Hospital inpatient 7.2 percent; hospital
outpatient 50.7 percent; Warnerview 30.3 percent; and Clinic 11.8 percent.
Sato would also like to see the hospital inpatient and clinic levels improve.
According to MMC's business office estimate, from October 2007 through December
2007, Medi-Cal amounted to 42 percent of the revenue; Medicare accounted for
33 percent; commercial and third party payers 17 percent; and private pay
eight percent.
At Warnerview, 86 percent of the revenue came from Medi-Cal
and another 10 percent from Medicare. Medicare picked up 62 percent of the
hospital inpatient care and Medi-Cal another 17 percent. Private insurance
accounted for 26 percent of hospital outpatient and 28 percent of the clinic
revenue. Private pay chipped in 14 percent of inpatients and 10 percent of
the clinic revenue.
Sato estimates that the revenue enhancement with the CAH $700,000
and another $1.5 million from the prices increase and increases in usage and
services could bring MMC near break-even or even into the black with proper
management.
Sato and county staff, with Board approval, are also providing assistance to the Save our Hospital Committee to share a strategic/business plan that can be used in the LAFCO (Local Agency Formation Commission) to meet deadlines to get a hospital district formation and related property tax issue on the November ballot.
Save Hospital
Group gets reactivated
The Save Our Hospital Committee has been eerily absent from
the public view over the past few weeks, but has resurfaced again this week.
One of the major issues facing the hospital committee is moving
the district formation proposal through the Local Agency Formation Commission,
LAFCO. That process is getting some help now from county officials as well
as the hospital staff and new hospital advisory committee.
According to SOH spokespeople, the Board of Supervisors, Hospital
Advisory Board, and SOH are meeting now to hammer out a Memorandum of Understanding.
That MOU will detail the actual process and configuration of the hospital
district and operation, if the voters approve the district formation and funding.
At this point, the exact boundaries of the hospital district
and tax level structures are in flux, but progress is being made and the SOH
Committee will make those details known in the relatively near future.
While the SOH Committee has tentatively geared for an election
in November 2008, a variety of items have to fall into place in a timely fashion
for that to happen. Voters in the proposed district will be asked two questions;
first whether to form the district, which takes a simple majority to pass;
and two, and the most difficult, whether to approve a tax to fund the district
which will require a two-thirds majority to pass.
"SOH Committee is making progress defining the proposed
hospital district boundaries, developing a working business plan in cooperation
with Modoc Medical Center, The Board of Supervisors, Interim Chief Executive
Officer Jim Sato, Mike and Kathy Philips, and the five-year financial proposal
which is required in order to proceed with the district formation," the
SOH press release states. "We especially wish to thank County Chief Administrative
Officer Mike Maxwell, the Board of Supervisors, Jim Sato and the entire Hospital
Advisory Board, whose chair is Judge Guy Martin Young. They have all been
of great assistance in developing and researching ideas and proposals to assist
the LAFCO efforts."
The next SOH meeting is set for March 19, 7 p.m. at Modoc High School's Shirley Oxley Hall. The next Hospital Advisory Board meeting is March 20, 6 p.m. in the MMC Conference Room.
No additions to county races
There are no changes in the Modoc County Supervisor races for
the June 3 Primary Election.
Supervisors Mike Dunn, Patricia Cantrall and Shorty Crabtree are all being
challenged. Two people have taken out papers to runs against Dunn: Bullock's
Donut Shop owner Jeff Bullock and long time resident Bob Clark.
Cantrall will face a challenge from Walt Nicholson, of Jess
Valley.
Challengers to District Four's Crabtree are Ron McCullough and
Jim Wills.
The filing period is open through March 7.
Also on the June Primary Ballot will be the Alturas City Council
seats of John Schreiber, Cheryl Nelson and George Andreasen. Nelson and Schreiber
will run for another term. One person has taken out papers, Alturas businessman
Bobby Ray.
Alturas City Clerk Cary Baker is also seeking re-election to
her position.
The nomination period runs through March 7 normally, but if Andreasen does not file, the council period will be extended for five days.
Fire destroys 2nd street home
A Valentine's Day fire completely destroyed a home at 702 West
2nd Street in Alturas.
Alturas Fire Marshal Steve Jacques said the fire was reported
at 2:46 a.m. and the first fire truck left the barn three minutes later. When
fire crews arrived, the single-family home was fully engulfed in flames.
Three residents were in the home when the fire erupted and all
three escaped, reporting only minor injuries from breaking out a window and
escaping through the broken glass.
According to Jacques, the possible cause of the fire was embers
coming from the fireplace. There was heavy fire and smoke damage throughout
the structure.
Fire crews knocked down the fire and were on the scene for about an hour-and-a-half. Four engines and 18 firemen responded to the blaze.
Air Pollution district hosts meeting on diesel rig impacts
The Modoc County Air Pollution Control District is hosting a
public meeting March 5, 6 p.m. at the Brass Rail Banquet Room to address a
proposed new regulation that could impact many diesel-powered vehicles.
"The State of California Air Resources Board is in the
process of writing a regulation that will have a major impact on the owners
and operators of all heavy duty diesel-powered vehicles operating in California,"
states the APCD release. "In the present form, this regulation has the
potential to have a major financial impact on all individuals in the trucking
industry by requiring engine replacement, exhaust retrofits, and/or truck
replacement within a specified time line."
The regulation will specifically target the following: all heavy
duty diesel-fueled vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating greater than
14,000 pounds; any person, business or government agency that owns, leases,
rents, operates or sells heavy duty diesel vehicles; heavy duty diesel vehicles
that are designed to be driven on road even though they might not be registered
to be driven on road; school buses; and shuttle vehicles.
"It's important that all interested parties attend this meeting to gather information and learn what affect this regulation could have on all involved," states the APCD.
Obituaries:
Bertha Townsend
Bertha Townsend, 90, born Jan. 15, 1918 an Elder of the Fort
Bidwell Paiute Indian Reservation, passed away peacefully in her sleep on
Saturday, Feb. 9, 2008, at the Lake District Hospital in Lakeview, OR.
She attended school in Fort Bidwell and the Stewart Indian School
in Carson, NV. She married Herman Townsend and they raised six children. During
their working years, they resided in Willow Ranch, Alturas and Bly, OR, before
retiring to the Fort Bidwell Reservation.
Bertha worked as a cook for the local ranchers of Fort Bidwell,
housekeeper while residing in Alturas and 15 years as a Teacher's Aide in
Bly, OR, and Cedarville, CA, before retiring.
Bertha leaves behind her husband of 70 years, Herman Townsend,
and five children: Charlotte Brown, Randy Townsend, Cindy LameBull, Joe Townsend,
and Ann Cochran; Brothers, Ralph, Edson and Burt DeGarmo and sister, Lorraine
DeGarmo; 27 Grandchildren 62 great-grandchildren and 13 great-great grandchildren;
and numerous Nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents: Nettie and Nemsini
DeGarmo; son, Bobby Townsend; brothers, Amos, Ernie Merle and Clarence DeGarmo;
grandson, Tyler Townsend and great grandchildren, Reianna Townsend, Michael
Cochran and Loren Adams.
A wake was held at the Fort Bidwell Reservation gymnasium Friday
evening, Feb. 15, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m.,
Saturday, Feb. 16, 2008. The interment took place in the family plot at the
Fort Bidwell.
Ousley Osterman Huffstutter Funeral Chapel had charge of arrangements.
Leola Miller Kresge Dunkin
On February 10, 2008, Leola Miller Kresge Dunkin went to be
with her Lord. Leola was born August 24, 1921, in Adin, CA to Nathan Seward
and Laura Miller Kresge. Leola attended elementary and high school in Adin,
then went to Chico State College, graduating with a B.A. with teaching credentials
in elementary education.
While at Chico State, Leola met Millard Dunkin and married him
in Dec. 1942, a union lasting 62 years. Millard died in 2004. They had three
sons, Robert (Carolyn) of Paradise, Larry of Chico, and Dean (Mary) of Apple
Valley. While her sons were in elementary school, Leola was active in the
PTA, and Cub Scouts. She has three granddaughters, Janene (Robert's), Briana,
and Kristina (Dean's); one grandson, Mark (Robert's); two great-granddaughter's,
Kayla and Tori (Robert's) and numerous nieces and nephews.
Leola's two brothers, Marcel and Owen preceded her in death.
Leola and Millard, in the 30 years of service as Corps Sergeant
Majors at the Salvation Army, taught Sunday School classes for new soldiers,
worked at home league, rest home ministries and many other activities to numerous
to mention, Leola shall be missed, as was Millard.
Well done thou good and faithful servant.
Leola's service will be held on Friday, Feb. 15, 2008 at the
Chico Salvations Army Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests all donations be made to the Salvation
Army. Share your thoughts and memories of Leola online at www.nbcfh.com
Dorothy Feldhake
Former Alturas resident Dorothy Marie Feldhake, age 97, passed
away at Mercy San Juan Hospital in Carmichael, CA, Jan. 9, 2008. She was born
June 26, 1910, in Columbus, Ohio, to John W. and Olivia Jacobs Vernon.
She lived in Concord, CA, from 1940 to 1968, in Paradise from
1968 to 1996, then resided with family in Concord, San Jose, Central
Point, OR, Alturas, CA, (with niece Jo Harder) and Fair Oaks, before
moving to Carmichael. She was a member of the Holy Family Church of San Jose
and St. Thomas More Church of Paradise, where she was housekeeper for eight
years. She also attended Shepherd of the Valley Church in Central Point
and Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Alturas.
An active supporter of Veterans, she belonged to several auxiliary groups,
and the GPO chapter of NARFE. Starting as a nurse's aide in the 1940s, Dorothy
later became an LVN. After retirement she worked in nursing homes in
Paradise and also volunteered on behalf of nursing home residents. Her
family was her greatest priority. She enjoyed reading, crafts, and traveling.
Dorothy will be missed by her loving children, Byron Feldhake of Concord, William Feldhake of Oregon, Mary Cosme of Fair Oaks, eight grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Bill, and brother John. The funeral liturgy was celebrated Jan.16, at St. Agnes Church in Concord, with burial following at St. Stephen's Cemetery. Her loving heart and generous ways will always be remembered by her family.
Patsy Ruth Abasta
Patsy Ruth Abasta, loving wife, mother and grandmother, who
made Alturas her home for 30 years, passed away in Rogers, Arkansas on February
20, 2008, of natural causes after a long illness. Mrs. Abasta and her husband
Art relocated eight months ago to Rogers, Arkansas.
Patsy Ruth Cox was born on April 9, 1933, in Pitcher, Oklahoma.
She married Augustin "Art" ,Abasta in Reno, NV on May 13, 1960.
Mrs. Abasta, better known as Pat to her friends and family, was a chef at
California Pines Lodge. She later operated a Mexican restaurant at the Alamo
near Cal Pines, with her husband. She adored her children and grandchildren
and was always there for them. She will be dearly missed.
She leaves her husband Art of Rogers, AK; five children and
their children: daughter Teresa Eames and her family Thomas and Timothy Eames
of Rogers, AK and John Weber of Alturas, CA; daughter Diana Lawson and husband
Scott of Pomona, CA; son Gus Abasta of Denver, CO; daughter Patty Erd and
her family Bruce and Jessica Erd of Woodstock, GA; daughter Yvonne Zapeda
and her family Carlos, Mercedes, Reyna, Carlos and AJ Zapeda of Rio Vista,
CA and two brothers, Albert Cox and Morris Cox of Riverside, CA.
Benton Funeral Home in Rogers, Arkansas took care of arrangements.
The family plans to hold a memorial service in Alturas, CA later
this spring.
Condolences may be sent to the Abasta family at 601 W. Easy Street, Rogers, AK 72756.
Sports
Wood wins Masters, on to state finals
Modoc's Josh Wood pretty much cruised through the North Section
Master Wrestling Tournament in Redding last weekend and travels to Bakersfield
this week for the California State Wresting Championships.
Wood, a junior, is the son of wrestling coach Shaun Wood. His
older brother Travis was also a state finalist for Modoc.
Wood started the Masters with a pin of Enterprise's Gage Silkwood.
He then scored a technical fall 17-2 against Winter's Tyler Brickey. Wood
then had another technical fall 19-2 against Jim Longnecker of Chico. In the
finals match, he decisioned Austin Morehead, of Sutter, 13-2.
"Josh didn't have a lot of competition at the Masters,
and we knew that going in," said coach Wood. "He'll have some very
tough competition early at the state level. I believe he'll be able to place
at the state finals, it depends on the early draw. He's wrestling well right
now."
Josue Madrigal placed sixth at the Master's tourney in the 137-pound
divison. He won his first three matches by decision over Steve Alvarez, LO,
9-6; Jared Stine, Willows 6-4 and Brett Schumann of Foothill 7-6, before losing
to Pleasant Valley's Marcus Ocequeda 7-0.
Jacob Ketler, Modoc's heavyweight, was battling the flu during
the tourney and won the first patch but lost the second to Alex Pinto of Wheatland
and the third match to Thomas Conley of Oroville.
Modoc's Tyler Wood, at 173 pounds, David Holloway at 162 pounds,
Victor Garcia at 127 pounds, Kevin Richardson 121 pounds, Kyle Hartman at
154 pounds, and Kyle Voth at 132 pounds all competed at the masters.
Voth lost his first match by pin but pinned his second opponent before being eliminated. Hartman was pinned in his first match, but won his second match by decisions before being eliminated.
Honkers
bounce Braves from playoffs
The Tulelake Honkers bounced the Modoc Braves from the Division
V North Section boys basketball playoffs Feb. 20, by the score of 63-58.
The Honkers, who came in as the seventh seed and Modoc 10th,
took a 16-13 lead in the first period and led 33-28 at halftime. Both teams
played even in the second half, scoring 13 each in the third period and 17
each in the fourth. Modoc could not break into the lead.
Dee Hunsaker led the scoring with 20 points, while Justin Estes
and Trent Schmidt each added 12. Luke Woodson led Tulelake with 23 points,
Cody Dodson added 13 and Spencer Greenback added 11.
Tulelake upset number two seed Pierce, 48-44, in the second game Friday and played at Hamilton City last night after Record presstime.
Spring sports set to start, really
Area high schools are starting practice for baseball, softball,
track and golf this week, regardless of the weather forecast or field conditions.
Modoc Coach Tim MacDonnell will try to defend last year's section
championship in baseball. The first game is set for March 14 at Tulelake.
The Braves softball team, under new coach Tanya Conner, will start their season
with a March 14-15 Lassen tournament.
Modoc's track season starts slowly and will open with the Mt.
Shasta Time Trails April 3. There is no home meet.
The Braves golf team opened yesterday at Palo Cedro. On March 3, they travel to Enterprise's Sevillano Links. Harold Montague coaches the perennial SCL championship golf team.
News
CHP warns of suspicious incident in Valley
The Alturas California Highway Patrol is warning residents of
a suspicious incident, which occurred Feb. 26 in Surprise Valley involving
a traffic stop.
According to the CHP, a teenager was stopped on County Road
18 about 4 p.m. that day by a man driving a black SUV with tinted windows.
The SUV had a rotating blue light on its dashboard.
The teenager, thinking it was a law enforcement vehicle pulled over. The man
driving the SUV approached the teenager and flashed a badge identifying himself
as a special agent. The man asked a few questions and then let the teenager
leave. The man was described as a tall, white male with a stocky build and
a military style haircut. He was dressed in a dress shirt with a tie.
The CHP and Modoc Sheriff's Office do not have any officers
who drive a similar vehicle and there were no units in the area at the time.
The incident becomes more ominous, said Modoc Sheriff Mark Gentry
because in January, 1981 two college students from Washington were stopped
on U.S. 395 on the Madeline Plains by three men who red lighted them. The
two students were kidnapped and later murdered. The suspects in that case
were arrested and convicted of murder. One of them, Benjamin Silva appealed
his conviction and is now facing a new trial in Lassen County.
Gentry said there was also another similar incident about 10
years ago north of Canby on Highway 139 when a person with a fake badge stopped
a driver. There were no injuries in that case.
The CHP offers the following tips when you are not sure if a
legitimate officer is attempting to pull you over.
"Most units are distinguished with agency markings and
the officer is in an identifiable uniform. The units that are not marked are
generally not used for regular patrol, but if they are trying to pull you
over, they will have a steady red light and officers will identify what agency
they're with.
"If it is night time and you are not sure if the officer
is legitimate, obey all traffic laws (i.e. speed limit, etc.) until you reach
a place of safety such as a well-lit area or an area where people are located.
If it is in a remote area, officers will be understanding of the situation.
"If you have a cell phone, dial 9-1-1. Tell the dispatch
center your location and that you are not sure if it is an officer trying
to pull you over. They can communicate with any officer who is pulling you
over.
"If you see more than one patrol unit, they are most likely
legitimate officers.
"Keep your doors locked unless directed by the officer.
A regular patrol officer will be in a departmental uniform with modern equipment
and CHP officers will have a departmental identification in addition to a
badge."
For more safety tips, or for more information please contact the CHP at 530-233-2919. Anyone who has information on the suspicious incident should contact CHP Officer Seth Fletcher at the above number.
June primary
deadline nears for county, city
Candidates are close to being firmed up in the Modoc County
Supervisor races for the June 3 Primary Election.
Supervisors Mike Dunn, Patricia Cantrall and Shorty Crabtree
are all being challenged this year. Two people have taken out papers to runs
against Dunn: Bullock's Donut Shop owner Jeff Bullock and long time resident
Bob Clark.
Cantrall will face a challenge from Walt Nicholson, of Jess
Valley.
Challengers to District Four's Crabtree are Ron McCullough and
Jim Wills.
The nomination filing period will close March 7.
Also on the June Primary Ballot will be the Alturas City Council
seats of John Schreiber, Cheryl Nelson and George Andreasen. Nelson and Schreiber
will run for another term; Andreasen will not run again. One person has filed,
Alturas businessman Bobby Ray. The nomination period runs through March 12.
Alturas City Clerk Cary Baker is also seeking re-election to her position.
Study shows millions lost if MMC closes
While it comes as no surprise to Modoc County Supervisors, a
study commissioned by them on the economic impacts of losing Modoc Medical
Center is sobering.
The Center for Economic Development at Chico State presented
the study to the Board at Tuesday's meeting. The Board took the study under
advisement and will have more discussion on it in the near future.
According to the study, the gross economic impact of MMC, the
impact of all operations is nearly $12.5 million in revenue to businesses
and organizations, $5.7 million in labor income (income to employees and business
owners), and 160 jobs.
"This includes the direct impact of the hospital itself,
and a secondary impact of over $2.8 million in revenue to businesses and organizations,
over $830,000 in labor income and 26 jobs," the study states.
The hospital employed 124 full time people with a total payroll,
including benefits, of $4,843,678 for the last fiscal year.
"The economic impact of potential hospital closure is not
limited to the direct expenditures, payroll and jobs provided by the hospital,"
the study points out. "There is also a secondary impact, which is the
sum of indirect and induced spending and job losses ... covering situations
such as an employee of the hospital buying groceries at the local store or
having a vehicle repaired at a local shop. If the employee's income were no
longer there because of the hospital closing, the grocery store and repair
shop also lose business as a result. Secondary impact also considers losses
to janitorial services and other goods and services the hospital may buy locally."
The study basically says that for the hospital to remain open,
a subsidy from the community may have to be provided. Converting MMC to a
district hospital with its necessary property tax is one option. The study
states that the net economic impact of a property tax assessment is positive.
"If aggregate value of taxes collected to support the hospital
totaled $1.5 million, the effect on the economy would be diversion of $1.5
million in household income that normally would have been spent elsewhere,"
the CED contends. "Over $609,000 of this income would have been spent
locally, generating nearly $150,000 in labor income and seven jobs. After
considering the additional economic cost due to secondary impacts, the total
cost to the county would be more than $727,000 in revenue to businesses and
organizations, $184,000 in labor income and eight jobs."
The intrinsic and less quantifiable impacts of the hospital
closing would also impact the overall quality of life, could mean some agencies
or businesses leaving the community, and could mean that some people, who
were considering a move to Alturas, would reconsider.
In addition, the population trends in MMC's market area show
some interesting issues. "The peak in-migration for MMC market area residents
is young children under the age of 10, family-age adults between the ages
of 20 and 34, and middle-age adults between the ages of 45 and 64," the
CED study states. "There is a substantial net out-migration for young
people ages 10-24 and people over the age of 65."
The study does cite a possibility that between now and 2020
the baby boomer effect may hit the area, and the population of individuals
ages 55-79 is expected to increase by over 900.
"As one of the groups in need of hospital services, older
adults are an especially important group to MMC," CED says. "While
total population may be declining in Modoc County, the number of residents
most likely to use MMC is growing. The significance of this is two-fold: first,
MMC can expect its potential market to grow in the near future; second, this
is a large group of community residents who may not be able to locate in the
MMC market area if a hospital were not available."
The study also concludes that the while the potential closure of the hospital
would have a severe economic impact, it would not likely result in the loss
of all medical services. Clinics and other service providers may expand to
partially fill the void. But, the study cautions, those services would generate
only a small portion of the economic benefit provided by MMC.
It should be noted that the county and other groups are mounting serious efforts to ensure that MMC remains viable and open and forming a hospital district is certainly one of the options. That issue could be on the November general election ballot this year.
New hospital grant progressing through
channels
The proposal to build a new hospital in Alturas, through a historic
combination of local government and Indian Tribes, called the Modoc Frontier
Healthcare Coalition, is making its way through channels at the U.S. House
of Representatives.
According to MFHC coordinator Jerry Smith, a former Alturas
City Councilman, the proposal is in the office of Representative John Doolittle
whose staff is preparing the proposal for the appropriations committee consideration.
"We've had four conversations with architect, trying to
give us some solutions, on a greener building so we can do a more environmentally
viable facility," Smith said. "We are seriously exploring geothermal
for energy use. It's really looking good."
Smith said the City Council voted to identify some city land
where to place the facility. The council is still studying that issue and
has not yet determined a plot of land for the new hospital. The council was
in agreement that the City could possibly come up with the location.
Smith met with Senator Dave Cox and Assemblyman Doug LaMalfa
today in Sacramento to seek a joint resolution from the state in support of
the project.
Smith said letters of support from community members have been
"pouring in" and more are needed. Over two-thirds of the current
hospital employees have sent in support letters for the new hospital.
The New Frontier Health Coalition is made up of: Strong Family
Health, Pit River tribe, Cedarville Rancheria, Fort Bidwell tribe, the City
of Alturas and the County of Modoc. The coalition is seeking a grant estimated
at $30 million for 30,000 square foot modular facility.
According to Smith, around mid-April, the coalition should learn
that appropriation had been approved. A grant application would have to be
submitted by July. By late summer, grant status notification should be forthcoming
and actual plans and construction would run over four and five years, depending
on the permitting processes.
"We've had some questions on the modular construction proposal,"
said Smith. "What that means is that we can change the configuration
or plans, but it's still concrete and steel construction."
Letters of support are still need and may be sent to: 1203 Oak Street, Alturas,
Ca. 96101; or FAX it to 530-233-3055 or email it to modocfrontierhealthcarecoalition@yahoo.com.
Smith said the community understands that the Frontier Hospital
Coalition's goals for a new hospital should not be confused with the other
groups' efforts to maintain a hospital in Alturas.
While the Frontier Hospital coalition is not working directly in concert with the Save Our Hospital Committee, or the County's Hospital Advisory Committee, each of the groups' goals is to improve or maintain hospital care in Modoc.
Obituaries:
Edna Ella Price
Edna Ella Price of McMinnville, OR passed away on February 27,2008,
in Carlton, OR, with family at her side. Born February 24, 1910, in Ashfork,
Arizona, the daughter of William Henry and Lovella P. Brown Pitts, she spent
her youth working as a cowgirl on their ranch in Arizona. At the age of 15,
Edna was crowned the first "Queen of the Grand Canyon".
Edna met Benell Price at a Halloween Dance in 1925 and they
were married January 11, 1927, in Prescott, Arizona. Ben worked as a cattle
boss and Edna worked cooking for all the cowboys and the ranch hands. They
worked in Arizona, Nevada, California and Oregon. In 1950 the Prices' moved
to Percy Fredrickson Ranch in Ravendale, CA and worked there for several years.
They also worked at the Williams Ranch in Likely, Deep Hole Ranch in Gerlach,
NV, Long Valley Ranch in Vya, NV. In 1959, they named Cedarville, CA their
home and Edna opened "The Cozy Corner" restaurant. She owned it
for 10 years before retiring.
While enjoying retirement years, in 1971 Ben and Edna went to
reside with their youngest son at Jake Price Stables in Carlton, OR. Following
her husband's death in 1982, Edna moved back to Cedarville, CA to be close
to her daughters for 21 years. The last five years she has resided in McMinnville,
OR at Parkland Village with the final two years at Oakwood Retirement Home.
Edna celebrated 98 years of full life just three days before
her passing. She considered having and raising her four children and being
married to Ben for 55 years as being the most valuable achievement in her
life. She absolutely loved dancing and also enjoyed horseback riding and sewing.
In her early years, she was famous for designing and making western shirts.
She is survived by her children and their spouses, Bud Price
and wife Bea of Susanville, CA; Jake Price and wife Shirley of Carlton, OR;
daughters Bonna Ytcaina and husband Peter and Barbara Heryford and husband
Bill, all of Cedarville, CA; nine grandchildren: Susie Bunyard, Cedarville,
CA; Sheri Winslow, Marietta, CA; Shannon Polland, Susanville, CA; Melinda
Heryford, Sacramento, CA; Loren Heryford, Yamhill, OR; Don Price, Lafayette,
OR; Steven Farwell, Elk Grove; Kevin Farwell, Elk Grove; Tyler Odom, McMinnville,
OR; 19 great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces
and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Ben Price; brothers
William and Charles Pitts and sisters, Mahala Pitts, Mae Willis and Ruth Butler.
A celebration of Edna's life will be held March 10, 2008, at
1:00 p.m. at the Surprise Valley Community Church in Cedarville, CA. Donations
may be made to Surprise Valley Community Church or Surprise Valley Community
Hospital both of Cedarville, CA.
Eleanor 'Ellie' Glass
Eleanor Glass was born in Stonehaven, Scotland on January 20, 1934. She died in Spokane, Washington on February 29, 2008. Eleanor is survived by her husband James Glass, sister Margaret Mueller, brother-in-law Alvin Mueller, daughters Deborah Glass and Marie McMichael, and son-in law Richard McMichael.
She attended Whittier College in Whittier, California where
she obtained her teaching credential. She was known as Ellie to friends and
colleagues and as Mrs. Glass to the thousands of students she instructed and
helped throughout her teaching career. Mrs. Glass taught high school Home
Economics and Life Skills as well as Independent Study and Adult Education.
All who knew her found her to be an extremely generous person. She cared about
the welfare of others, saw the potential in each person and guided them to
realize their dreams in life. She had a good sense of humor and was very quick
with a comeback. She enjoyed reading, baking, knitting, word puzzles, playing
cards, learning new things, and sharing interesting facts and stories with
others.
A memorial service will be held at Faith Baptist Church, Carlos
and West Streets, Alturas, California on Saturday, March 15, 2008 at 10:00
a.m. Everyone is invited to share their thoughts and stories about Ellie.
A pot luck fellowship lunch will be served after the service.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to Healing Rooms Ministries,
112 E. First Avenue, Spokane, WA 99202. Note "Ellie Glass" on the
memo line of your check.
Patsy Ruth Abasta
Patsy Ruth Abasta, loving wife, mother and grandmother, who
made Alturas her home for 30 years, passed away in Rogers, Arkansas on February
20, 2008, of natural causes after a long illness. Mrs. Abasta and her husband
Art relocated eight months ago to Rogers, Arkansas.
Patsy Ruth Cox was born on April 9, 1933, in Pitcher, Oklahoma
to Ruth and Willie Isaiah Cox. She graduated from high school in Miami, OK.
Her father died when she was a young teen.
She married Augustin "Art" Abasta in Reno, NV on May
13, 1960. Mrs. Abasta, better known as Pat to her friends and family, worked
at California Pines Lodge off and on for over 30 years. As the chef, she cooked
for movie stars such as Roy Rogers, and a long list of famous people including
Gen. Chuck Yeager and Gen. Doolittle during the annual Honker Hunts held at
the Lodge for many years.
"Mom was always cooking somewhere and fed just about everybody,"
say her children. She later operated a Mexican restaurant at the Alamo near
Cal Pines, with her husband. She adored her children and grandchildren and
was always there for them. She will be dearly missed.
She leaves her husband Art of Rogers, AK; five children and
their children: daughter Teresa Eames and her family Thomas and Timothy Eames
of Rogers, AK and John Weber of Alturas, CA; daughter Diana Lawson and husband
Scott of Pomona, CA; son Gus Abasta of Denver, CO; daughter Patty Erd and
her family Bruce and Jessica Erd of Woodstock, GA; daughter Yvonne and Carlos
Zepeda and their family Mercedes, Reyna, Carlos, Jr. and AJ Zepeda of Rio
Vista, CA and two brothers, Albert W. Cox of Riverside, CA and Morris Cox
and wife Ann of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Her mother passed away in the 1980s.
The family plans to hold a memorial service in Alturas, CA later
this spring.
Condolences may be sent to the Abasta family at 601 W. Easy
Street, #V69, Rogers, AK 72756.
Benton Funeral Home in Rogers, Arkansas took care of arrangements.
Mabelle A. McKinsey
Mabelle Aileen McKinsey of Cedarville, CA passed away February 29, 2008 at Fall River Mills Nursing Home, Fall River Mills, CA. She moved to Surprise Valley 38 years ago. She was a Notary Public for 20 years. She is survived by a daughter Marie McKinsey of Washington and one grandson. She was born in Attumwa, Iowa to Glenn and Letitia Sanderson on May 16, 1917. Private interment at Cedarville Cemetery. Arrangements made by Kerr Mortuary.
Sports
Wood earns 4th place at State Finals
Modoc junior Josh Wood earned fourth place in the CIF State
Wrestling championships last weekend in Bakersfield at 215 pounds.
Wood tied 2001's Tony Willis for the best effort by a Modoc
wrestler in the state finals. Willis was a senior when he placed at state.
Wood went into the state finals as one of the "wrestlers
to watch" but wasn't ranked. On his way to fourth place, he beat all
but the top three ranked wrestlers in the division. Since those three are
all seniors this year, Wood should get the number one state ranking when the
season starts next year. The only other underclassman placed seventh and Wood
beat him 6-2.
For the tourney Wood went 6-2, pretty much destroying the consolation
bracket on this way to fourth place.
Wood won his first match of the tourney on Friday with a 19-2
technical fall over Javier Hernandez of Temecula Valley. That win put him
up against Matt Gibson of Jesse Bethel High.
That match was tied 2-2 with about 20 seconds left and Gibson
called for an injury time out. Wood just missed a late move and Gibson wound
up a 4-2 winner. Gibson would lose his next match.
The loss put Wood into the consolation bracket, where the best
he could finish was third.
"I was mad that I lost the second match, I felt I could
have won it," said Wood. "I always expect more from myself, but
I'd set a goal of placing in the top four at state and that was still possible.
On Friday, Wood pinned Sandoval Abraham of Bell (LA) at the
3:35 mark. He then pinned Brian Schoene of Bakersfield at the 2:52 mark.
Once he's finished Friday's wrestling, he knew he could place
at state and each successive win he got would move him up one place.
"I just figured I'd go full out each match," Wood
said. "You know it's gong to be tough, you're wrestling against the best
wrestlers in the state and every match is full go."
Wood pinned Poway's Chris Crosthwaite at the 2:57 mark to start
Saturday's rounds and then beat Meulman of St. Francis 6-2. That put him no
lower than sixth. Wood then beat Dominic Demarco of Ponderosa 8-5 to put him
in the third place match against his nemesis Gibson.
Wood got down early in that match, but fought back to trail
just 11-9 in the third. Gibson wound up winning 13-9 for third and Wood placed
fourth.
"It was a tough match and a long day," Wood said. "But when
I got close it was exciting. I did my best and I'm pleased with the fourth
place finish. I though I probably could have competed well against the top
two."
The coach, Shaun Wood, Josh's father, couldn't have been prouder.
"Josh was a little upset after he lost the second match, but he came
back and just destroyed most of the consolation bracket, He cruised through
some state-ranked guys. We're very proud of him and people at the state level
know who he is now."
Josh, who seldom needs more inspiration than just the competition, had a little
extra going into the state finals. "I wanted to make my grandpa proud,"
he said. His grandfather, Skip Wood, is battling cancer. "He was really
proud and that means a lot."
Josh is going to take the next sports season off. He set a new
school record this year with 49 wins, eclipsing the 46 by Adam Howell in 1995.
He also broke his brother Travis' record for most pins with 39 over 37 and
Blake Wilson's take down record.
He's been wrestling since he was two, without much choice since
his dad was also a championship wrestler and the youth and Modoc High coach.
He says his biggest advantage, outside of strength and size,
comes from his ability to react to openings without having to think about
the move to use.
Placing fourth at the California State finals also brought with it an increased
flood of letters from interested colleges. Wood is an All-league football
player for Modoc at tight end and defensive end and would like to play ball
or wrestle in college.
Local runners do well at NorCal
Over 30 local runners competed in the John Frank NorCal distance
races this past Saturday, March 1 in Redding, CA. Several runners won medals
and the third through fifth grade team from Alturas placed first in their
division.
In the kindergarten through eighth grade division 25 runners from Alturas
competed in the one mile run against 163 other runners. Ashley Hoy finished
second while Lady Lopez was fifth in the girls division while Cam Anderson,
Ben Bevil, Jac Derner, and Daniel Martin were first through fourth in the
seventh grade division. Jonathan Morgan, Patrick Bratton and Taylor McPeek
also finished well in the seventh grade division.
In the third through fifth grade division Alan Weber led the
pack with a third place in the fifth grade. In addition Paden Smith was first
in the fourth grade while Collin Martin and Jeff Gouveia were first and second
in the third grade. On the girls side Emily Lowrey was first in the fourth
grade while Beth Derner and Hayley McPeek were fourth and fifth. Kylee Ward
was fourth in the third grade. Other runners competing were Sean Anderson,
Mattee Vickerman, Larrel Smith and Michael Bratton.
In the kindergarten through second grade division Cynthia Mason
from Fall River was the overall girls' winner by over 40 seconds. Furthermore
Caitlin O'Malley was fifth in the second grade girls, Tucker Lowrey and Joshua
Bratton also did well.
Two local high school runners competed in the three and 10 mile with Cain Madrigal finishing second in the high school 10 mile while Rachel Bratton finished fifth in the high school three mile. In addition two adults ran the three and the 10 with Don Mason winning the 55-60 year old division and Steve Bratton running the 10 mile in 78 minutes.
Youth wrestling tourney this Saturday
The annual Modoc Youth Wrestling Tournament is scheduled for
Saturday in Alturas with about 300 wrestlers expected to attend.
Weigh-ins will start at 6:30 a.m. at the Griswold Gym and the
under six age group will start at about 9 a.m. The other age groups, through
Middle School, will begin bouts at about 10 a.m.
Modoc's Youth Wrestling team will be represented by about 30 wrestlers. Teams from throughout the region participate in the tourney which will run all day Saturday into the early evening.
Spring sports on tap
He baseball and softball fields are starting to dry out, the
track is almost usable, the golf course snow banks are melting and the weather
is warming, albeit slightly.
That means spring sports are here.
Modoc's baseball team is set to start at Tulelake March 14.
Modoc softball opens with the Lassen Tournament March 14-15 n Susanville.
Modoc's golf team heads to Eagle Point March 13.
Track gets off to a slow start with its first run at the Mt. Shasta Time Trials April 3.
March 13, 2008
News
Races set for local elections June 3
Races are now set for city and county elections coming up in
the June 3 Primary. The campaigns have official started following the March
7 nomination deadline.
The County Supervisor seats of District II's Mike Dunn, District
III's Patricia Cantrall and District IV's Shorty Crabtree are all being challenged
this year.
Dunn will face off against Bullock's Donut Shop owner Jeff Bullock.
Another potential challenger did not file papers.
Cantrall is being challenged by Walt Nicholson, of Jess Valley.
Challengers to District Four's Crabtree are Ron McCullough and
Jim Wills.
There will be no election required for the Alturas City Council
seats of John Schreiber, Cheryl Nelson and George Andreasen. Nelson and Schreiber
did file for another term and Andreasen did not. Alturas businessman Bobby
Ray did file for nomination. Since there are three seats open and only three
candidates have filed, no election is necessary. According to the City, that
will save about $6,500 in election costs.
Alturas City Clerk Cary Baker is also seeking re-election to her position and is not challenged.
Schools wary
of budget cuts, uncertainty
School Districts and County Schools Offices in the northstate
and once again going into a budget years without firm numbers from either
the state of federal governments.
Modoc County Superintendent of School Gary Jones is most concerned.
"The silence concerning federal revenue for our schools
has given way to rumors of potential agreements," Jones said this week.
"In Washington, silence is deadly, while rumors indicate some degree
of life. Our schools wait and hope for funding form Forest Reserve and Medi-Cal
Administrative Activities 'MAA.' The annual loss to our local schools is $2.1
million an average shortfall of $1,000 per student."
According to an article in the Intermountain News out of Burney,
the Mountain Union School District was seeking public comment on the possibility
of closing either the Cedar Creek or Montgomery Creek School to address state
budget cuts.
Modoc County has not yet gotten to that point, and no school
closures or layoffs are forecast for the coming year. However, if the dismal
budget projections and realities continue, jobs will not be secure for long
into the future.
"On the state's front, legislators and the governor are
considering setting aside Prop. 98, which guarantees a minimum funding level
for schools, and cutting other educational revenues using inventive methods,"
Jones said. "John Mockler, Paul Goldfinger and other leaders of California's
educational establishment say this period of school finance is the toughest
in memory."
Jones said that even with the impending budget cuts at the state
and federal level, the county office and local school districts "have
necessary reserves to withstand the initial affects of such large losses in
revenue."
He stresses, however, that school systems cannot sustain annual
losses of this size without changes to educational programs and services.
"As County Superintendent, my duty is to serve a very high
needs population of students within county schools and local districts,"
Jones said. "This can only be done by maintaining an incredibly gifted
and capable staff.
"To ensure students' educational needs continue to be met,
prudent decisions will be made in the coming months about which expenditures,
programs, and functions are scaled back, reorganized, or eliminated. These
decisions will rely heavily on comments and input from staff members of the
county and district school systems."
Jones is getting a lot of information coming out of Washington
concerning the federal dollars, but nothing has come across his desk that
eases his nerves, at last not yet.
"While I continue to hope that Washington's rumors will bear good news, school leaders cannot base the educational wellbeing of children and the livelihood of staff members on such rumors," he said. "I am proud to say that n talking to school board members, district superintendents, teachers an classified staff, there a sense that we will find solutions to the challenges we face by working together."
Forest Announces New Firewood Policy
The new annual schedule for woodcutting will be from May 1 to
February 28. This will help protect wet roads and reduce rutting off roadways.
New woodcutting permits will go on sale at Forest and Ranger District offices
beginning April 15.
In October the County of Modoc hosted a public meeting about
firewood cutting. The meeting was held at the Sheriff's conference room. It
was attended by more than 50 people. The main discussion was how to protect
the old juniper and its importance for wildlife while providing opportunities
to cut firewood on Forest Service and BLM managed lands.
"The group agreed to voluntarily avoid cutting old juniper
trees," said Sean Curtis, Modoc County Natural Resources Department Head.
"Their ability to cut firewood across the forest was more important to
them than cutting the big old trees."
"Each woodcutter needs to know how to distinguish between
the old and young junipers," said Forest Supervisor Stan Sylva. "They
should cut only young juniper trees." Each permit holder will receive
a handout on the characteristics of old Western juniper with photos of both
old and young juniper.
"The age of a juniper tree has nothing to do with its size;
it has more to do with form," Sylva said. "A young juniper will
usually have a single trunk, smooth bark and a symmetrical pointed top. An
old juniper, which may not be cut, will typically have a rounded top, more
than one trunk or large low limbs; its trunk or trunks will be deeply furrowed
and covered with red fibrous bark."
The Forest's new fuel wood policy will be available online soon at www.fs.fed.us/modoc/.
Nearly year-old drug bust now set for
arraignment
Following a preliminary hearing Feb. 25, three defendants in
a March 30, 2007 New Pine Creek drug bust were bound over for arraignment,
and a fourth defendant's charges were dismissed.
According to District Attorney Gary Woolverton, the three defendants
set for arraignment are Richard Ryan Compton, Jennifer Dizon, and Christopher
Parker. Charges against Richard Lee Compton were dismissed.
The Modoc Drug Task Force served a search warrant March 30 last
year on the residence of 393A and 393B Pintail Road in New Pine Creek and
seized a large amount of marijuana, rifles, pistols and computer information.
According to the Task Force, it discovered a professional, sophisticated
marijuana growing operation, a significant amount of dried, processed marijuana
and 206 immature marijuana plants growing in a growing shed. In addition to
the growing shed, there was a cultivation room within the residence of one
of the defendants. The Task Force also discovered a computer with photographs
that depicted the defendant growing and using marijuana. Some of the photos
also showed the defendants allowing an 11-year-old to smoke marijuana with
a bong.
Following the preliminary hearing, Modoc Superior Court Judge
Frances Barclay held Richard Ryan Compton on charges alleging conspiracy to
grow marijuana, felon in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of ammunition,
furnishing marijuana, possession of marijuana for sale, cultivating marijuana
and other misdemeanor charges, The DA also filed a charge of furnishing marijuana
to a child under age 14.
Dizon was bound over on charges of conspiracy to grow marijuana,
possession of marijuana for sale, cultivating marijuana, felony furnishing
of marijuana to a minor under age 14 and other misdemeanor charges.
Parks will be tried alleging conspiracy to grow marijuana, cultivating
marijuana, possession of marijuana for sale, and miscellaneous misdemeanors
and fish and game violations.
Three defendants will be arraigned March 18, 1:30 p.m. in Modoc
Superior Court. Woolverton said he and the three defense attorneys will determine
what appropriate procedures will follow.
"It is most likely that the matter will be set for jury trial, which will likely take place before mid-summer," the DA said. "This was a significant marijuana-growing operation and there will be testimony at the trial that the estimated sales from a grow this size would be somewhere between $1 million and $1.5 million per year. The growing operation was designed to sequence marijuana crops 24 hours per day, 365 days per year, utilizing the sophisticated growing equipment. For example, the defendant did not plant seeds. They began with a female clone. There were no male plants found or seized."
Class of '68 set for 40th
The Modoc High School Class of 1968 will hold its 40th reunion
July 5 at the Elks Lodge in Alturas.
The class is now looking to locate its members and update addresses and contact
information.
Class members are asked to email: modoc1968@hotmail.com and leave their email
address or at least a mailing address.
Obituaries:
Mattie Dunn
Retired Alturas teacher, Mattie Dunn, passed away on March 9,
2007, at the age of 90. Services will be held at the Federated Community Church
on Saturday, March 15 at 10 a.m. A potluck in the church social hall will
follow the service. All are welcome.
Born Mattie Pearce on February 24, 1918 near Oak Hill, Kansas,
she was the loving wife of the late Lyle Dunn and the loving mother of Roger
Dunn of Alturas, CA; Shirley Tonn and husband Ray of Sunnyvale, CA and the
late Beverly Brown and her husband Ron. She is survived by two granddaughters
Shauna of Plano, Texas and Aimee of Chicago, Illinois, two grandsons Travis
and Trevor of Sunnyvale, CA and two great-granddaughters.
Mattie moved to Alturas, CA in 1947, with Lyle and their daughter
Shirley. She was a member of the Federated Community Church and a teacher
for 37 years. Most of her years of teaching were in Alturas. She taught first
grade for many of those years with a few years teaching the fourth grade until
she retired in 1981. Mattie taught the children of her former students. After
she retired, she was an active volunteer for many years, helping with the
monthly birthday parties for the residents at Warnerview Convalescent Hospital
at Modoc Medical Center. She loved to read and hand-quilted many beautiful
quilts. She considered her many friends at the Senior Center and church as
her extended family. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to
the Modoc Senior Center at 906 West Fourth Street, Alturas, CA 96101 or the
Federated Community Church of Alturas at 307 E. First Street, Alturas.
Eleanor 'Ellie' Glass
A memorial service for former educator and Alturas resident,
Eleanor "Ellie" Glass, will be held at Faith Baptist Church, Carlos
and West Streets, Alturas on Saturday, March 15 at 10:00 a.m. Everyone is
invited to share their thoughts and stories about Ellie. A potluck fellowship
lunch will be served after the service.
Mrs. Glass, 74, died in Spokane, WA February 29, 2008. She is
survived by her husband James Glass, sister Margaret Mueller, brother-in-law
Alvin Mueller, daughters Deborah Glass and Marie McMichael, and son-in-law
Richard McMichael.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Healing Rooms Ministries, 112 E. First Avenue, Spokane, WA 99202. Note "Ellie Glass" on the memo line of your check.
Sports
Spring sports on tap
Modoc's baseball team is set to start at Tulelake March 14 and
has Lakeview at home March 18. Modoc softball opens with the Lassen Tournament
March 14-15 n Susanville and has Lakeview at home March 18.
Both teams start Shasta Cascade League play here March 21 against Trinity.
Modoc's golf team heads to Eagle Point today and again on March
18.
Track gets off to a slow start with its first run at the Mt. Shasta Time Trials April 3.
Modoc
youth wrestling results
Hundreds of young wrestlers from throughout the region competed
at the Modoc Youth Wrestling Tournament last weekend in Alturas.
The following Modoc wrestlers took first place: Patric Bell,
Trent McQuarrie, Riley Larranaga and Alex Valencia and all of the under six
age wrestlers.
Second places went to: Brandon Hays, Jeffrey Tifany, Jess Picotte,
Justin Valena, Austin Kresge, Jacob Cruse, Wyatt Valena (2), Riley Larranaga,
Zack McCaffery, and Marlena Torres.
Third places were earned by: Brandon Hays, Josh Vierria, Trevor
Schluter, Zack Bickford, Fernando Acala, Justin Valena, Trent McQuarrie, Austin
Carreker, Jarrett Royce, and Alex Valencia.
Coming in fourth were: Wade Schluter, Wyat Van Slyke, Jesse Holloway, Ben Correa, Kyle Royce, Tyler Ewing, Albrecht Chantz and Ethan Dunn.
March 20, 2008
News
Water picture looks good in high country
While February turned out to be a drier month than normal and
March is copying that pattern so far, the snow depths in the mountains of
Modoc are very healthy.
Precipitation in February was just .57 inches, well below the
1.27 inch average. So far in March, just .40 inches of precipitation has been
measured, well below the average to date of .89 inches and well behind the
monthly average of 1.38 inches. Recent snow storms, however, have added to
the total snow accumulation.
Once local rancher told the Record Tuesday that pastures in
the Likely area are pretty dry. In addition, he said the harsh winter, especially
the bitter cold January, coupled with a shorter than normal hay season last
year has strained the hay supply locally. He said more March and April precipitation
would be welcome.
The U.S. Forest Service will do its next formal snow survey
at the end of this month, but SNOTEL (electronic monitoring systems) reading
are available daily in specific areas.
According to the SNOTEL reading for March 18, Cedar Pass had
a snow depth of 49.9 inches with a water content of 17.5 inches. That compares
to the U.S. Forest Service January 31 survey showing, Cedar Pass had 42.2
inches of snow, containing 10.9 inches of water. That was 22 percent above
the long-term average of 34.7 inches.
The Cedar Pass SNOTEL snow depth increased from 43.4 inches
on March 12, to 52.1 inches March 15 and settled at 49.3 inches March 18.
The SNOTEL (automated sensor operated by NRCS) measurement for
Cedar Pass at 7100 feet elevation showed 59.5 inches of snow Feb. 4, containing
13.9 inches of water.
On Adin Pass for March 18, the SNOTEL measurement showed 39.7
inches of snow containing 13.6 inches of water. On March 12, 38.8 inches of
snow was measured and on March 16 there was 42.2 inches. The Feb. 4 SNOTEL
measurement on Adin Pass showed 57.8 inches of snow with 13.1 inches of water
at 6,200 feet elevation.
Adin Mountain's Sweagert Flat Forest Srevice snow survey showed
37.4 inches of snow containing 8.7 inches of water Jan. 28
Bidwell Mountain's SNOTEL sensor showed 66.8 inches of snow March 18, with 23.2 inches of water. That area had 80.4 inches of snow with 17.5 inches at 7,000 feet Feb 4.
Out of District
GOP jumping in District 4 race
Out-of-District Republicans are jumping into the race to fill
the seat of 4th District U.S. Congressman John Doolittle, who is choosing
to retire after this term.
Neither of the top two GOP hopefuls lives in the 4th District.
Doug Ose, who was in Alturas last weekend to campaign, is from Sacramento
and Tom McClintock, who will be in town Friday, is a State Senator from Thousand
Oaks.
The probable Democratic challenger is retried U.S. Air Force
Lt. Colonel Charlie Brown, of Roseville, who narrowly lost to Doolittle in
2006, 46 percent to 43 percent. Brown does live in the district.
"District four residents know that Washington is broken, and that career
politicians are the problem. And we know that the change and solutions our
country needs will not come by electing the same career politicians to sit
in different chairs." Brown said. "I believe we need a new direction
in the fourth district, not another opportunistic career politician who needs
driving directions just to find our district."
Brown said there is a contrast for the voters. "From our
side, a quest to bring people of all political stripes together in pursuit
of real solutions. On the other side, a desperate attempt to hold onto partisan
political power and preserve a status quo that has already placed our nation's
security, our economy, and our children's future at risk. Only one approach
offers a change from John Doolittle and the politics of the past. Only one
approach is capable of producing results that serve people, not political
parties or special interests. We are very much looking forward to the debate
that lies ahead."
The Republicans and Democratic voters will pick their candidates in the June
3 Primary, and the general election for that office will be in November.
Local races are also coming up in the June 3 Primary.
The County Supervisor seats of District II's Mike Dunn, District
III's Patricia Cantrall and District IV's Shorty Crabtree are all being challenged
this year.
Dunn will face off against Bullock's Donut Shop owner Jeff Bullock.
Cantrall is being challenged by Walt Nicholson, of Jess Valley.
Challengers to District Four's Crabtree are Ron McCullough and
Jim Wills.
There will be no election required for the Alturas City Council
seats of John Schreiber, Cheryl Nelson and George Andreasen. Nelson and Schreiber
will be seated another term and Alturas businessman Bobby Ray will replace
Andreasen. Since there were three seats open and only three candidates filed,
no election was necessary.
Alturas City Clerk Cary Baker will also be seated for another four-year term, as she was not challenged.
DA cites case where medical pot defense
fails first test
Modoc County District Attorney Gary Woolverton said that a medicinal
marijuana defense in a case involving Roy Staton Carroll failed to meet the
legal test in a preliminary hearing March 10.
Carroll, age 44, was arrested by the Modoc County Drug Task
Force August 10, 2007, was arraigned August 14 and was released on his own
recognizance. The preliminary hearing was continued several times but was
ultimately held last week on three felony drug counts of possession of marijuana
for sale; cultivation of marijuana and possession of more than 28.5 grams
of marijuana.
The magistrate hearing the case held that Carroll would be bound
over for trial on counts one and two, but dismissed count three dealing with
possession of more than 28.5 grams of marijuana.
According to Woolverton, the magistrate ruled that there was
less than 28.5 grams of "processed" marijuana seized by the Task
Force.
"The defendant's medical marijuana defense failed,"
Woolverton said. "The magistrate ruled that the defendant (Carroll) had
not sustained his burden of establishing the necessary elements and factors
to assert a medical marijuana defense."
Woolverton has filed a motion asking to reinstate count three
at the pre-trial conference April 1, 1:30 p.m. He said the magistrate should
take into account not only the processed marijuana found by the Task Force,
but also the growing marijuana.
"California law supports the proposition that marijuana means all or part of the cannabis sativa plant, whether growing or not, including the seeds and resin extracted from any part of the plant," sad Woolverton. "When the Task Force searched the Carroll property, they found 23 growing marijuana plants that varied in height from one foot to three feet. When these are taken into account, the marijuana exceeded 28.5 grams by several times."
Debby Yamagiwa selected as new Alturas
Postmaster
On Saturday, March 15, 2008, Debby Yamagiwa officially began
her position as the new Postmaster for the United States Postal Service Alturas
Post Office. She will be sworn in within the next two to three weeks.
"I've wanted this position for a long time, but never thought
it could happen. This was the first time that I could apply and they (USPS)
would accept me," Yamagiwa told the Record this week. "Normally
and most always in the past, someone who is already a postmaster somewhere
else, is transferred in to fill this job."
Having served as "Officer in Charge" four times at
the Alturas office, during long stints and many months of waiting for replacement
Postmasters to arrive, Yamagiwa is elated to be named to the position left
vacant at the end of October 2007, by the relocation of former Alturas Postmaster
Doug Taylor to Missouri. Taylor's appointment as Alturas Postmaster without
previous postmaster experience, was also an exception, she noted.
Yamagiwa's tie to the USPS started "on a fluke," when
she was tired of landing seasonal-only work related to her Bachelor of Science
degree in Wildlife Management from Humboldt State. She lived in Eureka for
seven years. After taking the Postal test, she was hired right away as a part
time flexible (PTF) clerk in 1987 in Independence, CA in Owens Valley near
Bishop, where she grew up.
"I loved it right from the start, and thought some day
I would like to be a Postmaster," she admitted. She moved to Alturas
in 1989, when her children were ages one and three, and started work at the
Alturas Post Office in 1990. Trainings and working as Officer in Charge at
Tulelake and Alturas helped qualify her for her current status. She had considered
relocating and applying for other USPS positions, but she credits her children
who "put their foot down" and didn't want to leave Alturas. "They
loved it here, so I said I would stay until they had graduated from high school,"
she said. "I'm glad I stayed and I met a wonderful man."
She was introduced to that "wonderful man" named Marty
Yamagiwa, by her coworker Becky Barry. Both Marty and Debby had much in common
and both had earned the same degree from Humboldt, three years apart, but
never knew one another. They were married and blended their families.
Yamagiwa also has praise for the "incredible staff"
at the Alturas Post Office. "Their teamwork has been tremendous during
some very stressful times, like Christmas when we were loaded with mail and
down by three and four employees; just stretched to the max."
"As far as our customers go, we want to thank them for
their patience for so many months. When there have been long lines, especially
at Christmas, there were very few times we heard any griping from them. It
was so nice of the public to be understanding of the situation and know we
were and are trying to do the best we can. We appreciate their understanding,"
said Yamagiwa. The office currently has three full time and three PTF positions,
not including highway contract route drivers.
"What's going on now as far as route adjustments and deliveries
go, will continue. Customers have noticed the change of mail delivery times
on some of the routes from late afternoon, to sometimes early," she explained.
Postal management has mandated (not local management) the route adjustments,
based on studies of a typical mail load week. The carriers have been timed
for how much they can deliver during a given time frame. "We have to
watch our overtime and maximize the full time routes. In order to achieve
that, we pivot portions of those routes to our shorter route, and as a result
mail delivery may be at a different time during that day," the new postmaster
explained.
Things are moving in the right direction with Spring. A new
employee has been hired and started training this week. "Hopefully we'll
hire another PTF, but there are no figures as to when," said Yamagiwa.
"But, after such tough months for all of us at this office, things are
finally looking up."
An independent federal agency, the U.S. Postal Service relies on the sale
of postage, products and services to pay for operating expenses, not tax dollars.
Hospital concerned about state Medi-Cal
cut
Just when the county thought things were starting to turn around
at Modoc Medical Center, the state budget crunch tosses a curve.
Interim MMC Chief Executive Office Jim Sato told the Board of
Supervisors Tuesday that the state legislature had passed a resolution to
reduce Medi-Cal payments to county hospitals by 10 percent, effective July
1. According to Sato, that cut would mean a $600,000 annual loss to MMC
pretty much offsetting what a Critical Access Hospital designation would bring
into the hospital, about $700,000.
Sato said that California already pays hospitals about 25 percent
less than the national average for Medi-Cal patient services.
'This 10 percent cut is obviously a severe blow to all rural
hospitals with a high percentage of Medi-Cal patients, and has the potential
to close hospitals," said Lu Miller, of the Save Our Hospital Committee.
"We urge you to write to our state representatives asking him to reverse
this resolution."
Letters should be sent to Senator David Cox, David Cox, 2140 Professional
Dr. Suite 140, Roseville, Ca. 95661; and State Assembly: Doug LaMalfa, State
Capitol, P.O. Box 942849, Sacramento, Ca. 94249-0001
Obituaries:
Luella 'Lue' Larsen
Luella "Lue" Larsen, 83, of Baker City passed away
March 9, 2008 at St. Elizabeth Care Center with her daughter Gayle and compassionate
staff members at her side. Numerous phone calls were received from other family
members expressing their love for her. A private family celebration of life
will be held at a later date.
She was born Luella June Brainard on July 31, 1924 in Englewood,
California to Albert and Bessie Dunson Brainard. She was the youngest of three
children growing op in Long Beach, CA. She married Kent Larsen, January 23,
1943 in San Antonio, Texas while he was in the Army Air Corps. They had four
children, Sandra, Gayle, Jeff and Coreen.
Kent and Lue lived in numerous places before moving to Alturas,
California in 1951, where he managed the Modoc County Title Company for many
years. Lue was well known for her excellent organizational and entertaining
skills, assisting her husband with the social aspects of his business. Although
for a short time she enjoyed managing the museum in Alturas, her priority
was her family. They always came first in her life.
After Kent's retirement, they moved to Cottonwood, Ca. He passed
away September 3, 1989. For a while she lived primarily alone, but eventually,
due to health problems, she sold their home and moved in with her daughter
Coreen just outside of Cottonwood. Sometime later they relocated to Red Bluff,
Ca. The end of April 2003, she moved to Settler's Park in Baker City, Oregon
to be near her daughter Gayle.
Surviving family are her daughter Gayle and husband Rick Hack
of Baker City, Oregon, son Jeff and wife Stacey Larsen of Alturas, California,
and daughter Coreen Griffin of Coming, California. Grandchildren include Shannon
Miley and son Noah of Orland, CA, Gregg Miley of Chico, CA, Tiffani Miley
and sons Ian and Josh of Kelso, WA, Jami and Adam Thibodeau and daughters
Jordan and Tristan and son Logan of Redding, CA, Shani Kerr of Red Bluff,
CA, and C.J. and Alexandra Griffin of Corning, CA. Lue's sister Betty Woodworth
resides in Coarsegold, CA and her sister in law Alexia Hardt lives in Klamath
Falls, OR. There are numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded
in death by her parents, husband, daughter Sandra Miley and her brother Al
Brainard.
Throughout the years she enjoyed camping, traveling, entertaining friends
and family, gardening, many animals, music and singing, card games, bingo
and chocolate. Socializing and meeting new people, especially children, was
a special joy for her. Lue was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend
who touched the lives of everyone she met with her humor and caring ways.
He was well loved by all and will be truly missed.
Gray's West & Company Pioneer Chapel is handling arrangements, 1500 Dewey Avenue, Baker City, OR 97814.
Elizabeth 'Betty Lou' Dalton Byrne Shirley
Two weeks after celebrating her 82nd birthday, Elizabeth Louise
"Betty Lou" Dalton Byrne Shirley, passed away in Malin, Oregon on
March 17, 2008. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. in St.
Augustine's Catholic Church in Merrill on Monday, March 24, 2008. Interment
will follow at Malin Community Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests
donations to St. Augustine's Church, P.O. Box 388, Merrill, Oregon 97633.
She is survived by her husband, Robert K. Shirley, her brother,
William C. Dalton of Klamath Falls, five children and seven grandchildren.
Betty Lou was born March 2, 1926 in Klamath Falls, Oregon to
William Carson Dalton and Elizabeth Evelyn Sullivan, and attended school in
Malin, Oregon. She went to Dominican High School and Dominican College
in San Rafael, before her marriage to Robert "Bob" Anthony Byrne
on August 21, 1946. They met in Klamath Falls, where Bob was recovering
from a tropical disease acquired while he was with the Marines in the South
Pacific.
Betty Lou and Bob had five children: Libby, who has two sons,
Michael and Thomas; Bob, who with his wife Cory has three children, Melissa,
Gwen and Kaitlyn; Michael, who with his wife Beverly, has two children, Matthew
and Brianna; Patricia; and Dan who is married to Geri.
While her children were young, Betty Lou was active in the community
as a Sunday school teacher, Girl Scout leader and a member of the Modoc County
Cowbelles. She was the organist for Holy Cross Catholic Church in Tulelake
for many years.
She contributed to the activities of the family cattle ranch
by preparing lunches for the branding crews, cooking for the haying crews
at the Steele Swamp Ranch, and organizing numerous large events on the ranch
for visiting officials and dignitaries.
After the death of her husband in 1988, Betty Lou returned to
college at California State University, Chico. She finished her BA degree
in Northeastern California: Its Land and People in 1993. While studying in
Chico, she met Robert K. Shirley, who was a widower and a native of Chico.They
married Jan.9,1993. She and Bob then divided their time between Chico and
the family ranch near Malin.
Betty Lou had a great interest and love for the Modoc area. In 1974,
she was a founding member of the Modoc County Historical Society and wrote
several articles for the Journal of the Modoc County Historical Society, particularly
the 1983 and 1996 issues. She also served on the Board of the Shaw Historical
Library in Klamath Falls. She was active in the Modoc Cowbelles. In
1979, she was Interstate CowBelle chairman, working with CowBelles in six
northern California counties and three southern Oregon counties to produce
beef promotion films for television. In 1982, she was named CowBelle
of the Year. She later served as Northern Director for the California
Cattle Women and served as Legislation chair from 1995-98. She served
as Parliamentarian twice, 1993-94 and 1999-2000. Betty Lou was recognized
for her service to church and community in 1984, when she was named alumna
of the year at her high school, Dominican in San Rafael.
In her later years, she stayed on the family ranch where she
had lived as a child. In the past year, she was cared for at Joanne's Classic
Home Care in Malin. The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the staff
of Joanne's for their wonderful care of Betty Lou.
Laura L. Kouma
Laura L. Kouma passed away at a care facility in Alturas, CA,
on March 14, 2008. She was 69.
A celebration of Laura's life will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2008, at
10 a.m. at Eternal Hills Chapel. Military honors will be provided by the Veterans
of Foreign Warsand the Marine Corps League. Cremation will be at Eternal Hills
Crematory.
Laura was born on Dec. 10, 1938, in Benton, Ark., to William
and Ocia (Wallace) Glenn. She was raised and attended school there.
Laura entered the U.S. Army and served in the WAC program from
1956 to 1957. Following that, she married Fred Kouma in 1957. They lived in
Sacramento, CA, where they owned and operated a scrap metal business for several
years.
Laura moved to Tulelake, CA, in 2005.
She enjoyed reading, especially Westerns, camping, fishing and
going to yard sales.
She was caring and loyal and will be missed by her family.
Survivors include her husband Fred of Stockton, Calif.; sons
Eddy Glenn of Arkansas and Henry Nickles of Tulelake; daughter June Bennett
of Arkansas; grandchildren Laura Girtman and her husband Andrew of Tulelake,
Katrina Lee and her husband Nick of Tulelake, Malissa Nichols of Yreka, Calif.;
great-grandchildren Ashley, Brooke, Alissa, Chelsey, Kieley, Violet, Zachary
and Andrea; sisters Lena Holdridge of Texas and Arkie Evans and Rosie Ammons,
both of Arkansas; brothers Curtis Glenn, Dennis Glenn, Gann Glenn and James
Glenn, all of Arkansas.
She was preceded in death by two great-granddaughters Alisha
and Brianna; brother Henry Glenn; and three infant siblings, who died at birth.
Eternal Hills Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Sports
Braves baseball opens with three losses
Modoc's young varsity baseball team started the season with
three losses to Tulelake 10-0; and to Lakeview 15-2 and 10-7.
In the opening game against Tulelake, the Braves had to battle
the Honkers as well as blowing snow and the second game of the double-header
was postponed.
Tulelake got up 4-0 in the first and led 8-0 in the fifth before adding two
in the sixth. Trent Schmidt got the loss, going three innings, allowing seven
runs, four hits and walked 11. James Budmark led the offense going two-for-two
at the plate.
Modoc Coach Tim MacDonnell said the team is young, but he saw
some good things against Tulelake and is concentrating on reducing the number
of walks.
Lakeview took a 5-2 lead in the fourth inning and led 9-2 in the fifth, but
added six runs in the sixth for the 15-2 win. Justin Estes got the loss, going
three innings, allowing five hits and only walked one. Web Dunn went one-for-two
at the plate and Irvine Chacon was one-for-three.
The Braves mounted a comeback in the second game against Lakeview
after trailing 4-0 in the second inning. Lakeview took a 6-3 lead in the fourth
and added three in the sixth and one in the seventh for 10. The Braves scored
four runs in the seventh, but lost 10-7.
Dunn went three-for-four, Dee Hunsaker was two-for-three and
Schmidt went tow-for-three.
"The kids have a lot of heart and they put together a good
rally at the end of the game to give us a chance," said MacDonnell. "They've
shown a great deal of improvement."
Schmidt got the loss, going three innings, allowing five hits and walking a pair.
Modoc's
golf team second at Eagle Point
Modoc's golf team, trying to extend its Shasta Cascade League
championship string to eight straight, took second March 13 at Eagle Point
Golf Course in a match against Weed, Trinity, Mt. Shasta Fall River and Etna.
Weed, the early favorite in league, won the match with a team
score of 421. Modoc shot 457, Mt. Shasta 501, Fall River 576, Trinity 596,
and Etna 708.
Scott Lassen, of Weed, won the individual shootout with a 74 while Modoc's
Daniel Morgan was second with an 84. Modoc's Jeff Solomon shot 86 for fifth,
Josue Madrigal shot 90 for eighth and Drew Morgan shot 92 for ninth. Jeff
Barclay shot a 105 and Jack Callaghan shot 121.
The golf team also includes Alex Moreo, Dejah Montague, and
Justin Lee. The team is coach by Harold Montague.
"I was very pleased with how both Daniel and Drew Morgan
played," Montague said. "Although they struggled, I am confident
that Solomon, Madrigal and Barclay will perform better as the season progresses.
We do know that Weed is the pre-season favorite; Mt. Shasta will have a strong
team as well and we will have to play very well to be competitive with those
two teams."
Modoc finished behind Foothill, March 18 at Eagle Point Golf Course.
Foothill's team shot 398 and Modoc 414. Shasta shot 433, Ashland
shot 443, Henley 453, and Los Molinos 553.
Solomon led Modoc with a 75, Daniel Morgan shot 79, Madrigal
had an 83, Barclay an 88, Drew Morgan an 89 and Moreo a 136.
Modoc travels to Trinity today for another SCL match and will face Foothill and Portola in a non-league match here at Arrowhead April 1.
Spring
sports on tap
Modoc's baseball team and softball teams will start Shasta Cascade
League play with Trinity, here March 21. Games are set to start at 2 p.m.
Modoc's golf team is at Trinity today and will host Foothill
and Portola at Arrowhead April 1.
Track has its first run at the Mt. Shasta Time Trials April 3.
March 27th, 2008
News
DA objects to bail reduction in weapons case
Modoc County District Attorney Gary Woolverton has stressed
his disagreement with a bail reduction in the weapons case against Glenn Edward
Daley.
The Modoc Sheriff's Department arrested Daley, known locally
by some as "Bunker Bob" at his California Pines high hill unit home
in late November.
He was booked into the Modoc County Jail with bail set at $1
million.
Last Tuesday, Modoc Superior Court Judge Fritz Barclay agreed
to a defense request to reduce the bail amount to $100,000. Woolverton objected
to that decision and filed a motion to reconsider. On Thursday, Barclay ruled
against Woolverton and set bail at $100,000. Subsequently, Daley made bail
and was released from the Modoc County Jail.
Woolverton said the courts apparently found that Daley's bail
was excessive, especially when balanced against the bail set for Robert Chad
Haralson, the suspect in the Betty Lou Parks murder case, where bail was set
at $500,000. Haralson remains in custody.
The Daley case is set for pre-preliminary hearing on April 1.
Modoc Sheriff Mark Gentry said Daley, age 72, was arrested on
a warrant and charged with being a felon in possession of firearms, possession
of machine guns, silencer, hand grenade, armor-piercing ammunition, ammunition
in excess of .60 caliber, sawed off shotguns, assault rifle, tracer ammunition,
body armor, detonation cord, material to make an explosive device, and a stun
gun, among other items.
Daley was arrested Nov. 16 at the California Pines Lodge. Gentry said Daley
had allegedly made threats to shoot at least two Sheriff's Deputies in the
past.
Gentry said the Shasta County Ordinance Disposal Team was contacted
to dispose of the grenade as well as search the Daley property for any other
explosive devices or booby traps. They didn't find any other explosives but
did destroy some detonation wire and material.
According to the Sheriff, weapons and ammunition appeared to have been placed strategically throughout the Daley property. There was between 4,000 and 5,000 rounds of ammunition located.
Opposition to motocross forces change in location
A homeowner in Alturas has voiced opposition to the proposed
July 11-13 motocross races at the Mill Site, forcing the organizers to move
the event to the Modoc County Fairgrounds.
Modoc Motorsports Association spokesperson, Rendy Rees, said while the association
is disappointed with the situation, the Modoc Fair Board has been supportive
of the change.
The person who voiced a complaint on the Mill site races, lives
about eight tenths of a mile from the site, which is just north of the Amphitheater.
The are no homes within a half-mile of the site and the Alturas Airport is
situated between the last homes on Fourth Street and the proposed race site,
which is adjacent to the east fence of the old lumber mill.
The Alturas City Council had originally approved of the race
unanimously, since it would have been on city land. The Council generally
still supports the motocross concept, but organizers, because of potential
fee and study costs and a limited timeframe, were forced to move this race
to the Fairgrounds.
According to Modoc County Planner Kim Hunter, the homeowner
contends that even one-time event would be subject to the California Environmental
Quality Act. County Counsel John Kinney advised Hunter that the race would
be subject to CEQA.
"There are simply going to be environmental impacts that
will have to be evaluated," Hunters said.
Jessie Berner is expected to present her opposition arguments to the City
Council at its April 8 meeting.
When an application, even for an Administrative Permit, for
the race is submitted, Hunter said a $600 charge for the environmental fee
would be required and she could not waive that fee. In addition, she said
the CEQA documentation couldn't be filed without the California Fish and Game
fee of $1,896.75.
"We're committed to this project, and we are going to take
the high road," said Rees. "We have a lot of interest locally from
riders as well as spectators and this is a good opportunity to provide something
for our youth."
Reese said the MMA will continue to seek a location for further races, but the time limits for this race forced the relocation.
Next hearing in Parks case May 6
The next hearing in the Betty Lou Parks murder case has been
set for May 6, following a pre-trial conference last week.
Robert Chad Haralson, age 32, the suspect in the 1992 homicide
remains in custody in the Modoc County Jail with bail set at $500,000.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation arrested Haralson May 25
in Casper, Wyoming. Modoc had issued an arrest warrant in late April for Haralson
after the initial suspect in the case, Christopher Bradbury, accepted a plea
bargain and identified him as the person who killed Parks.
As a part of the plea deal, the murder charge was dropped, and
Bradbury pled guilty to an accessory after the fact charge. Bradbury must
identify and testify against Haralson.
Parks, who had just graduated from Modoc Middle School, was
reported missing in June 1992 and her remains were found by a hiker at a remote
location in Modoc Estates in May 1993.
The case languished for more than a decade in the Modoc County
Sheriff's Office before finally being turned over to the Department of Justice
cold case investigator. That investigation led to the arrest of Bradbury in
Shasta County.
Haralson, who was 17 and an Alturas resident at the time of
the crime, has entered a not guilty plea. He will be tried as an adult. John
Webster of Redding, who was appointed by the court, is representing him.
Haralson was bound over the trial following a preliminary hearing held in Alturas Feb. 13-15. The hearing was held to determine whether or not to try Haralson for the crime.
Squirrel hunters take aim for weekend
"Spring has sprung" in Surprise Valley and greening
alfalfa fields promise to draw a record number of hunters and plinkers to
the area over the weekend when the Surprise Valley Chamber of Commerce hosts
its 18th Annual Squirrel Roundup on Saturday, March 29.
Many locals enjoy the parade of unique squirrel hunting rigs
that herald spring as reliably as bubbling creeks and the first blooms on
locust trees. Decked out with elaborate shooting platforms, comfortable lounge
chairs, even full-service snack bars, the distinctive vehicles descend early
on area pastures pocked with squirrel mounds and teeming with darting rodents.
Eager hunters are a force to be reckoned with, and savvy locals
have learned to be on guard, keeping pets and small children close to home
when bullets fly. No such concerns discourage circling hawks, eagles and other
birds eagerly awaiting an easy meal.
Saturday's event begins shortly after dawn for registered contestants
who will fan out onto ranches from Fort Bidwell to the Nevada border south
of Eagleville. Though hunters no longer collect tails to win prizes, their
efforts to thin the hordes of Belding ground squirrels, also known as "sage
rats" or "bobby squirrels", are welcomed by landowners plagued
by the proliferate varmints.
Many registered hunters have established warm relationships
with local ranchers down through the years and are invited to head straight
to their familiar stations. Newcomers receive some help from chamber
members though ranchers with large fields may find a participant knocking
at their door, seeking permission to park nearby for the day.
After a long day of hits and misses, hunters and their hosts
will gather at the Four Seasons building at the fairgrounds. Social hour begins
this year 5:30 PM, followed by a hearty dinner, the raffling of a pile of
door prizes, and a silent auction.
Business owners, chamber members, and artisans have generously
contributed items or services for the silent auction which is a highlight
for visitors and locals alike. While fierce but friendly bidding wars often
break out, everyone likes the idea their contributions support the chamber's
many annual activities.
The Squirrel Roundup brings in a large portion of funds the
chamber uses primarily for youth and community activities during the year.
It is chaired by Fort Bidwell's John Drew. His committee has also designed
commemorative hats, mugs and a special keepsake tee shirt that will available
at the event.
This year, the chamber has invested in a premium Savage 17 Caliber
rifle with a high quality scope from the Belligerent Duck in Alturas to be
raffled off Saturday night to one lucky person present. Tickets are $5
each or 5 for $20. "Anyone who wants to get in on the raffle can call
me for tickets", said Drew who can be reached at 279-2050.
Rain, snow or sunshine, chamber chefs will have the outdoor
fires hot to barbecue their famous chicken and steaks. Diana Milton will
oversee the meal, making sure no one leaves the valley hungry after a long
day in the fields.
On Saturday, those taking a break from the "squirrel wars"
will have an opportunity to tour the back streets and historic sites of Cedarville
in a horse-drawn wagon driven by Darice Massey, co-owner of Riders of the
Sage guide service. Those who are interested in scheduling a tour should call
Massey at 279-2420.
For more information on the Roundup or other activities planned for Saturday, please call the chamber office at 279-2001.
Hospital Committee still figuring out tax
level
The Save Our Hospital Committee is currently defining the boundaries
of a proposed hospital district, as well as just what the assessment to property
owners will be.
According to SOH's Lau Miller, a Modoc Medical Center five-year-financial
plan is currently being done and is expected to be complete by mid-to-late
April. That will have to be completed before the application to form a Special
District can be submitted to the Local Agency Formation Commission, LAFCO.
Miller said once that five-year plan is done; the actual financial
needs of the hospital can be decided for a health care district.
The SOH's goal is to place the formation of a Special Hospital
District and an accompanying assessment question on the November General Election
Ballot. The formation of the district requires a simple majority to pass,
however, the tax issue must receive a two-thirds super majority vote for approval.
According to the SOH, the total amount of the special assessment
collected will be based upon the total number of unique property owners within
the boundaries of the healthcare district multiplied by the amount of the
tax. According to SOH, there are 15,742 unique property owners in the proposed
district, and over 13,000 do not actually live in Modoc - predominantly from
California Pines.
Miller said once the level of the hospital assessment is determined - with
very tentative estimates between $100 to $200 per property owner - it will
be well publicized.
In other hospital news, the Modoc County Board of Supervisors has scheduled interviews this afternoon for a new Chief Executive Officer.
Sports
Trinity crushes Braves in league opener
The Trinity Wolves used a 12-run seventh inning to crush the
Modoc Braves in the Shasta Cascade League opener here last Friday, 21-7. Modoc
goes into Spring Break with a 0-5 record.
Trinity led 3-0 in the first and 7-0 in the third, and went
into that last inning leading 9-6. Modoc had scored a pair in the fourth and
four in the sixth.
The seventh inning was ugly, with hits, errors and walks aiding Trinity.
Trent Schmidt got the loss, giving up 21 runs, 16 hits, walking six and fanning
10.
For Modoc, Collyn Server went three-for-three at the plate,
John Hughes was three-for five, James Budmark and Justin Estes went two-for-three
and Irvend Chacon was two-for-four.
Trinity also won the second game of the doublebill 14-3. The
Wolves led 3-0 in the second and the Braves tied it at 3-3 in the third. Trinity
added four in the fifth, one in the sixth and six in the seventh.
Estes got the loss, going three innings, allowing three runs
on four hits and Hughes relieved, pitching the last three innings, allowing
11 runs on 11 hits.
Dee Hunsaker as one-for-two, Budmark, Ty Hammerness, Estes, Schmidt and Hughes
each went one-for-three.
According to coach Tim MacDonnell, Estes started well on the mound in the second game but was forced to leave after an injury to his hand. He said the Braves were in both games, but just couldn't get the breaks when they counted.
Modoc
girls start 3-2
Modoc's softball team opened the season going three and two,
and opening the Shasta Cascade League with a pair of wins against Trinity
last Friday.
In the first game, Modoc went up 2-1 in the fourth and added
three in the sixth for the 5-3 win. Trinity put up two in the sixth.
Emily Conner and Brynn Juanarena led the hitting going two-for-three
each. Sarah Gibbons and Carly Potter were one-for-three. Conner got the win,
fanning 14.
Modoc won the second game 6-3, responding to a three run Wolves'
first inning with five of their own. Modoc added one run in the second.
Amanda Fain and Sami Schmidt went to-for-three and Sarah Catania was two-for-four.
Conner got the win, fanning 11 and walking one.
Thinclads
get meet under belts
Modoc's thinclads have been running in the mud and last week
had a chance to venture to Mt. Shasta to participate in a time trial event
to measure early season successes.
Junior Mikele Funk ran the 1600 meters, 400 meters and her specialty,
the 800, against the Mt. Shasta gang, breaking up the Bears lock on the first
five spots by grabbing second in all three events. Funk's time was in the
800 was 2:49.
Rachel Field and little sister Rebecca Field dominated the girl's shot and
discus with Rachel Field tossing 28'8" to win the shot and hitting 84'
to win the discus. Sophomore Rebecca Field participated in the varsity division
and placed second and third.
Newcomer Jessica Kresge placed first in the tough 300 meter
hurdles and 200 meters, while taking a fourth after falling while leading
in the 110 meter hurdles.
On the boy's side, Cain Madrigal and Newmie Wilson both led the Braves to
strong performances. Wilson took second in the discus and third in the shot,
in his first competition in California.
Full results are expected by next week, both boys and girls expected to participate in the Hornet Invitational on April 5th include, Wilson, Madrigal, Kristi Zendajas, Kresge, Cam Hall, Neal Mohr, Jacob Kettler, Rachel and Rebecca Field as well as others.
Young
grapplers do well in Burney
A dozen Modoc Youth Wrestlers took first places in the Burney
invitational last weekend.
Individual champions were: Hunter Williams, Conner Fisher, Dillon
Valencia, Jake Fields, Christian Givan, Brett Waterman, Tucker Lowrey, Chance
Galvin, Alex Valencia, Brandon Hays, Ethan Dunn and Patrick Bell.
The following kids took second place: Chantz Albrecht, Zack
Bickford, Matt Froemine, Zack McCaffrey, Riley Larranaga (2), and Trent McQuarrie
(2).
Third places went to: Garrett Royce, Wade Schulter, Austin Kresge, Fernando
Aleale, Wyatt Valena, Jake Cruse, Austin Carreker, and Ben Correa.
In fourth pace were: Jeff Tiffany, Josh Vierria, Lane Galvin and Kyle Royce.
News
Snow levels above average
Snow surveys taken by the U.S. Forest Service the last of March
and first of April show healthy levels of both snow and water content in Modoc.
The Adin Mountain Snow survey was taken March 31, with snow
depth at 33.7 inches, compared to the long term average of 33.4 inches, Water
content was 13.7 inches, compared to the long term average of 12.7 inches.
Adin Mountain's Sweagert Flat snow survey showed 37.4 inches
of snow containing 8.7 inches of water on Jan. 28.
The Blue Lake Ranch snow survey on April 1 showed snow depth
of 27.8 inches, above the long term average of 27.4 inches. The area showed
water content of 11.3 inches, compared to the long-term average of 10 inches.
The reading at Blue Lake had 35.2 inches of snow containing
9.4 inches of water Jan. 30.
Cedar Pass measured 46.1 inches of snow April 1, compared to the average of
44.1 inches. The water content of that snowpack was 13.8 inches, below the
long term average of 16.5 inches. Cedar Pass had 42.2 inches of snow on Jan.
31, containing 10.9 inches of water..
Firewood meeting
set to explain the old growth issues
Modoc County is hosting another meeting on the new firewood
cutting policy April 8. 7 p.m. in the Sheriff's Office conference room.
"The purpose of the meeting is to explain the new policy
more fully and offer more explanation," said Sean Curtis, Modoc Resource
Analyst. "We want to clear up any confusion. What's important for the
woodcutters to know is we are the only forest left where you can go anywhere
and cut wood. We have the best of both worlds, but it is going to take cooperation
to keep it as it is." Curtis said there is a serious trade off in place
here in order to keep the woods open, cutters are going to have to
follow the new policy and be self-policing in a lot of ways. If the woodcutters
don't cooperate, there's always a chance the fuelwood cutting programs will
be much tighter and much more restrictive to certain areas.
One of the big issues is not cutting old growth juniper and
next week's meeting will address how to better identify those trees.
The new annual schedule for woodcutting will be from May 1 to
February 28. This will help protect wet roads and reduce rutting off roadways.
New woodcutting permits will go on sale at Forest and Ranger District offices
beginning April 15.
"The woodcutters have agreed to voluntarily avoid cutting
old juniper trees," said Curtis. "Their ability to cut firewood
across the forest was more important to them than cutting the big old trees.
And we believe that's still the most important point here,"
"Each woodcutter needs to know how to distinguish between
the old and young junipers," said Forest Supervisor Stan Sylva. "They
should cut only young juniper trees."
Each permit holder will receive a handout on the characteristics
of old Western juniper with photos of both old and young juniper.
"The age of a juniper tree has nothing to do with its size;
it has more to do with form," Sylva said. "A young juniper will
usually have a single trunk, smooth bark and a symmetrical pointed top. An
old juniper, which may not be cut, will typically have a rounded top, more
than one trunk or large low limbs; its trunk or trunks will be deeply furrowed
and covered with red fibrous bark."
The Forest's new fuel wood policy will be available online soon at www.fs.fed.us/modoc/.
Hospital's increased annual loss explained
by CEO
Modoc Medical Center had a loss of $1.2 million in the year
2006, and that ballooned to $2.8 million in 2007.
That $1.6 million increase in the financial deficit has caused
more than a small amount of concern from local officials.
According to hospital interim Chief Executive Officer Jim Sato,
three areas contributed to about $1.45 million of that loss and he explained
that to the Save Our Hospital Committee and the Modoc Medical Center Advisory
Committee in a document March 29.
"Modoc Medical Center got two sets of physicians to cover
hospital services, with one set of physicians covering the emergency room
and the patients staying overnight in the hospital," Sato said. "Another
set of physicians covered the clinic and Warnerview. Prior to getting these
two sets of physicians, one set of physicians was expected to cover the clinic,
emergency room, inpatients and Warnerview. This led to burnout. The additional
cost for this service was about $600,000."Sato also said that the hospital
paid about $200,000 more in 2007 than in 2006 for recruitment fees, temporary
help in accounting, physical therapy and medical records.
"Modoc Medical Center also paid about $680,000 more in
registry costs for nurses and other staff," Sato said.
The registry employees are employed by agencies outside the
hospital and are generally viewed as the "fly-in" staff. The cost
is generally higher than staff nurses.
According to Sato's figures, MMC paid a total of $919,358 for registry services in 2006 and $1,598,414 in 2007.
Hospital debt rate slows in March
While Modoc Medical Center posted an increase to its county
debt in March, the increase was less than in pervious months according to
Modoc County Auditor Judi Stevens.
The hospital debt went up to $10,472,337 at the end of March
from $10,423,955 at the end of February, an increase of $48,382. That compares
to a debt of $10,254,168 at the end of January, an increase of $169,787. The
increase in the debt level was substantially lower than the $458,084 increase
in January.
The debt was $9,796,084 at the end of December. That's an increase
of $458,084 for the month and an increase of $2,740,238 since January 2007.
The debt has increased since September 2005's $4,690,812 by
a total of $5,781,2525.
.
Fighter pilots too low for law?
Last week fighter jets from Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls
staged dogfight type maneuvers over the City of Alturas, including firing
flares and creating a sonic boom.
While the fighter pilots have been performing these types of
activities in the past, this time it prompted some complaints.
Alturas Chief of Police Ken Barnes called Kingsley and was told
that the fighters are operating in two Military Operations Areas, Hart Mountain
and Goose Lake. But the original officer he spoke with couldn't confirm whether
the pilots were within the law. He was awaiting a call from another commanding
officer.
A subsequent call to the Federal Aviation Administration cleared
up the confusion. According to Barnes, the FAA regulations state that fighters
must stay at least 1,000 feet above any populated area, 500 feet above non-populated
areas and in no case should they have created the sonic boom. Further, Barnes
said the combat maneuvers are not allowed at low levels over populated areas.
"We know that local people often like to watch the show," said Barnes.
"But there are limits."
The FAA's concern, Barnes said, was safety.
Barnes said Lt. Col. Wes French, from Kingsley, said the jets can maneuver in their MOA, but not below 10,000 feet above sea level. That would put them over 5,000 feet above Alturas. He said he is checking into the issue.
Obituaries:
Rhea G. Pope
Rhea Geniveve Pope, an Alturas resident for almost 30 years,
loved the people of the area and always thought Modoc was a little piece of
Heaven. Mrs. Pope passed away on March 29, 2008 in Alturas, CA at the age
of 97 years, twenty three days shy of her 98th birthday.
Born Rhea Moffitt in Seymour, Connecticut on April 20, 1910,
she graduated from Seymour High School. On July 4, 1936, Rhea married Carleton
L. Pope in New York and they made their first home in Oxford, Connecticut.
She was a homemaker and very active in community services. The mother of three
believed in staying active and also made time for her sports, starting a women's
softball team, playing tennis, putting on plays, just to name a few things.
The family moved to California in 1951, due to their son Bruce's
health problems. They bought a home in Sylmar where Rhea became president
of the Women's Chamber of Commerce, won women of the year awards, produced
the Miss Sylmar Pageant, staged plays, fashion shows, worked on the police
force as a school crossing guard and was a playground supervisor for five
years, plus stayed busy with PTA and accomplished a lot of good community
work.
"Mom packed more into her life, than most people dream
about," describes her daughter Nancy Weimann of Alturas.
In 1977, the Popes came up to California Pines with their daughter
Nancy and son-in-law Bill Weimann and their two children. Being really special
grandsons Brian and Alan, (Bruce's sons), traveled with them. They fell in
love with Alturas, and moved up in 1978, along with their daughter Nancy and
family. Rhea loved her grandchildren, great grandchildren and her one great-great
grandson and was so proud of each one. Her grandson William C. "Bill"
and wife Kim share Rhea and Carleton's July 4 anniversary, as Bill and Kim
were married in a garden ceremony on the family's PW Ranch in Alturas on July
4, 1997, the date of Rhea and Carleton's 61st wedding anniversary.
Everyone loved Rhea and she loved everybody. After Carl died
March 9, 1998, Rhea became ill and for the past few years Rhea lived at Warnerview
Convalescent. The staff there were all wonderful to her and looked forward
to seeing her sweet smile.
Mrs. Pope is survived by her daughter Nancy L. Weimann and husband
William A. Weimann of Alturas, CA; grandson William C. Weimann and wife Kim
of Alturas; great-grandsons, Jonathen Weimann, Nathan and Cody Book of Alturas;
granddaughter Trudy Fuller and husband Brian of Klamath Falls, OR; great-grandsons,
Cody Cavasso of Klamath Falls, OR and William (Willy) Cavasso of Klamath Falls,
OR; Rhea's son Richard L. Pope and wife Carol of Michigan; grandsons Steven
Pope of Michigan, Brian Pope and wife Mary of Michigan and their son Michael
(Rhea's great-great grandson); grandson Alan Pope and wife Samantha of Florida;
two sisters Dorothy Bond of Florida and Jean Moffitt of Florida. Rhea was
loved by everyone and will be greatly missed.
Services will be private.
Contributions in Rhea's memory may be made to help support the
Modoc Senior Citizens Center, 904 West Fourth Street, Alturas, CA 96101.
Doris June Robison
The cakes have all disappeared, but former Alturas resident
Doris June Robison of Kamiah, ID, will long be remembered for her fabulous
cake decorating skills and her love of creating specialty theme cakes, especially
for children's parties. Mrs. Robison, 83, passed away March 12, 2008, in Kamiah,
ID.
Doris was born on January 21, 1925, in Baxter Springs, Kansas
to George and Flossie Arthur. She married Gerlin "Jerry" Robison
on Nov. 8, 1942 in San Bruno, CA. The couple relocated to Alturas, CA when
their daughter and young grandchildren were living in Alturas. The Robisons
later relocated to Susanville. Then, in 1996, after her husband passed away,
Mrs. Robinson relocated to Kamiah, ID. She was an avid reader, loved to bake
and enjoyed knitting.
She is survived by her daughter Susan Hamilton of Montesano,
WA; granddaughter Amber Gentry of Montesano, WA; grandson Luke Gentry, Seattle,
WA; son Michael Robison (Denice) of Moscow, ID; grandson Brian Robison (Melanie),
Florissant, MO; great-granddaughter Melaina Robison, Florissant, MO; son Toby
Robison (Lois), Shasta Lake, CA; granddaughter Cara Quinn and family, Palo
Cedro, CA; granddaughter Nicole Wasylychyn, Santa Cruz, CA. She was preceded
in death by her parents.
Interment will be in Susanville, CA.
Barbara Lee Booth
Former Alturas resident Barbara Lee Booth, 68, of Alturas passed
away of natural causes in Susanville, CA on March 31, 2008. Barbara worked
for Modoc Work Activity Center in Alturas for a number of years. She had resided
in Susanville where her daughter Terrie Christensen lives. Barbara was born
in Wyoming. Her family plans to hold a memorial service in Alturas at a later
date. Her obituary will be published at a later date. Information provided
by Walton's Colonial Mortuary of Susanville, CA.
Richard Allen Maki
Richard Allen Maki, 57 passed away March 22, 2008 at his home
is Lookout, CA.
Richard was born July 20, 1950 in Sacramento, CA.
He lived in Modoc County for 23 years.
Richard was in the Air Force for 4 years and worked for Big
Valley Lumber Co., and was an Equipment Operator for 25 years. He loved fishing.
He is survived by daughters Sara Robbins of Burney, Amy Maki
of Redding, sisters Linda McCord of Sacramento, Georgia Hooker of Rio Linda,
CA, 2 grandchildren Evan Robbins and Lexi Robbins.
A graveside service was held March 29, 2008 at 10 a.m. at the Lookout Cemetery.
Pamela C. Bidwell
Pamela Cheryl Bidwell, 61, of Adin, CA passed away after a long illness on
March 21, 2008 at her home in Adin.
She was born March 3, 1947 in Vallejo, CA, and had lived in
Bieber until moving to Adin in 1991. Mrs. Bidwell was a bus driver with the
Big Valley School District for 28 years.
She is survived by her husband Greg Bidwell of Adin, CA; son Brad McNeall of Redding, CA; daughter Victoria Austin of Eagle Point, OR and stepdaughter Brooke Pebley of El Dorado Hills, CA; brother Pete Luck of Reno, NV; and seven grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be directed to Intermountain Hospice, P.O. Box 459, Fall River Mills, CA 96028. Condolences may be posted at www.mem.com. McDonald's Chapel Burney arranged services which were held Tuesday, March 25 at the Big Valley High School with Rev. Jeff Bidwell.
Claude Ancel Walker
Claude Ancel Walker, 99, a former Adin resident, passed away
March 31, 2008 in Yuba City, CA, where he had been living. Memorial services
will be held Saturday, April 5 at 11 a.m. at Hooper Weaver Mortuary in Nevada
City, CA. Mr. Walker's grandson, Pastor Victor M. Savage and Pastor Al Moody
of new Life assembly Church, Marysville, will conduct the service.
Mr. Walker served his country with the U.S. Navy during World
War II. He later became a lumber mill owner and operator and was a Justice
of the Peace in Randolph County, Arkansas. He was born September 19, 1908
in Scotts Mills, OR to Joseph Walker and Susan (Pickens) Walker. On August
6, 1932 he married Catherine in Waterloo, Illinois. They were married for
65 years, when she passed away in 1997. He was also preceded in death by a
son Claude Ancel Walker, Jr. in 1962.
Mr. Walker enjoyed fishing, gardening, playing Dominos, collecting
coins, helping others and was a fan of the Sacramento Kings basketball team.
Mr. Walker is survived by his sons Robert Walker, Gerald Walker,
Dean Walker, daughters Linda Savage and Virginia George; 19 grandchildren,
44 great-grandchildren; 17 great-great grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Yuba Sutter Senior Hall in Yuba
City, Ca. Funeral Home Hooper & Weaver Mortuary is handling arrangements.
Harrison Alaric Marsden
Services for Harrison Alaric Marsden, 73, of Lookout, CA will
be held at noon Saturday, April 5 at the Lookout Fire Hall. The Rev. Jerry
Trotter of the Lookout Community Church will conduct the service.
Mr. Marsden passed away March 28, 2008 of natural causes at
Mercy Medical Center in Redding, CA. Mr. Marsden was a U.S Marine Corps veteran
who served in Korea.
A resident of Lookout since 1991, he was born in Montezuma,
New York on January 7, 1935 and moved to Lookout from Fremont, CA, with his
wife Bea. Mr. Marsden was a machinist for Caterpillar Tractor Manufacturing
for 30 years. Once he became a resident of Lookout, he was active with the
Lookout Volunteer Fire Department, a member of American Legion Big Valley,
Chamber of Commerce for Big Valley and the Lookout Community Church.
He is survived by his wife Bea of Lookout; sons Mark of Manteca,
CA and David of Fremont, CA; daughter Rose Ella Vargas of Fremont, CA; brother
Keith Marsden of Stockton, CA; sister Sylvia Alien of Coopersville, GA and
Lynette Sullivan of Colorado; four grandchildren.
Condolences may be posted at www.mem.com McDonald's Chapel of Burney has charge of arrangements. He will be laid to rest at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego, CA.
Sports
Wood 4th, earns H.S. All-American
Modoc High School Junior Josh Wood took 4th place at 215 pounds
in the Junior National Finals in Virginia Beach, Va., last weekend, earning
him a coveted High School All-American honor.
Wood, who just came off a fourth place finish at the California
State Finals the previous week, went 4-2 in the Nationals tournament, with
42 top wrestlers in this weight class. There were seven state champions in
the weight class. More than 3,000 wrestlers from throughout the nation compete
at the Junior Nationals.
Tyler Wood wrestled in the sophomore division at 171 pounds. While he didn't
place, coach Shaun Wood was very pleased that he went 2-2 in the event.
What's
up in sports?
With high schools coming off of spring break, spring sports
gets back into full swing.
Modoc High School's baseball and softball teams have Fall River
at home April 4, with game times at 2 p.m. They travel to Burney April 11.
The Modoc Golf team played at Arrowhead April 1 and goes to
Lake Shastina April 3 and Fall River April 10.
Modoc's varsity track team is scheduled for the Hornet Invitational April 6.
Modoc
wins home golf match
Modoc's golf team played its best round of the early season
April Fool's Day, shooting a 406 at Arrowhead and beating Foothill's 456,
Lakeview's 500, and Portola's 521.
Daniel Morgan had an outstanding one-under par 71 to lead all
competitors. Jeff Solomon was second with a 76, Drew Morgan and Josue Madrigal
each shot 84. Foothill's Brett Long broke into the top four with an 83. Jeff
Barclay shot a 91.
Modoc's B team had results as follows: Justin Lee 95; Jack Callaghan 112; Dejah Montague 131; and Alex Moreo 116.
April 10, 2008
News
Outrageous fuel prices pushing truckers to limit
Skyrocketing fuel prices have pushed trucking companies to the
wall, according to three local truck operators.
"We're having to charge an extra five to six dollars an
hour just to compensate for the fuel difference," said Fernand Larranaga,
owner of Larranaga Construction, Inc.
"It's hurting everybody," said Walt Sphar, owner of
Walter Sphar Trucking, who feels lucky if he can just "break even"
these days. "It's hit hard. We're not making any money. It's that bad."
"It's going to be a fight to make ends meet," said
Jim Sherer, co-owner of the Sherer Brothers Logging and Trucking Company.
Sphar believes that present record high diesel prices will rise
even further. "They say it's going to go up another 40 cents," he
said, noting that it may soon exceed five dollars a gallon.
Diesel delivered to his business site for use in his trucks
has more than doubled. "We used to get a truck and trailer load of diesel
in here for $12,000 to $14,000," Sphar said, dejectedly. "Now it's
well over $30,000 for the same load."
Other oil-based commodities have been affected as well, according
to Larranaga. "The asphalt oil has close to doubled," he said. "It's
darn near going to cost you twice as much."
"I don't see it going down," said Sherer of his fuel
costs. "I say it's going to be five dollars a gallon for diesel and four
dollars a gallon for gasoline in the near future-probably within a couple
of months."
Clearly, things are not going well for those in the trucking
industry. But that's only part of their concern. These owners believe their
problems to be a bellwether for things to come in the wider economy.
"If it keeps going on like this, you're going to see a
lot of people out of work," said Sphar. "There'll be a chain reaction.
It's not only going to hurt the trucking business. Sure it's going to put
a lot of truckers out of business, but it's going to hurt everybody."
"It's going to be a ripple effect," said Sherer. "If
people want to pay five dollars for an eight-foot long two-by-four, if they
want to pay five dollars for a five-pound bag of potatoes, that's just fine."
"It's hard to gauge, now," said Larranaga. "Everything is going
up. I think the (greatest) effects are going to come this spring and summer."
Each of the owners has a bleak assessment of what rising fuel
prices will mean for their industry and the nation as a whole.
Those on a fixed retirement income are in the most trouble according
to Sphar. "This is hurting lots of people that are retired and elderly.
They have medicine to buy, they have to heat their house and they buy groceries.
All three are going sky high right now."
"I think everybody's in the hot seat," said Sherer.
"It's not just me. It's going to cost way more to live, because it's
all about fuel. The United States is all about fuel. We can't do without it,
so everybody's just going to have to pay for it."
"It's going to put everybody out of business, I think,"
said Sphar, making a prediction. "It's going to be so bad at the end
of this, you won't be able to give a truck away hardly. Just like houses right
now, you couldn't sell a truck if you tried. I've got one out there for sale.
No takers."
"I don't think there's anything you can do, especially
in the trucking industry," said Larranaga, who feels he is ready for
what comes next because he's worked to keep his business solvent. "I'm
not extended enough out there to get hurt."
All agree that they have no recourse but to pass the added fuel
costs along to their customers.
"Everybody adds a surcharge anymore. They have to pass
it on. They're just passing the buck," said Larranaga, explaining how
the pass-along works. "You figure your flat rate, and then you add a
surcharge as it (the price of fuel) goes up.
"Actually, I haven't raised any of my prices yet,"
he said, continuing. "But this spring, it's going to jump us up by six
bucks an hour just to compensate the fuel.
"You just have to pass the buck. You'll keep working as
long as the consumer will pay for it. You'll keep hauling."
Saying, "If I can't make any money, I won't work. I'm not
going to work for nothing," Sherer explained the "ripple" effect
the trucking industry's woes will have on everyone. "It's all about the
almighty dollar. So everybody's going to chisel all they can. It's not fair
for me to take it out of my pockets. So, it's just a ripple effect down to
the consumer."
Larranaga noted that government budget cuts will follow as the
economy contracts, leaving less work to go around. "We do quite a bit
of work for the county and the state, and their budgets are getting whacked,"
he said. "With the increased costs of fuel and asphalt oil, maybe they
can only do half as much as they wanted to do."
He also questions why fuel costs locally are so much higher
than elsewhere. "The cost, even from Redding to here, is a huge difference.
What is that about, exactly?"
Word on the street is that truckers may soon stage a strike.
"They have the capacity to do it," Larranaga said. "If the
truckers did stop, even for a weekend or two or three days, this country would
just come to a complete stop."
Ironically, he doesn't believe a strike or slowdown will happen.
"It just seems like they're unwilling. They're not going down that road.
We'll just charge more to offset the fuel costs and pass it along to the customer
and move on with it. The fight's not worth it anymore."
"It'll never work," said Sphar of the rumored strike.
"Too many people have contracts, like I do. I have to haul, regardless.
I'm on a contract."
He feels that most independents haven't the will to make it
work. "If you've got a new truck and a family to feed, you can't afford
to quit," Sphar said. "You've got to keep working."
According to Sherer, the situation is deteriorating while politicians
squabble. "One side is not going to agree with the other because they
want the other side to look bad. And vice versa. Each wants the other side
to look bad. So, until the (people) say, 'Enough is enough' and pull together,
it's not going to work.
"I look for some changes, but it's not going to be until after the election," said Sherer, adding his predictions. "Then, depending upon how the election goes, it could get worse."
Hospital CEO
search goes for 2nd round
Modoc County will start the search for a permanent Modoc Medical
Center Chief Administrative Officer again, and the one just completed ended
without success.
The county had three prospective applicants and was prepared
to offer the position, but the preferred candidates reconsidered and opted
out of the process.
According to County CEO Mike Maxwell, the current interim CEO,
Jim Sato, has offered to restructure his future commitments, which would allow
him to stay through June.
Sato will be gone the first two weeks in May, when Maxwell will
once again resume to hospital CEO position on a short-term basis.
Maxwell said the county intends to change recruiting companies and will continue the search for a permanent CEO.
Media Center,
River Center will swap spots
This summer will mark a major move for two institutions in Alturas,
the River Center and the Modoc County Office of Education Media Center will
switch locations.
Gary Jones, Modoc Superintendent of Schools has studied the
issue and sees advantages for both services with the impending change.
First off, the MCOE owns the building the River Center is now
housed in on Henderson Street and the Media Center portion of the Modoc County
Library on Third Street.
Jones has discussed and presented the plan to all those affected
parties and the move should take place after July.
According to Jones, the River Center's lease runs through June
30 and they will stay in that place at least until that time.
The Media Center, which supplies the school district with educational
items and resources is currently going through a "weeding" process,
basically eliminating old, outdated or non-used items to pare down the massive
inventory of educational materials.
Jones said about 75 percent of the material at the Media Center
has not been checked out over the past five years. In addition, the overall
usage of the materials, including books, video, teacher aids, equipment, DVDs,
CR-ROM and others has declined for a total circulation of 36,491 in 2000-01
to 19,800 in 2006-07.
Jones said much of the concern for moving the Media Center has
to do with each district's payment for the services, a lessening of Forest
Reserve dollars, fewer uses of educational materials and major changes due
to technology.
What the move will gain for the Media Center is a reconfiguration
to meet current technology needs, an update for the Media Specialist duties
and overall better perception of the center and a location closer the MCOE.
The River Center gains much more space, about double, a location
next the County Library and closer to schools, basically free rent, only having
to pay utility costs, and the ability and room to provide better displays.
In addition, Jones said the County Library will get additional shelf and storage space by assuming some of the area the Media Center had occupied.
Fire destroys motorhome on U.S. 395
A fire, apparently that started in the engine compartment, completely
destroyed a motorhome on U.S. 395 April 8, 3:15, about three miles north of
Likely.
According to Patricia Cantrall, a member of the Likely Fire
Department, and a Modoc County Supervisor, she encountered the smoking vehicle
on the way home to Likely from Tuesday's Board meeting. She stopped and started
traffic control, concerned that the fuel and propane tanks on the vehicle
would burst.
The driver of the vehicle and his wife, and another truck driver
who stopped to help were also at the scene.
The Likely Fire Department was the first on the scene and was
assisted by the Bureau of Land Management fire crew out of West Valley.
According to the motorhome driver, he lost oil pressure and
noticed white smoke coming from the engine. He pulled off the road and stopped
to check out what was going on. When he opened the hood, more smoke and flames
erupted.
"It was pretty scary, and I was really worried about those tanks exploding," said Cantrall. "We made sure everyone was away from the vehicle and we didn't let traffic through until we knew it was safe. The tanks did go off and the motorhome was destroyed. But, thankfully, no one was hurt."
SOH still hoping to make November ballot
The Save Our Hospital Committee is still aiming to put the Modoc
Medical Center Hospital District question on the November ballot, and they're
going to have to meet some deadlines to get that done.
The biggest hurdle at the moment will be getting the hospital district application
through the LAFCO (Local Agency Formation Commission), hearing without any
major delays to meet the deadline to place the issue on the ballot.
SOH members believe they'll be able to meet those deadlines
and are working on a variety of issues now that have to go into the application,
including business plans, budgets, district boundaries, tax amount and so
on.
The SOH also points out this week that: "The local belief
that the hospital cannot be closed is misleading. Per the California Hospital
Association, there is 'no requirement to keep a county hospital open per se
. . .'
While most people realize that several county hospitals have
in fact been closed, the SOH stresses that is a possibility here, however
remote.
"The idea may have become common knowledge because the
county is obligated under Welfare and Institutions Code 17000 to provide medical
care to the indigent. However, there is no requirement that care be provided
at a local or county-run medical facility. In other words, indigent people,
for whom the county is required to provide medical care, can be transported
to any facility the county selects," the SOH writes.
Last week, the Board of Supervisors passed a Memorandum of Understanding,
MOU, between the county and SOH for the orderly transfer of buildings, operating
expenses, accounts receivable and licenses from Modoc County to the Last Frontier
Healthcare District.
Of course, that MOU would only officially take effect if the
hospital district and the tax assessment pass a vote of the people. The district
requires only a simple majority vote, but the funding measure will require
two-thirds approval.
"Everyone involved with the discussions involved in creating
the MOU made a sincere effort to protect the interests of both Modoc County
as well as the Healthcare District," SOH states. "The completion
of this document and acceptance by the Board of Supervisors will now allow
Supervisors to move forward to create a resolution requesting LAFCO accept
the application from the SOH to form a healthcare district and add it to the
ballot in November."
.
Obituaries:
Services for Patrick Tignor
A graveside service for Patrick Henry Tignor, 87, will be held
April 19, 2008, at 2:30 p.m. at the Alturas Cemetery. Family friend Don Wion
will conduct the service. A fellowship gathering will follow at Alturas Baptist
Church on Fourth Street, Alturas.
Mr. Tignor a former Vice Principal and teacher at Modoc High
School for many years, passed away at his home in Madras, Oregon on January
16, 2008.
He is survived by his wife Wanda of Madras, OR; daughter Suzy
of Terrebonne, OR; Corky of Maui, Hawaii; sister Margeuritte of Maryland and
brothers Charlie of Kentucky; Troy of Georgia and William of Florida.
Condolences may be sent to the Tignor Family at 165 N.E. 16th Street, Madras, OR. 97741. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Modoc County Senior Citizens Center, 906 West Fourth St., Alturas, CA 96101 or the Modoc Unit of the American Cancer Society, 402 East 4th Street, Alturas, CA 96101. Mr. Tignor's obituary will be published next week.
Donald 'Steve' Clark
Donald "Steve" Clark of Grass Valley died March 23,
2008 at UC Davis Medical Center. He was 75.
Mr. Clark was born July 13, 1932, in Turlock, CA. He grew
up in Alturas and attended Modoc High School. After serving in the U.S.
Army during the Korean War, he married Connie Wood of Alturas, CA. in 1953. He
worked in the sawmills in Modoc County for many years before going to work
for California Division of Forestry in 1961. He moved his family to Grass
Valley in 1975. After 26 years of service, he retired as a CDF Captain from
Washington Ridge Conservation Camp in 1987.
Mr. Clark was liked and respected by all who knew him. He
enjoyed traveling the countryside with his wife of 55 years, woodworking,
building model trains, fishing, and just tinkering in his shop. His biggest
enjoyment in life was his family. He and his wife had three sons and
one daughter.
Mr. Clark was loved and will be greatly missed by his wife,
Connie Clark; sons and daughters in-law Don and Kaja Clark of Rough and Ready,
Jerry and Kris Clark of Palermo; son, Kelly Clark, of Oakdale; his daughter
and son in-law Tammy and Jim Sherlock of Grass Valley; 14 grandchildren and
19 great grandchildren and his brother Earl Clark of Alturas.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother Ray and Alpha
Clark, his brothers Clyde, Glen, Charles and his only sister Ida Mary Davis.
As per Steve's wishes, there will not be any services. Instead, the family will have a celebration of life in his honor on June 21, 2008, to be held at the Nevada County Fairgrounds.
Mabel Marie Miller
Mabel Marie Miller, a native of Alturas, passed away at the
Red Bluff hospital on April 6, 2008. Mrs. Miller had been a resident at Sun
Bridge Care and Rehabilitation of Red Bluff, CA.
Born to Jesse and Sadie Addington of Alturas, CA on November
14, 1927, she was their fifth child.
Mabel worked in the Box Factories for Ralph Smith Lumber Company in Alturas.
She was married to Ray Brown and the couple had two children, a son, baby
Harold Ray Brown, born October 16, 1942, who passed away December 1942. Their
daughter Marie Rae Brown Wood was born Nov. 16, 1946 and passed away July
21, 1981. Her parents and two brothers, Harold and Ernest Addington also preceded
her in death.
Mabel and Ray divorced. She later married "Bunk" Miller
and lived in Oroville for a number of years.
She is survived by three sisters, Alfreda Clark of Alturas,
CA; Edith Root of Redmond, OR and Hazel Wobbe and husband Lyle of Red Bluff,
CA; two brothers, Ray Addington of Alturas, CA and Norman Addington and wife
Alice of Caldwell, Idaho; two grandsons Tim and Ted Woods; a number of great-grandchildren
and nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at the Tehama Cemetery at 2 p.m. today,
April 10 in Red Bluff, CA.
Don Doris
Don Doris, 78, passed away April 4, 2008 at his home in Los
Osos, CA
after a fight with cancer.
Don was a formidable figure in the beef cattle industry.
He was manager/herdsman for Founder and Publisher of Stockman's Weekly and
Pacific Stockman Magazine; and notably as Field Representative and Director
of Advertising for Western Livestock Journal. Don was inducted into the Livestock
Marketers Hall of Fame in 1990.
Don was preceded in death by his son, David, in 1986; and by
his wife
of fifty-two years, Dorothy, who worked by his side until her death in
2002. He is survived by his wife and "buddy", Carolyn, with whom
he danced
and cruised the past three years. His family includes daughter Dianne
Wright and husband Don; son Dan and wife Geri; daughter-in-law Diane
Doris; sister Dorothy Tarvin Gibson of Hanford; granddaughter Dawn Hinton
and husband Sam; granddaughter Melanie Swager and husband Kevin;
grandson Dana Doris and wife Julie; grandson Derek Doris; and five great
grandchildren. Also surviving are Dick Gates, his wife Carol,
and their
family. Several Auctioneers, Sale Managers, Auction Market Operators,
Publication Representatives,
Livestock Photographers, Ranch Managers, Herdsmen, Cattle Fitters, and Ringmen
as well as Commercial and Purebred Cattle people, (emerging as well as the
established) are the benefactors of the sincere advise (and/or constructive
criticism) and consul of Don Doris. One of Don's many Livestock Marketing
innovations was The All-Breeds Sifted and Graded Bull Sale concept that he
co-founded with H 'Skinner' Hardy in 1965. That same All-Breeds Format has
been adopted throughout America.
Don was born in Tulare, CA on August 6, 1929, and resided on
a ranch in Waukena, CA during his early years. Don lived in Clovis, CA
most of his life raising his family and working
in the purebred livestock industry.
Services will be held Friday, April 11, 10:00 a.m. at Valley Christian Center, 4649 E. Shields, Fresno, CA. Burial will immediately follow at The Clovis Cemetery. Everyone is invited to return to the Christian Center for refreshments and The Celebration of Don's Life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to: Fraternal Order of Eagles #3693, 2988 N, Main St., Morro Bay, CA 93442; or to the donors Charity of choice.
Sports
Braves
split with Bulldogs
Modoc's baseball team split a doubleheader with the Fall River
Bulldogs last weekend, wining the first 4-3 and losing the second game 10-3.
Modoc is at Burney Friday.
In the opener, Modoc scored three in the fifth and one in the
sixth. Fall River scored all three runs in the third.
Trent Schmidt got the win, going seven innings, allowing three
runs on four hits, walked three and fanned four.
James Budmark, Webb Dunn, Ty Hammerness, Dee Hunsaker and Schmidt
each collected a hit in the game.
In the nightcap, Fall River scored four in the second, three
in the third, two in the fifth and one in the sixth. Modoc scored its three
runs in the fifth.
Justin Estes got the loss, going four innings, giving up seven
runs on eight hits, striking out four and allowing one walk. He was relieved
by John Hughes who allowed three runs in three innings, on three hits, three
walks and fanned four.
Hughes led the offense going 2-for-4, while Estes, Schmidt,
and Irvend Chacon each had a hit.
Modoc is now 1-7 on the season and 1-3 in the Shasta Cascade League.
Bonanza beat the Braves 13-0 April 3, not able to get their
offense going. Estes collected the only hit for Modoc.
Bonanza scored three in the first, three in the second, four in the third and three in the fourth.
Weed
dominates golf match
Weed's Cougars put together a very strong match to win on their
home course April 3, with Modoc taking second.
Weed shot a team score of 381, and had the top four individuals:
Scott Lassen with 71; Dave Anderson with 73; Adam Anderson with 77; and Jake
West with 79.
Modoc's Daniel Morgan and Jeff Solomon fired 80s to lead the
Braves to a team score of 432. Drew Morgan shot 90, Josue Madrigal and Jeff
Barclay shot 91 and Justin Lee had a 115.
Mt. Shasta's steam shot a 475, Fall River a 486 and Trinity a 544.
The Braves next Shasta Cascade League match is April 10 at Fall River.
Modoc
girls win, lose to Fall River
Modoc's varsity softball team won the opening game against Fall
River last Friday 3-2, but dropped the second game 3-0.
In the opener, Modoc scored one in the first, added one in the
fourth and one in the sixth. Fall River scored one in the second and one in
the third.
Nicole Hall started for the Braves, going three innings, allowing
three hits, five walks and fanned three. Emily Conner got the win, relieving
in the fourth; She fanned seven and allowed one hit.
Sarah Catania led the offense, going 3-for-3; Conner went 1-for-2 and Sarah
Gibbons 1-for-3.
The Braves lost the second game, struggling against Fall River pitcher Emily
Estes.
Conner was on the mound for Modoc, striking out eight, walking
one and allowing four hits.
On April 3, the Braves beat Bonanza in a non-league game 13-1. Conner got
the win, fanning six, and allowing no runs or hits before being relived by
Hall.
Amanda Fain went 4-for-4; Conner, Hall and Sami Schmidt went
3-for-4
The Braves are now 7-3 overall and 3-1 in the SCL. They face Burney here Friday.
Wood wins big Reno invite
Modoc's Josh Wood won the prestigious Reno World of Wrestling
tournament at the 215-pound division over the weekend. The tourney attracts
some of the top high school wrestlers from throughout the country.
Miguel Torres placed fourth in the 15-year-old heavyweight division. Kyle
Voth and Tyler Wood went 2-2 in the event, Trent McQuarrie went 1-2, and Alex
Valencia was 0-2.
Modoc tracksters do well in tough meet
While individual results were not given, Modoc's track team
competed well April 6 at Enterprise High School in Redding.
According to coach Wendi Lowrey, Rebecca Field had a personal
best in the shot put and Beth Colbert and Susanna Jones had PR's in the mile.
Michel Funk competed very well in stiff competition.
Cain Madrigal, Cam Hall and Kevin Jones did well, with Jones
place forth in the pole vault at 10-6.
In addition, Newmie Wilson and Chris McMasters both threw the shot well.
"It was a really long day with some tough competition," said Lowrey. "The kids really stepped up to the plate and did really well against some big schools."The next schedule meet for the Braves is the Weed Time Trials April 17.
April 17, 2008
News
New woodcutting policy tweaked
The Modoc National Forest and Bureau of Land Management's Surprise,
Alturas and Eagle Lake field offices have modified their juniper woodcutting
policies.
Area woodcutters gathered at the Modoc County Sheriff's office,
Tues. April 8th. Hosted by Modoc County and moderated by Sean Curtis, County
Natural Resource Advisor, 37 woodcutters learned about and debated the BLM
and Forest's policy on Juniper firewood. Leaders of both agencies were on
hand to answer questions and explain the policy changes.
Energies ran high and there was much discussion on points of
the policy. The attachment to the permit was reviewed and suggestions were
made for improvements.
Fuelwood cutters with a permit may cut junipers less than 30
inches in diameter at stump height (12 inches) that sprouted after the 1870s.
They can easily be recognized as they have pointed tops, symmetrical shape,
one central trunk, smooth lightly furrowed bark with only shallow fissures,
and no or very thin low branches.
Old junipers may not be cut for firewood. They will have one
or more of these features: rounded or asymmetrical tops that may be sparse
and contain dead limbs, deeply furrowed fibrous bark on the trunk that is
reddish in color in living trees and gray in dead trees, large dead or live
branches near the base of the tree, or multiple trunks.
National Forest permits went on sale on Monday and can be used
weather permitting, May 1 - Feb. 29.
BLM permits go on sale May 1 and are good until Nov. 1 or bad
weather.
The new Forest policy and two-agency permit attachment is available
on line at www.fs.fed.us/modoc.
The April 8 meeting was a follow-up to the County-hosted meeting in November
where the agencies met with woodcutters to receive suggestions on how to continue
firewood cutting while preserving old Western juniper trees. This was as a
result of comments submitted on the Draft Sage Steppe Ecosystem Restoration
Environmental Impact Statement. The results of the research for that EIS indicated
that there is significant value to old junipers. Previous fuel wood policies
for both agencies allowed woodcutters to cut them down for firewood.
For more information call the BLM at 233-4666 or 279-6101 or the Modoc National Forest at 233-
5811, 279-6116, 667-2276 or 299-3215.
Major donation
makes MMC future more tangible
A $500,000 donation to Modoc Medical Center from an area rancher
was accepted by the Modoc, gratefully, by the Modoc County Board of Supervisors
Tuesday.
The donation came from the Mark and Jessie Milano Foundation
and will come in two parts. The Milano's own the Blacks Canyon Ranch in Modoc
County.
The first part is $250,000 restricted to the funding of the
new CT Scanner and will come in May, The second $250,000 will for an ultrasound
machine, which will be funded in January 2009. The donations are coming from
the Milanos through the Shasta Regional Community Foundation.
According to Interim Hospital Administrator Jim Sato, the donations will bring
significant and lifesaving results, both medically and financially, for the
hospital.
He said the total cost for the CT Scanner, which is scheduled
to arrive in May is abut $480,000, excluding the service contract starting
in the second year of operation. The digital ultrasound unit is estimated
to cost about $259,000, which includes employee training and service contracts.
"This gift will reduce the operating costs of the new computed tomography
(CT) scanner scheduled for service in early to mid-May 2008 and the operating
cost of a new digital ultrasound unit scheduled to start service in February
2009," Sato reported to the Board Tuesday. "Essentially, the breakeven
point for performing a CT scan and an ultrasound will be educed dramatically.
While not quantified at this time, this gift will reduce the overall operating
loss at Modoc Medical Center."
In recognition of the incredible donation, the radiology department
at MMC will be named the "Milano Radiology Department at Modoc Medial
Center." A public ceremony commemorating the event will be held in the
near future. Plaques will be installed in the Radiology Department and on
the new CT Scan trailer acknowledging the Milano's gifts.
In addtion, the Milanos have asked MMC top check with St. Joseph
Medical center in Stockton to bring their mobile mammography unit to Alturas
for about six visits a year. The cost to MMC would be about $30,000 said Sato.
Sato said several people have been instrumental in finalizing the donation including Mike Mason, President of Save Our Hospital; Mike Maxwell, County CEO; Bill Boland MMC Director of Radiology; Marty Shaffer, Chief Engineer; Lance Chrysler, Materials Manager; Dr. Ed Richert; Delinda Gover, Interim Nursding Officer; and Linda Wellemyer, Director of Training.
Gang trial moves ahead to May
Following the initial preliminary examination April 9 through
April 14, the gang-related case against five people has been continued to
May 9.
The case involves an incident in Newell in 2007 where Jose Gomez,
Ulisses Perez Gomez, Temoc Asamar, Jose Luis Perez Garcia and Jonathan Gomez
are being charged with three counts of attempted murder, three counts of assault,
one count of vandalism, one count of firing a weapon at an inhabited dwelling,
and one count of criminal gang activity and many gang-related enhancements.
According to Modoc District Attorney Gary Woolverton, on Dec. 16, the above
five suspected members of the Surenos gang are alleged to have fired several
shots into an inhabited Newell residence as part of gang-related retaliation.
"The defendants have made various evidence suppression motions," Woolverton said. "Due to the large number of attorneys involved, the complex law, and expected lengthy arguments, retired Judge Larry Dier scheduled arguments on the preliminary hearing testimony for May 9, 2008. A decision will follow shortly thereafter. The decision will deal with what charges will proceed to trial."
Woolverton said the gang enhancements would add a longer sentence than just the underlying crimes alleged. Those enhancements generally relate to crimes committed while being armed or discharging a firearm.
MMC catching up on past billing issues
The bane of Modoc Medical Center's for the recent, if not distant,
past has been the late billing practices. The issue has caused losses of thousands
of dollars in bad debt as well as continued customer angst.
According to Jim Sato, Interim Administrator, the billing department
may be getting that issue under control.
One of the keys to correct the issue is to get the hospital's
accounts receivable days into an acceptable period, about 60 days by the end
of June, from the 101 days at the end of November 2007.
Simply, accounts receivable are what patients, insurance companies
and the federal and state government programs owe to the hospital. Getting
those bills out on a timely fashion is critical to getting paid for the service.
Sato said, for instance, that the older the bill, the less chance
it will be paid. As an example, he said Medicare will not pay for a claim
submitted more than 15 months after the service was provided and MediCal will
not pay for services billed over a year late. In addition, most insurance
companies will not pay for services, which occurred six months ago.
The money involved is substantial. According to Sato's figures,
$1,633,699 of the current bills is from 0-30 days old. However, $1,116,781
is over six months old, $590,597 is three to six months old and $602,466 is
one to three months old.
"As mentioned earlier," Sato said, "the older a bill gets, the less likely we will be able to collect it. In MMC's situation, about 28 percent of our accounts receivable are over six months old. Our efforts have been to collect the most amounts of cash as quickly as possible. Over the years, we have spent our resources collecting the account that were relatively new. As a result, the older accounts were left as a less priority."Those older accounts are now being cleaned up and the billing office is stressing prompt and correct billing practices. It hopes to have the older billing issues under control in a short time.
SOH committee needs public input
Times and deadlines are getting tight for the Save Our Hospital
Committee to wrap the LAFCO application up in time for approval to make the
November ballot deadline, in August.
The next two SOH meetings are April 21 and April 23, 7 p.m.
at Shirley Oxley Hall at Modoc High School.
"At these next two meetings, we will be working on finalizing
the business plan and financial statements for the LAFCO application,"
said Lau Miller. "This is the time for your input on how the future hospital
district will operate and we greatly need your ideas. The decisions being
made now, while they sound elemental are the very core of hospital operations.
Bring your friends, your neighbors and come be a part of this exciting planning."
The SOH committee is striving to put together the packet, which
will allow the formation of a hospital district and put that issue on the
November ballot for a vote.
As of this time, the boundaries of that proposed hospital district
have not been defined, nor has the actual amount of the assessment. Those
questions will be answered in the near future.
If the application goes through LAFCO cleanly, without any major
problems, and is approved, the issue could be placed on the November General
Election ballot.
The questions will have two parts. The first will ask voters
whether to form a hospital district? That part of the issue requires a simple
majority to pass. The second question will ask whether voters approve of a
certain tax to fund the district. That issue requires a supermajority to pass,
two-thirds.
The Modoc County Board of Supervisors has adopted a Memorandum of Understanding
with the SOH as a basis for the orderly transition of buildings, operating
expenses, accounts receivables and licenses from Modoc County to the Last
Frontier Healthcare District, if the district issue is approved by the voters.
Obituaries:
Gwenette Wimer Backovich
Gwenette Lee Wimer-Backovich, 32, of Paskenta, CA, who spent
her childhood and teen years in Alturas, passed away in Paskenta on April
7, 2008. Gwen was born in Corning, CA. A vivacious and outgoing individual,
Gwen was selected as Modoc High's Homecoming Queen in the Fall of 1992 and
graduated from Modoc High in 1993. She graduated from the California Highway
Patrol Academy in 1999.
Gwen was a devoted and loving mother to her seven-year-old son
Brett Michael Backovich of Redding. She also leaves behind her mother Ginger
Wimer of Paskenta, and father Lamond Wimer of Alturas, CA; a brother Hank
Wimer of Chico; half-sister Caitlyn Wimer of Oroville, CA; nephews Chase Wimer
of Corning, Wyatt Wimer of Chico and a niece Morgan Wimer of Chico and numerous
aunts, uncles and cousins from the Corning, Flournoy and Paskenta area.
While her time with us was short, her friends and family will miss her dearly.
Graveside services were held Friday, April 11 at 3 p.m. at the Paskenta Cemetery, Paskenta, CA. Any contributions may be made to your favorite charity or the Simpson Finnell Park, c/o Howard Cramer, P.O. Box 193, Paskenta, CA 96074. Hall Bros. Corning Mortuary was in charge of arrangements. Condolences to the Wimer family may be sent to P.O. Box 406, Paskenta CA 96074.
Charles Ray Greene
California Pines resident Charles Ray Greene, 80, passed away
April 12, 2008 at Modoc Medical Center, Alturas, CA. Mr. Greene had resided
at Cal Pines for the past 22 years. He was born January 4, 1928 in Chippewa
Falls. He served in the U.S. Navy four years as a Seaman, 1st class. He loved
fishing, hunting and camping and was a retired mailman. He is survived by
his wife of almost 55 years, Lois Ann Greene, whom he married May 13, 1955
in Wisconsin. He is also survived by his children Sharon, Christine, Pat and
Charles, Jr.; 10 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and one great-great
grandchild. He will be greatly missed by all his family members. Services
will be held at a later date under the direction of Kerr Mortuary.
Services for Patrick Tignor Saturday
A graveside service for Patrick Henry Tignor, 87, will be held
April 19, 2008, at 11 a.m. at the Alturas Cemetery. Family friend Don Wion
will conduct the service. A fellowship gathering will follow at Alturas Baptist
Church on Fourth Street, Alturas.
Mr. Tignor a former Vice Principal and teacher at Modoc High
School for many years, passed away at his home in Madras, Oregon of Emphysema
on January 16, 2008.
Born April 10, 1920 in Hindman, Kentucky, he graduated from
high school in Hindman and earned his Bachelor of Arts and Masters degrees
in Education from the University of Kentucky at Georgetown, Kentucky.
Mr. Tignor joined the U.S. Army in 1942. He was stationed in
Paris and was routed to Germany at the close of the war. He was a sergeant
during World War II serving in the European theater. He joined the CounterIntelligence
Corps in the ETO and handled investigative material and equipment for the
CounterIntelligence teams. He was injured in a recreational football game
and spent three months in a hospital in England. He was an ambulatory patient,
so he was able to help with the many injured soldiers who flooded into the
hospitals after the "D" Day Operation. He was discharged in 1945.
Pat went to work for the U.S. Forest Service. He and Wanda Walker were married
in Baker City, Oregon on January 26, 1951. The couple moved to Modoc County
in 1952, when Mr. Tignor went into the field of Education. He taught for many
years at Modoc High and retired as Vice Principal of Modoc High.
Pat loved hunting and fishing. He spent most of his time off
wandering the mountains enjoying these hobbies. When he retired, he began
to pursue his interest in rocks. He did a great deal of lapidary work and
enjoyed making tables and clocks with slabs of rock. Pat collected many rocks
over years of rock hounding. He also enjoyed flintknapping. He was a member
of the California Gem and Mineral Society, Modoc Gem and Mineral and Trails
West, a Reno based organization consisting of many Nevada and California members
who studied immigrant trails of the west and their history. The groups followed
the old immigrant trails, using four-wheel drive vehicles and often camping
out along the trails.
In 2006, Wanda and Pat relocated to Madras, Oregon, and have
enjoyed their life together there.
Mr. Tignor is survived by his wife of 57 years, Wanda Tignor of Madras, OR;
daughters Suzy of Terrebonne, OR; Corky of Maui, Hawaii; sister Margeuritte
of Maryland and brothers Charlie of Kentucky; Troy of Georgia and William
of Florida.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Modoc County Senior
Citizens Center, 906 West Fourth St., Alturas, CA 96101 or the Modoc Unit
of the American Cancer Society, 402 East 4th Street, Alturas, CA 96101. Condolences
may be sent to the Tignor Family at 165 N.E. 16th Street, Building C #12,
Madras, OR. 97741.
George David Boneck
George David Boneck, known as David to his family and friends,
passed away April 11, 2008 at his Lake City, CA ranch home. He was 70 and
retired from ranching.
Born in Janesville, CA October 16, 1937, he graduated from Lassen
High School in Susanville. He was 18 when he joined the U.S. Marine Corps.
He served as a Corporal in Korea and at Camp Pendleton during the early 1950s.
He met Sharon Wright in Reno, while he was there working in the lumber industry.
The couple married on January 26, 1969 in Reno and eventually moved to their
ranch property in Lake City, which they have both loved for the past 20 years.
David began working on the Modoc Super Bull Committee from its inception and
had continued his dedicated, behind-the-scenes work for the past 11 years,
often seen working the back gate, as he knew all the cowboys.
David is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Sharon of Lake City. He
is also survived by his children KCee of Lake City, Paul of Alturas, Josh
of Lake City, Shawna and husband Bruce Fournier of Minden, NV; Robin and wife
Lisa of Cedar City, Utah and daughters Pamela Eldred and Kim Boneck in Texas;
brothers Larry and wife Janet of Reno, NV; Charles and wife Yuki of Reno;
Raymond and wife Evelyn of Washington; 12 grandchildren. He was preceded in
death by his children Jason in 2001 and Kevin in 1961.
Services were conducted by the Latter-day Saints Church on April
15 at 10 a.m. at the Lake City Cemetery.
Donations in his memory may be directed to Surprise Valley Healthcare,
P.O. Box 246, Cedarville, CA 96104. Services were under the direction of Kerr
Mortuary, Alturas.
Harry Taylor, Jr.
Yreka resident, Harry J. Taylor, Jr., passed away on April 9,
2008 in Ripon, CA after a lengthy illness. He was born September 16, 1920
in Twin Falls, Idaho to Harry J. and Mabel A. Grinsted Taylor.
Harry moved to Yreka, CA in 1961 where he was on the Supervisor's Staff of
the Klamath National Forest. He retired from the forest service in 1979. During
his career with the forest service, he worked in the regional office in San
Francisco, and was District Ranger on the Modoc National Forest.
Harry graduated from Twin Falls Idaho High School, Twin Falls, ID in 1938.
He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1942. After several duty stations in the San
Diego area as a hospital corpsman, he volunteered to be a Marine Corpsman
with the 2nd Marine Division. While in the Marines, Harry took part in the
campaigns for Tarawa and Saipan. After his two years were up with the Marine
Corps, he was assigned to a sub chaser (SC 722) in the Philippine Islands,
where he finished out the war. Following the end of World War II, Harry returned
to the University of Idaho where he graduated in 1948 and began his career
with the forest service.
Harry was a 50 year member of the Modoc Lodge #235 F. &
A. M. of Alturas, CA, a member of the York Rite Bodies of Yreka and the Knights
of the York Cross of Honor. He was also a member of Chapter 2101, National
Association of Federal Employees of Yreka.
For several years, Harry participated in a volunteer program
on the Salmon River Ranger District of the Klamath National Forest and was
selected as volunteer of the year by Chief of the Forest Service Mike Dombeck
in 1997.
In addition to the above activities, Harry loved to fish, hunt
and play golf. He was a long time member of the Weed Golf Club.
Harry is survived by his wife, Darlene; daughter, Margaret Lunnum
and her husband Duane of Stanwood, Washington; son Paul, of Stanwood, Washington;
son Alan, a Master Sergeant in the Marine Corps stationed in Virginia, wife,
Angela and grandson Harrison J.; step-son, George Eustice, wife Lisa and children,
Tanner and Hailey; his sister Marion Thibodeau of Ripon, CA; and sister-in-law
Dorothy Taylor of Madera, CA.
He also leaves behind nephew Michael Thibodeau and wife Michelle;
niece Leslie Halseth, husband Don, children Jenna and Benjamin; niece Caroline
Thibodeau, husband Tom Oliver and son Michael, all of Ripon, CA. He was preceded
in death by his brother George in 2005.
Masonic Memorial Services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, to the Klamath National Forest Scholarship fund or to one's favorite charity.
Clarence 'Honey' George
Clarence "Honey" George passed away at his home in
Lookout, CA on April 11, 2008. He was born in Brownwood, TX on September 23,
1946.
He came to California in 1968 to serve in the Navy at Long Beach,
CA where he was serving on the USS Lynde McCormick, DDG-8. That is were he
met his wife Cindy.
They moved to Westwood, CA in 1971 , where they ran the Westwood
Variety Store before moving to Big Valley in 1981 to manage the FGG Ranch.
He worked on the Muck Valley Project at Hayden Hill, and then Harbert Oil
for the past eight years.
Clarence was trained as an electrician in the Navy. He was a
jack-of-all trades and was the man who could "fix" anything.
His favorite times were spent with his family, hunting, fishing,
traveling to Texas, Reno, Redding, and playing horseshoes and cribbage.
His hobbies included: helping his kids and extended families
with their projects, stamp collecting, and playing with his grandkids.
Clarence is survived by his wife of 37 years Cindy, daughters
Kelly Stevenson of Adin, CA, and Marci Duncan of Reno, NV; son Jimmy George
of Reno, NV, his grandchildren Dillon, Madalyn and Michael, his sister Laverne
Hopkins of Comanche, TX, the Fiske family in Redding, CA, and Jennifer Bidmead
in Brentwood, CA. He was preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Laehler
George, and brother Henry George.
A memorial service will be held at Bieber Memorial Building
in Bieber on Saturday April 19 at 10:00 a.m., followed by a potluck.
Clarence was a wonderful 'Honey,' 'Dad', 'Papa' 'Clarie', 'Uncle'
and friend to all of us. We have lost someone precious to our hearts and he
will never be forgotten.
Barbara Lee Booth
Barbara Lee Booth, passed away peacefully at home surrounded
by family and friends in Susanville, CA on March 31, 2008.
Barbara was born in Wyoming to James and Margarite Tourtelot.
In 1970, she married Hugh Edward Booth, Sr. They made their home in Alturas
in 1976. Barbara worked for DART and Modoc Work Activity Center for 15 years
in Alturas and volunteered for Special Olympics. She enjoyed bird watching
camping, fishing and playing games on her computer.
She loved spending time with her friends and family.
Barbara was able to attend the Booth 20th year Family Reunion
in August 2007. She had a smile from ear to ear when she got to see all her
family together.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband Hugh Booth,
daughter Cindy Sturm, granddaughters Laura Dean and Celeste Booth and great-grandson
Tristen Oliver. She is survived by her six children Ed Booth, John Sturm,
James Booth, Garnet Booth, Penny Ramey, Terrie Christensen, 20 grandchildren,
16 great-grandchildren and many extended family members. Barbara Lee Booth
will be laid to rest April 19, 2008 at the Alturas Cemetery at 2 p.m. She
is loved and will be deeply missed.
Information provided by Walton's Colonial Mortuary of Susanville,
CA.
Alan E. Charlet
Alan Charlet, son of Ray & Pauline Charlet, formerly of Alturas, has passed
away according to Alan's sister Sharon Carpenter of Golden Valley, AZ, as
of April 14, 2008.
Alan was born Oct. 4, 1944 in Merced, CA and passed away of
pancreatic cancer in Cuyahoga Falls, OH. A 1962 graduate of Modoc Union
High, he joined the Air Force and served 25 years in the U.S. and Holland.
He later went to work for Ryder Trucking as a computer programmer which took
the family to Ohio.
Alan is survived by his wife of 29 years, Mary; children, Richard Charlet of Colorado, Lena (Arnold) Smith, Jennifer (Jason) Carroll, and William Charlet; along with 5 grandchildren, all of Ohio; also sisters, Sharon (Jim) Carpenter of Arizona and Kathie (Jim) Tarr of North Carolina. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray & Pauline Charlet. A military funeral in Cuyahoga Falls is planned following cremation.
April 24, 2008News
SOH effort intensifies as LAFCO nears
With deadlines and timelines narrowing, the effort to form a
hospital district to cover Modoc Medical Center is intensifying.
The Save Our Hospital Committee had two meeting this week and
the Board of Supervisors discussed the issue on Tuesday. A public hearing
has been set for May 6 before the board of Supervisors to adopt a resolution
of initiating proceeds for the formation of the Health Care District and the
establishment of a Sphere of Influence in the Alturas, California Pines, Canby,
and Likely areas of Modoc County. A map detailing the boundaries of that district
is available.
One of the key elements in the process is an application to
LAFCO, the Local Agency Formation Commission for formation of the special
district. That application is currently being finalized and is expected to
be completed in the very near future.
The initial plan was the have the LAFCO process finished in
time to place the district formation and resulting assessment on the November
3 General Election ballot. That may still be the goal, but it's also possible
that any delays could move the vote to a special election next spring. What
actually happens won't be known until the LAFCO process is underway.
According to SOH Chairman Mike Mason, the business plan just
released for the Last Frontier Healthcare District, which will be a part of
the LAFCO process is well done and helpful.
"MMC has suffered serious and increasingly larger financial
losses over the past several years," the business plan states. "In
light of unacceptable losses and an accumulated net deficit of approximately
$10 million, the Modoc County Board of Supervisors may be forced to close
the Medical Center. Last Frontier Healthcare District is being forced to keep
MMC from closing."
The business plan is the vehicle LAFCO will use to assure the
new district would be financially viable.
The plan states that MMC must engage in aggressive cost cutting
and revenue generating measures and must receive an appropriate level of funding
from the proceeds of a special tax on unique properties. That tax must be
approved by two-thirds of the voters within the proposed district. That tax,
while still in the study stages is likely to be between $100 and $200 annually
per property owner, not per parcel. On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors asked
for clarification on Proposition 218 impacts, or if the issue addresses the
special tax if approved by the voters. That issue is under study.
Proposition 218 took effect in 1997 as an effort by California voters to curtail
local government's "abuse" of special fees or assessments. In essence,
under Proposition 218, assessments may only increase with a two-thirds majority
vote of the qualified voters within the District. In addition to the two-thirds
voter approval requirement, Proposition 218 states that effective July 1,
1997, any assessments levied may not be more than the costs necessary to provide
the service, proceeds may not be used for any other purpose other than providing
the services intended, and assessments may only be levied for services that
are immediately available to the property owners.
If the district is approved by the voters, it will assume the
assets, liabilities, management and staff of MMC following formation of the
district.
"What we're painfully aware of is that if the district
doesn't pass, the hospital may have to be closed," said Mason. "No
one wants to see that happen and that's why we're working so hard to make
sure the hospital is secure for the future. The district is the best way to
make that happen."
The business plan authors undrstand and state that one of the problems facing
MMC was the lack of community confidence in the facility and applauds its
now ongoing effort to regain that trust and respect. "Although there
is evidence that MMC's losses may be reduced in the future by recent MMC revenue
enhancement and expense reduction actions, a special tax is required to ensure
the financial health of the new district," the business plan concludes.
The SOH Committee predicts that the special tax will raise $1.4
million at the $100 per year level and $2.8 million at the $200 level. The
actual loss at the hospital for the year 2007 was $2,862,251.
Interim MMC CEO Jim Sato feels that the hospital can reduce that loss substantially through cost reduction and increased efficiency, revenue and services plus the probable designation as a Critical Access Hospital. He figures that designation could add about $700,000 to the bottom line in a year. The CAH application is approved and awaiting a site survey, which has not yet been scheduled, but Sato expects it to occur in the near future.
Race for local
seats heating up
The local races for County Supervisor seats are gearing up for
the June 3 Primary Election vote. Candidates are currently out making their
rounds and introducing themselves to the public.
The Modoc Record will be sending each of the candidates a list of questions
next week, and their responses will be published in the May 8 edition.
The seats of District II's Mike Dunn, District III's Patricia
Cantrall and District IV's Shorty Crabtree are all being challenged this year.
Dunn is in a race with Bullock's Donut Shop owner Jeff Bullock.
Cantrall is being challenged by Walt Nicholson, of Jess Valley.
Challengers to District Four's Crabtree are Ron McCullough and
Jim Wills.
There will be no election required for the Alturas City Council.
Alturas businessman Bobby Ray will replace George Andreasen, who is retiring,
and will be sworn in June 10. Since there were three seats open and only three
candidates filed, no election was necessary.
Alturas City Clerk Cary Baker will also be seated for another
four-year term, as she was not challenged.
In addition to the local elections, voters will choose both
the Republican and
Democratic challengers to fill the seat of 4th District U.S. Congressman John
Doolittle, who is choosing to retire after this term.
Neither of the top two GOP hopefuls lives in the 4th District.
Doug Ose is from Sacramento and Tom McClintock, is a termed out State Senator
from Thousand Oaks.
The probable Democratic challenger is retried U.S. Air Force
Lt. Colonel Charlie Brown, of Roseville, who narrowly lost to Doolittle in
2006, 46 percent to 43 percent. Brown does live in the district.
In addition there will be an election to replace outgoing State Assemblyman
Doug LaMalfa.
Republican Jim Nielsen, who also does not reside in the district, is running. Etna's John Martinez is also running for the position as well as Republicans Charles Schaupp and Pete Stiglich. Democrat Paul Singh is in the race.
City Council
designates Airport property for new hospital
The Alturas City Council has voted unanimously to designate
the Industrial Park site at south end of the Alturas Airport property as the
primary site for a new hospital.
The Modoc Frontier Health Coalition has requested the designation
as a part of its ongoing $30 million grant application to Health Resource
Services Administration at the federal level.
The coalition is made up of the Cedarville Rancheria, the Pit
River Tribe, Fort Bidwell Tribe, Modoc County Board of Supervisors and Alturas
City Council. The goal is to build a new hospital in Alturas.
The City Council is studying the Industrial Park site, making sure it will
fit in with Federal Aviation Administration requirements and other issues,
but believes it is a prime location for the new hospital.
First off, the City owns the land and the ground is designated already for
industrial or commercial use. It also could be "donated" or used
as an in-kind match for the grant funds.
Jobless rate jumps from last year
Modoc's unemployment rate for March stood at 12.1 percent, up substantially from last March when it was 9.7 percent. The jobless rate was also 12.1 percent for January and February 2008. In terms of people, 100 more people were unemployed in the county this March than last year, 470 to 370. The labor force in March 2007 was 3,830 and this year increased to 3,880. Modoc's unemployment rate is more than double the national rate of 5.1 percent and well above the state rate at 6.4 percent. Modoc ranks 49th out of the state's 58 counties for highest unemployment. Lassen County is ranked 42nd at 11.1 percent and Siskiyou is 49th also at 12.1 percent. The highest unemployment is in Colusa with 16.9 percent and Marin has the lowest at 4.1 percent The above figures are released by the California Employment Development Department.
Burn permits required May 1, 2008
Effective Thursday, May 1, 2008 at 12:00 a.m., the California
Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) Lassen-Modoc Unit has
announced the requirement of dooryard burn permits for residential burning
within Lassen, Modoc and northern Plumas County.
Burning permits are required from May 1, 2008 to midnight June
30, 2008 (July 1, 2008) for all residential burning on State Responsibility
Area Lands.
The following are some important things to remember regarding
residential burning: Burning can only be done on permissive burn days. To
find out if it is a permissive burn day, contact your local Air Pollution
Control District (APCD). Lassen County - (530) 251-8110; Modoc County - (530)
233-6419; Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District (includes Chester,
Quincy and Plumas County) - (530) 258-2588.
Burning can only be done during permissive times allowed. Burn
Hours for Lassen County are as follows: May 1, 2008 through May 31, 2008 -
Open Hours; June 1, 2008 through June 30, 2008 - 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. Burn Hours
for Modoc County are as follows: May 1, 2008 through May 31, 2008 - Open Hours;
June 1, 2008 through June 30, 2008 - 7 p.m. to 10 a.m. Burn Hours for Almanor
Basin are as follows: May 1, 2008 through May 31, 2008 - Open Hours; June
1, 2008 through June 30, 2008 - 5 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Midnight June 30, 2008 (July 1, 2008) - Burning Suspension will
be in effect until the end of declared Fire Season or until lifted by the
Unit Chief.
Only natural vegetative material such as leaves, pine needles
and tree trimmings may be burned. Household garbage may not be burned. Do
not burn on windy days. You cannot burn in a burn barrel unless you have received
authorization/permit from your APCD. You must have a signed permit in your
possession while you are burning and you are responsible for maintaining control
of your fire at all times (beginning May 1, 2008). Possession of a permit
does not protect you if your burn escapes. You are still liable for any suppression
costs. If a burn escapes your control, you are highly encouraged to seek help
immediately. Wild fires can spread very quickly. A fast response from the
fire department can reduce suppression cost considerably. Remember, you may
be billed for suppression costs, so the sooner you seek help the better the
outcome may be. Simple common sense can greatly reduce the chance of an escape.
If you don't feel it's safe to conduct a burn, then don't burn.
For more information on burn permit requirements, contact your local fire department or visit our website at www.cdflmu.org or www.fire.ca.gov.
Obituaries:
Phyllis Clark
Phyllis Marie Clark, a lifelong resident of Alturas, passed
away April 12, 2008 of pneumonia in Alturas, CA. Graveside memorial services
are scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday, June 27, 2008.
Phyllis Wells was born on January 1, 1927 in Alturas, CA on
what today is the Mackey Ranch.
She is survived by her daughter Marie White of Alturas, CA; son Duane Clark
of Billings, MT; brother Earl Wells of Vancouver, WA and two grandsons in
Alturas, Jerry Atkison and family and Chris Stiles and family. The Record
will publish Mrs. Clark's obituary prior to her service in June. Kerr Mortuary
will be handling arrangements.
Marian K. Irvine Charrier
A memorial service was held on February 18, 2008 at Argent Court
in Seguin, TX for Marian K. Irvine Charrier, 96, who passed peacefully in
her sleep on February 4, 2008.
Marian was born on October 8, 1911 in Stockton, CA to James
and Ethel Irvine. An older sister welcomed she and her twin. The family moved
to Manteca and then to River View Ranch where they lived until 1919, when
they moved to Sacramento, CA. After graduation Marian worked for the telephone
company and attended secretarial school. In 1933, she met and married Frank
J. Charrier. In 1935, they moved to Smith River and lived there until 1943,
when they moved to Alturas.
Marian worked for the County Auditors office for several years
during the war and then was Secretary to the Agriculture Commissioner from
1960 to 1964 when she retired. She was a member of the Garden Club and spent
many hours on crafts.
She and Frank loved to fish, camp, travel and spending times
outdoors. Her favorite trips were to Montana and Alaska.
After Frank's death in 1998, she moved to Argent Court Assisted
Living in Seguin, TX, where she enjoyed new friends, card games, word games
and Bible study. She was a member of Muldoon Baptist Church. She was active
up until her unexpected passing, which was 46 years to the day, from her twin
sister's passing.
She is survived by a son, David Charrier of Albany, OR; a daughter
and son-in-law, Nancy and Thad Saunders of Athens, TX; six grandchildren,
13 great-grandchildren, and seven great-great grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held on May 6, 2008 at 1 p.m. at
Alturas Cemetery.
Herbert Roy Cary
Memorial services for Herbert Roy Cary were held in Klamath
Falls, OR March 22, 2008 with military honors provided by members of Klamath
Falls Veterans of Foreign Wars Pelican Post No. 1383 and the Marine Corps
League.
Mr. Cary, 90, died of natural causes at his residence in Klamath
Falls, Ore., on Wednesday, March 19, 2008, 10 days after his 90th birthday.
He was born March 9, 1918, in Ashland, Oregon, to Guy and Mable
(Nye) Cary. His father worked for the Southern Pacific Railroad.
The family moved to Dunsmuir, CA and in 1930 to Alturas, CA.
Herbert graduated from Modoc Union High in 1936. He attended Sacramento Junior
College (now Sacramento State University) and then San Francisco State College,
where he majored in music.
The railroad was hiring in 1940 so he left college and went
to work for the railroad. In 1941, while living in Chinatown, he was drafted
into the U.S. Army and was assigned to the 727th Railroad Battalion. He served
tours of duty in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, France and Germany.
After the war, he returned to work for Southern Pacific Railroad,
retiring as an engineer in 1978.
Throughout his life, he enjoyed music and had his own dance band while in
high school and again after moving back to Alturas following the war. He loved
opera, classical music, square dancing and playing bridge and pinochle. He
was a member of the Klamath Falls Duplicate Bridge Club and the Klamath Country
Squares. He attended community concerts at the Ross Ragland Theater for years
and always enjoyed the plays at the Linkville Playhouse since they began.
He also enjoyed fishing and hunting. After his retirement, he was able to
take hunting trips to British Columbia. He was an avid gardener and his garden
produced an abundance of fruit and vegetables that he enjoyed sharing with
everyone.
He leaves behind his adoptive family Mike and Laila Griffith
of Klamath Falls, Aaron and Alexandra Griffith of Valdosta, Ga., and Mark
and Micheya Griffith of Reno, NV.; special friends Dotte Schaffer and Sheila,
Richard and Vesta Kerns and special caregiver Pam Wynn, all of Klamath Falls.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister C. June
Bullard in 2000. Those wishing to do so may send contributions in memory of
Herbert to the Klamath Community College Building Fund, 7390 S. Sixth St.,
Klamath Falls, OR 97603.
Ward's Klamath Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Sports
Tough week for Modoc softball
Modoc's softball team is coming off a tough week, losing five
games in a row, two of which were in the Shasta Cascade League.
The Braves lost to Mt. Shasta last Friday 4-2 in the opening
game and 10-7 in the nightcap. That dropped them to 4-4 in the SCL, behind
both Etna and Burney and tied with Fall River. Mt. Shasta sits at 5-5. Weed
at 1-5 and Trinity at 1-6.
The Braves also lost three games in the rescheduled Lassen tourney,
two to big schools. Chico crushed them 20-1 and Lassen drooped them 13-2.
The Braves lost the final game to Durham 7-4.
Modoc is at Weed Friday and will finish SCL play at league-leading
Etna May 2.
In the opening game against Mt. Shasta last Friday, the teams
were tied at 1-1 in the third and the Bears took a 3-1 led in the fourth.
They added another run in the fifth to lead 4-1 and Modoc scored one in the
final inning for the loss.
The Braves got down 5-2 in the first inning of the second game, and the Bears
led 8-4 in the third. Mt. Shasta added two in the fifth and the Braves scored
one run in the sixth.
Braves
beat Bears in 2nd game
The Modoc Braves baseball team shut out the Mt. Shasta Bears
6-0 in the second game of a double header Friday, after losing the opener
9-1.
The Braves Justin Estes got the win in the second game, allowing
just three hits.
The Braves scored two in the second, two in the fifth and two in the sixth.
Dee Hunsaker, James Budmark, and Irvend Chacon each went 2-for-3 at the plate
to lead Modoc. Budmark hit a two-run home run with two outs.
Coach Tim MacDonnell said the team had great pitching from Estes,
solid defense and timely hitting, especially from the bottom of the order.
Mt. Shasta got on top of the Braves 3-1 in the third inning
in the opening game. They added one in the fourth, one in the fifth and four
in the seventh.
Trent Schmidt got the loss, allowing seven hits, four walks
and fanned six.
John Hughes and Chacon each went 2-for-3, while Schmidt, Ty Hammerness, Budmark,
and Webb Dunn each had one hit.
The Braves lost to Lakeview April 17, 11-0 in five innings.
The Honkers scored 10 runs in the second and added one in the fourth. Modoc
had five errors in the second inning.
Schmidt got he loss, going one-and-two-thirds innings, allowing four hits and 10 runs, three earned. Estes went 2-for-3 at the plate.
Funk leads Braves in Yreka Invite
Modoc junior Michel Funk won the 1600 meters in the Yreka Invitational
April 19, clocking a 5:53 to lead the Braves' contingent. Funk also ran a
2:47.45 in the 800 meters to place fifth.
"She was very focused and strong in the race (1600) and won leading by at least 50 meters," said Modoc coach Wendi Lowrey. "I believe that with someone pushing her in a race she can run the mile in 5:40 or even lower."
Cain Madrigal also had a good day, finished seventh in the 1600 meters, with
a time of 5:03.77. He also finished 10th in the 800 meters, running a 2:18.77.
David Holloway ran 58.37 in the 400 meters to place 11th and has been dropping
his times with each race.
At the big John Frank Invitational April 12, Modoc was led by
Kevin Jones who pole-vaulted 11 feet even for third place. Cam Hall ran an
18.25 for seventh in the 110 high hurdles and placed ninth in the 300 hurdles
at 45.49.
Madrigal took ninth in the 1600 meters, running a respectable
4:57.47. Holloway ran a 58.1 to place 15th in the 400 meters. Newmie Wilson
was 23rd in the shot at 36-6.5 and 26th in the discus at 84-11.
In the junior varsity boys division, Austin Hoy triple jumped
31-06.75 for 17th; Chris McMasters to the discus 62-05 for 29th and Nick McMasters
tossed it 45-08 for 33rd.
For the JV girls, Rebecca Field laced 10th in the shot at 23-02.25
and in the discus at 61-05. Beth Colbert placed 20th in the 1600 meters at
6:43.
The Braves are headed to the Mt. Shasta Time Trials today.
Jr. Fish Derby in Big Valley
A Junior Fishing Derby is all set for June 14 at the Ash Creek
Wildlife Area in Big Valley.
The derby is free to all kids ages 15 and under and there will
be special prizes for the largest fish and smallest fish caught, plus prizes
for all anglers. The contest will run from 8 a.m. to 12 noon.
The event is sponsored by the Pit River Rod and Gun Club and
the Department of Fish and Game, Ash Creek Wildlife Area.
Anglers need to pre-register and may pick up application forms at the Ash Creek Wildlife Area Office or Adin Supply. For more information call 294-584 or 299-3414
News
Hospital District vote will go to spring
The ballot issue on whether to form the Last Frontier Healthcare
District for Modoc Medical Center will now be held in a special election next
spring.
The Save Our Hospital Committee voted last Wednesday night to
move the election to spring rather than try to get all of the preliminary
work done in time to make deadlines for the November General Election.
The committee is still working on the boundaries of the district,
which may have to be adjusted to ensure they are not overlapping with the
Surprise Valley Hospital District on Cedar Pass.
One of the key elements in the process is an application to
LAFCO, the Local Agency Formation Commission for formation of the special
district. That application is expected to be completed in the near future.
By pushing the election to spring, the committee will have more time to get
the application essentials put together correctly. A public hearing will be
held on a resolution to form the district.
While the extra time will be helpful, SOH was also concerned
that if the issue was on the November ballot, it could have gotten lost amid
the other propositions. In the spring it will be on a special election ballot.
At that time the district will have to have a simple majority
to pass while funding the district with a special assessment will need two-thirds
majority.
Another effort to building a new hospital in Alturas is still
in the works as well, but is not related to the hospital district effort at
this point.
The two projects will intersect in the future if the grant of
about $30 million is approved by HRSA, the federal Health Resources Services
Administration. The group heading the new hospital effort is the Modoc Frontier
Health Coalition.
The coalition is made up of the Cedarville Rancheria, the Pit
River Tribe, Fort Bidwell Tribe, Modoc County Board of Supervisors and Alturas
City Council. The goal is to build a new hospital building in Alturas.
The City Council is recommending the Industrial Park site at
the Alturas Airport, if it will fit in with Federal Aviation Administration
requirements and other issues.
The City owns the land and the ground is designated already for industrial or commercial use. It also could be "donated" or used as an in-kind match for the grant funds.
Hospital CT Scan will start on May 6
Modoc Medical Center's Radiology Department is excited to introduce
its new service to the community. The new Computed Tomography Scanner (CT
scan) has been a long standing need in the community. Thanks to a generous
donation from Jessie and Mark Milano, that need has now been met.
The scanner is set to arrive on May 1st. It will come housed
in its self contained trailer, and will be ready for its first patient on
May 6th. The CT scanner will be behind the hospital.
MMC is planning an Open House on June 14th from 10:00 to 12:00
noon. Community members are invited and will be able to see the CT scanner
and talk to the Radiology staff.
The radiology staff at MMC has spent the last several weeks
preparing for the new CT scanner. MMC's technologists Bill Boland and Rebecca
Hellman each completed a five-day training at the Phillips Training Center
in Cleveland, Ohio. Additionally they have traveled to other facilities to
observe CT scan exams.
MMC has hired C.W. Arterbery, an experienced technologist with
six years of CT experience. He will be a definite asset to complement the
CT services.
MMC has contracted with Peter Halt M.D., and Rebecca Dyson M.D.,
experienced Radiologists who specialize in CT interpretation. They are located
in Mt. Shasta and will work on a rotation basis. They are available 24 hours,
7 days a week to interpret CT scans. Martin Kernberg, M.D. also works with
Drs. Halt and Dyson, and serves as relief coverage.
"There are many different areas of the body that can be
scanned and each exam is a little different," explained Bill Boland MMC's
Radiology Department Manager. "Here is a general idea of what happens.
The patient lies on the examination table which is then positioned, with the
aid of a laser light, to the areas of interest. The scanner, shaped like a
large donut, emits a thin, focused beam of x-ray that goes through the body
to become a very thin slice. The exam table begins to move through this focused
area as the beam rotates around the part to be scanned."
"These slices of information are picked up by opposing
detectors that sends this information to a computer. The computer analyzes
this information; maybe thousands of bits of information, then generates an
image. These images are what the radiologist reads. The image can also be
reconstructed so that the radiologist can see the organ in a three dimensional
image. It is truly marvelous the power and scope of today's technology,"
continued Bill Boland.
"Some tests do require special preparation, like having
nothing to eat or drink; others require contrast or a dye so that the body
part can be better visualized."
"CT scans are frequently ordered by primary care providers
to help in the treatment of their patient. These are scheduled so that the
patient can have adequate time to prepare for the exam. However, there are
emergency situations due to serious injuries that CT scans are an invaluable
tool in quick diagnosis of the patient's injury. In the past, the emergency
room doctors had to send these patients to larger facilities to obtain this
test. Now we have this life-saving tool here. This test can now be done without
traveling 100 miles or more. This may also save the patient and their family
the cost of an emergency medical flight and transportation back home if the
scan is negative for serious injury."
"We hope the CT scanner proves to be a significant benefit to the people
of Modoc County and look forward to seeing everyone at the open house,"
said Bill Boland.
Attempted murder charges in stabbing
An Alturas man, Grady White, age 50, was arrested alleging attempted
murder Sunday night. He is accused of stabbing his landlord Gary Sweetin,
age 45, five to six times, during an altercation.
According to Alturas Chief of Police Ken Barnes, White and Sweetin
were involved in a disagreement at the 412 E. North Street home of White Sunday
night about 8:45 p.m.
Barnes said a fight ensued and White is suspected of using a
folding knife with a five-or-six-inch blade to stab Sweetin, causing serious
injury.
Barnes said White fled the scene, went down the steep embankment
to the Pit River where he removed his bloody shirt and pants and then apparently
went to a friend's home. He also had discarded the knife and police are searching
for the weapon.
White was discovered near the friend's house and was captured
as he tried to exit out the back.
White was booked into the Modoc County Jail and Sweetin was transported to
Mercy Hospital in Redding where he is recovering.
Hunger issues coming home to roost with high costs
With regular gas prices in Modoc hovering at the $4.05 per gallon
levels, heating oil costs going through the roof, and food prices increasing,
local agencies are being proactive.
TEACH, Inc. is hosting a "Regional Listening Session"
May 8 at Alturas City Hall, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. which will directly address hunger
issues in the community and seek out ideas on how to best provide healthy
food resources for low-income individuals, seniors and families.
In addition, today at City Hall, the Modoc County Transportation
Commission is holding a public meeting concerning transportation issues and
ideas for those same people and the disabled.
TEACH has been experiencing gradual increases in the need for
help for heating and utility expenses and for the food bank services. Those
needs are expected to increase, especially if costs continue to rise.
TEACH is inpartnership with the California Association of Food
Banks and the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano Counties, an affiliate
of America's Second Harvest: The Nations' Food Bank Network.
This special listening session will address the following three
objectives: develop an understanding and appreciation of emergency food services
being undertaken by individuals, organizations and communities in the area;
assess the type of resources needed to further support the development of
emergency food access in the local area; and identify specific steps that
can be taken to increase the amounts of fresh produce available for low income
people in the area.
For more information on the session, call TEACH at 530-233-4575, ext. 41.
Modoc Forest roads subject of meetings
The Modoc National Forest will soon begin the formal NEPA (National
Environmental Process Act) process for travel management, similar to other
Forests across the country.
Over the past eight months, the Forest has held four listening
sessions and many informal group discussions. Vehicle access to most of the
Forest has been in place for many years. Currently, the Forest has about 5,000
miles of designated system roads for public use. The Forest is not proposing
to close these existing National Forest System (NFS) roads through this process,
with the exception of one road, (Boles Creek), that will be closed for resource
protection.
What is proposed, based on national direction, is restricting
motorized travel to designated routes and prohibiting cross country motorized
travel. A number of inventoried non-system roads are proposed to be added
to the NFS road system. Seasonal travel restrictions are proposed that will
reduce damage to roads during periods of wet road conditions. We have also
proposed to limit the amount of OHV use on our major roads to reduce travel
hazards to the public.
Four open houses to discuss the proposed actions of the Modoc
National Forest's Travel Management are scheduled. These open houses are an
opportunity to informally interact with Forest staff about the proposed actions
and accompanying maps. Open houses will be from 6 to 8 p.m. in the following
order: May 19, Cedarville Ranger District Office, 385 Wallace St., Cedarville;
May 20 Modoc National Forest Office, 800 W 12th St., Alturas; May 28, Adin
Community Memorial Hall, Adin; May 29, Honkers, 810 Main St., Tulelake.
Last fall, public input was received at a number of meetings,
including four open houses in November. A proposed action was developed based
on public input and resource specialist evaluation. In the next month, a notice
of intent will be published in the Federal Register. This will be the official
start of public information gathering.
"We listened to the comments and concerns of people at
the first round of workshops," said Forest Supervisor Stan Sylva. "We've
carefully considered what people told us and we've looked at and discussed
each segment of the inventoried non system routes proposed to be added to
our permanent road system. Now I'm asking Forest users to look at our best
effort and share with us your thoughts about the proposed action maps."
As soon as the Federal Register notice is published, maps of
the proposed action will be available online and on CD. Hard copies of the
maps will be available for viewing at all Modoc National Forest offices.
People's comments on the proposed action maps are vital for
development of our updated travel system. The Forest will develop alternatives
to the proposed action from the comments that are sent in and that we gather
at the open houses. The interdisciplinary planning team will use your feedback
to help identify the significant issues and evaluate environmental effects
for proposed changes to our road system. Based on this analysis, a draft Environmental
Impact Statement will be prepared.
For additional information or to schedule a Forest Service person to talk
to your group, call Laura Williams at (530) 233-8713. Learn more about travel
management at www.fs.fed.us/r5/modoc.
Obituaries:
Alton Skip' Wood
Lifelong Modoc resident Alton Francis "Skip" Wood
passed away Monday, April 28, 2008, at his home in Alturas, CA. A Celebration
of Life and potluck will be held Saturday, May 17 at 1 p.m. at the Alturas
Elks Lodge. Born in Alturas, CA on October 3, 1939, Skip graduated from Modoc
High School. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and a long-time employee
of the U.S. Forest Service, retiring from the Modoc National Forest Supervisors
Office in Alturas, CA. His wife is Patricia (Morrell) Wood. Mr. Wood's obituary
will be published at a future date.
Grace Marie Drown
Former Alturas business owner and long-time Alturas resident
Grace Marie Drown of Alturas, passed away April 24, 2008 in Alturas, CA. Mrs.
Drown was 98.
Born to Effie and Judge George Black in Tonganoxie, Kansas on
November 6, 1909, Grace graduated from high school in Eads, Colorado, where
her father was Judge for Kiowa County, CO. Her first marriage at age 18 was
to Lester Latham in Colorado. In her mid-20s, she was later married to John
Drown in Colorado. They moved to Modoc County while John was working with
the Coastal Geodetic Survey and settled in Alturas in 1935. About two years
later, they bought Drown's Motel, which they operated until 1960. Grace was
an exceptionally hard worker and immaculate housekeeper. She cleaned the motel
units herself, mowed the lawns, did all the laundry and ran the mangle for
all the sheets. She learned to crochet from "Granny Drown" as she
rocked one of her sick children in her arms and took up crocheting beautifully.
Grace had also worked at the Warner Hotel and Glad's Dress Shop until she
opened her own shop called Grace's Dress Shop on Main Street, Alturas in the
Fall of 1966. Her shop was located next to Hart's and where Modoc County Dept.
of Social Services is today.
Grace's beautiful and immaculate garden at her home was a testament
to her love of gardening. She was feisty and battled an amazing comeback 10
years ago, when she fell in her garden and suffered heatstroke and a core
temperature of 109-111.
Grace enjoyed many trips across and around the U.S., traveling
with her great, long-time friends and travel buddies Recy Hicks and Audrey
Wickenden, who made the traveling even more fun and memorable on the Modoc
Senior Bus Trips during the 1980s. She also loved to play pinochle, sewed
beautifully and was a member of the Order of Eastern Star and Rebekah Lodge
in Alturas. She was preceded in death by her husband John, six sisters and
one brother and her parents.
She is survived by her two sons Gene Latham of Gretna, Nebraska
and Jackie Drown, Sevierville, TN; two daughters Gertrude Lybarger, Eugene,
OR and Della Cooley, Alturas, CA; grandchildren Greg Latham, Steven and Elise
Latham, Jeff and Julie Latham, Sharon Latham, Michael Drown, Kathy and Ray
Storall, Gene and Marlene Hamilton, Rick and Terri Hamilton, Kim and Joe Henderson,
Terry Lybarger, Danny and Pam Lybarger, Teresa and Keith Jacques, Brenda and
David Olwin, Diana and Rick McGee, Laura and Ron Capilla; 25 great-grandchildren:
Rakaye, Brandi, Gregory, Matthew, Tim, Jennelle, Ashley, Shanna, Leanne, Kelsy,
Brett, Ryan, Paula, Micheal, Kayla, Taylor Rae, Jon, Ryan, Hunter, Nick, Rikki,
Lexxi, Danni, Grant and great-great grandchildren: Breanna, Brittany, Kelsee,
Gabriel, Micheal, Zachary, Conner, Carson and Jason.
Dr. Ben Zandstra held services at Kerr Mortuary Chapel on April
28 at 1 p.m. Kerr Mortuary handled arrangements.
Memorial donations may be directed to Warnerview Convalescent
Hospital, Grace's home for the past six years, where her family is grateful
that she was so lovingly cared for.
Darin Ray Young
Darin Ray Young, age 43, of Redding California passed away as
a result of a car accident in Trinity County on April 22, 2008.
Darin was born on November 25, 1964 in Alturas, CA. He was a
manager for Wingfoot Tires and a resident of Redding for the last 20 years.
Darin was a loving husband and father. He was an avid golfer and played in
the annual Make A Wish golf fundraiser. He also enjoyed reading and participating
in many outdoor activities. While in Alturas, Darin served as a volunteer
with the Alturas Volunteer Fire Department.
He is survived by his wife Stephanie Young and daughter, Gracie
Young of Redding, his parents Don and Beverly Young of Alturas; his brothers
Dan and David Young of Alturas; his sister, Hollie Taylor of Auburn, CA, and
his maternal grandmother, Ruby Riley of Alturas. He is also survived by many
aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and numerous dear friends who will
miss him greatly and will always value the short time shared in his life.
Darin was laid to rest in Redding on Saturday April 26, 2008.
The family requests that donations be made to Make A Wish Foundation of Sacramento
in memory of Darin Young at 3841 N. Freeway Blvd, Suite 185, Sacramento, California
95834.
Daniel Bud' Fulfer
Daniel "Bud" Fulfer, age 76, passed away at his home
in Adin, CA, on Tuesday, April 22, 2008. He was born in Okalahoma in
1931, the youngest of seven children. He has spent the past 66 years
in Modoc County except for the four years in which he served his country in
the Navy during the Korean War. He was Honorably Discharged in
1954, with the following service ribbons: National Defense, KPUC, Good Conduct,
United Nations, Koreans Service, Navy Occupation. Before shipping out,
he married his sweetheart, "Bea" whom he has been married to for
55 years. In addition to his wife, Bud is survived by his children and their
spouses, daughter, Debbie and her husband Dr. Bradley Baker, and son,
Jeff Fulfer and his wife Cindy.
Grandchildren include: Tel and Heather Fulfer, Talor Fulfer,
Logan, Lauren, and Gabrielle Pearson. He is also survived by his sister
June Boyd of Alturas, CA and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bud retired from the California Department of Transportation. His life
was devoted to caring for his family and being active in the community in
which he lived. He was involved with the Adin Fire Department, Veterans
of Foreign Wars, and served as an EMT on the Adin Ambulance. He also
loved to fish and hunt, and in the last few years could always be found in
the bleachers at his grandchildren's sporting events or on the Sacramento
River fishing. Bud enjoyed sharing life with his friends
and extensive adopted family. He will always be remembered for his sense
of humor and giving nature. He will be deeply missed by many.
Services will be held May 1, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. at The Veterans Cemetery in Igo, CA. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to: Big Valley Boosters Club, P.O. Box 102, Bieber, CA 96009. Arrangements made by Kerr Mortuary, Alturas.
Herman Tipton
Herman Tipton, a resident of Alturas for 60 years, passed away
April 23, 2008, in Redding, CA. Mr. Tipton was 79.
Herman was born on August 5, 1928 in Knox, Ohio. Later, his
family moved to Poe Valley, OR where he grew up. He graduated from Henley
High School in Klamath Falls, OR in 1946. He entered the United States Army
in 1950 where he served two years as a corporal, followed by two years in
the Reserve. He settled in Alturas where he worked for Pacific Power &
Light Company (P.P.&L.) for 41 years, and was also a member of the Alturas
Elks Lodge 1756. After he retired, Herman enjoyed working at home, farming,
gardening, and woodworking. He also enjoyed many other outdoor activities
such as fishing, camping, and riding four-wheelers.
Herman leaves behind his beloved wife of 35 years, Dolores Tipton
of Alturas; sons Mark Tipton and wife Debbie of Redding, CA Tony Tipton and
wife Diane of Redding, CA; step-daughters Debbie Kuhn of San Andreas, CA,
Cindy Harness and husband Buck of Dorris, CA, Brenda Angus and husband Casey
of Fallon, NV; step-son Brian Perry of Alturas; grandchildren Ashley Tipton,
J.P. Lynn, Justin and Jamie Kuhn, Stacy Fussell, Ryan and Kayla Harness, Jace
and Jordan Angus, Amanda Gwin; great-grandchildren Berkley Lynn, Dylan and
Aliya Fussell, Kaci Gwin.
No service will be held upon Herman's request.
Steffney L. Tracy
Steffney L. Tracy, 44, beloved daughter of Aloha and Edgar Schaefer
of Alturas, CA, and a former Alturas resident from 1987 until 1993, passed
away on April 21, 2008 at Mercy Hospital, Redding, CA after succumbing to
a prolonged medical illness.
Born March 17, 1964 at Langley A.F.B., Virginia, she graduated
from high school in Lincoln, CA, where she was a member of Future Business
Leaders of America and Spanish Club. She enjoyed playing the drums from grade
school through her freshman year of high school in Pacific Grove. At Sierra
College in Rocklin, CA she studied business in addition to taking typing,
shorthand and bookkeeping classes.
While in Modoc, Steffney was employed with Modoc County Dept.
of Social Services where her skills in Spanish were utilized as an interpreter
in addition to her office skills. She enjoyed singing in the Modoc Performing
Arts Theater production of "Pirates of Penzance."
Her marriage to Carl Lee Tracy in Reno, later ended in divorce,
after the family relocated to Susanville in 1993. Steffney worked at the Lassen
County Dept. of Social Services, then the California Correctional Center as
an office assistant in the Records Department. She became involved with the
State Employees Union as an officer and attended meetings throughout the state.
She took an early retirement two and a half years ago for medical reasons,
but remained active in the Retired CCC Employees Union and looked forward
to the next big meeting. She had enjoyed her involvement with the Susanville
Community Theater productions, including her part as a nun and sang in the
chorus for "Sound of Music." She also enjoyed learning to play the
hand bells for a Christmas performance for the Susanville Community Theater.
It was the magnificence and power of the buffalo she once told
her mother, that drew her to collect items depicting buffalo from the time
she was 17.
Steffney is survived by her parents Edgar and Aloha Schaefer
of California Pines, Alturas, CA; brothers Edgar N. Schaefer, II, known as
"Gar" and his wife Bryce of Modesto, and brother Ray C. Schaefer
of Denver, CO; her daughter Kassandra L. Ebert, age 24, and spouse Charles
and their children (Steffney's grandchildren) Hailee Joyce and Hannah Charlene
"Charlee" of Susanville; Steffney's son Bradley Alexander Tracy,
age 15-1/2, of Susanville and her daughter Kimberley Joyce Rouse, age 10,
of Susanville, CA; aunt "Tante" Jinx Cotton of Big Horn, Wyoming;
cousins W. Reed Cotton and Gregory T. cotton; Mark Wirth, his wife Laurie
and their daughter AnnaMarie of Truckee, CA; Schaefer aunts and cousins in
Indiana, Ohio and former husband Carl Tracy of Sacramento.
Services will be held Saturday, May 10, 2008 at 11 a.m. with
Pastor Keith Hooper at Lassen Missionary Baptist Church in Susanville. Private
burial.
Please consider contributions for Steffney's children in care of an account set up at U.S. Bank in their grandmother's name: Aloha Schaefer.
Evelyn Pauline Tollett
Evelyn Pauline Tollett, 93, passed away peacefully at her home
in Millville, CA on April 24, 2008.
Evelyn was born in San Francisco January 29, 1915. She married Harold
Tollett in Carson City, NV on August 3, 1933.
Evelyn is survived by her husband of 74 plus years Harold of
Millville; son David and wife Gladys of Waldport, Oregon; daughter Lorale
Tollett of Millville; daughter Judy Cockrell and husband Bob of Eagleville,
CA; daughter Wendy Benner and husband John of Cedarville, CA, son Tim
and wife Teresa of Dillon, Montana, and daughter Milissa Melamed and
husband Scott of Ventura, California. Evelyn was preceded in death by
son John of Millville. Evelyn's life revolved around her children, 14
grandchildren, and 25 great-grandchildren.
Throughout her life she enjoyed fly fishing, hunting deer
and elk. She passed on her passion for the outdoors to everyone. Evelyn
and Harold lived in Oregon, Washington and Montana, besides living in
a number of places in California, including many years in Cedarville.
Evelyn will be missed by all who knew her.
Memorial services were held on Monday April 28, 2008 at Our
Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Redding.
Donations in her name may be made to Surprise Valley Hospital, P.O. Box 246, Cedarville, CA 96104.
Marian Charrier
Graveside services for Marian K. Irvine Charrier, 96, will be
held on Tuesday, May 6, at 1 p.m. at Alturas Cemetery. Mrs. Charrier passed
away Feb. 4, 2008 in Seguin, TX. She had lived in Alturas from 1943 until
1998 and had worked for the Modoc County Auditors for several years during
the war and then was Secretary to the Agriculture Commissioner from 1960 to
1964 when she retired. She was a member of the Garden Club.
After her husband Frank's death in 1998, she moved to Argent
Court Assisted Living in Seguin, TX.
She is survived by a son, David Charrier of Albany, OR; a daughter and son-in-law,
Nancy and Thad Saunders of Athens, TX; six grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren,
and seven great-great grandchildren.
Sports
Funk, Hall, Madrigal, Holloway, Jones win at Mt. Shasta
Michel Funk won three events for the Modoc girls varsity at
the Mt. Shasta meet last weekend, the 400 meters in 1:10.12, the 800 meters
in 2:48.05 and the 1600 meters in 6:03.75.
Cam Hall won the boys varsity 110 high hurdles in 18.28 and
David Holloway won the 400 meters in 58.14. Cain Madrigal won the 800 meters
in 2:21.37 and the 1600 meters in 5:06.82. Susanna Jones won the girls 3200
meters in 15:02.17.
The varsity boys 4x400 relay team of Hall, Madrigal, Kevin Jones
and David Holloway won the event in 3:53.64.
Hall was second in the 300 hurdles at 45.54. Holloway was sixth
in the 200 meters in 26.38.
John Crnkovic was third in the varsity shot at 36-06, while
Newmie Wilson was fourth at 36-01. Holloway was fifth in the triple jump at
31-01.5. Kevin Jones was sixth in the long jump at 14-01.5 and in the high
jump at 4-06.
For the junior varsity boys, Matt Mayes won the 200 meters in
24.86 was second in the10 meters in 12.32. Scott Stillinger was second in
the high jump at 4-10, third in the triple jump at 30-05.25 and fourth in
the long jump at 14-02. Willie Hamann was second in the 3200 meters and Austin
Hoy was second in the triple jump at 31-01 and the 1600 meters in 5:28.34.
Chris McMasters was third in the shot at 32-02 and Nick McMasters was sixth
in the discus at 49-0. Alex Warner was sixth in the 100 meters at 14.09 and
fifth in the 200 meters in 29.57. Gustavo Chavez was fourth in the 400 meters
in 61:02.4 and Tyler Wood was sixth 1:10.51. Wood was fifth in the 1600 meters
at 5:58.61. Chavez was fifth in the 800 meters in 2:40.62 and Hoy was sixth
at 2:40.64.
For the girl's varsity, Rachel Field was second in the shot
at 27-08 and the discus at 86-0. Beth Colbert was second in the long jump
at 11-06. Jones was third in the 1600 meters in 6:30.21. Rebecca Field was
fourth in the shot at 24-0 and in the discus at 60-06. Colbert was sixth in
the 800 meters at 3:07.64 fourth in 1600 meters at 6:55.42.
Maddie Halvorson won the junior varsity girls 200 meters in
31.67 and Jordan Nolan won the 400 meters in 1:13.41. Rachel Bratton was second
in the 1600 meters in 6:57.48. Deanna Jones was second in the shot at 20-01.
Danielle Grier was second in the 100 high hurdles at 21-44, Jessie Kresge
was third at 21.61, Jenelle Stillinger fourth at 21.62. Lloyd was second in
the 300 hurdles at 1:04.05. Kresge was third at 1:05.45, Celeste Yamagiwa
fourth at 1:05.83, Stillinger fifth at 1:06.63 and Grier sixth at 1:09.92.
Nolan was fourth in the 200 meters in 34.0. Monica Lloyd was third in the 400 meters in 1:19.75. Bratton was fourth in the 3200 meters in 15:40.03. Grier was third in the discus at 51-05, Samantha Clay was fifth at 48-01.
Braves
softball wins four straight
Modoc's varsity softball team won four games this weekend, including
two Shasta Cascade League games against Weed. Etna is leading the SCL with
a 9-1 league mark and Modoc travels to Etna Friday to finish the regular season.
The Braves are tied with Fall River for second place with 6-4
records. Mt. Shasta is at 7-5; Burney comes in at 4-6; Weed at 1-7 and Trinity
at 1-8. This final weekend could see some big changes in the standings.
Last Friday, Modoc beat Weed 1-0 in the opening game and won the second game
4-1. Modoc scored its one run in the first game in the sixth inning. The Braves
had to come back in the second game, breaking a 1-1 tie with a three-run sixth
inning.
The Braves also beat Lost River last week in a pair on non-league
games, 3-1 in the opener, and 5-3 in the nightcap.
Modoc led 1-0 in the second inning of the first game and Lost
River tied it at 1-1 in the fourth, The Braves scored one in the sixth and
one in the seventh.
In the second game, Modoc trailed 1-0 in the first and 3-2 in the third. The Braves won the game with a three-run seventh inning.
Weed wins SCL golf: Modoc 2nd
The Weed golf team shot a 385 April 24 to win the Shasta Cascade
League Championship at Arrowhead in Alturas.
Modoc's Braves shot a respectable 407 to place second, followed
by Mt. Shasta's 473.
The top 10 players from league competed in a 10-person tournament
April 30 to decide the six All-league honors. Daniel Morgan, Jeff Solomon
and Josue Madrigal qualified for the event. The results were not available.
Both Weed and Modoc qualify for the North Section Division II
Championships to be held at Arrowhead May 6 with five other teams and qualifying
individuals. The top two teams, top four individuals and any individual who
shoots 79 or lower qualify for the North Section Championships at Graeagle
Meadows May 13.
Weed's Jake West shot a 71 for the top score at the league championships with teammate Scott Lassen shooting 72. Modoc's Daniel Morgan was third with a 76 and Solomon followed with a 77, which tied with Weed's David Anderson. Drew Morgan shot 79 for Modoc; Josue Madrigal shot an 82; Jeff Barclay carded a 93 and Dejah Montague a 129.
Modoc finishes baseball at Etna
The Modoc Braves baseball team will finish its season Friday
at Etna.
Modoc beat Weed last week 5-3 and 10-6 at Weed.
In the first game, Modoc scored two in the first, and three
in the seventh on eight hits. Weed scored two in the third and one in the
sixth.
John Hughes got the win, after relieving Justin Estes in the
fourth. Hughes allowed two hits, struck out four and walked one. Estes had
allowed two runs on five hits and fanned one.
Trent Schmidt led the hitting going 3-for-4 and Ty Hammerness
was 2-for-3.
In the second game, Modoc scored two in the second, two in the
fifth, three in the sixth and three in the seventh. Weed scored two in the
third, two in the fourth one in the fifth and one in the sixth. Schmidt got
the win, allowing six runs on five hits, fanned 13 and walked seven.
Hammerness went 2-for-3 at the plate; Irvend Chacon and Hughes
were 2-for-4.
The Braves lost to Bonanza 10-1 April 29 as Bonanza scored three
in the third, three in the fifth and four in the seventh. Modoc scored its
only run in the fifth.
Schmidt got the loss, going three innings, allowing three runs
on three hits, fanned four and walked a batter. James Budmark and Estes each
had one hit, as bonanza pitcher Roy Hobbs held the Braves to just two.
Modoc beat Lost River 12-0 April 24. The Braves scored three in the second,
two in the third and added seven in the fifth. Hughes got the win, going two
innings, allowing three hits, struck out three and walked a batter.
Webb Dunn and Chacon were 2-for-3 and Estes was 2-for-4.
The Braves are 5-13 overall for the season and 4-6 in league.
May 8, 2008
News
Rural schools money still 'Up in the air'
If there is one constant about the future for the Secure Roads
and School funding, it is that the U.S. Congress and the administration remain
ineffective.
Modoc County Superintendent of School Gary Jones spent part
of last week in Washington D.C, with a contingent of school leaders trying
to impress legislators on just how important the finding was for schools in
the west.
"The best I can say, is the issue remains up in the air,"
Jones said this week. "It is frustrating."
Jones met with Senator Diane Feinstein, whom he said was fairly non-committal
-- if not a bit negative -- about the possibility of getting the Secure Roads
and Schools funding passed and signed by the President this year.
Senator Barbara Boxer was a bit more optimistic, Jones said,
but neither Senator offered a positive note on getting the funding through
the necessary channels. Boxer, he said, was not reassuring.
In addition, Jones met with Congressman John Doolittle, who wanted to learn
more about the Medi-Cal Administrative, MAA, funding. He had voted against
the last MAA bill (amounting to about $700,000 annually here), but seemed
genuinely interested and more concerned once he found out how that funding
was used in the district.
In total the Secure Roads and School funding amounts to about
$1.3 million to Modoc Schools and the MAA money adds another $700,000.
Jones said here is still a chance the funding could be added
to the Defense Appropriations bill this year.
The county office and all district in the county have been advised
not to budget the Secure Schools or MAA funding as revenue this next year.
The schools in the county are largely able to avoid layoffs for this year,
but a continuing loss of those funds would impact severely in the next budget
cycle.
All school districts and county schools offices in the northstate and once
again going into a budget years without firm numbers from either the state
of federal governments.
Jones remains very concerned. "Our schools wait and hope
for funding from Forest Reserve and Medi-Cal Administrative Activities 'MAA.'
The annual loss to our local schools is $2.1 million an average shortfall
of $1,000 per student," he said.
If the dismal budget projections and realities continue, jobs
will not be secure for long into the future.
Jones is confident that even with the impending budget cuts at the state and
federal level, the county office and local school districts "have necessary
reserves to withstand the initial affects of such large losses in revenue."
He continues to stress, however, that school systems cannot sustain annual losses of this size without changes to educational programs and services.
Haralson trial set for Oct. 15 in Modoc
Robert Chad Haralson, age 32, the suspect in the 1992 murder
of Betty Lou Parks, will go on trial tentatively scheduled to start Oct. 15
in Modoc Superior Court.
The trial date was set Tuesday following a preliminary hearing.
Haralson has entered a not guilty plea in the case. The trial is expected
to last four to five weeks. A trial confirmation hearing will be held in June
The Federal Bureau of Investigation arrested Haralson May 25
in Casper, Wyoming. Modoc had issued an arrest warrant in late April for Haralson
after the initial suspect in the case, Christopher Bradbury, accepted a plea
bargain and identified him as the person who killed Parks.
As a part of the plea deal, the murder charge was dropped, and
Bradbury pled guilty to an accessory after the fact charge. Bradbury will
identify and testify against Haralson.
Parks, who had just graduated from Modoc Middle School, was
reported missing in June 1992 and her remains were found by a hiker at a remote
location in Modoc Estates in May 1993.
The case languished for more than a decade in the Modoc County
Sheriff's Office before finally being turned over to the Department of Justice
cold case investigator. That investigation led to the arrest of Bradbury in
Shasta County.
Haralson was 17 and an Alturas resident at the time of the crime. John Webster of Redding, who was appointed by the court, is representing him.
Hospital debt
grows to $10.9 million
Modoc Medical Center posted an increase of $422,088 to its county
debt in April, according to Modoc County Auditor Judi Stevens.
The hospital debt went up to $10,894,425 at the end of April
from $10,472,337 at the end of March.
The debt continues to go the wrong way, as it was $10,423,955 at the end of
February. That compares to a debt of $10,254,168 at the end of January.
The debt was $9,796,084 at the end of December.
The debt has increased since September 2005's $4,690,812 by a total of $6,203,613.
Wetlands reserve dustup in Surprise Valley
Irritated and concerned farmers and ranchers from Surprise Valley
turned out in force last week in a meeting held at the USFS Building in Alturas
to question the wisdom of setting aside about 180 acres of land on a privately
owned ranch as a state wetlands reserve.
Concern for water rights, property rights and a healthy dose
of suspicion where government agencies are concerned brought out over 40 Surprise
Valley residents to voice their objections.
Hosted by Matt Drechsel, a local conservationist, and Alan Forkey,
a state conservationist for the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS),
residents vented their objections and concerns for the proposed wetlands project
in their backyard.
Forkey opened the discussion by thoroughly and understandingly
explained California's Wetland Reserve Program (WRP). "I do want to be
very open with you. I don't know who all is going to be responding, but I
would be willing to answer questions from anybody as we get into this discussion."
He also cited the WRP's goals and its successes, noting that the program is
completely voluntary and utilizes only marginal agricultural land. "We're
an agricultural agency," said Forkey, emphasizing the farmer-friendly
nature of the agency. "We're approaching 100,000 acres in the state of
California."
Voicing his concerns, a prominent Surprise Valley rancher said,
"What I don't like about it is nobody every notified me that this was
happening."
Forkey's response was that the program does not require them
to inform neighbors. "As with every farm bill program that we have administered,
there has never been a requirement that we have to go ask the neighbors if
it's okay for somebody to participate," he said. "We oftentimes
meet with adjacent landowners just to help them know what we are doing. If
they have concerns, if there are issues related to the restoration they think
is going to negatively impact their property, then we try to work those issues
out in the restoration plan phase of the project."
The primary issue addressed in the meeting was how this easement
would affect water rights. "We don't buy water rights," said Forkey.
"Not only do we not control the water rights, the landowner on a WRP
easement legally cannot apply water to the easement area, cannot move water
around the easement area and cannot take water off the easement area unless
NRCS provides them with a use authorization
"
Forkey repeatedly insisted that the state's contract with the
applicants in Surprise Valley would have no effect on current water rights.
"Our main goal is to try and restore hydrology naturally.
We take
advantage of what's there," he said, emphasizing his point. "If
you own water rights, we are not going to affect them."
Drechsel identified the water rights issue as a county problem
that would have to be dealt with elsewhere rather than by the NRCS.
Forkey agreed. "Wouldn't this issue exist, regardless of
whether (or not) there was an easement?" he said. "We, as an agency,
would never try and presuppose what those decrees were. That has to be determined
by the courts."
But local ranchers and farmers were unimpressed and skeptical.
They took the position that giving a government agency any foothold on private
property in their valley would ultimately lead to a loss of one or another
of their rights. "We hear the horror stories of legal battles where somebody
has lost their rights," said one woman from the back of the room.
Emotions ran high throughout the meeting. At one point, strongly
worded accusations flew between landholders as NRCS people looked on in silence.
Ranchers repeatedly cited endangered species issues that have
been used in the past to take away property rights and restrict land use.
"What happens to these cranes?" asked another resident. "Will
you shut my water off to give them water?"
Resident landholders repeatedly expressed their distrust of
government, due to past experience with lawsuits brought by environmentalist
groups to force compliance by private landholders with state and federal regulations.
"We're talking about private property rights here," said one meeting
attendee. "I don't want to interfere with their private property rights;
I don't want them to interfere with mine."
Except for the applicants to the WRP program, all were plainly distrustful
of anything said by other Drechsel or Forkey. Saying, "There's a bundle
of rights that go with any piece of property," that same landholder explained
that this situation is like no other the NRCS has sought to put into the WRP
program and that it required special consideration.
Sean Curtis, the chairman for the Modoc County Land Use Committee and local Farm Bureau representative, made the point that had the NRCS made an early effort to open a dialog with Surprise Valley landowners rather than waiting until late in the process, these issues might have already been resolved.
City building picks up
Building in the City of Alturas got a boost in April for the
beginning of a rehabilitation project of the Alturas Meadows on East 12th
Street.
The building permit total for April was $170,383, of which $121,716
came in the apartment complex project. A remodel, and several re-roofing projects
made up the remainder.
In February, only two building permits were issued, worth an
estimated $400, one of the lowest totals recorded.
March was better, relatively, as four permits worth an estimated $11,662 were issued.
Obituaries:
Alton 'Skip' Wood
Alton Francis "Skip" Wood passed away Monday, April
28, 2008, at his home in Alturas, CA. He was 68.
Throughout the years, Skip and wife Pat have opened their home
and hearts to offer shelter, guidance and love, touching the lives of countless
young people.
Skip was born in Alturas, CA on October 3, 1939, to Herb and
Marcell (Wheeler) Wood. He spent the first three to four years in Cedarville.
In the meantime, his parents divorced. In 1941, he moved to Alturas and lived
with his father and stepmother, brother and sister. He attended Alturas Grammar
School and graduated from Modoc Union High in 1958. He immediately joined
the U.S. Marine Corps and served as an MP at Miramar Naval Station in San
Diego for his entire duration from 1958 until his discharge as a Lance Corporal
in 1961. When he was discharged, he stayed in Vacaville for a short time before
returning to Alturas.
He met his future wife, Patricia Ann Morrell, the summer of
1962, while she was home from college. They were engaged in November 1962
and married December 29, 1962, in a double ceremony with Skip's brother Ronnie
in Reno, NV. Their first son, Shaun Kevin was born October 11, 1964 in Alturas,
CA. Skip went into power line construction. While the family was following
the jobs, their second son, Shane Lincoln was born February 2, 1968 in Redding,
CA.
The family returned to Alturas in 1970 and has been here since.
That's when Skip began his 27-year career working in construction and maintenance
with the US Forest Service until he retired from the Modoc National Forest
Supervisors Office in Alturas in 1994. He worked for another 10 years with
the County of Modoc as a parks caretaker for the outlying area parks. He enjoyed
hunting and fishing.
"Skip loved his family and all kids. He was devoted to
kids and always was very truthful," describes his wife Pat.
His passion was sports. He coached Little League for approximately
10 years, the "Nor-Cal" team.
"You could always find him walking the sidelines of a football game once
his boys started playing. Any sport they were in, you would see Skip. He took
in Dean Hansen and treated him like his own son when Dean was a high school
junior. He was so proud of Shaun and Shane when they returned 'home' to be
teachers and coaches," said Pat, his loving wife of 45 years and four
months.
In addition to his wife Pat of Alturas, he is survived by his
son Shaun, wife Patty and their children Travis, Joshua and Tyler of Alturas;
son Shane and wife Jolie and their children Derek, Shaina, Dustin Wood of
Tulelake; foster son Dean Hansen, wife Brandi and their children Duncan and
Drew of Fair Oaks, CA; his sister Connie Clark of Grass Valley, CA; three
brothers Sam Herceg and wife Joyce of Carson City, NV; Gary "Tick"
Herceg and wife Dorothy, Felton, CA; Tom Herceg of Watsonville, CA; cousins
Terry Quirk of Alturas, Helen Goulden of Alturas; aunt Lucile Palmer in Salinas,
CA and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Herbert
Wood; mother Marcell Wheeler-Wood-McGeorge; stepmother Fay Wood and brother
Ronald Wood.
A memorial celebration of Skip's life will be held on Saturday, May 17 at
1 p.m. at the Alturas Elks Lodge Hall in Alturas. It will be potluck with
a no host bar. Anyone who wishes to attend is more than welcome. Interment
will be held at a later date at the family plot in the Cedarville Cemetery.
There is the possibility a scholarship fund will be established. Arrangements
with Kerr Mortuary.
Harry A. Larimore
Fourth generation Modoc'er Harry Allen Larimore will be remembered
as a very nice man with a great sense of humor and one of the "best backhoe
operators in Modoc County." Mr. Larimore passed away at his home in Alturas,
CA, with family gathered, on January 28, 2008, after a short battle with cancer.
He was 86.
Harry's family has been in Modoc County since the 1800's. He
has many relatives in the area. His great- grandparents Silkerk and Sara Hildebrand
came to Fort Bidwell, CA with the wagon train. Their daughter Cecilia married
George Larimore and had two sons, Christie and Mattheu. Cecilia and George
divorced, and Cecilia married John O'Leary. They had several more children.
Christie married Mildred May Hanks, whose husband Ira Allen had passed away.
The Allens had one son, Rollen. Christie and Mildred had two children, Harry
and his sister, Elsie.
Harry was born north of Eagleville, California, on July 28,
1921 to Christie Alfred and Mildred May (Hanks) Larimore. At a young age,
Harry moved with his family to Likely, California, where his father owned
the Likely Garage. A few years later they moved to Fort Bidwell where Harry
attended school, played harmonica in the band, and graduated from Fort Bidwell
High School in 1939. After graduation he worked for Harry Schadler at Cowhead
Ranch for four years. In April 1943, he married Ethel Vermillion, and to this
union three daughters were born. Harry entered the Army on November 17, 1943.
He performed duties as a rifleman with Company C 104th Infantry in the European
Theater. He used an M-1 rifle in combat, firing upon enemy positions, and
became familiar with the use and care of all small arms and hand-to-hand fighting
techniques while participating in the Northern France and Rhineland Campaigns.
He also served as a truck driver, driving 2 _ ton trucks, hauling supplies
from the beach-head to the front lines. Harry was awarded medals for Good
Conduct, Victory Medal, American Theater Service Medal, European-African-Middle
Eastern Service Medal, and Combat Infantryman Badge. From injuries received
in France, he was awarded the Purple Heart.
Harry was honorably discharged in April, 1946 and returned to
Alturas where he worked for the local lumber mills, the peat moss plant in
Jess Valley and drove school buses until he purchased his first backhoe and
began contracting backhoe work throughout the county. He was a member of the
Operating Engineers Union. In 1974, he sold his backhoe to Heard Plumbing
and worked there for the next 25 years. Ethel and Harry were married until
1971.
In April, 1972, he married Beatrice Carnahan in Virginia City,
Nevada. They have made Alturas their home since their marriage. Harry was
a Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the VFW Auxiliary Post 3327.
He enjoyed helping with fund raising events. Harry and Bea enjoyed watching
their grandchildren's soccer and baseball games, band concerts, and Jilene's
many volleyball and basketball games. They spent every summer at Spalding
Resort at Eagle Lake, enjoying family reunions and lots of fishing.
Harry is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Beatrice Larimore
of Alturas; his sister Elsie and Junior Kinser of Dunnigan, CA, his daughters
Millie and Don Roberts of Rocklin, CA; Mary Fuller and friend Tim Hoshko of
Rocklin, CA; Jane and Don Eaton of Alturas; grandchildren Tony and Gigi Roberts
of Anaheim Hills, CA; Kevin and Megan Roberts of San Francisco, CA; Melinda
and Rick Cole, Fremont, CA; Julie and Maurice Rasgon of Santa Monica; and
Jilene Mastagni of Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota; great-grandchildren Jeremy
Mastagni II and Jacob Mastagni of Alturas, Emily and Christian Roberts of
Anaheim Hills, Addison and Kylie Rasgon of Santa Monica, step-children Glenn
Ely of Cle Elum, WA, John and Marion Ely of Red Bluff, and Michelle and Charles
Young of Alturas, and 11 step-grandchildren, 16 step-great grandchildren,
10 great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Rollen
Allen, first wife Ethel and grandson Jeremy Mastagni.
Services for Harry Larimore will be held Friday, May 23, 1:00
p.m. graveside at Alturas Cemetery. Fellowship will follow at the Veterans'
Memorial Hall, South Main Street, Alturas.
Donations in Harry's memory can be directed to Veterans Guest
House, 880 Locust Street, Reno, NV 89502-0948
Jackie "Jack" Lynn Meland
Jackie Lynn Meland, 52, of Winnemucca, NV. Passed away in Reno,
NV. March 9, 2008, of natural causes. Jack was born in Alturas, CA August
30, 1955 to Weta (Toney) and Elton (Hap) Meland. He attended Willow High School
where he was Chapter President of the FFA in 1973/74. He wrestled all four
years. Jack was a diehard Raiders football fan, he was passionate about wrestling,
loved to fish and hunt with the "guys in the Idaho Mountains." Jack's
kids were his lifeblood, he was involved in their lives and extremely proud
of them.
Jack is survived by his daughter Sierra Dawn and only granddaughter
Corinna Jewell of Sacramento, CA, sons Steve, John and Brad, Daughter Heidi
all of Nampa, Idaho. Mother Weta (Toney) Meland of Mountain Home, AR. Siblings
Dr. Ole Meland of Arlington, WI, Gary and Bonnie Meland of Baraboo WI, Floyd
of OR, Cheri (Meland) and Jerry Adams of Mountain Home, AR. Jack was raised
in an extended family of ten children: Weta's five and her sister Reta's five
children, Kathy, Linda, Kenneth, Paula and Chris. Proceeding Jack in death
was his father Elton (Hap) Meland and Aunt Reta (Toney) Putman-Campbell.
Jack was always caring and giving, one who would be there for
you without asking for his help, a man some called brother, who are friends
or brother-in-laws. The family would like to extend a very special thanks
to the hospital staff in Reno for treating Jack and his family like they were
part of their family. The family would also like to extend a very special
thanks to Ray Plumb for always being there for Jack and his children.
Memorial services for Jack L. Meland and Aunt Reta (Toney) Putnam-Campbell
will be held on Sunday May 25 at 2:00 p.m. at the Church in Lake City, CA
followed by the Cemetery, and Fire Hall 2:00 p.m. All are welcome!
No farewell words were spoken. No time to say goodbye you were
gone before we knew it, and only God knows why. Our hearts still ache in sadness
and secret tears still flow, what is meant to lose you no one will ever know.
Perhaps there are not stars in the sky, but rather openings where our loved
ones shine down to let us know they are ok.
Jack, we love you much!
Service for Carlton "Ed" Ivory
A memorial service for third generation Modoc County cowboy, Carlton Edward Ivory will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 24, 2008, at the Alturas Cemetery. Cowboy Minister Cody Gunderson, originally from Lakeview, OR will conduct the services under arrangement by Kerr Mortuary. Mr. Ivory passed away on July 11, 2007, in Scone, New South Wales, Australia, following a brief illness. "Ed" was born November 29, 1921. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 22 years, Sue E. Ivory of Scone, New South Wales, Australia; his children and their spouses Jim and Cathy Ivory; John and Sandi Ivory; and Sue K. Ivory of Sierra Vista, AZ. Grandchildren and their spouses: Jay and Shannon Burris, Austin, Texas; Shane Sample, Scottsdale, AZ; Christian and Dee Dee Spickler, Las Vegas, NV; Jay and Jeanne Ivory, Scottsdale, AZ; Buster and Heather Ivory, Gillette, WY; James and Adrian Ivory, Blacksburg, VA; Mandy Ivory, Cody, WY as well as eight great- grandchildren. Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Nona Ivory; half brother Ralph Leonard; half sister Rita Leonard; brother, Arthur Raymond (Buster) Ivory; and granddaughter Kelly Jo Ivory.
Sports
Modoc splits with SCL champs Etna
Modoc's varsity girl's softball team split a double header Friday
with Shasta Cascade League winner Etna, losing the first 5-4 and winning the
second 3-1.
The split places the Braves in fourth place in the SCL, with
Fall River second, but they still have to play Weed this Friday to complete
their schedule. Weed is dwelling in the cellar so Fall River is expected to
win both. That would make the league standings as follows: Etna 10-2, Fall
River 8-4, Mt. Shasta 7-5, Modoc 7-5, Burney 6-6, Trinity 3-11 and Weed 2-10.
Modoc lost in the first playoff round May 6, to Etna 5-4.
In the opening game against Etna, the Braves fell behind 1-0,
but went ahead 3-1 in the fourth. The Lions tied it at 3-3 in the fifth and
Modoc added a run in the sixth to lead 4-3. Etna tied it at 4-4 in the seventh
to send the game into extra innings. The Lions scored the winning run in the
bottom of the 10th.
Emily Conner went the distance for Modoc, getting the loss.
She allowed five runs on 15 hits, walked a pair and fanned 10. Nicole Hall
led the hitting, going 2-for-3. Sarah Catania, Conner and Sami Schmidt each
had a hit.
The Braves went up 2-0 in the third inning of the second game
and added a final run in the sixth. Etna scored its only run in the sixth.
Conner got the win, giving up one run on seven hits, walking
two and striking out seven.
Schmidt went 3-for-4, Amy Cruse was 2-for-3, while Brynn Juanarena, Sarah Mason, Catania ad Corrie Clark each added a hit.
Etna
proves too much for Braves
Etna's Lions proved to be more than the Modoc's Braves baseball
team could handle last Friday, trouncing Modoc 16-1 in the first game and
9-2 in the second, ending the Braves season.
Modoc fielded a young team this year and struggled through a
tough season, finished at 4-9 in the Shasta Cascade League, with only Weed
at 0-13 below them. Trinity won the SCL at 10-2, followed by Etna 9-4, Fall
River 9-4, Burney 7-5 and Mt. Shasta 5-7.
In got ugly quick in the first game against Etna, with the Lions
scoring nine in the first inning and seven in the second. Modoc scored one
run in the third.
Trent Schmidt got the loss, going two innings, allowing 6 runs
and 11 hits, walked six and had two strike outs. He also gave up a pair of
home runs. He was relieved by John Hughes who allowed no runs on three hits
and struck out two. Hughes also had the only hit for the Braves in the game.
Etna started the second game with a 1-0 first inning lead and
added two in the third, two in the fourth and four in the fifth for nine.
Modoc scored its two runs in the seventh.
Schmidt went 3-for-4 at the late, Justin Estes and Hughes each had a hit. Estes was on the mound and got the loss, going six innings, allowing nine runs on eight hits, walked four and fanned four.
Modoc tracksters head to SCL meet
Modoc's track teams will be at College of the Siskiyous in Weed
Friday for the Shasta Cascade League Championships.
Leading the way for the Braves' varsity girls will be junior
distance runner Michel Funk and thrower Rachel Field.
The varsity boy's team leaders are hurdler Cam Hall, sprinter
David Holloway, distance runner Cain Madrigal, and thrower Newmie Wilson.
There will be some solid performance turned in by a number of
sophomore and freshmen athletes in both divisions, including Matt Mayes, Ulysses
Gonzales, Gustavo Chavez, Austin How, Scott Stillinger, Jordan Nolan, Maddie
Halvorson, Danielle Grier and Rebecca Field.
Last weekend at the Mt. Shasta Invitationals, Funk took a second
in the 1600 meters in 5:07.64. Rachel Field was fourth in the discus at 83-1
and sixth in the shot at 26-11.
Cain Madrigal led the boy's varsity with a third in the 800
at 2:13.18 and fourth in the 1600 meters at 4:58.21. Cam Hall was third in
the 300 meters at 45.8 and fourth in the 110 hurdles at 18.46.
Gustavo Chavez took a third in the 800 for the junior varsity
boys at 2:22.37 and Austin Hoy was third in the triple jump at 33-05.75. Scott
Stillinger was fifth in the high jump at 4-8.
For the junior varsity girls, Danielle Grier was 5th in the 100 hurdles at 21.39, Jordan Nolan was sixth in the 400 meters at 1:12.90, Celeste Yamagiwa was sixth in the 300 hurdles in 1:01.64. Jenelle Stillinger was sixth in the 100 hurdles in 21.81 and Rachel Bratton was sixth in the 3200 at 15:30.31
May 15, 2008
News
State Senate committee strips rural cops
funds
In a move that would portend dire consequences on rural law
enforcement, a State Senate subcommittee last week opted to recommend cuts
to millions of dollars of funding.
While the funds are always on the table come state budget crunches,
this time around the depth of the recommended cuts was astounding even to
ardent observers. Whether the cuts would survive a full Senate hearing remains
in question.
The subcommittee cut all funding for the Rural Sheriff's Program,
amounting to $500,000 out of Sheriff Mark Gentry's budget. That program also
provides a $500,000 grant to California's other 36 least-populated counties.
That cut would have a major impact on the Modoc Sheriff's department.
In addition, the subcommittee cut all COPS money out of the budget, which
would negatively impact the Alturas Police Department by $100,000. On top
of that the state's Booking Fee Solution, would transfer about $26 per booking
paid by the state to the responsibility of the local police departments.
But the subcommittee wasn't done there, it also cut out a $119 million package
for local prosecutors, jails and cops and eliminated $119 million aimed at
juvenile offenders, $201 million for probation camps and $29 million used
to stop meth trafficking.
According to the Sacramento Bee, Senator Mike Machado of Linden,
said his committee "Had no choice but to take a machete to programs it
deemed discretionary" and "If the counties want the programs, they're
going to have to find a way in their own budgets to pay for them."Alturas
Chief of Police Ken Barnes said what that means is a cut in the number of
officers on patrol and a decrease in the overall level of public protection
in rural areas.
"We're already down one officer from historic levels,"
said Barnes. "Our crime rate is going up (to 318 cases presently, about
50 above normal for this time of year) and now is not the time to cut enforcement
funds. Our city, and all of rural California is changing."
Gentry said the funds "have been the backbone of our budget
for the past several years" and any cut could mean "employee layoffs
or decreased patrols."
Barnes, along with Gentry, will be supporting the law enforcement
organizations now trying to educate the state legislators about what impacts
the loss of the law enforcement funds could do to actual enforcement.
While the state has threatened to cut these types of funds in
the past, they have generally been reinstated. But, Barnes and Gentry stress,
without some public and law enforcement input, they could disappear.
"This is a serious public safety issue, and we're not going to be quiet about the impacts," said Barnes.
Feinstein "optimistic" Secure Schools will pass Senate
California Senator Diane Feinstein's office said Tuesday she
is optimistic a one-year fix for the Secure Rural School Funding will be included
in the U.S. Senate Supplemental budget this year and should be addressed today.
Whether the issue will remain in the supplemental as it goes
through the House of Representatives or will be signed by the President is
still a big question mark.
According to her office representative, Senator Feinstein is
committed to getting the schools funding passed this year and places it as
a high priority. She continues to seek a multi-year solution to the funding
issue, but this year the reality is a one-year fix is the possibility.
Modoc County Superintendent of School Gary Jones spent time
in early May in Washington and met with Senator Feinstein, whom he said was
unsure about the possibility of getting the Secure Roads and Schools funding
passed and signed by the President this year.
While the Senator's staff said she is committed to getting the
funding passed this year in the Senate supplemental, it remains a far cry
from being anything certain. The fact remains that the issue will have a tough
road ahead in the House and with the President. Feinstein believes the funding
measure will be adopted this year.
In total the Secure Roads and School funding amounts to about
$1.3 million to Modoc Schools.
The county office and all districts in the county have been advised not to
budget the Secure Schools as revenue this next year. The schools in the county
are largely able to avoid major layoffs for this year, but a continuing loss
of those funds would impact severely in the next budget cycle.
All school districts and county schools offices in the northstate
are once again going into a budget year without firm numbers from either the
state or federal governments.
If the dismal budget projections and realities continue, jobs
will not be secure for long into the future.
Jones is confident that even with the impending budget cuts at the state and
federal level, the county office and local school districts "have necessary
reserves to withstand the initial affects of such large losses in revenue."
He continues to stress, however, that school systems cannot sustain annual losses of this size without changes to educational programs and services.
Children's Fair opens Saturday with fun
Modoc County's 21st Annual Children's Fair opens in a big way
this Saturday on Modoc High School's campus at Main and East Eighth Streets,
Alturas from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This year's theme "Where the West is Fun" sets the
tone for the activity-packed day for young and old, starting with "A
Crazy Western Hat Parade" promptly at 9 a.m. with the Modoc High School
Jazz Band leading the way. Winning participants will receive coupons valued
at $1 each and redeemable at any booth on the day of the fair.
Forty booths with either food or activities or games will keep
everyone busy. Three special games arrive for this year's fair. The Jurassic
Park Obstacle Jump House, a jousting game and the Truck Jump House will entertain
the most active of kids. Also, the big favorite, the toilet racers, will return
for the day of fun. A modest fee is charged for these games.
Local talent gives the Children's Fair a special flair. On the
Main Stage, the Wild Plum Jam Band will entertain with its blend of music
and Robin Brush's group gets the tempo rocking.
Square dance demonstrations will be given by local dance troupe
Alturas Allemanders. Sandy Ellsworth of Alturas will show off her trained,
miniature ponies, "The Little Rascals." Shane McGarva of Likely
will bring a western style roping demonstration to the gym.
A magician and a balloon artist will demonstrate their fun to
watch skills. A fishing booth, a ball toss game, a mock fire suppression activity,
a dime toss, bingo, face painting, and costumes to wear are all activities
for the youth. Some will charge a small fee for games; others are free.
Bring a hearty appetite as all types of food will be available
at very reasonable prices. A sampling includes hamburgers, Philly cheese sandwiches,
tamales, soft beef tacos, corn dogs, Polish dogs on sticks, strawberry shortcake,
snow cones and chocolate-covered fruit. The ice cream truck will be parked
on the fair site.
Free juice and water is offered by Modoc County Sheriff's office
and free popcorn and juice or water is provided by Modoc Joint Unified School
District. Quiznos will bring cookies and lemonade to the fair.
All kinds of hands-on activities are available for the younger
set. Warnerview Nursing home will have a toy and candy booth. Sand and bubbles,
a ball toss, a Discovery Center for the wee tots and a chance to decorate
cookies are just some of the events.
Demonstrations occur in the school gym and include the chess
tournament run by Larry Manzer, kites with Jack Harris, archaeology with Gerry
Gates, and fabric painting with Bonnie Wheeler, plus the roping demonstration
by Shane McGarva.
Modoc Wildlife Refugee, the Modoc National Forest, and New Pioneer
4-H Club will also show their special skills. Modoc County Public Health again
presents Dental Screening services while TEACH's Crisis Center and the Alturas
Masonic Lodge will take photos of kid's for ID purposes.
The Children's Fair committee reminds everyone that free roaming or leashed
dogs and cats are not allowed on the school campus, nor is it acceptable to
give away baby kittens or puppies at the fair. The fair is an alcohol, tobacco,
and drug free event.
RAC projects need to be in soon
While the actual source for the Resource Advisory Committee
funding (Secure Roads and Schools) has not yet been passed at the federal
level, anyone with a grant proposal for those funds should consider getting
them in soon.
According to Modoc County Resource Analyst Sean Curtis, the
local RAC will be under the gun to get projects approved in a short time frame.
He expects the Secure Schools funding to be approved in the
supplemental budget and by adopted by June. With that timeline, projects need
to be submitted early and must be approved by the RAC and Board of Supervisors
by September.
"It's important that we get well-documented and complete
projects in the first round," said Curtis. "We're not going to have
the normal amount of time to work with the applicants to fine tune the projects,
so if they start early, it will be helpful."Applications for the grant
funding, which amounts to about $600,000 annually including Title II and III
are available from Dina McElwain at the Modoc National Forest, 233-5811.
RAC projects are supposed to benefit the Modoc National Forest
ecologically and environmentally and also benefit the local economy.
Call Curtis at 233-3276 or McElwain for more information.
BLM Resource Advisory Council to meet in
Alturas
Land use planning topics are on the agenda for a meeting of
the Bureau of Land Management Northeast California Resource Advisory Council
set for Thursday and Friday, May 15 and 16, at the BLM Alturas Field Office,
708 West 12th St., Alturas.
On Thursday, RAC members convene at 10 a.m. and depart immediately
for a field tour to the Bieber area. The tour will return to Alturas by 4
p.m. Members of the public are welcome. They must provide their own lunch
and transportation in a high clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle.
Friday's session begins at 8 a.m. Agenda items include an update
on new resource management plans recently approved for the BLM Alturas, Eagle
Lake and Surprise field offices and a status report on an environmental impact
statement for the multi-agency Sage-Steppe Ecosystem Restoration Strategy.
Members also will hear an update on wind energy development proposals and
hear status reports from BLM field managers.
Time for public comment has been set aside for 11 a.m., Friday,
May 16.
The 15-member advisory council, one of 24 such councils in the
Western states, works closely with the BLM's managers to advise on public
land natural resource management. Members represent a wide range of interests
including livestock grazing, the timber industry, recreation, history and
archaeology, wild horses and burros, environmental groups, local government,
the academic sector and the public at large.
More information is available from BLM Public Affairs Officer Jeff Fontana, (530) 252-5332.
APD stresses off road, parking laws
There appears to be more violations of the city parking ordinances
and off-road vehicle riding on city streets.
Chief of Police Ken Barnes warns that people who are riding
non-street legal vehicle on Alturas Streets will be cited. A big part of the
problem, said Barnes, was underage drivers riding dirt bikes (motorcycles)
and quads on city streets.
"We have warned those riders to stay off the streets, and
they can't ride on the shoulders to be legal," Barnes said. "With
the better weather coming, we'd like to get on top of this early."Two
issues come in mind in Barnes view. First is that many of the riders are under
the legal driving age and not licensed, and secondly, the vehicles are not
permitted on streets or highways.
Barnes is also asking those riders to respect private property
rights and to not ride across or ride on private property. In addition, he
said to be aware of possible noise complaints if those kids are riding within
city neighborhoods.
Another problem that has surfaced is people parking their cars
on the wrong sides of the street. Alturas ordinances require a vehicle to
be "stopped and parked with the right hand wheels parallel and within
18 inches of the right-hand curb. Where no curbs or barriers exist right-hand
parking is required unless otherwise indicated."
Basically, parking should be parallel and on the same side of the street as the legal flow of traffic.
Obituaries:
Albert Ben Arena
Albert "Al" Arena of Alturas was always proud of his
Basque heritage. His parents, Mary Barnetche of Suchesqun, France and Urbano
Pedroarena of Aria, Spain (later named Peter Arena when he arrived in the
U.S.), raised him in the family businesses in Alturas, from the time Al was
eight. The skills Al learned, shaped his life.
Albert Ben Arena passed away on May 11, 2008, at the age of
82 in Alturas, CA, but left his lasting mark throughout Modoc County as the
owner of Arena Blacksmithing, the original building which stands across from
Alturas City Hall. There is no sign on the 1909 building made of hand-hewn,
soft stone quarried locally, which the Arena family purchased in 1939 and
where Al learned the blacksmith and welding trade from his father.
Al was born in Minden, NV on November 22, 1926, where the family
had a restaurant and his mother served Basque style meals. The Arenas moved
to Susanville in 1927, then hearing about the Pickering Mill that was being
built in Alturas, and considered to be the largest milling plant of its kind
in the world, the family moved to Alturas in 1928, as the lumber industry
was turning Alturas into a boomtown. The family and a partner purchased the
property on West Fourth Street to build the Buena Vista Hotel within a few
months, to serve as rooms and boarding for mill workers for the Pickering
Co. Al's father helped construct the building made with salvaged materials
from two old Madeline Hotels and completed it May 24, 1929. In 1932, the lumber
company went down with the Depression and the mill never had its machinery
installed. The mill was unused for 12 years and then leased by the White Pine
Lumber Co. For a few years during the Great Depression, the Buena Vista had
to close, so Al's father went back to his trade of Blacksmithing. When the
hotel opened again after the Great Depression, Mary catered mostly to the
Basque workers.
In 1942, the government housed approximately 30 Air Cadets at
the Buena Vista, which it leased from Mary and Pete. The Cadets were there
for the duration of the war, using the Alturas Airport as their training location
and just out the back door of the hotel.
Al graduated from Modoc High School and entered the Army June
28, 1945 at Camp Beale, CA. He earned the WWII Victory Medal and was honorably
discharged Dec. 27, 1946 as a Technician fifth grade. He returned to Alturas
and the family businesses.
When WWII ended, Mary began catering to private parties and
banquets, serving Basque style food. She became known throughout the West
Coast for her meals, and Al learned his cooking skills from his mother and
his bartending skills working side by side with his father for the banquets.
Al knew everyone. Mary's was the place to be and be seen and attracted a number
of celebrities, among them, Governors. The Buena Vista name was later changed
to Mary's, after their partnerships were dissolved and after World War II.
But, the business was always run as a family business with the Arenas.
In 1948, Al played a major role in rebuilding the rope tow at
Cedar Pass Ski Hill. All the work was done in the Arena Blacksmith Shop and
Al would run the tow on weekends. He knew the machines inside and out.
Al's mother had a stroke in 1958, which took her life that same
year. In 1960, Al qualified for the Olympic National Ski Patrol in the Squaw
Valley Winter Games and then was appointed as the Northeast Section Chief
of National Ski Patrol. Al turned the local hill over to Glen Jobe, but Al
stayed active at Cedar Pass Ski Hill for several more years. After Al married
Shirley (Ausman) Rosendahl on September 1, 1963 in Alturas, the couple operated
the Bar in the hotel on a part time bases after their normal working day,
until the hotel could be sold in 1965. In July 2004, after vandals started
a fire, the building was razed for safety concerns.
Al was a lifetime member of the Alturas Elks Lodge 1756 and
volunteer for the Alturas Fire Department for years. He loved being outdoors
hunting and fishing, and he enjoyed his blacksmithing work and skiing. Al's
Basque bread making was always appreciated when he shared loaves with family
and friends. His welding and blacksmith work was known for its quality and
durability. He continued his trade, never fully retiring. Al was a kind person
who always shared a smile. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife Shirley of Alturas; his sister Alvida
Hafford of Reno, NV; his children Jan (Rosendahl) and Rodney Barnes and David
Rosendahl of Cedarville, CA; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren;
niece Annette and Carlos Campos, Reno; nephew Arnold Hafford, Sacramento;
daughter-in-law Denice and husband Laurence Crabtree of Bieber, CA; daughter-in-law
Sandy Eaton of Alturas, CA; and brother-in-law Jim Ausman of Chico, CA.
Services will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Friday,
May 16 at 1 p.m. with burial to follow at the Alturas Cemetery. A time of
fellowship will follow at Sacred Heart Parish Hall, East Fourth St., Alturas.
Services arranged by Kerr Mortuary. Donations to any charity of the donor's
choice.
George Steele McGarva
George Steele McGarva was born Dec 24, 1929 to Robert & Rhoda McGarva on the McGarva Ranch on Adin Mountain. He was a kind, gentle, humble man who had a wonderful, warm, patient temperament. George was a devoted, loving, loyal, husband, father, grandfather & great-grandfather. He considered his family the very most important aspect of his life and his happiest moments were when he was surrounded by his family. George leaves his loving & loyal wife, Novella, who was his lifelong companion since their wedding on July 24, 1949; his daughter Carolyn Lucero, Santa Maria, CA; his daughter Jeanette Guiducci, Cottonwood, CA; his son John McGarva, Santa Rosa, CA; his daughter Patty Povey, Manton, CA; 16 grandchildren & 28 great-grandchildren. George loved to spend time in the mountains fishing & hiking & exploring, working in his shop making furniture & accessories, or riding horses & working with the cattle. He left our world quietly from home on Friday evening, May 9, 2008 and is now in the presence of the Lord. We will miss his gentle humor, his unconditional love, his unfailing support & his quiet presence in our lives. A memorial service celebrating his life was held Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 2 p.m. at the McGarva home at 32301 Battleview Drive in Manton, CA.
Bert Harrison Simson
Bert Harrison Simson was born on a small ranch in Eagleville
on April 21, 1921 to Barbara and Bert Simson, Sr. He grew up milking cows
by hand as part of his chores. He married Marjorie Williams April 22, 1940,
eloping to Carson City, NV. Four years and two children (daughter Jan and
son Rick) later, the family moved to Glenn County ranching 180 acres in the
Bayliss-Ord Bend area. Since there was no electricity in the area until after
World War II, Bert milked six dairy cows by hand. Here another son, Ron, was
born. In 1950, a Grade A dairy was built at the Simson ranch where he and
his sons operated until 2006, when they sold the cows and retired their milking
boots. Bert was named Northern California Dairyman of the Year in 1983. He
served on various boards in the dairy industry. Besides operating a dairy,
he grew rice, wheat, alfalfa and corn. Before the cows, he had a sheep ranch
for a while. In the summer months, he and Marge had a horse riding stable
in Lake Almanor for many years. Every April, Bert and Marge celebrated his
birthday and their wedding anniversary at the Red Bluff Roundup. They also
loved attending the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.
Bert enjoyed his family, especially his grandchildren and his
great-grandchildren. He was looking forward to turning 87 and celebrating
68 years of marriage to the love of his life, Marjorie. He will be missed.
He leaves his eternally loving wife, Marjorie of Chico, daughter Jan and her
husband Jim Taylor, son Rick and his wife Jeanette, son Ron and his wife Julia,
six grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; his brother Earl and sisters
Jean and Patsy Rea.
Vivian Bernice Tanner
Vivian Bernice Tanner, age 95, departed this life on May 7,
2008. Vivian had been a resident at Warnerview Hospital for the past 10 years.
Vivian was born on February 20, 1913 in Collin County, Texas.
As a young girl she moved with her parents to southern California near San
Diego.
There she met and married Lewis Tanner. She and Lewis worked
in the movie theaters for several years. Their first child, Loveta, was born
in Escondido.
Vivian and Lewis moved to Rigby, Idaho to improve Lewis' health.
Vivian and Lewis had a boy, Robert, born in Rigby.
Vivian worked in Rigby for many years. Vivian worked for J.C.
Penney Co. and retired from there. After retirement Vivian and Lewis moved
to Hemet, CA. After Lewis passed away Vivian moved to Indio, CA to be near
her daughter and son-in-law, Fred and Loveta Urbanek.
Vivian was active in the Order of the Eastern Star. She is a
Past Worthy Matron of the Coachella Chapter. She also worked with the Senior
Center in Indio and with Meals on Wheels.
After a crippling illness, Vivian was placed in convalescent
care. Her children moved her to Alturas to be near them.
Vivian is survived by daughter and son-in-law Loveta and Fred
Urbanek; son Robert (Bob) Tanner, all of Alturas; granddaughters Debbie Roddy,
Alpine, TX; Nancy Silver, Tucson, AZ; Grandsons Bill Tanner, Plano, TX and
Rick Tanner, Dalton, GA. She leaves five great-grandchildren and two great-great-grand
daughters.
As per Vivian's' wishes, there will be no services. She desired
to be cremated. Anyone wishing to could donate to your favorite charity.
Service for Alton Skip' Wood
A memorial to celebrate the life of Alton Francis "Skip"
Wood will be held on Saturday, May 17 at 1 p.m. at the Alturas Elks Lodge
Hall in Alturas. It will be potluck with a no host bar. "Anyone who wishes
to attend is more than welcome," says the family.
Mr. Wood is survived by his wife Pat of Alturas; son Shaun,
wife Patty and their children Travis, Joshua and Tyler of Alturas; son Shane
and wife Jolie and their children Derek, Shaina, Dustin Wood of Tulelake;
foster son Dean Hansen, wife Brandi and their children Duncan and Drew of
Fair Oaks, CA; his sister Connie Clark of Grass Valley, CA; three brothers
Sam Herceg and wife Joyce of Carson City, NV; Gary "Tick" Herceg
and wife Dorothy, Felton, CA; Tom Herceg of Watsonville, CA; cousins Terry
Quirk of Alturas, Helen Goulden of Alturas; aunt Lucile Palmer in Salinas,
CA and many nieces and nephews.
Mr. Wood passed away April 28, 2008, at his home in Alturas,
CA. He was 68.
Interment will be held at a later date at the family plot in the Cedarville
Cemetery. There is the possibility a scholarship fund will be established.
Arrangements with Kerr Mortuary.
Harry Larimore
Services for Harry Larimore will be held Friday, May 23, 1:00
p.m. graveside at Alturas Cemetery. Fellowship will follow at the Veterans'
Memorial Hall, South Main Street, Alturas. Mr. Larimore passed away at his
home in Alturas, CA, with family gathered, on January 28, 2008, after a short
battle with cancer. He was 86.
Harry is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Beatrice Larimore
of Alturas; his sister Elsie and Junior Kinser of Dunnigan, CA, his daughters
Millie and Don Roberts of Rocklin, CA; Mary Fuller and friend Tim Hoshko of
Rocklin, CA; Jane and Don Eaton of Alturas; grandchildren Tony and Gigi Roberts
of Anaheim Hills, CA; Kevin and Megan Roberts of San Francisco, CA; Melinda
and Rick Cole, Fremont, CA; Julie and Maurice Rasgon of Santa Monica; and
Jilene Mastagni of Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota; great-grandchildren Jeremy
Mastagni II and Jacob Mastagni of Alturas, Emily and Christian Roberts of
Anaheim Hills, Addison and Kylie Rasgon of Santa Monica, step-children Glenn
Ely of Cle Elum, WA, John and Marion Ely of Red Bluff, and Michelle and Charles
Young of Alturas, and 11 step-grandchildren, 16 step-great grandchildren,
10 great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Rollen
Allen, first wife Ethel and grandson Jeremy Mastagni.
Donations in Harry's memory can be directed to Veterans Guest House, 880 Locust Street, Reno, NV 89502-0948
Jack Meland
Memorial services for Alturas born Jack L. Meland, 52, of Winnemucca,
NV and Reta Toney Putnam-Campbell will be held on Sunday May 25 at 2:00 p.m.
at the Church in Lake City, CA followed by the Cemetery, and Fire Hall. All
are welcome.
Jack is survived by his daughter Sierra Dawn and granddaughter
Corinna Jewell of Sacramento, CA, sons Steve, John and Brad, Daughter Heidi
all of Nampa, Idaho. Mother Weta (Toney) Meland of Mountain Home, AR. Siblings
Dr. Ole Meland of Arlington, WI, Gary and Bonnie Meland of Baraboo WI, Floyd
of OR, Cheri (Meland) and Jerry Adams of Mountain Home, AR. Jack was raised
in an extended family of ten children: Weta's five and her sister Reta's five
children, Kathy, Linda, Kenneth, Paula and Chris. Proceeding Jack in death
was his father Elton (Hap) Meland and Aunt Reta (Toney) Putman-Campbell.
Carlton "Ed" Ivory
A memorial service for third generation Modoc County cowboy,
Carlton Edward Ivory will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 24, 2008, at the
Alturas Cemetery. Cowboy Minister Cody Gunderson, originally from Lakeview,
OR will conduct the services under arrangement by Kerr Mortuary. Mr. Ivory
passed away on July 11, 2007, in Scone, New South Wales, Australia, following
a brief illness. "Ed" was born November 29, 1921.
He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 22 years, Sue E. Ivory of Scone, New South Wales, Australia; his children and their spouses Jim and Cathy Ivory; John and Sandi Ivory; and Sue K. Ivory of Sierra Vista, AZ. Grandchildren and their spouses: Jay and Shannon Burris, Austin, Texas; Shane Sample, Scottsdale, AZ; Christian and Dee Dee Spickler, Las Vegas, NV; Jay and Jeanne Ivory, Scottsdale, AZ; Buster and Heather Ivory, Gillette, WY; James and Adrian Ivory, Blacksburg, VA; Mandy Ivory, Cody, WY as well as eight great- grandchildren. Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Nona Ivory; half brother Ralph Leonard; half sister Rita Leonard; brother, Arthur Raymond (Buster) Ivory; and granddaughter Kelly Jo Ivory.
Sports
Modoc wins first section golf championship
Modoc High School's golf team may have been unseated as Shasta
Cascade League Champion for the first time in eight years this season, but
they rebounded May 6 to win their first ever North Section Division II Championship.
Modoc shot a season low 404 at Arrowhead to take the title,
besting league champion Weed who shot 411. Jeff Solomon led the Braves with
a fine 72, Daniel Morgan came in with a 79, Drew Morgan shot 81, Josue Madrigal
had an 85, Jeff Barclay shot 87 and Justin Lee had a 94.
Pierce's Ben Geyer had the top individual score with a 70, Jake
West of Weed and Solomon tied for second at 72, Scott Lassen of Weed was fourth
at 73. Chato Esparza, Willows, Garrett Mood, Las Plumas, and Blake Eddy, East
Nicolaus tied for fifth at 74. Zach Kuykendall, Sutter and Blaine Stewart,
Rio Vista tied for eight at 75 and Dayton Pierce, Sutter, was 10th at 76.
The top two teams, top four individuals and anyone who shoots
79 or lower advanced to the overall Section Championship May 1 at Graeagle
Meadows.
"This is our first division golf championship in school
history," said coach Harold Montague. "These guys really played
well this season, but never had an incredibly low round all year. The kids
could have been really intimidated by Weed who 12 days ago shot a 385 here
in our final league match. Jeff Solomon had the best round of the year, Daniel
Morgan played even par over the last eight holes to shoot a 79.
"Josue Madrigal had a tough front nine (46), but rebounded nicely to
shoot a 39 on the back nine. Drew Morgan played as we thought he would and
was only two shots off his season low. Jeff Barclay played very well and his
score was the one that really solidified the victory. Not to be outdone, Justin
Lee has his season low round as well."
The remaining scores in the tourney were a follows: Sutter 415;
East Nicolaus 432 and Willows 463.
"Both coach Jeff Solomon, Sr. and I are extremely proud
of this team championship and the accomplishment of these young guys,"
said Montague. "Although our string of seven consecutive league championships
came to an end this year, we gladly settle for this more coveted and elusive
of the two championships."
Modoc loses three seniors off this team to graduation this year:
Solomon Daniel Morgan and Madrigal.
On Tuesday, the Braves placed fifth out of seven teams in the
overall North Section Championships in Graeagle, shooting a 439. Chico won
the event with a 392, followed by Pleasant Valley with a 407, Red Bluff's
411, Weed's 429, Modoc 439, Chester 446 and Redding Christian 505.
Daniel Morgan led the Braves with a 78, Solomon had an 84, Madrigal
an 88, Barclay a 95, Drew Morgan a 95 and Lee a 101.
Softball team knocked out of playoffs
The Modoc Braves varsity softball team was seeded eighth out
of 16 teams for the North Section Division V playoffs and was eliminated when
it lost its first game to number nine Burney 7-4 in East Nicolaus Tuesday.
No stats were available for the game.
Burney lost its next game to number one seed East Nicolaus 7-6 and was also eliminated.
Modoc track third in SCL title
Modoc's Track teams all placed third in the Shasta Cascade League
Championships May 8 at Weed. The CIF North Section Division III meet will
be May 16 at Weed.
Rachel Field won the varsity discus with a toss of 96 feet for the girls and
Cam Hall won the varsity boys 300 hurdles with a personal best of 44.6. Kevin
Jones won the pole vault with a vault of 10-6.
Michel Funk ran a personal best 5:52.33 in the 1600 meters to
place second. She has been hampered by a foot injury this season and placed
sixth in the 800 meters at 2:58.8. Coach Wendi Lowrey said she asked Funk
to slow down in the 800 because of the injury.
Susanna Jones placed second in the girl's pole vault at 6-0.
Cain Madrigal was third in the 800 meters with a personal best of 2:14.63
and was fourth in the 1600 meters in 4:53.32. Newmie Wilson was third in the
shot at 38-11.
"The track team did great, we had kids breaking personal
records and exceeding their goals," said Lowrey.
She also said she has strong junior varsity boys and girls teams
and expects track to get much stronger as the years pass.
"Ulysses Gonzales ran a great time in the 400 meters. Gustavo Chavez, Austin Hoy and Tyler Wood all performed well," Lowrey, said of the JVs. "The JV girls proved to be a strong force with Celeste Yamagiwa, Monique Lloyd and Jessie Kresge placing second, third and fourth in the 300 hurdles. Maddie Halverson and Jordan Nolan showed great speed in the sprints."
May 22, 2008
News
Modoc Voters have several issues June 3
While the June 3 Primary Election may seem a bit odd, since
California had a Presidential Primary in February, there are several races
to consider.
Topping local interest will be the race for three Modoc County
Supervisor seats.
District II's Mike Dunn is in a race with Bullock's Donut Shop owner Jeff
Bullock. District III incumbent Patricia Cantrall is being challenged by Walt
Nicholson, of Jess Valley. District IV's Shorty Crabtree has two opponents,
Ron McCullough and Jim Wills.
Polls will be open June 3 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Check the back
of the sample ballot to find out where to vote.
Many of the precincts in Modoc County are mail-in ballots only.
June 3 is the day absentee and mailed ballots must be in to the elections
office or to a polling place.
Mail-in ballots for Modoc include Lake City, Fort Bidwell, Eagleville,
Likely, Davis Creek, New Pine Creek-Willow Ranch, Canby, Parker Creek, Adin-Lookout,
and Day.
Voters will go to the polls in Alturas A, B, C, and D, Hot Spring,
California Pines and Cedarville.
In addition to the local elections, voters will choose both the Republican
and
Democratic challengers to fill the seat of 4th District U.S. Congressman John
Doolittle, who is choosing to retire after this term.
Neither of the top two GOP hopefuls lives in the 4th District.
Doug Ose is from Sacramento and Tom McClintock, is a State Senator from Thousand
Oaks. Other Republicans on the ballot are Suzanne Jones, Citrus Heights, and
Theodore Terbolizard, Grass Valley, who do reside in the district.
The probable Democratic challenger is retried U.S. Air Force Lt. Colonel Charlie
Brown, of Roseville, who narrowly lost to Doolittle in 2006, 46 percent to
43 percent. Brown also lives in the district. The other Democrat on the ballot
is John Wolfgram of Foresthill.
In addition there will be an election to replace outgoing State
Assemblyman Doug LaMalfa. Republican Jim Nielsen, Woodland, who does not reside
in the district, is running. Etna's John Martinez is also running hard for
the position. Republicans Charles Schaupp and Pete Stiglich are in that race.
Democrat Paul Singh is also in the race.
Democrat Anselmo Chavez, Sacramento, is challenging incumbent
District 1 State Senator Dave Cox, a Republican.
There will be two propositions on the ballot, Prop. 98 and Prop.
99, both dealing with eminent domain.
Proposition 98 would amend the state constitution to ban government
from using its power of eminent domain to take property to transfer it to
a private party. It would also ban using eminent domain for a purpose similar
to what the private owner was using the property, to consume the property's
natural resources or for a purpose at odds with the government's original
intent.
The argument in favor state it would protect homes, farms and small businesses
from government seizure, would shift cost of rental control from landlords
to local governments
The arguments against Prop. 98 state that it would subject tenants
and mobile home residents to unpredictable rate hikes, and make it impossible
for governments to pass laws to protect the environment or regulate lands
use.
Proposition 99, would limit the government's ability to use
eminent domain to take an owner-occupied single family house to transfer to
a private party, except when protecting public health and safety, responding
to an emergency, getting property for use in a public work or improvement,
acquiring property from a homeowner who's been there for less than a year.
Those in favor say the initiative offers good solution for the governments' taking of homes to make way for private development. Those against argue it that it does nothing to protect private property and has loopholes that would allow government taking of private homes.
Secure Rural
Schools gets past first hurdle
The Secure Rural Schools Program got past a first hurdle May
15 when it was approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee as a $400 million,
one-year extension plan in the Emergency Supplemental Bill.
The issue must now clear the House of Representatives, where
it may face a challenge from Speaker Nancy Pelosi. She prefers that the funding
not be attached to the Supplemental Appropriations Bill and instead be adopted
as a stand-alone multi-year project. In addition House Republicans and the
President are expected to oppose the funding.
California Senator Diane Feinstein's office spearheaded the
one-year fix for the Secure Rural School Funding at the committee level.
"Rural counties in California and across the country are
facing drastic cuts, school closures and teacher layoffs because the funding
for the Secure Rural Schools program is running out," she said. "This
emergency funding will give these rural communities some breathing room and
help them make it through the next school year."
While the initial passage out of the Senate is good news, none
of the local school administrators are yet placing that money in the bank.
Senator Feinstein said she is committed to a multi-year solution
to the funding issue, but this year the reality is a one-year fix.
Modoc County Superintendent of School Gary Jones remains optimistically
cautious about the funding this year.
In total the Secure Roads and School funding amounts to about
$1.3 million to Modoc Schools.
The county office and all districts in the county have been advised not to
budget the Secure Schools as revenue this next year. The schools in the county
remain largely able to avoid major layoffs for this year, but a continuing
loss of those funds would impact severely in the next budget cycle.
All school districts and county schools offices in the northstate
are once again going into a budget year without firm numbers from either the
state or federal governments. The state and federal lag time creates major
problems for local school budget administrators when it comes to programs,
teacher levels and possible cuts.
If the dismal budget projections and realities continue, jobs
will not be secure for long into the future.
Jones is confident that even with the impending budget cuts at the state and
federal level, the county office and local school districts "have necessary
reserves" to cover the short term.
He continues to stress, however, that school systems cannot sustain annual
losses of this size without cuts to educational programs and services.
Forest wants public in put on roads
The Modoc National Forest is in the middle of a 30-day scoping
period for their Travel Management Planning. The Forest is considering 1,800
segments (nearly 600 miles) of unauthorized non-system roads for inclusion
in the National Forest road system.
Most of these segments are less than one-quarter mile in length
and have existed for years. Public input is a vital part of this planning
effort. Comments should be received by Forest by June 11.
Two public meetings were held this week, one in Cedarville, and one in Alturas.
While the meetings were sparsely attended, the Forest received good specific
information and pointed and important questions to improve the planning effort.
"The comments we've received thus far have been generally supportive
with excellent suggestions on the proposed action," said Information
Officer Laura Williams.
The next two meetings are scheduled for May 28 at the Adin Community
Hall and May 29 at Honkers in Tulelake. Each open house will be from 6 to
8 p.m.
In addition to the four public open houses, forest personnel
have discussed this planning effort with the County Land Use Committee and
Economic Vitality Group. They are scheduled to brief the Board of Supervisors,
Modoc County Transportation Commission, and the Fish, Game and Recreation
Commission. They will speak to groups about this plan upon request.
Last fall, public input was received at a number of meetings,
including four open houses in November. A proposed action was developed based
on public input and resource specialist evaluation. A notice of intent was
published in the Federal Register on May 12. This was the official start of
public information gathering, which will end on Jun. 11.
"We listened to the comments and concerns of people during
these workshops," said Forest Supervisor Stan Sylva. "We've carefully
considered what people told us and we've looked at and discussed each segment
of the inventoried non-system routes proposed to be added to our permanent
road system. Now I'm asking Forest users to look at our best effort and share
with us your thoughts about the proposed action maps."
Hard copy maps are available for review at all Modoc National
Forest offices. You can receive your own copy of a CD containing each of the
proposed action maps free of charge at the same locations.
For additional information or to schedule a Forest Service person to talk
to your group, call Williams at (530) 233-8713. Learn more about the travel
management planning process at www.fs.fed.us/r5/modoc.
Obituaries:
Thomas Harry Morris
Memorial services for Adin resident Thomas Harry Morris will
be held Friday May 23, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at the Big Valley Missionary Baptist
Church, in Bieber. Pot luck following at the church hall. Mr. Morris passed
away May 18, 2008 at Mercy Hospital, Redding, CA. He was 78.
Thomas Harry Morris was born September 2, 1929 in Eskridge,
Kansas. He was the fifth of seven children to John Earl and Geneva (Bailey)
Morris. They moved to Colorado when Harry was about three years old, and then
to Idaho when Harry was 12. Harry loved to ride his Harley Davidson and belonged
to a motorcycle club.
In January 1951, Harry married Marie Smith in Bureau, Idaho.
Together they have enjoyed 57 years of marriage. They moved to Fossil, Oregon
in 1957, where Harry started attending Missionary Baptist Church. In 1960,
they moved to New Pine Creek, Oregon where Harry surrendered to preach. The
family moved to Big Valley in 1965 where Harry was pastor at the Big Valley
Missionary Baptist Church in Bieber and also fell timber for 45 years.
Harry is survived by his wife Marie of Adin, son Jeffery and
wife Rosemary Morris of Salinas, Ca., daughter Lynette and husband Daren Myers
of Adin, CA., daughter Kim and Husband Tony White of Oregon. He is also survived
by his grandsons Jeremy Morris and Mandi currently in Iraq; Zachariah Morris
and Kristina of Bieber, CA; Luke Morris and Tina of Adin; Wynn Myers of Adin;
Matthew Tretten and Christy of Longmont, CO. and Zane Myers of Adin; granddaughters
Sonia Kallner and Sean of Missouri; Desire Myers of Adin and Tessa Glaze and
Justin of Dairy, OR; 10 great-grandchildren; brother Charles and sister Virginia
of Nampa, ID.
He was preceded in death by brothers George, Jack and John Earl,
his sister Jane and parents John Earl and Geneva.
Douglas Boyd Graham
Douglas Boyd Graham died peacefully in Alturas, CA on May 11,
2008 at the age of 83. Born in New York City on December 25, 1924 to Ralph
W. Graham and Florence L. Graham. Doug attended schools in the Bronx and worked
for a New York insurance firm before enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1942. He
served as a radioman at the Naval Air Station in Norfolk, Virginia, and aboard
the USS Albemarle in the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters during World War II.
In Norfolk he met and on May 1, 1945, married June Hafer of Alturas, who also
served in the Navy for three years.
After both were discharged from the Navy in 1945, Doug and June
returned to Alturas in the spring of 1946 to make their home. A businessman
in Alturas, Doug was elected to the city council in 1962 and served as mayor
of Alturas from 1962 to 1964. He was active in the Elks and Lions clubs and
in the fledgling parish of St. Michael's Episcopal Church during the 1950s.
Relocating to Ukiah, California in 1966, Doug continued in business in that
community until 1980 when he and June returned to live in Alturas. Doug retired
in 1990 as the member services manager of the Surprise Valley Electric Corporation.
One of the county library's most faithful patrons, he read widely,
particularly on the history of the U.S. and the Second World War. He loved
a good bridge game and a lively political discussion. Doug had great affection
for his community and the larger surroundings of Modoc County. During retirement,
he enjoyed family gatherings at Lake Tahoe, social events and reunions with
friends, and opportunities for travel throughout the U.S. and abroad.
Doug is survived by June, his wife of 63 years; daughters Phyllis
Graham and Catherine Mohr (Selby); grandchildren Lydia, Alex, and Hannah,
all California residents. He was predeceased, exactly a year ago to the day,
by his only sister, Vivian Meyer of Toledo, Ohio. His brother-in-law, Eugene
Meyer, niece Genie Meyer and Nephew William G. Meyer reside in Toledo. A friend
to many and a joy to his family, Douglas Graham will be dearly missed and
his good life remembered with love.
Services will be held at the Alturas Elks Lodge at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday,
May 24, 2008. Private burial will be at the Alturas Cemetery. Memorial contributions
may be directed to the Elks Memorial Fund, c/o the secretary, 619 North Main
Street, Alturas, CA 96101, or to any charity of choice.
Viola I. Hammon
Former Surprise Valley resident, Viola Isabelle Hammon, 91,
went home to be with her Lord, Monday, May 12, 2008 at Sky Lakes Medical Center
in Klamath Falls, Oregon, following a brief illness. She is remembered fondly
by her family for her quick wit and wonderful sense of humor. Viola loved
to make people laugh.
Viola was born to Verne and Zoa Grace (McDearmid) Lamb in Bremerton,
Kitsap County, Washington on February 15, 1915. She was married on April 14,
1933 to James William Sawyer, born in Kansas. The couple made their home in
Oregon for a time and then moved on to Fruto, Glenn County, California. In
October 1942, they moved to Modoc County, making their home in Eagleville.
After the death of her husband, Viola married Modoc County resident Dave Catlin.
After that marriage dissolved, she married once more to John H. Hammon, Jr.
and continued to make her home in Surprise Valley.
Viola worked for a time in Alturas as an in-home caregiver and
later she worked for the Surprise Valley Hospital, Cedarville, as a housekeeper.
From there, she moved to Portland and then to Lakeview, Oregon. Her last years
were spent in Klamath Falls, Oregon.
Viola was preceded in death by her husband, James William Sawyer;
her son, James Robert Sawyer, her granddaughters, Julie Ann Steward, and Cynthia
Pointere, great-grandchildren George Yamagata and Wendy Steward. She is survived
by her children, Myrtle May (Dale) Steward of Lake City, CA, Judith Marie
Kennedy of Redding, Patricia June Pointere of Lakeview, OR, Jenny Lynn (Yamagata,
Fransen) Kleine of Blue Earth, Minnesota, Katherine Elizabeth (Jerry) Goodwin
of Farson, Wyoming, Donald Bruce Sawyer of Washington, and William David (Nancy)
Sawyer of Fox Island, Washington, and 19 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren,
and 13 great-great-grandchildren.
A private interment service for family only will be on June 21, 2008 at the
Eagleville Cemetery, where she will lie with her husband James William and
son James Robert Sawyer. An open service for her friends and family will follow
the graveside at the Lake City Church at 1:00 p.m. The family wishes that
memorial donations be made to Surprise Valley Community Hospital District,
P. O. Box 246, Cedarville, California, 96104.
Carlton "Ed" Ivory
A memorial service for third generation Modoc County cowboy,
Carlton Edward Ivory will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 24, 2008, at the
Alturas Cemetery. Cowboy Minister Cody Gunderson, originally from Lakeview,
OR will conduct the services under arrangement by Kerr Mortuary. Mr. Ivory
passed away on July 11, 2007, in Scone, New South Wales, Australia, following
a brief illness. "Ed" was born November 29, 1921.
He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 22 years, Sue
E. Ivory of Scone, New South Wales, Australia; his children and their spouses
Jim and Cathy Ivory; John and Sandi Ivory; and Sue K. Ivory of Sierra Vista,
AZ. Grandchildren and their spouses: Jay and Shannon Burris, Austin, Texas;
Shane Sample, Scottsdale, AZ; Christian and Dee Dee Spickler, Las Vegas, NV;
Jay and Jeanne Ivory, Scottsdale, AZ; Buster and Heather Ivory, Gillette,
WY; James and Adrian Ivory, Blacksburg, VA; Mandy Ivory, Cody, WY as well
as eight great- grandchildren. Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Edward
and Nona Ivory; half brother Ralph Leonard; half sister Rita Leonard; brother,
Arthur Raymond (Buster) Ivory; and granddaughter Kelly Jo Ivory.
Harry Larimore
Services for Harry Larimore will be held Friday, May 23, 1:00
p.m. graveside at Alturas Cemetery. Fellowship will follow at the Veterans'
Memorial Hall, South Main Street, Alturas. Mr. Larimore passed away at his
home in Alturas, CA, with family gathered, on January 28, 2008, after a short
battle with cancer. He was 86.
Harry is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Beatrice Larimore
of Alturas; his sister Elsie and Junior Kinser of Dunnigan, CA, his daughters
Millie and Don Roberts of Rocklin, CA; Mary Fuller and friend Tim Hoshko of
Rocklin, CA; Jane and Don Eaton of Alturas; grandchildren Tony and Gigi Roberts
of Anaheim Hills, CA; Kevin and Megan Roberts of San Francisco, CA; Melinda
and Rick Cole, Fremont, CA; Julie and Maurice Rasgon of Santa Monica; and
Jilene Mastagni of Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota; great-grandchildren Jeremy
Mastagni II and Jacob Mastagni of Alturas, Emily and Christian Roberts of
Anaheim Hills, Addison and Kylie Rasgon of Santa Monica, step-children Glenn
Ely of Cle Elum, WA, John and Marion Ely of Red Bluff, and Michelle and Charles
Young of Alturas, and 11 step-grandchildren, 16 step-great grandchildren,
10 great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Rollen
Allen, first wife Ethel and grandson Jeremy Mastagni.
Donations in Harry's memory can be directed to Veterans Guest House, 880 Locust Street, Reno, NV 89502-0948.
Meland, Toney Campbell
Memorial services for Alturas born Jack L. Meland, 52, of Winnemucca,
NV and Reta Toney Putnam-Campbell will be held on Sunday May 25 at 2:00 p.m.
at the Church in Lake City, CA followed by the Cemetery, and Fire Hall. All
are welcome.
Jack is survived by his daughter Sierra Dawn and granddaughter Corinna Jewell of Sacramento, CA, sons Steve, John and Brad, Daughter Heidi all of Nampa, Idaho. Mother Weta (Toney) Meland of Mountain Home, AR. Siblings Dr. Ole Meland of Arlington, WI, Gary and Bonnie Meland of Baraboo WI, Floyd of OR, Cheri (Meland) and Jerry Adams of Mountain Home, AR. Jack was raised in an extended family of ten children: Weta's five and her sister Reta's five children, Kathy, Linda, Kenneth, Paula and Chris. Proceeding Jack in death was his father Elton (Hap) Meland and Aunt Reta (Toney) Putman-Campbell.
Sports
Tracksters do well in Division III finals
While no Modoc track athlete won an event at the CIF North Section
Division III finals at College of the Siskiyous in Weed May 16, several had
solid second places finishes.
Senior Cam Hall ran a 45.23 time in the 300 intermediate hurdles
to place second. Kevin Jones, also a senior took a second place in the pole
vault at 11-0.
Cain Madrigal took a third place in the 1600 meters, running a 5:00.55. David
Holloway ran a 57.44 time in the 400 meter to place fifth. Hall clocked 17.9
in the 110 high hurdles for fifth. Newmie Wilson was sixth in the shot at
36-07.5 and Madrigal was seventh in the 800 meters.
Rachel Field led the varsity girls with a 91-03 discus toss
for second and Susanna Jones vaulted 7-0 for third. Field was fourth in the
shot at 28-06.5. Jones was fifth in the 3200 meters at 14:58.38.
In the junior varsity boys divisions, Austin Hoy placed fourth
in the high jump at 5-0 and in the triple jump at 32-09.5. Chris McMasters
was fifth in the shot at 37-0 and Willie Hamann sixth in the high jump at
4-8.
Monique Lloyd paced he junior varsity girls with a second place
in the 300 hurdle sat 59.65, followed by Celeste Yamagiwa at 59.85. Danielle
Grier was third in the 100 hurdles at 20.91. Samantha Clay took fourth in
the discus at 60-0,
Braves
lose to Burney
Last week the Modoc Braves softball team lost to the Burney
Raiders 7-4, knocking them out of the North Section Division Five playoffs
in the first round.
Emily Conner got the loss for Modoc, allowing seven runs, two
walks and fanned a pair.
Sami Schmidt went 2-for-2 at the plate, Conner was 2-for-4, Sarah Catania and Lereen Summer each had a hit.
May 29, 2008
News
June 3 Primary
voters to decide county leadership
Voters will decide the future leadership of the Modoc County
Board of Supervisors June 3 as a majority of seats is up for election this
year.
District II's incumbent Mike Dunn is in a race with Bullock's
Donut Shop owner Jeff Bullock. District III incumbent Patricia Cantrall is
being challenged by artist/rancher/businessman Walt Nicholson, of Jess Valley.
District IV's Shorty Crabtree has two opponents, senior center driver and
businessman Ron McCullough and retired CHP Lieutenant Jim Wills.
Polls will be open next Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Check
the back of the sample ballot to find out where to vote.
Many of the precincts in Modoc County are mail-in ballots only.
June 3 is the day absentee and mailed ballots must be in to the elections
office or to a polling place.
Mail-in ballots for Modoc include Lake City, Fort Bidwell, Eagleville,
Likely, Davis Creek, New Pine Creek-Willow Ranch, Canby, Parker Creek, Adin-Lookout,
and Day.
There are 5,259 registered voters in Modoc for this Primary,
with a party breakdown as follows: Republican 2,641: Democrat 1,548; Decline
to State 834; American Independent 181; Libertarian 30; Green 19; Peace and
Freedom 6. In the February Primary, there were 5,214 registered voters and
61.2 percent went to the polls. Local officials expect that same type of turnout
this election.
Voters will go to the polls in Alturas A, B, C, and D, Hot Spring,
California Pines and Cedarville.
In addition to the local elections, voters will choose both the Republican
and
Democratic challengers to fill the seat of 4th District U.S. Congressman John
Doolittle, who is choosing to retire after this term.
The top two GOP hopefuls are Doug Ose from Sacramento and Tom
McClintock, a State Senator from Thousand Oaks. Other Republicans on the ballot
are Suzanne Jones, Citrus Heights, and Theodore Terbolizard, Grass Valley,
who do reside in the district.
The leading Democratic challenger is retired U.S. Air Force
Lt. Colonel Charlie Brown, of Roseville, who narrowly lost to Doolittle in
2006, 46 percent to 43 percent. Brown also lives in the district. The other
Democrat on the ballot is John Wolfgram of Foresthill.
In addition, there will be an election to replace outgoing State
Assemblyman Doug LaMalfa. Republican Jim Nielsen, Woodland, who does not reside
in the district, is running. Etna's John Martinez is running for the position.
Republicans Charles Schaupp and Pete Stiglich are in that race. Democrat Paul
Singh is also in the race.
Democrat Anselmo Chavez, Sacramento, is challenging incumbent
District 1 State Senator Dave Cox, a Republican.
There will be two propositions on the ballot, Prop. 98 and Prop.
99, both dealing with eminent domain.
Proposition 98 would amend the state constitution to ban government
from using its power of eminent domain to take property to transfer it to
a private party. It would also ban using eminent domain for a purpose similar
to what the private owner was using the property, to consume the property's
natural resources or for a purpose at odds with the government's original
intent.
The argument in favor state it would protect homes, farms and small businesses
from government seizure, would shift cost of rental control from landlords
to local governments
The arguments against Prop. 98 state that it would subject tenants
and mobile home residents to unpredictable rate hikes (losing rent controls),
and make it impossible for governments to pass laws to protect the environment
or regulate lands use.
Proposition 99, would limit the government's ability to use
eminent domain to take an owner-occupied single family house to transfer to
a private party, except when protecting public health and safety, responding
to an emergency, getting property for use in a public work or improvement,
acquiring property from a homeowner who's been there for less than a year.
Those in favor say the initiative offers good solution for the governments' taking of homes to make way for private development. Those against argue that it does nothing to protect private property and has loopholes that would allow government taking of private homes.
Modoc now
cooler, wetter than normal
Well, last week was hotter than normal for the area, setting
a record high of 90 degrees. This week has seen an opposite pattern, with
high temperatures well below normal and over a normal month's precipitation
measured in seven days.
The seven-day rain total of 2.22 inches, and still counting,
put the month of May to date at 2.47 inches, high above the month's normal
of 1.28 inches. The heaviest rain fell on May 28 at .83 inches, May 27 with
.60 inches, May 26 at .32 inches.
On Tuesday, the recorded high temperature was 48 degrees as
of 2 p.m., well below the normal high of 72 degrees. That continued a pattern
since May 22 when the high was 58 (normal 70); May 23 high of 55 (normal 70);
May 24 high of 55 (normal 71); May 25 high of 59 (normal 71); May 26 high
of 61 (normal 71); May 27 high of 56 (normal 72).
The forecast calls for cloudiness and a possibility of thunderstorms,
but it should warm up by the end of the week.
Last week was a different picture: the thermometer hit 90 degrees
May 16 and 92 on May 17, setting records for those days in Alturas, breaking
an 89 degree and 90 degree mark, respectively, set in 2006 and 1954.
But the remainder of the hot weekend here did not match the summer of 1954 where it was 93 degrees on the 18th and 90 on the 19th. The record hot day for May was in 1986 when on May 31, the mercury rose to 95 degrees.
Fire season
officially opens June 2
Dry conditions have prompted officials at the Susanville Interagency
Fire Center to declare the northeast California wildfire season officially
open Monday, June 2. The "official" fire season announcement informs
people that fire risks are increasing as the weather warms.
The SIFC agencies (Lassen National Forest, Bureau of Land Management,
Lassen Volcanic National Park and the Lassen-Modoc Unit of CAL FIRE) and the
Modoc and Plumas national forests jointly announced the fire season start.
"We had a record dry spring, and vegetation is drying,"
said Craig Kincaid, a co-manager at SIFC. "Dry grass carries fire quickly,
so there is potential for a very active fire season. We urge everyone to think
about fire safety anytime they are outdoors."
CAL FIRE has required permits for outdoor burning since May
1, and campfire permits are required for BLM and Forest Service-managed lands
outside of developed campgrounds and recreation sites. An outdoor burning
ban and other seasonal fire restrictions are likely later this summer.
Property owners must always adhere to the hours and conditions
on burning permits, using fire only on calm days. Adults must supervise all
fires, and tools including a water hose and shovel must be on hand. Use of
mowers and other brush and grass clearing equipment should be avoided during
hot and windy periods because sparks caused by blades hitting rocks can cause
fires.
Campers must pay attention to seasonal fire restrictions, keep
campfires small, and be sure fires are cold to the touch before leaving camp.
Officials stress that possession and use of fireworks are prohibited
in national forests, on BLM-managed public lands and in many unincorporated
areas in northeast California. People should check with local fire departments
for specific fireworks regulations.
This year, the fire center will be ready to respond to emergencies
with a total of 34 fire engines, 18 ground crews, up to five bulldozers, an
"air attack" plane and three helicopters from CAL FIRE, the Lassen
National Forest, Bureau of Land Management and Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Also available are fire engines, bulldozers and water tenders from cooperating
local fire departments.
SIFC crews provide fire protection and suppression in parts of Lassen, Modoc,
Butte and Tehama counties, and parts of far northwest Nevada.
Giddy Up Radio on the air in SV
By Jean Bilodeaux
Special to the RecordBroadcasting from the freezer room of the
old meat market in downtown Cedarville is KDUP 88.1FM, Giddy Up Radio! The
station is a non-commercial FM on the air 24/7. At this time reception is
primarily limited to Surprise valley and Cedar Pass, but the station will
soon be available worldwide via streaming audio.
"People ask what type of music I'll be playing and I say,
"There're 2-300 people and 20,000 cows listening at any one time. Guess!"
It'll be old time country music that's been discarded from the airways, but
it's what we like around here," explains Jeff Cotton who with his wife
Sheila owns the station.
Although KDUP will be primarily country western, Cotton will
do other types of music and do live broadcasting of events taking place within
the county, especially on weekends.
The construction of the station has been a lengthy process with
the FCC. Initially Cotton filed for a station in 2002.
On Feb. 5, 2008, the FCC granted construction permits for four
application: KDUP 88.1 fm, 88.9 fm, and 90.3 fm in Cedarville and KOOX 898.5
fm in Gerlach, Nev.
"Once KDUP radio is fully operational, we'll be working
on KOOX 89.5 fm in Gerlach," said Cotton.
The stations will be operated under the umbrella of openskyradio.org.
The OpenSkyRadio Corporation (OSR) is a not-for-profit California corporation
founded in July 2007 by the Cottons.
"Of course building the station was much more expensive than the
$30,000 I initially figured on. But we were determined to get licensed and
on the air," said Cotton.
The station will be relying on local sponsors to help finance
the broadcasts.
"The Surprise-Black Rock area encompasses a vast high desert
region on the western edge of the Great Basin geological distinction of the
North American continent. A region that contains two million acres of the
most uninhabited land in the 48 United States. This land is largely devoid
of any man-made perturbances. It is the mission of OSR to simply provide music,
education and culture to the otherwise empty ether of the region," explains
Cotton.
The progress of the streaming audio may be monitored by going to openskyradio.org, which will soon have a link to access KDUP 88.1 FM in all of Modoc County and around the world.
Forest road comments until June 11
The Modoc National Forest is in the middle of a 30-day scoping
period for their Travel Management Planning, considering 1,800 segments (nearly
600 miles) of unauthorized non-system roads for inclusion in the National
Forest road system.
Most of these segments are less than one-quarter mile in length
and have existed for years. Public input is a vital part of this planning
effort. Comments should be received by Forest by June 11.
The next meetings is scheduled for May 29 at Honkers in Tulelake. Each open
house will be from 6 to 8 p.m.
Last fall, public input was received at a number of meetings,
including four open houses in November. A proposed action was developed based
on public input and resource specialist evaluation. A notice of intent was
published in the Federal Register on May 12. This was the official start of
public information gathering, which will end on Jun. 11.
"We listened to the comments and concerns of people during
these workshops," said Forest Supervisor Stan Sylva. "We've carefully
considered what people told us and we've looked at and discussed each segment
of the inventoried non-system routes proposed to be added to our permanent
road system. Now I'm asking Forest users to look at our best effort and share
with us your thoughts about the proposed action maps."
Hard copy maps are available for review at all Modoc National
Forest offices. You can receive your own copy of a CD containing each of the
proposed action maps free of charge at the same locations.
For additional information or to schedule a Forest Service person to talk
to your group, call Williams at (530) 233-8713. Learn more about the travel
management planning process at www.fs.fed.us/r5/modoc.
Obituaries:
Virginia Salome Clark Kelley
Born February 24, 1927 in Eureka, California, Virginia was the
only child of Charles Frank Clark and Irma (Hunter) Clark, descendants of
pioneers to the Mattole Valley in California. Virginia was raised in Petrolia,
CA around her grandparents and many aunts, uncles and cousins. She moved to
Eureka for her high school years and graduated from Eureka High in the class
of 1945. Like many women during World War lI, she joined the War effort in
Eureka working for Chicago Bridge and Iron Co.
Virginia married John Kelley in Eureka on April 21, 1946, following his Navy
service during WW ll. She and John returned to the Kelley Ranch, west of Alturas,
CA and raised Registered Polled Hereford and beef cattle for nearly 50 years.
They also operated Kelley Meat Company on the ranch. They had 2 children,
Cheryl and Ron. Virginia was active in all the aspects of ranching, Farm Bureau
and Cattlewoman organizations.
In addition to ranching, Virginia maintained an office for the
Modoc County Farm Bureau and sold Cal-Farm insurance to the members. In the
late 1960's, Virginia became the secretary to Loring White, Modoc County Agricultural
Commissioner. She continued to work for several Ag Commissioners until her
retirement from the County. Virginia also served on the board for Western
State Fairs during that time.
An avid gardener and cook, she loved raising roses and entertaining.
She enjoyed traveling and was fortunate to visit many U.S. cities as well
as other countries. Virginia was preceded in death by her husband John Edward
Kelley, a native Modocer.
Due to the brain condition of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus,
Virginia moved to Plano, Texas in 2003 to be with her daughter and son-in-law,
Rob and Cheryl Swihart. Though physically debilitated by her condition, she
was able to experience the many activities, new friendships and events that
the Dallas area offered. She was especially happy to have time with her granddaughter,
Colleen, and to be able to attend some of Colleen's ballet performances.
Virginia was a member of Christ United Methodist Church in Plano.
Her life was a gift to her family and friends. They will cherish and remember
her energy and friendship - special times spent with her. In more recent times,
Virginia's love, grace, peace and acceptance of her personal adversities was
an inspiration.
Virginia passed into eternal life with her Lord and Savior on
May 14, 2008. A celebration of her life and Resurrection was held on May 20th
at Christ United Methodist Church. Graveside services and interment at the
Alturas Cemetery will be at a later date.
To sign an online register please visit www.TJMfuneral.com
Laura Marie McKee
Laura Marie McKee of Alturas, born October 5, 1953 at Herick Hospital in Berkeley,
CA, passed away on May 24, 2008 in Reno, NV.
Laura was a beloved wife and mother. She is survived by parents
Harvey and Edna Allen of Carson City, NV; husband Floyd (Todd) McKee of Alturas,
CA; son Ben Potap, age 25, of Alturas, CA; stepchildren Cambria Amaker and
Travis McKee; siblings Liz Gaiser of Chinese Camp, CA; Bill Allen, Valley
Springs, CA and Lenette "Net" McGilvray of Stockton; grandchildren
Baret Amaker, Logan and Kaylee McKee and Chantel and Tytus Potap.
Laura graduated from high school in Oakdale, CA and earned her
Associates degree from U.C. Davis, CA. She was an accountant and later became
a CPA in Stockton, CA, where she worked for many years. Her son Ben was born
in Stockton in October 1982. In 1992, they relocated from Stockton to Alturas
to make their home in a safer community.
Laura was employed with the Modoc Department of Social Services
as an eligibility worker for over six years, until she fell ill. She moved
to Reno, NV in July 2007 for health reasons and was being cared for at Regent
Care Center in Reno while she battled her debilitating illness and enjoyed
weekly visits with her family.
Laura loved nothing more than to spend time with her family
and smile. She will be missed greatly.
Services will be held June 14, 2008 in Carson City, NV at the Comstock Mobile
Village from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Local services will be held at Christian
Life Assembly Church in Alturas, at 11 a.m. on June 21, 2008, with a fellowship
meal to follow the services.
John Gilbert Montgomery
John Gilbert Montgomery, well loved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend to many, left his earthly body at the age of 83, on May 7, 2008 at his home in Susanville, CA. John was born on April 21, 1925 and experienced life in full. He often spoke with great pride of his experiences and exploits while serving his country in the United States Navy during World War II. John's proudest moment in World War II was being the Quartermaster (the youngest Chief Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy) on the U.S.S. Token, AM-126, the second surface vessel to enter Tokyo Harbor on the day before Japan's surrender. He is another of that Greatest Generation, whose strong character, love of God, his country and always his family and friends left a strong impression that will not soon be filled. John talked often of that "next great adventure." Our beloved patriarch often told us that his only disappointment in this life was the loss of his son, John Henry King Montgomery, who left us too early at the age of 35. John always spoke of his treasure of a lifetime of friends and family. He kept in contact with many of his friends from George Washington High School, traveled through the "Great War" intact with them, and raised families together. After the war John earned his Bachelors of Business Administration from Loyola University in 1950. John had been a lifeguard, a radio disc jockey, a surfer, a golfer, skier, and began his career in business.
In 1971, John left a successful career in Los Angeles and moved his entire family to the Madeline Plains. He often stated that, "It was the best decision I ever made." Mr. Montgomery supported and raised two families in Madeline, California at the "Everybody's Inn" cafe and went on to learn commercial truck driving and heavy equipment operation and retired at the age of 62 from the Lassen County Road Department. John and Luanne were married Dec. 17, 1949. They moved to Susanville nine years ago.
Mr. Montgomery is survived by his wife Luanne Montgomery of Susanville; their daughters Christine Chapman, Susanville; Laura Wilson, Kettle Falls, WA and Anna Allen, Paradise, CA; grandchildren Richard Jackson, Christine Pettengill, Jason Wilson, Christine Bunker, Kimberly Chapman, Jonathan and Andrew Montgomery and nine great-grandchildren. He treasured us all, including his sons-in-law Terry Chapman, Don Wilson, Russell Allen and daughter-in-law Diannea (Montgomery) Hickey and grandsons Richard Pettengill, Jaime Wilson and Jason Bunker. His love and guidance has always been available and will never be forgotten throughout the generations. He taught us "Family is everything" and stood by that creed throughout his life. We will always miss his great booming laughter and love, but our faith and hope guarantees that we will someday join him in his "Next Great Adventure." We invite all who knew and loved him to join us at the Celebration of his Life on Saturday, May 31, which will be held at the Lassen Senior Services, 1700 Sunkist Drive, Susanville, CA at 1:00 p.m. As John always loved a pot-luck and a great gathering, we ask that everyone bring a dish and come with some wonderful memories.
Dawn Marie Lance
Dawn Marie Lance of Alturas, passed away May 26, 2008 in Alturas, CA. Service arrangements are pending with Kerr Mortuary.
Sports
Disc Golf Course opener waits until July
3
The new disc golf course grand opening at the Warner Street
Park scheduled for Friday has been postponed due to bad weather. The new date
will be July 3rd at 5:00 pm
New will be a disc golf tournament that day.
The game of disc golf has exploded in recent years, and is now
being enjoyed
by people of all ages on over 1,400 courses in the United States. The game
is similar to traditional ball golf. Players use special Frisbees (golf
discs) instead of balls and clubs, and throw them at an above-ground target
instead of a hole in the ground.
There are different types of golf discs used for different purposes,
much like ball golfers use different clubs.
Men, women, and kids of all ages are playing on disc golf courses.
Players are drawn by many of the same pleasures found in traditional ball
golf: fresh air, exercise, the camaraderie of friends, and challenge and
excitement of combining personal skill and speed to project an object toward
a target. The rules are simple to grasp, allowing beginners to immediately
have fun challenging themselves and their friends.
Perhaps the greatest factor behind disc golf's broad accessibility
is its
low cost. Players need nothing more than an $8-$15 golf disc.
Additionally, the Alturas course, located at the Warner Street
Park (N.
Warner and W. 8th), will be free to the public. This factor alone opens the
game up to countless Modoc residents who cannot afford many of todays
other popular recreation activities.
The new disc golf course is sponsored by Modoc Co. Mental Health
and Public Health (HAND Project), Rollie Gilliam Realty, Modoc Co. Office
of Ed, and Modoc Co. Parks and Recreation.
Jr.
Fish Derby in Big Valley
A Junior Fishing Derby is all set for June 14 at the Ash Creek
Wildlife Area in Big Valley.
The derby is free to all kids ages 15 and under and there will
be special prizes for the largest fish and smallest fish caught, plus prizes
for all anglers. The contest will run from 8 a.m. to 12 noon.
The event is sponsored by the Pit River Rod and Gun Club and
the Department of Fish and Game, Ash Creek Wildlife Area.
Anglers need to pre-register and may pick up application forms at the Ash Creek Wildlife Area Office or Adin Supply. For more information call 294-584 or 299-3414.
News
Bullock, Cantrall win; run-off for District
4
There will be at least one new face on the Modoc County Board
of Supervisors in January.
Jeff Bullock soundly defeated District II incumbent Mike Dunn by a 60.31 percent
to 38.93 percent margin, 395 votes to 255 in Tuesday's election.
District III incumbent Patricia Campbell easily survived a challenge
from Walt Nicholson, winning with 60.39 percent to 39.45 percent, 372 votes
to 243 votes.
There will be a run-off in District IV this November as none
of the three candidates received over 50 percent of the vote. Jim Wills led
the tally with 46.89 percent of the vote (294) while incumbent Shorty Crabtree
garnered 44.5 percent (279 votes). Those two will face off in the general
election. Ron McCullough picked up 8.29 percent of the vote (52 votes).
Modoc Republicans liked Tom McClintock by 58.76 percent or 922
votes in the U.S. Representative race. Doug Ose received 34.99 percent (549
votes); Suzanna Jones had 77 votes (4.91 percent); Theodore Terbolizard had
12 votes (.76 percent).
McCintock won the district-wide vote with 53.7 percent of the
vote; Ose had 38.7 percent; Jones 5.4 percent; and Terbolizard 2.2 percent.
McClintock will face off the Democrat Charlie Brown in November for the seat
now held by John Doolittle. Brown received 88 percent of the district Democratic
vote and 80 percent in Modoc.
In the State Assembly race, Republican Jim Nielsen had 45.1
percent; Charles Schaupp had 23.1 percent; Peter Stiglich had 18.7 percent
and Etna's John Martinez had 13.1 percent. In Modoc, Nielsen had 37.68 percent
(569 votes); Schaupp had 27.22 percent (411 votes); Martinez had 23.25 percent
(351 votes); and Stiglich had 11.59 percent.
Democrat Paul Singh picked up 20,011 district-wide and 663 votes
in Modoc.
In the race for State Senate, Republican Dave Cox received 69,451 votes in
got 1,389 votes in Modoc. Democrat Anselmo Chavez received 638 votes in that
primary,
Proposition 98, limits on government authority failed statewide
by 61 percent of the vote. In Modoc, voters 63.93 percent voted yes.
Proposition 99; limits on government acquisition passed statewide
by 62.5 percent. Modoc voters liked it by a 51.23 percent to 48.77 percent
margin.
Only 52.76 percent Modoc voters cast ballots in this elect, low for this county as 2,776 out of 5,262 cast ballots.
Major assaults in Alturas
Two major assaults were reported in Alturas this last week,
one where a victim was hit directly in the face with a baseball bat and another
where three men attacked another man, who ended up stabbing one of the initial
attackers.
Both cases remain under investigation by Alturas Police who
expect more arrests to be made in the near future.
According to Alturas Police Officer Tex Dowdy, on May 30 about
9 p.m. Bradford Jensen, age 22, Alturas was in a heated phone conversation
with a 17-year-old juvenile and had agreed to meet the juvenile behind Modoc
High School to apparently settle some issues.
The APD reports that when Jensen arrived at the high school,
he saw five men. As soon as he exited his vehicle, he said the juvenile he
had been talking with swung a metal baseball bat, striking him squarely in
the face. Another man then hit him with another baseball bat and the other
people involved started kicking and hitting Jensen as he was on the ground.
Jensen sustained major facial injuries and is in medical care
in Reno, where he faces multiple facial surgeries.
The juvenile in the case was arrested alleging assault with
a deadly weapon causing great bodily harm and aggravated mayhem. Police are
searching for the other four suspects, at least one who is expected to be
an adult.
The second assault occurred Monday about 4:15 p.m. on Fourth
Street in Alturas.
According to Dowdy, Alturas resident Roy Carroll was walking
down Fourth Street, when a vehicle containing three men and a teenage driver
pulled up along side. The three in the vehicle exchanged verbal insults with
Carroll and then, according to eyewitness accounts, the three of them, Phillip
Brooks, Eric Dillon and Joel Townsend jumped out of the vehicle, ran to Carroll
and started hitting and kicking him, knocking him to the ground.
Carroll pulled out a pocketknife to defend himself and stabbed
Dillon in the arm. The beating then subsided and Carroll rushed to a local
home, ran inside and locked the door to escape the trio. The homeowner forced
him out and he exited through the back door.
Carroll was soon detained by Police and booked into the Modoc County Jail pending further investigation and possible charges. He can claim self defense in the attack. The three attackers left the scene and Dillon was taken to Modoc Medical Center for treatment. The case remains under investigation and more charges could be filed.
BLM office
opens two free firewood cutting areas
The Bureau of Land Management's Alturas Field Office has opened
two free firewood cutting areas, anticipating that wood cutting will help
thin juniper stands and reduce hazardous fuels.
The juniper wood cutting areas are at Mitchell Hill, east of
Likely on Clark Valley Road; and the Moon Springs and North Coble areas, about
five miles south of Fall River Mills.
To use these areas, wood cutters must have valid firewood cutting
permits, available at the BLM field office in Alturas and at the Lassen National
Forest Hat Creek Ranger District in Fall River Mills. The BLM will issue one
permit per person, per year. Each permit is good for five cords of firewood
for personal use.
"We opened up these areas to free use based on a recommendation
from our citizen-based Resource Advisory Council," said Tim Burke, manager
of the BLM Alturas Field Office. "At Mitchell Hill there is a lot of
wood left on the ground from a juniper thinning operation. The other sites
are more remote and more difficult to access, but we want to encourage woodcutting
there to reduce encroaching juniper."
BLM's northeast California field offices allow firewood cutting
in specially-designated areas. Offices occasionally open free use areas in
association with forest health or hazardous fuels reduction programs.
For more information, contact the Alturas Field Office, (530)
233-4666.
More input sought on FS road issues
The Modoc National Forest has completed the second round of
Travel Management public open houses. Comments about the proposed action will
be helpful if received by June 11.
Four meetings were held, one each in Cedarville, Alturas, Adin
and Tulelake. About forty people attended the four meetings.
Many people asked questions and voiced concerns about off-road
vehicle use. They want to make sure good loop routes are available to ride
their quads and dirt bikes. There are some roads that the Forest proposes
to designate as "street legal vehicles only." These are roads that
are maintained for low clearance vehicles and higher speeds. The majority
of Forest roads are proposed for "mixed use." They would allow both
street legal and green sticker vehicles.
The Forest is considering doing traffic counts on roads and
intersections where mixed use is being considered. These counts may be done
using electronic devices, forest personnel and/or volunteers. Improving understanding
of use rates and speeds will help the Forest make better decisions for the
safety of the Forest Road users.
Additional meetings have been scheduled with groups who want
to learn about the proposed action. Meetings will be held with the California
Wilderness Coalition, the Sheriff's Posse, the Motocross group, the Modoc
County Transportation Commission and the Board of Supervisors.
Forest personnel are looking for other opportunities to explain and receive input on the planning process and the proposed action. Please call Laura Williams at 233-8713 to set up a presentation for your group.
Hospital debt tops $11 million
Modoc Medical Center posted an increase of $197,210 to its county
debt in May, according to Modoc County Auditor Judi Stevens. For the first
five months of this year, the debt has increased by $837,197.
May's hospital debt went up to $11,091,365 from $10,894,425
at the end of April and from $10,472,337 at the end of March.
The debt continues to go the wrong way, as it was $10,423,955
at the end of February. That compares to a debt of $10,254,168 at the end
of January.
The debt was $9,796,084 at the end of December.
The debt has increased since September 2005's $4,690,812 by a total of $6,400,553.
Obituaries:
Dawn Marie Lance
Dawn Marie Lance entered into rest on May 26, 2008, in Alturas,
CA, at the age of 26. Pastor Curtis Barber will conduct services on Sunday,
June 8 at 2 p.m. at the Alturas Cemetery, where Dawn will be laid to rest
near her father. All friends and family are invited to gather following the
service for a potluck and time of fellowship on Veterans' Park patio, So.
Main St., Alturas.
Dawn was born in Sacramento, CA on March 24, 1982 to Barbara
and Donald E. Lance. Dawn attended preschool through high school in Alturas.
After her father passed away in October 1992, Dawn's mother moved from the
area, but Dawn chose to stay in Alturas until she finished high school. Dawn
traveled the U.S., with only three more states left to visit she told an aunt.
"She was like a gypsy, and traveled from Alaska to Florida, never staying
longer than six months at any place. She had moved back to Alturas three months
ago, from Nebraska, where she had worked at Tyson Foods, Inc. in York, Nebraska,"
said her aunt Linda Cleveland of Alturas.
Dawn had many, many friends. Those who knew her, loved her very
much. She touched many lives in one way or another.
"Dawn never knew a stranger and she always had a smile,"
described her aunt. "She liked to write letters and had friends all over
the country."
Dawn was loved by her family very much. Rest in peace, Baby
Girl.
Dawn is survived by her mother Barbara McMillen Lance of Sedro
Woolley, Washington; sister Tanya Corona of Adamsville, Tennessee; two brothers
Donald Eugene Lance, Jr. of Sacramento, CA; and Larry McMillen of York, Nebraska;
aunt and uncle Tammy and husband Tony Dawson of Corning, CA; aunt Linda Cleveland,
Alturas; aunt Kathy Gillespie, Santa Rosa, CA; aunt Danielle Dodd, Alturas;
uncles Grady White, Alturas and Gene Bell of Houston, Texas.
Donations to help with funeral expenses, may be sent to Tammy and Tony Dawson, 20050 Gyle Rd., Corning, CA 96021. Kerr Mortuary is handling arrangements.
Marion Weimer Ladewig
Marion Weimer Ladewig, 82, of Lake City, CA. died May 31, 2008 at Surprise Valley Hospital in Cedarville, CA. Mrs. Ladewig was born in Pacific Grove, CA. Her family will provide information for an obituary and her memorial service at a future date. Arrangements by Kerr Mortuary.
Glen Edward Wilson
Glen Edward Wilson, 60, went home to be with his Lord on Sunday,
June 1, 2008, at his home in Likely, Calif., with his wife at his side.
Glen was born on Feb. 27, 1948, in Alturas, Calif., to the late
Harold and Della Wilson. He attended high school in Modoc County and pursued
vocational training in carpentry at Lassen and Lane colleges.
Making his home in Klamath Falls, he worked alongside his uncle
Miller Anderson, learning the business of Christmas trees, ranching, and rodeos.
Later, he worked for the U.S. Forest Service and Columbia Plywood.
With his love of carpentry, he used his skills to build and
remodel Indian Full Gospel Churches.
Glen was a full blood, bona fide member of the Hammawi Band of the Pit River
Tribe. In the 1980s, he served on the Pit River Tribal Council and helped
write the Tribe's Constitution. Being raised in the Christian way, he would
be called to serve the Lord throughout his lifetime and enjoyed traveling
to Indian camp meetings and revivals.
Through his one-of-a-kind parenting style, he earned the title
of being the "coolest dad in the world." Glen found joy in his family,
flat pushing mom's buttons, camping trips, bonfires, dice games, walking his
signs, and especially serving the Lord.
He is survived by his wife of 43 years Deanna; daughters and
sons-in-law Angela Wilson and Russell Pool, SheAnn Wilson and Emmitt Hicks,
Monica and Kody Yellow Owl of Klamath Falls, Ore., Morning Wilson and Martin
Martinez of Alturas, Calif.; son Newmie Wilson of Likely, Calif.; grandchildren
Gabriella Pool, Tayler Pool and Faron Hicks of Klamath Falls and family dog
Kadee; brother Delwood Wilson; sisters Elaine Brazzanovich, Nancy Torres and
Cheryl Kennedy; elder aunts Geneva Barlese and Lavina Anderson of Klamath
Falls, Ore.; and elder uncles Hank Wilson of Hat Creek, Calif., and Bill Wilson
of Gerber, Calif. He also leaves behind many cousins, nieces, nephews and
friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers
Eddie, Kenny, and Danny Wilson, father-in-law Edison Chiloquin, uncle Miller
Anderson, niece Shelly Kennedy and family dog Indaway.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 5,
at Davenport's Chapel of the Good Shepherd in Klamath Falls. A second service
will be held with a traditional wake beginning at 8:30 p.m. Friday, June 6,
at Modoc Full Gospel Church in Alturas, Calif., followed a service beginning
at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 7. Burial will follow at Likely Cemetery in Likely,
Calif., followed by fellowship at the Likely Fire Hall. Arrangements handled
by Davenport's Chapel of the Good Shepherd.
Service for Jim Wynne
A Memorial Service for Alturas resident James "Jim"
Robert Wynne will be held Saturday, June 7 at 1 p.m. at the home of his friends
Butch and Sharon Rabbe of Alturas.
Mr. Wynne, 55, passed way due to liver and kidney failure on
Saturday, May 31, 2008 at Modoc Medical Center, Alturas, CA.
He is survived by his mother Dorothy Boyd and stepfather Strother Boyd of Alturas; brother Ben Wynne of Reno, NV; sister Beth MacKenzie of Carson City, NV; brother Alan Wynne of Atlanta, Georgia. Mr. Wynne's obituary will be published at a future date. Arrangements by Kerr Mortuary.
Jason John Eberle, D.D.S.
Jason Eberle, 37, died suddenly of natural causes on May 27,
2008. His family is overwhelmed by the tragedy of Jason's passing. He touched
the lives of so many and his absence will be deeply felt.
Jason was born April 3, 1971 and raised in Reno, NV. He graduated from Reno
High School and the University of Nevada, Reno. He joined the U.S. Navy and
completed post graduate studies at Columbia University School of Dental and
Oral Surgery, in New York City, graduating with honors. He then received a
specialty certificate in Pediatric Dentistry in 2007 at UCLA.
Through much hard work and determination, Jason received his
private pilot's license at the age of 19. Further evidence of his determination
and independence was his ability to put himself through dental school. While
attending Columbia University in New York City, Jason had the privilege of
triaging victims of 9/11. Another one of Jason's greatest personal accomplishments
was having his research published in the Columbia Dental Review.
Jason loved the outdoors and was an avid sportsman. His favorite
spot for hunting and fishing was Surprise Valley, CA. Jason's canine companions,
Hound and Eddie, were always at his side.
Jason resided in Reno with his wife of two years, Denise Eberle. He practiced
in the Reno/Sparks and Elko, NV communities as a pediatric dentist. Jason
earned the respect and admiration of his patients and colleagues through his
compassionate, gentle nature and excellence in dentistry. Jason's love for
Surprise Valley had inspired him to begin working with Dr. Harrower to help
the community and surrounding areas.
Jason was loved and will be remembered for his clever witty
remarks, practical jokes, contagious laugh, and intense loyalty to his friends,
family and patients. He had many fond memories of road trips accompanied by
good friends and good music. He continually sought knowledge through his love
of literature and hours spent watching the History and Military Channels.
Jason is survived by his beloved wife, Denise, father Joseph Eberle, D.D.S. (Kani) of Reno, mother Jean Metzker Ph.D. of Walnut Creek, sisters Nikol Abelman (Billy) of Las Vegas, Nate Metzker (Cameron) of New York City, Annabeth Breen (Adam) of Salt Lake City, Monet Homze (Eric), Aleise Eberle and Demi Eberle of Reno, and stepfamily Johnny Metzker, JK Metzker (Jamie), Kristin Rolling (Henry), Mini Peters (Dan) all of Reno, grandmother Bette Henrikson of Waukesha, Wisconsin, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jason had a passion for providing dental care for underprivileged children.
Because of numerous requests to honor him, the Jason Eberle Memorial Fund
for Indigent Children has been established. This fund will be used to financially
assist in dental treatment of children by volunteer dentists. Those desiring
to contribute to this fund may do so through Nevada State Bank, Account no.
400114963.
Jason was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 100 Bishop Manogue
Dr., Reno and a Funeral Mass will be held there on Saturday, June 7, at 10:00
a.m. with a private interment to follow at Mt. View Cemetery. A reception
will follow the Mass at Arrow Creek Country Club. Walton Funeral Home is in
care of arrangements. We invite you to send a condolence message in the "Remembrance
Registry Guestbook" at the website of: www.waltonsfuneralhome.com
Jason will remain in our hearts and will be lovingly remembered forever.
Sports
Practice Day set for New MX race rack
The Modoc Motorsports Association has set a practice day for
Father's Day June 15, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on its new Cedarville Fairgrounds
MX racecourse.
MMA's Rendy Rees said people will be very impressed with the
new racecourse, which was built recently by local individuals with help from
experts out of Oregon.
Members of MMA have a practice day fee of $20 while non-member
fee is $25.
"Father's Day will be a good day for riders to come to
the official practice day and check out the course for themselves," said
Rees. "We are pleased with the track and really excited about the upcoming
race in July. We could still use some volunteers for race day."
The first race in Modoc will be July 11,12 and 13 at the Cedarville
Fairgrounds Track will be a part of two series races out of the Medford and
Keno, Oregon areas. Riders who come to this race will earn points in those
series. Local riders have been competing in the Oregon series for the past
couple of years and were anxious to get a race in Alturas. Well over 150 riders
are expected for the event.
For the races, July 11 will be a practice day with races on
July 12,13. The Pro-am event will have a $1,000 payout each day.
MMA is raffling a 2007 Yamaha Rhino 660 as the top prize to
help fund the races. Second prize will be the ATV trailer and third prize
is $250 cash.
The winning ticket will be drawn on July 13. Tickets are available
at Modoc County Title, Pioneer Auto Body, Alturas Tire, Les Schwab Tire, True
Value, and Main Street Coffee.
The newly formed MMA has about 70 members and is open and encouraging more members to join and help with the inaugural race.
Modoc hosts wrestling camp
Modoc High School is hosting a wrestling camp this summer, with
Sierra College bringing its programs and coaches for the event. Sierra College
was the state's Junior College Champions last year.
Modoc Head Coach Shaun Wood said the camp is open to all school
ages and will be held June 17-18-19 at the Modoc High School Gym, running
from 9 a.m. through about 3 pm.
Registration is $50 and wrestlers can contact him to register or register on the opening day of camp.
Big Valley looking for fast pitch teams
Big Valley Days organizers are looking for men's fastpitch softball
teams to compete in this year's Big Valley Men's Fastpitch Softball tournament
at the Big Valley Memorial Park June 28-29.
The entry fee is $250. For more information, contact Jim Carpenter at 294-5621.
June 12, 2008
News
Car's running on empty
With the price of gasoline exceeding five dollars a gallon,
Cedarville resident Gary Odgers decided , not to complain, but to do something
about it.
These days Odgers is driving past gas stations . . .smiling.
His 1970 VW convertible is now powered by electricity.
"We got the car about 20 years ago. Our girls and their
friends would play in it. The floor had rusted out so they would stand on
the ground and steer the car," laughs Odgers.
The VW has been parked in the Odgers' garage for years and about
five years ago they got a new top and paint job for the car.
In April, long time friend Jim Hawn and Odgers began talking
about the possibility of converting the car from gasoline to electric.
"Jim ordered a kit. A weekend was planned to work and three
days later the men were finished. On their maiden drive to Lake City, they
were surprised when they spun the tires in the gravel in Odgers' driveway.
"We averaged 45 mph, a little slower on the hills, but
faster on the slopes," explained Odgers.
The car's top speed so far is 60 mph when driving down to the causeway, slightly
downhill. The car, with moderate use, needs recharging every three days. In
time, the duration between charging will lengthen, as the batteries strengthen.
The goal is to be able to get to Alturas and back, but weak brakes prevent
any attempts at this time.
"We may take the car to San Diego and sell it. We're looking
for more aerodynamic cars, like a 914 Porshe, a Pontiac Fiero or something
similar. If it catches the eye and has a rear engine we're interested,"
said Odgers.
Both men are sure that technology will improve and prices drop
for the kits and the batteries.
At the end of the interview Odgers gets in his VW. There's a click as he turns
on the motor, engines use gasoline, motors electricity. The only sounds are
the tires as they roll down the driveway.
Odgers is so confident with their work that he doesn't even
carry an extension cord in his trunk.
Odgers is now one of three people with completely electric powered vehicles
in the valley.
"Facts show that 70% of the driving we do is within ten miles of our homes, so electric powered vehicles are a good decision. The constant stopping and starting on short trips is not good for gasoline economy. With electric cars it doesn't matter," said Thomas Whitehead, who along with his wife Judith, each own and use electric scooters when commuting around Surprise Valley.
Secure schools
funding still in limbo
While Washington fiddles, schools in the west may be burning,
figuratively.
Modoc County Superintendent of Schools Gary Jones was updated
Monday by Bob Canavan, the California County Superintendents' contact in Washington
D.C., concerning Secure Rural School and MAA (Medicaid Reimbursement). The
news wasn't positive.
"After the Memorial Day recess the House defeated a long-term
extension of the
Secure Rural Schools program, with an amendment focusing just on the extension
of the Secure Rural Schools program, which was heard in the House on the suspension
calendar normally reserved for non-controversial legislation," said Jones.
"The problem was the source of revenues to finance the program generated
opposition resulting in a 218-193 vote for H.R. 3058, far short of the two-thirds
vote necessary for approval. H.R. 3058 required oil companies to pay royalties
for oil leases on federal lands not previously collected."
The Secure Schools funding was largely paid for over the last
century by allocating 25 percent of the timber revenue generated by logging
to the fund. The oil companies have not been a part of that deal even though
they produce revenue off the federal lands in the nation.
Jones also said the internal debate in Congress over the Supplemental
Appropriations bill, (Iraq war funding) especially in the House, is affecting
domestic programs such as short-term funding for the Secure Rural Schools
program and a much needed moratorium on Medicaid Administration (MAA) regulations.
"Congress provided $400 million to fund a one-year extension
of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act in 2007 and
is considering another one-year extension in the current Supplemental Appropriations
bill," Jones explained. "California's counties and schools stand
to lose $68 million in funding for schools and county governments in the current
year if Congress does not extend the program. Our local schools will lose
$1.4 million."
County Road Departments receives 50 percent of the revenue allowed
in the Act, so those departments will also be affected.
Jones said the Supplemental Appropriations bill could also prevent
the Department of Health and Human Services from ending the funding for transportation
and administration services for Special Education and Medicaid eligible students.
However, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the House leaders are considering not including
MAA in the Supplemental Appropriations Bill, despite overwhelming support
in the House and in the Senate. The loss in revenue to Modoc schools is estimated
to be $700,000.
"The next fiscal year for our schools begins in three weeks
and we have little hope that Congress and the President will come to terms
on a bill which provides necessary revenue for Secure Rural Schools or Medicaid
Reimbursement," Jones said.
The county office and all districts in the county have been
advised not to budget the Secure Schools as revenue this next year. The schools
in the county are largely able to avoid major layoffs for this year, but a
continuing loss of those funds would impact severely in the next budget cycle.
All school districts and county schools offices in the northstate
are once again going into a budget year without firm numbers from either the
state or federal governments.
If the dismal budget projections and realities continue, jobs
may not be secure for long into the future.
Jones is confident that even with the impending budget cuts at the state and
federal level, the county office and local school districts "have necessary
reserves to withstand the initial affects of such large losses in revenue."
He continues to stress, however, that school systems cannot sustain annual losses of this size without changes to educational programs and services.
High gas prices
increasing thefts
The high cost of gas and diesel fuel is contributing to the
rebirth of a lost art, siphoning gas.
According to Alturas Chief of Police Ken Barnes, there are more and more reports
of gas thefts occurring within the city of Alturas. In one case at least 50
gallons of diesel was stolen from a truck fuel tank. At today's Alturas prices
the amount of theft at $5.29 per gallon amounts to $264.50.
The price unleaded as of Tuesday was a high of $4.69 per gallon in Alturas.
With a 10-gallon purchase costing nearly $50, Barnes said he is advising residents
to get locking gas caps, or at least make sure their vehicles are parked in
an area where potential gas thieves would have a harder time stealing the
fuel.
"I expect it to get worse, and I certainly don't see gas
prices falling anytime soon," Barnes said this week. "The price
of gas is becoming a real burden for people, and unfortunately, a real target
for thieves."
According to the Automobile Association of American the average
price of unleaded across the nation was $4.03 per gallon on Tuesday. The average
price in California was $4.43. The average price for diesel nationwide was
$4.69 and $4.99 in California.
Car hits bear on Cedar Pass
A car hit a bear on State Route 299 June 4 about 7:45 p.m.,
without injury to the driver and the bear was not located.
According to the California Highway Patrol, Mary Curtis, of Iowa City, Iowa, was eastbound in a 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix when she swerved to miss the bear on Cedar Pass. The car did make contact with the bear, causing minor damage to the vehicle which had to be towed back from the edge of the road. The bear apparently continued on its way and it is unknown whether it sustained any serious injury.
New low-income apartments proposed in Alturas
A new 64-unit low income apartment complex called Fandango Village
has been proposed off Thomason Lane about 300 feet north of State Route 299
(behind the Modoc National Forest headquarters).
The developer of the complex, National Affordable Communities,
of Newport Beach, Ca., asked the Alturas City County for support last night
during a regular council meeting.
The council asked the developer to bring back more information
for the next meeting.
The City does have some concerns with the project, not the least
of which is as a low income and federal funded program, it would not be subject
to the same level of property tax, but would require a host of city services.
The developer has indicated a willingness to address the city's concerns.
According to the plan, the complex will have eight, two-story buildings on
a nearly five acre footprint and contain 32 two-bedroom apartments and 32
three-bedroom units.
There will also be a recreation center and a manager's quarters.
Covered parking will be provided for 130 vehicles and visitor parking would
be plentiful
The two bedroom units would be about 865 square feet and the
three bedroom units about 1,077 square feet.
According to the application, the units would be restricted
to tenants earning 30 percent to 60 percent of the area's median income.
In other action Tuesday night, the City Council named John Dederick as Mayor and former Mayor John Schreiber will serve as Mayor pro-tem. The council also honored retiring George Andreasen for the 12 years of service to the city and officially seated his replacement, Bobby Ray.
Don't miss the train . . . Get tickets
now
An entire day of fun, a barbecued lunch, special train ride
on the Argo Gold Mine Train, full day of entertainment, incredible outdoor
setting, plenty to see and do for young and old alike at "Baker's 10-Acre
Railway Gardens" on Pine Creek Blvd. near Alturas, is a deal that shouldn't
be missed for $15 per person on Saturday, June 21, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
But, don't wait. No tickets will be sold the day of this event
billed the fourth annual "June Jamboree." All tickets must be purchased
in advance with specific train ride reservations required. Contact any Modoc
branch library or the Alturas Library for tickets.
A chance to win $150 toward gas/diesel, at $1 per ticket or
six for $5 will also be offered. Pick up tickets at Alturas Library, Plumas
Bank or the day of the event.
New this year at the June Jamboree is the Hoist House and Mining
operation, where gold panning demonstrations will be ongoing, a General Store,
filled with items, just like in the days of old and a one room school house,
circa 1800s. Steve Baker has built and filled every one of the historic town
buildings with equipment and products from past eras, from the blacksmith
shop to the barber shop. The Bakers, who renovated and formerly owned the
Niles Hotel in Alturas, will also be holding an antique and collectibles sale
during the June Jamboree. In addition gently used and brand new books will
be available at the Silent Auction and Book Sale, through Friends of the Library
and located near the not-to-be-missed General Store.
But don't forget your train ride time. The train departs on
schedule, so people should arrive early for their seats.
Returning this year will be The Cascade Civil War Society full
of surprises, dressed in period regalia and willing to share a bit of history.
Ticket holders can explore the secrets of the flowing gardens, ponds and bridges.
Kids can have fun entering the "Treasure Hunt." All ages will enjoy
self-guided tours through the many unique buildings, exotic aviary, Bayou
cabin and more, as the music plays on. Live entertainment and demonstrations
ongoing throughout the day.
Look for a sheep next to the Wool spinning demonstration or
take five minutes out for a rejuvenating massage by a licensed/certified massage,
in return for a donation toward next year's June Jamboree. A children's play
area will also be available.
Entertainers this fourth June Jamboree year will include pianist
Jim Codona, Patty Henderson on violin, Don Roby on bagpipes, Wild Plum Jam
Band, Clarence Wager with cowboy poetry.
All tickets holders have the opportunity to enjoy the barbecue lunch from
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The event made possible through the generosity of Steve and Cheryl Baker,
counts on 50 volunteers and a working committee comprised of Friends of the
Modoc County Library, including Modoc County Librarian Cheryl Baker, Joanna
Chrysler, Fay Stahl, Charlene Dupraz, Carol Sharp, Mark Steffek, Dick Read,
Marty Butow. The "Friends of the Modoc County Library Committee"
has organized the event each year for the past three, with all proceeds and
support from the community to benefit the Library Improvement Fund.
A parent or adult must accompany children. Concessions of chips, water, soft drinks will also be available throughout the day.
Obituaries:
Freda Clark
Freda K. Clark, 82, passed away at her home in Adin, CA on May
10, 2008. Graveside services were held May 13, 2008 at the Adin Cemetery,
Adin. Bishop Perry Clark of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
officiated.
Born Freda Smith on March 23, 1926 in McCammon, ID, Freda married
Howard Clark on December 30, 1941 in Carson City, NV. She has lived in Modoc
County for 80 years.
Freda was a homemaker and loved reading and crossword puzzles.
She is survived by husband Howard Clark of Adin; children Janice
Weigand of Chico, Donna Woolery of Dairy, OR, Perry Clark and Sam of Adin,
five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Freda was preceded in death by her sons in-law Dale Weigand
and George Woolery and her grandson Ryan Clark. Donations can be made to the
Intermountain Hospice Program. Arrangements by Kerr Mortuary, Alturas.
Brent Gregory Peeck
Brent Gregory Peeck, born April 20, 1978 at Washoe Medical Center
(Renown) and returned to his Heavenly Father June 4, 2008.
Brent grew up in Washoe Valley where he would ride his favorite
pony Misty. He loved all animals, always having several pet dogs and donkeys.
Brent attended Pleasant Valley School and was also part of the first freshman
class at Galena High School. He lettered in varsity cross country while there.
Brent excelled in most sports. He played Washoe County Little League, was
an excellent BMX bike racer and an accomplished snow boarder and skier. Brent
later moved to Truckee, CA where he graduated from Sierra High School in 1996.
He attended Santa Rosa Junior College where he studied environmental science.
Brent enjoyed working on his mother's ranch in Fort Bidwell,
CA. He cared for many livestock, cut firewood, repaired fences and kept irrigation
ditches open. He loved being outdoors in addition to hiking and camping. He
hoped to return to Alaska one day to work in the fishing industry.
Brent is survived by his mother Valerie Asa Gillogley of Ft. Bidwell, CA,
and his father Steve Peeck (wife Ginger) of Reno, NV; his sister Danica Asa
of McCall, ID; paternal grandmother Virginia Peeck; uncles and aunts Greg
and Maureen Peeck, Glen and Pamela Wiley; nephew Austin West; cousins Ryan
and Kyle Peeck and Morgan and Katie Wiley.
At the time of Brent's death, he had been learning to become
a certified tree arborist while working with Tree Tenders. He was appreciative
of this opportunity to hone his skills while making new friends with the crew
members. Brent attended meetings at the Triangle Club and could also be seen
enjoying his morning cup of coffee at the Java Jungle. Brent was blessed to
have mentors Bill Holden and John Krick who helped guide him on his journey.
Interment will take place at the Ft. Bidwell Cemetery in Ft.
Bidwell, CA. A memorial service and celebration of life will be held on Saturday,
June 14 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ft. Bidwell Cemetery. Donations may be made to
the Victims Services Unit, Reno Nevada Police Department, Nevada Humane Society
or any other charity.
Brent will be forever deeply and profoundly loved and missed by his family and many friends.
Clinton Burl Seal
Clinton Burl Seal, 48, born and reared in Alturas and a graduate
of Modoc Union High, passed away June 9, 2008 in Roseburg, OR where he lived.
Services are under the direction of Kerr Mortuary, Alturas with visitation
on Friday, June 20 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Services at the Kerr Chapel at
11 a.m. June 20 with graveside at the Alturas Cemetery to follow.
Among those who survive Clinton are his parents Arthada and Joe "Pops" Higgs of Alturas; wife Michel Seal and two sons Phillip and Clinton James "C.J." Seal of Roseburg, OR; two grandchildren; aunt and uncle Ruth and Art St. John of Alturas, CA. Mr. Seal's obituary will be published next week.
June 19th, 2008
News
MMC nearing Critical Access survey
The long-awaited Critical Access Hospital survey for Modoc Medical
Center is expected to take place next month, according to interim administrator
Jim Sato.
"I feel very good about the survey and our ability to pass,"
said Sato. "We've worked hard to get the right things in place and have
used a $10,000 state grant to hire a consultant to help us with the preparation.
We feel good about where things are."
Sato predicts that if the hospital attains Critical Access status,
it could boost the bottom line by about $700,000 per year. A Joint Commission
of Accreditation made up of the American Hospital Association and American
Medical Association will do the survey.
Sato said he would expect the actually accreditation to be in
place by September.
"The only frustrating part of all of this is I think we're
doing pretty well putting things in place but the state is trying to balance
its budget off MediCal payments to hospitals," said Sato.
According to the California Hospital Association, the estimated
impact of projected state budget cuts to Modoc Medical Center could amount
to $1,103,977 in fiscal year 2008-09.
If that projection turns into reality, it could jeopardize keeping
the hospital open and operating, according to county officials.
Sato projects a 2009 annual loss of $2.6 million if the state
cuts survive the legislature, versus a projected $1.1 million loss if they
don't. The hospital's actual loss for 2007 was $2.8 million and the estimate
for this year is $2.5 million. Currently MMC's debt to Modoc County has risen
to over $11 million.
"In short, the new estimate is that Modoc Medical Center
will get $1.1 million less money instead of losing just $600,000 per year,"
Sato said. "The major changes are new proposals to cut eligibility requirements
so fewer people will qualify for Medi-Cal; new proposals to cut the benefits
of Medi-Cal recipients mean fewer services will be covered and new proposals
to reduce the reimbursement rates for outpatient clinics mean MMC would get
paid less for the same services offered."
While there are ominous issues facing the hospital, the new
CT scanner has proven very useful in the short term, said Sato.
He said since the first scan on May 6, there have been over
100 CT scans at the hospital. The hospital is billing each CT scan at $1,100,
but what the actual payment from insurance companies or state and federal
programs will be is still unknown. One CT covered by an insurance company
did pay about $900. The hospital has not yet received a reimbursement from
MediCal, but Sato is guessing the payment could be around $600.
The original financial estimates for the CT scans were based
on it doing about seven scans each week. Sato estimates that the actual number
so far has been about 14 per week.
"I'll tell you, having access to the CT scan here has been
a real benefit for patient care," he said. "We can determine whether
someone can be treated here or has to be flown out with some certainty."
This last Saturday was unusual for the hospital emergency room,
Sato said about a dozen cases cropped up in a short period of time. The emergency
crews were on the run all afternoon. Out of those cases came one CT scan and
eight emergency X-rays.
"I also want people to know that we are getting a lot of good community reactions on this acquisition and on our service in general," Sato has said. "On May 27, 2008 at the Board of Supervisors meeting, a member of the community publicly commended the hospital staff on the fine care her family received by the staff, physicians and technologists. She even said that in the past she was not very impressed by the hospital, but she now fully supports our efforts. The CT scanner allowed her family member to be treated at Modoc Medical Center!"
Pair of vans stopped, 26 illegal aliens booked
The California Highway Patrol stopped a van on U.S. 395 south
of Alturas Saturday night on speeding charges and radioed ahead that another
van was heading into town.
Alturas Police stopped the second van on Main Street, near Fifth
Street about 10 p.m.
Arrested out of both vans were 26 illegal aliens, who were booked
into the Modoc County Jail. According to local law enforcement, all 26 had
fake identification and fake Social Security cards. They were apparently on
their way to the cherry orchards in Washington.
The major arrest created a serious condition for the Modoc County
Jail, but Sheriff Mark Gentry said his entire staff did an excellent job with
the overflow and things worked smoothly. He credited Chief Deputy Mary Crutcher,
who was called in and translated as the immigrants were processed through
in assembly-line fashion.
The 26 immigrants were from various cities in Mexico and the Immigration Service responded Tuesday picking them up about 1 a.m. and transported them back to Mexico.
No fireworks
on public lands
Northeast California fire officials are reminding area residents
and visitors to be careful with fire and fireworks when they celebrate Independence
Day.
"Conditions are very dry. People need to be extremely careful
when camping, driving in the back country and cutting fire wood," said
Jim Hedges, a co-manager of the Susanville Interagency Fire Center.
Hedges stressed that possession and use of all fireworks, including
those approved by the State of California and sold at fireworks stands, are
illegal in national forests, national parks and on public lands managed by
the Bureau of Land Management. County and city governments have various regulations
regarding fireworks, and holiday revelers should be familiar with local laws
before purchasing or using the devices.
Those planning camping trips should also follow basic fire safety
tips:
Keep campfires small, and completely extinguish them before
leaving camp. The best method is to douse the fire with water, stir the ashes
and douse again, making sure that all ashes are cold to the touch.
Charcoal should be soaked in water after use.
Smokers should light up only in areas cleared of all flammable
debris. Cigarette butts should never be thrown from vehicle windows.
Those exploring the forests and back country in vehicles must
stay on established roads and trails, and avoid driving over dry brush and
grass that could be ignited by hot exhaust systems.
Firewood cutters should operate chainsaws only in the cool morning
hours and keep a shovel and fire extinguisher nearby. Chainsaws must be equipped
with spark arresters.
Information on current fire dangers is available from any office
of the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, or CAL FIRE. Local fire
departments also have information on fire dangers and restrictions, and local
fireworks regulations.
County BOS goes live
County residents can now listen to Modoc County Board of Supervisors
meetings at their convenience by visiting the County's website, www.modoccounty.us.
The new system is powered by San Francisco-based Granicus, Inc., the premier
provider of government webcasting and public meeting management solutions
to nearly 400 government agencies spanning 38 states across the nation.
"The County Board of Supervisors has made open and transparent
government a priority. We have worked hard to increase public involvement
in government," said County Supervisor Mike Dunn. "Making County
Board meetings available on the internet, at our citizens' convenience, is
an example of these ongoing efforts. I believe this will prove helpful, particularly
for outlying areas in the County, such as New Pine Creek, Newell, Adin, Lookout
and Surprise Valley to help keep them in touch with what their County government
is doing."
To access a County Board meeting on the internet:
1) Visit www.modoccounty.us
2) Click on BOS Meeting Audio, which is under District Supervisors on the
left bar.
3) Choose a live meeting that is currently in progress or an archived meeting
by clicking on the audio, agenda or minutes link.
County Board meetings are generally held on the first four Tuesdays
of the month beginning at 9:00 a.m. Meetings will be available live and will
be archived later in the day. The archived meetings are searchable by topic
or agenda item.
The Modoc County Planning Commission will be available on the internet in the same format as the Board of Supervisors in the near future.
Appellate Court agrees with DA in drug
case
In a recent ruling from the Third District Court of Appeal,
the Modoc County Superior Court has been ordered to sentence Richard Masotti
on a charge of a violation of section 11358 of the Health and Safety Code
of the State of California (Cultivation of Marijuana). The Defendant had previously
been convicted by a jury of this charge but Mr. Masotti filed a Motion for
a New Trail, and the Motion was granted by Judge Dier.
District Attorney Woolverton immediately filed an appeal, resulting
in the appellate court's decision to remand the matter back to the Superior
Court for sentencing. The appellant court based their decision on their belief
that there was sufficient evidence to support the Defendant's cultivation
conviction, and that the trial court abused its discretion in granting a new
trial.
The People contended in their argument to the Court of Appeal that the trial court did not have jurisdiction to grant the motion on the basis of instructional error; that there was no instructional error in the jury instructions regarding medicinal marijuana; and that there was sufficient evidence to support a conviction. The Court of Appeal agreed with the People that the trial court did not have jurisdiction to grant a new trial for instructional error. The appellate court went on to state that the "court also erred in finding insufficient evidence for the conviction." At this time the matter is pending a date for sentencing in the Modoc County Superior Court.
RCD receives watershed grant
The Central Modoc Resource Conservation District has been awarded
a $192,131 grant from the California Department of Conservation to protect
and enhance the Upper Pit River watershed.
The grant was one of 43 issued by the DOC, which ranged from a high of $343,629
for the Pasadena-based Arroyo Seco Foundation to $23,150 to the Sacramento
River Conservation Area Forum.
The grants will enable the recipients to hire watershed coordinators
for a three-year period. Generally, watershed coordinators help assess local
watersheds the area drained by a river or river system and bring
together local government, landowners, and community groups through outreach,
education and partnerships in order to improve the health the watersheds.
DOC received 86 applications totaling more than $19 million in the latest round of grant funding. The proposals were competitively scored by an independent committee comprise of individuals from agencies and organizations outside of DOC. The funds used for the watershed coordinator grants program came from Proposition 50 the Water Security, Clean Drinking Water, Coastal and Beach Protection Act of 2002.
Obituaries:
Joe Leventon Potter
Joe Potter was born on December 31, 1911 to John James and Minnie
May (Adams) Potter, their tenth of twelve children, in Lookout, California.
He completed his journey through life on June 12, 2008, only 1,000 feet from
where he was born and reared in Lookout.
Joe attended the local schools and graduated from Bieber High
School with the class of 1930. Having been raised in the lumber industry with
his father's business of Potter Lumber Company (established in 1906 at Egg
Lake, then moved to Lookout in 1921), it was Joe's lifestyle all his working
years. After the death of his father, Joe and his brothers continued the business
of logging and making lumber until they closed the mill in 1966.
Joe and Lois Kennedy were married in Reno, Nevada on July 1,
1939 and were together until her passing on October 1, 1993. They celebrated
54 years together and raised their three children in Lookout; son Gjon, deceased;
daughter Jeannine and son Rick.
The only two homes Joe and Lois lived in were both houses Joe
had built. The first with his father John and the second from "trees
he had logged, lumber he had cut, and boards he had nailed together."
He moved his family into that house in September of 1956.
Traveling was another pleasure of Joe's. He and Lois had the
fun of visiting Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, England, Ireland, Holland,
Norway, Sweden, Denmark, many trips around the United States and Canada and
five trips to Alaska to see his son Rick.
Not ready to retire when the mill closed, Joe continued to work
at Edgerton Lumber Co. in Adin and Big Valley Lumber in Bieber.
After a semi-retirement he was caretaker and groundskeeper for
the Lookout Park and Cemetery for a number of years. Mr. Potter was a member
of the Alturas Elks Lodge 1756 for over 35 years.
Joe was able to stay at home with very limited health problems until his passing,
with the gentle and loving care of his grandson Roger.
He is leaving behind his daughter Jeannine Primorac of Alturas;
son Rick and wife Vicki of Alaska; grandsons Roger Primorac of Alturas/Lookout
and Kevin Primorac and wife Adele of Evergreen, Colorado, and former son-in-law
Dennis Primorac of Alturas; brother Forrest Potter and sister Fay Zimmerman
in Klamath Falls, OR; nieces Hope Yeager and Fern Morse of Lookout and their
families and great-grandchildren Amanda, Jeannine, Chris and Katarina.
There were no strangers in Joe's life, only friends he hadn't
met yet. He always could share a memory or tell a story about a friend or
a trip he had made.
Joe was a very respected gentleman who will be missed by his
family and many friends.
We wish him gently on for his next adventure with love and good
wishes. Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. today, June 19 at the Lookout
Cemetery. Fellow Elks members will officiate. Kerr Mortuary is caring for
arrangements.
Clinton Burl Seal
Clinton Burl Seal, 48, born December 5, 1959 in Cedarville,
CA to Arthada Higgs of Alturas and Wallace Seal, died while resting at his
home in Roseburg, Oregon on June 9, 2008. His passing is attributed to complications
due to Diabetes.
Clinton will be remembered as a fun guy with a great sense of
humor and one who could find humor in almost anything. His infectious laugh
and sparkling eyes spread this joy to those around him. He loved to "put
one over" on someone just to get a laugh, but he was kindhearted with
his jokes. As an employee, he was proud of the fact that he worked faster
and harder to get a job done than those around him. Whatever he did, he gave
it his all.
The bulk of his life was spent in Modoc. He loved to go fishing
and camping and was good at sports; football and track being his favorites.
He loved the earth, sun and moon and appreciated the beauty of wildlife.
For a brief time, he lived in Hamilton City during high school,
but preferred living in Modoc and returned to graduate from Modoc High School
with his friends in 1977. He attended Shasta Junior College in Redding for
a year, then went to work as a kiln operator for Holly Sugar in Hamilton City
for about five years. He returned to Alturas in 1980 and worked as a trucker
driver for Fitch Sand and Gravel, then at Hog Ranch Mine as a heavy equipment
operator. His first marriage in 1981 to Cynthia Kimbrel from New Pine Creek,
ended in divorce five years later. Their two sons were born in Alturas. Clinton
moved to Bakersfield in the late 1990s for a specific job he liked. He was
never without work and "worked on small jobs in between bigger jobs,"
recalls his mother. It was while he was in Bakersfield that he was diagnosed
with Diabetes. He was employed by a company that installed conveyor belts
in WalMart stores, requiring him to travel extensively in the mid-western
states. He relocated to Roseburg, OR in 2003, where he worked in a lumber
saw mill. He and Michele Davis of Southern California, were married in the
summer of 2007, cementing their five-year relationship and making their home
in Roseburg. Clinton was a loving, giving, caring person to family and friends.
He leaves to mourn his passing his wife Michele Seal of Roseburg, OR, his
two sons, Clinton James "C.J." and wife Dakota Seal of Roseburg,
OR and Phillip Quin and wife Alyshia Seal and two grandchildren Josiah and
Ciera of Portland, OR; his parents Arthada and Joe "Pops" Higgs
of Alturas; three brothers and five sisters: Marsha and Walter Chaney, Redding,
CA; Steven Buring, Redding; Joann Buring and Michael Henderson, Chico; Mark
Buring, Turlock; Shyrell and Tony Ramirez, Chico; Donna and Dan Araiza, Redding;
Layth and Janean Seal of Graham, WA; Carrie Hill of Gray, Maine; 19 nieces
and nephews: Angela, Leon, Ron, Lamont, Cathy, Sandy, April, Amanda, Bradford,
T.J., Randy, Jacquelin, Summer, John, Marie, Carrie, Jessica, Darek, Kasandra;
22 great nieces and nephews; two uncles and aunts Willard and Joy St. John,
Napa, CA; Arthur and Ruth S. John, Alturas, CA. He will be sorely missed.
He was preceded by his grandparents Willis and Lily (Patrick)
St. John and Beauford and Mary Seal; his big brother Jack Frances Buring in
1960; niece Christine, aunt Phyllis and uncle Ira St. John; sister Brenda
Seal of Maine, aunt Lily Violet Locy and aunt Loretta St. John.
Services are under the direction of Kerr Mortuary, Alturas with visitation on Friday, June 20 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. A celebration of his life will take place at the Kerr Chapel at 11 a.m. June 20, with graveside to follow at Alturas Cemetery. A reception and time of fellowship will follow at Christian Life Assembly on West B Street in Alturas. Donations in Clinton's memory may be directed to help others through the American Diabetes Foundation or toward Diabetes research.
Freda Clark
Freda K. Clark, 82, passed away at her home in Adin, CA on May
10, 2008. Graveside services were held May 13, 2008 at the Adin Cemetery,
Adin. Bishop Perry Clark of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
officiated.
Born Freda Smith on March 23, 1926 in McCammon, ID, Freda married
Howard Clark on December 30, 1941 in Carson City, NV. She has lived in Modoc
County for 80 years.
Freda was a homemaker and loved reading and crossword puzzles.
She is survived by husband Howard Clark of Adin; children Janice
Weigand of Chico, Donna Woolery of Dairy, OR, Perry Clark and Sam of Adin,
five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Freda was preceded in death by her sons in-law Dale Weigand
and George Woolery and her grandson Ryan Clark. Donations can be made to the
Intermountain Hospice Program. Arrangements by Kerr Mortuary, Alturas.
Leanna Regine Hawkins
Leanna Regine Hawkins, 67, of Bieber, CA passed away with her
family by her side at Mercy Medical Center, Redding, CA on June 13, 2008,
after a long illness.
Leanna is survived by her husband, Delmer, daughter and son-in-law
Cindy and Robin Harbert; son and daughter-n-law Russ and Helen Hawkins, all
of Bieber; sister, Carla Conner of Adin and her seven grandchildren who were
the highlight of her life: Wyatt and Luena Harbert, Kolten, Kelsey and Hunter
Hawkins, Ross and Chad Hawkins. She was preceded in death by her son, Wade
Hawkins.
Leanna was born in Susanville, California on October 3, 1940 to Nelmer &
Luena Spalding. She moved to Dixie Valley in 1948 and then spent the remainder
of her life in Bieber. Delmer and Leanna started the Del Logging business
where she was the bookkeeper until she retired. She was always very active
in the community. Grannie Annie was best known for her love of cooking and
for her dedication to her grandchildren. The family asks that in lieu of flowers,
donations be made in her name to the Big Valley Boosters Club. A celebration
of life will be held on Saturday, June 21 at 12:00 at the home of Robin and
Cindy Harbert. The Rev. Jeff Bidwell will officiate. Lunch will be graciously
provided by Bob and Stacey Watkins and friends. Condolences may be posted
at www.mem.com. Hillside Cemetery, Nubieber will be the final resting place.
McDonald's Chapel Burney is caring for arrangements.
JoAnn Greenwade
JoAnn Theresa Greenwade of Cedarville, passed away in Cedarville
on June 12, 2008 after a lengthy battle with cancer.
JoAnn was born on May 5, 1937, in Upper Lake, CA. She grew up
in Middletown, CA, working at the resorts on Cobb Mountain during her youth.
After marrying, she moved to Napa, starting a family there before purchasing
their home in Vallejo. After working in retail clothing for many years, JoAnn
returned to her hometown years later and became a long-time employee at Hardester's
Corner Store. Upon her retirement, she settled in Cedarville where she pursued
her passion for sewing by joining the local quilt guild. Wherever she lived,
she was beloved by many people.
JoAnn was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Greenwade
in 2000. She is survived by her children and their spouses: Lynn and Jim Babcock
of Santa Rosa, CA; Rick and Christy Greenwade of Darby, MT; Cindy and Jim
Wilson of Lucerne, CA and Cori and Travis Herbert of Vacaville, CA.; brother
Ray Puser, Ukiah, CA and sister Lorna Fiori, Santa Rosa, CA and JoAnn's many
(12) grandchildren and four great-grandchildren will miss her dearly. She
is also survived by her long-time companion and love, Leland Miller of Cedarville,
CA.
A visitation was held at Kerr Mortuary in Alturas, CA on Tuesday
evening, June 17. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. James Church
in Cedarville on June 18 at 11 a.m. Interment followed at the Cedarville Cemetery.
Donations in JoAnn's memory may be made to the Surprise Valley
Hospital.
Marion (Brown) Wimer Ladewig
Marion Wimer Ladewig, 82, of Lake City, CA, passed away on Saturday,
May 31, 2008 at Surprise Valley Hospital, Cedarville. Marion was born in Mountain
view, CA on March 18, 1926, to Ethel Aileen (White) and Arthur William Brown.
She spent her early childhood in Mountain View and Pacific Grove, CA. Upon
the death of her mother, Marion, age 10, traveled by train to Singlehouse,
PA to live with relatives. At age 12, she was sent to Lake City to live with
relatives. She attended local schools until she married Lloyd Wimer in 1942.
They divorced in 1958 and Marion later married George Ladewig, a retired rancher
from Weed in 1960. Marion joined Bank of America as a teller at the Red Bluff
branch. In 1970, she was promoted to Assistant Cashier at the Sacramento regional
office which required her to travel all over northern California, filling
vacant positions. In 1976, Marion was named Loan Officer at the Orland branch.
She also taught various banking classes at this position. In 1977, she was
promoted to manager of Bank of America's Markleeville branch. Affectionately
called "Sammie" by her co-workers and banking friends, Marion retired
in 1984. She and her ailing husband George moved to Lake City to care for
Lloyd Wimer, who also was in poor health. Marion cared for both men until
their deaths in 1985.
Marion loved working in her flower and vegetable gardens which
she shared with friends and family. She also loved reading and writing and
listening to Big Band music. She is survived by her daughter Deanna Wimer
of Lake City, CA; son Garen and wife Terry Wimer of Corning; son Lamond Wimer,
Lake City; cousins Lloyd and wife Gloria Abbott, Red Bluff; Charles "Dale"
and wife Sandy Abbott, Mahwah, NJ; Bruce and wife Rose Abbott of Worthington,
OH; Berna Abbott of Inchelium, WA; niece Patricia Wimer Hollenbeck, Tacoma,
WA; four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death
by her first husband Lloyd Wimer; husband George Ladewig, sister Elaine Atkinson
MacMillian, sister Marjorie Cramton and granddaughter Genette Wimer Backovich.
Marion may have been short in stature, but she was mighty in love and spirit
and will be greatly missed. A memorial service will be held in September.
Details will be published closer to the date.
Services for Laura M. McKee
Services for Laura Marie McKee of Alturas will be held at Christian
Life Assembly Church in Alturas, at 11 a.m. on June 21, 2008, with a fellowship
meal to follow the services.
Laura Marie McKee of Alturas, born October 5, 1953 at Herick Hospital in Berkeley,
CA, passed away on May 24, 2008 in Reno, NV.
Laura was a beloved wife and mother. She is survived by parents Harvey and Edna Allen of Carson City, NV; husband Floyd (Todd) McKee of Alturas, CA; son Ben Potap of Alturas, CA; stepchildren Cambria Amaker and Travis McKee; siblings Liz Gaiser of Chinese Camp, CA; Bill Allen, Valley Springs, CA and Lenette "Net" McGilvray of Stockton; grandchildren Baret Amaker, Logan and Kaylee McKee and Chantel and Tytus Potap. She will be missed greatly.
Phyllis Clark
Phyllis Marie (Wells) Clark, a lifelong resident of Alturas,
passed away April 12, 2008 of pneumonia in Alturas, CA. Dr. Ben Zandstra will
hold graveside memorial services at 2 p.m. Friday, June 27, 2008 at the Alturas
Cemetery.
Phyllis Wells was born on January 1, 1927 in Alturas, CA on
the Wells Ranch which is now the Canyon Creek Mackey Ranch. Her grandmother's
maiden name was Williams and she also had relatives at Blacks Canyon. Phyllis
wrote her account of "Growing up on Canyon Creek" which is documented
in the Modoc County Historical Society Journal #2. While still in high school,
she landed her first job during World War II at the "Fountain,"
where the Alturas Fire Department stands today. She later worked intermittently
as a bookkeeper at Alturas Tire Shop. In the 1960s she worked for Ed Miley
when Alturas first had Cable T.V. She then worked for Modoc Medical Center's
business office for five years and later for Surprise Valley Electrification
Corporation, from which she retired in 1988.
Her husband Criss Clark, whom she married in Reno, NV on January
6, 1946, passed away in December 21, 2005 after almost 60 years of marriage.
Phyllis enjoyed fishing, camping, sewing, doing beadwork and writing. She
kept her family's history alive with her writings passed on to her children.
She is survived by her daughter Marie White of Alturas, CA; her son Duane and wife Janet Clark of Billings, MT; brother Earl and wife Martha Frances Wells of Vancouver, WA, grandson Jerry and wife Gin Atkison of Alturas and their children Cody and Crisstopher; grandson Chris and wife Shellie Stiles of Alturas and their children Candice, Stephanie, Halie, Harmonie and Christian; granddaughter Stacey and husband James Jennings of Billings, MT and their children Kimmie, Patrick and James; Kimmie's daughter (Phyllis' great-great granddaughter) Shyla; granddaughter Holly and husband Toby McPhee of Billings, MT and their children Taylor and Tobin McPhee and Tiffany Clark; granddaughter Pennie Robinson and her children Kyla and Christina of Carrollton, TX. She had five grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband Criss Clark of Alturas and brothers Bill, Sandy and Wayne Wells.
Sports
First motocross day a success
The first practice day on the new Modoc motocross track was
termed as excellent by local organizers and those 55 riders who got the chance
to put the track through its paces Saturday.
In addition to the riders, at least 150 spectactors came to
view the opening event.
The first Modoc Motorsports Association motocross race in Modoc will be July
11,12 and 13 at the new Cedarville Fairgrounds Track will be a part of two
series races out of the Medford and Keno, Oregon areas. Riders who come to
this race will earn points in those series.
Local riders have been competing in the Oregon series for the
past couple of years and were anxious to get a race in Alturas. Well over
150 riders are expected for the event.
For the races, July 11 will be a practice day with races on
July 12,13. The Pro-am event will have a $1,000 payout each day.
MMA is raffling a 2007 Yamaha Rhino 660 as the top prize to
help fund the races. Second prize will be the ATV trailer and third prize
is $250 cash.
The winning ticket will be drawn on July 13. Tickets are available at Modoc
County Title, Pioneer Auto Body, Alturas Tire, Les Schwab Tire, True Value,
and Main Street Coffee.
Super
Bull all set for June 28 ride
The bulls are hot and the rides reaady for the Super Bull at
the Modoc District Fairgrounds Arena in Cedarville on Saturday, June 28.
Comeptition begins at 6:00 p.m. building to the climactic "Short
Go" where the night's top six bull riders compete for a grand prize,
silver buckle and $2,000 added purse.
This year's rodeo is dedicated to long-time Bull Committee volunteer
Dave Boneck who recently passed away.
Super Bull tickets are $12 if purchased at one of many local
outlets including Page's Market, Napa Auto Parts, Cedarville Grocery, and
Western Irrigation in Cedarville, at Modoc Auto Parts, L&B Ranch Supply,
Seab's True Value, and Jay's Clothing in Alturas, or at Jack's General Store
in Eagleville. Those from out of the area may also order pre-sale tickets
by calling (530) 279-6383.
Tickets are $15 at the gate. Children 7 and under enter free with an adult.
The Super Bull will open with Alturas' Joann White singing "The National
Anthem" followed by fifteen local competitors from ages 4 through 8 out
to fulfill their dreams of becoming rodeo stars in the night's "Mutton
Busting" competition.
The fairground gates open at 5:00 p.m. so come early and come
hungry. Volunteers from the Surprise Valley Chamber of Commerce will be grilling
burgers and serving up nachos, freshly-spun cotton candy, and a wide assortment
of snack items at the concession stand near the arena.
Children who'd like to compete in the mutton busting competition should register
by calling 279-6383.
Modoc
hosts volleyball camp
Modoc High School is hosting a volleyball camp June 23-26 at
the Griswold Gym, open to incoming and current high school female participants.
The Camp fee is $30 and is payable to Modoc High Volleyball.
The camp will be instructed by MHS head volleyball coach Harold Montague and
junior varsity coach Wendi Lowrey. The camp will run 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. each
evening.
There will be group and individual instruction in serving, setting, blocking, passing, spiking, and team strategies. Contact MHS for more information.
June 26, 2008
News
Lightning fires small on Modoc
The first big lightning storm of the season hit the Modoc National
Forest on Sat. North Eastern California received more than 2000 strikes and
16 vegetation fires resulted.
A major fire called the Popcorn fire has charred about 2,800
acres in the Little Valley area near Pitville and local crews have been asssigned.
Each was a single tree fire and total acreage for all the fires
combined was about two acres. The lightning was accompanied by rain and crews
were able to get to them quickly which helped keep the fires small.
The largest number of fires, eight, were in the Big Valley area
and seven on the Devils Garden and one in the Warner Mountains. More lightning
storms are expected later in the week.
In the mean time, Forest personnel and equipment are working
on fires across the west. The Modoc Hot Shots, the Lost River Type 2 crew,
three engines, and 13 additional individuals are working to help fire suppression
efforts in California and New Mexico. All crews remaining on the Forest are
on high alert and prepared for initial attack on any new fire starts.
This is the beginning of a potentially intense fire season.
Please maintain the spark arresters on your chainsaws, ATVs and other combustion
engines. Remember to put your campfires dead out before you leave your campsite.
Campfire permits are required and can be obtained free of charge at all Forest and BLM offices and at Cal Fire. Before you work in the Forest, remember to call the Fire Danger Hotline at (530) 233-8819.
Budget cuts
hit MMC, SVH
The first wave of budget cuts hits California and Modoc Monday,
when the state begins a freeze of Medi-Cal reimbursements to health care providers,
ending July 7.
Rural hospitals throughout the state are joining a coalition
in an effort to wake up the Governor and state legislators to their serious
financial conditions.
On Tuesday, 38 rural hospital administrators, including Modoc
Medical Center's Jim Sato, Surprise Valley Health Care District's Wanda Grove,
Mayer Memorial's Katharine Ann Campbell, and Trinity's Claire Kuczkowski,
signed a full page ad in the Sacramento Bee from the California Hospital Association
aimed at the Governor and state legislature.
That advertisement pointed out that the rural hospitals provide
"the only health care services in their regions and that the lifeline
to these critical health care services is now under serious threat as a result
of the 10 percent budget cut to Medi-Cal scheduled to take effect July 1,"
the letter states. "The Medi-Cal cuts are especially devastating to the
rural hospitals (like Modoc and Surprise Valley) that operate the only skilled
nursing facilities in the area. Nearly 100 percent of long-term patients are
Medi-Cal beneficiaries. If services have to be terminated as a result of the
cuts, these patients and their families will be irreparably harmed."
Sato figures the cuts and changes to Medi-Cal by the state could
cost MMC about $1.1 million in additional losses - enough to make the continued
operation of the facility questionable. Sato has stated the Medi-Cal cuts
could serve to wipe out any financial gains the hospital is poised to make
in the near future.
"In California, the rural health care system is very fragile,"
the advertisement states. "When hospital and related services are lost,
they are not lost just to Medi-Cal patients, but to all patientsevery
man, woman and child - despite their insurance coverage ... The 10 percent
Medi-Cal payment cuts must be reversed or many communities will immediately
face a public health crisis.
The delays will cause significant financial hardship, particularly to many smaller institutional providers, who still must pay their bills on time even if the state doesn't.
"The impact of these cuts on small, rural health
care providers and their patients is absolutely devastating," said Charles
R. Guenther, CEO of Eastern Plumas Health Care District, which operates two
small hospitals in Portola and Loyalton in Plumas County. "Our organization
has already been through bankruptcy once due to low Medi-Cal reimbursement
- we can't go there again. Like most other rural providers, we have no cash
reserves and we owe $1.5 million in accounts payable. This two-week delay
in Medi-Cal payments, combined with the 10 percent rate cut that takes effect
on July 1, may well cause the collapse of a number of rural health care systems,
leaving many rural communities without any health care services whatsoever".
"This is the worst funding challenge we've faced in 22
years," says Diane Cooper-Puckett, Executive Director of Center for Adult
Day Health Care in Chico. "We have made a commitment to those we serve,
expecting the state to honor its commitment to us. Our clients have few alternatives,
so it's critical that we're here to help."
The delayed reimbursements are the first wave in a series of
cuts that health care providers face this year that will threaten the foundation
of California's health care system. On July 1, providers will see a 10 percent
cut in reimbursements, despite the fact that California already ranks near
the bottom of the nation in Medi-Cal rates. Doctors, hospitals, pharmacies,
adult day health care providers, dentists, and clinics will all be cut, forcing
many to end their participation in the underfunded Medi-Cal program or to
stop providing services altogether.
Institutional health care providers will take another hit in
the second half of July, when the State's Interim Payment Fund is predicted
to run out of funds, effectively cutting off Medi-Cal payments to most institutional
providers. This will place extreme financial stress on many of these providers,
who already are struggling to obtain bridge loans' from financial institutions
to tide them over.
"The multiple freezes on Medi-Cal payments to adult day health care providers for services already delivered to frail elderly, disabled, and chronically ill adults hit hard," said Lydia Missaelides,
Executive Director of the California Association of Adult Day
Services. "Add to that a 10% cut to provider reimbursement rates, escalating
fuel and food costs, and a tightening credit market for loans, and small businesses
that primarily serve Medi-Cal patients are on the road to disaster. Already,
closures are starting to occur, and according to a confidential survey conducted
by CAADS, 11 centers have indicated closure within 2 weeks and 5 more have
indicated they are likely to close within four weeks unless they can secure
the necessary loans in time." In August, other providers face a similar
fate when the state is predicted to run out of cash. At that point, California's
health care system will be officially in crisis.
In May, a coalition of health provider organizations filed a lawsuit against the State in Court claiming that the 10 percent Medi-Cal cuts passed by the Legislature were in violation of State law. The State removed the case to federal court, postponing any hearing of the merits of the case. A federal court in Los Angeles will decide whether to remand the case back to state court, at which point providers will seek to enjoin the 10 percent cuts before they take effect July 1.
Planning grant
passed for new hospital
Congressman John Doolittle's office announced today that the
House Labor, Health, and Human Services Act for fiscal 2009 has been passed.
One of two issues passed for the 4th Congressional District
is $300,000 requested by Modoc Frontier Healthcare Coalition to begin the
planning stages for a new hospital in Alturas.
Having been approved by the Appropriations Committee, the bill
now goes to the full house. The U.S. Senate is considering similar legislation.
The Senate version is being asked to consider increasing that appropriation
by $200,000 to bring the total to $500,000 through Senator Dianne Feinstein,
and Senator Barbara Boxer's office.
Once the two bills are reconciled into one bill, it will go
to the President for his signature. Although he is retiring at the end of
this session, Congressman Doolittle continues to serve the Modoc County voters
who have supported him so well, and will continue that support.
"This is really good news and it puts our project on the radar screen in Washington," said MFHC spokesman Jerry Smith. "This will allow us to begin the planning process in earnest and should move the project along very well. We are very pleased."
Maxwell will retire at end of year
Longtime Modoc County Chief Executive Officer Mike Maxwell has
announced his retirement from the position.
While Maxwell did not place a firm date on his retirement, he
told the Board of Supervisors it would be at the end of this year. The Board
has retained a recruiting firm to begin the search for Maxwell's replacement.
Maxwell has said he will remain on board to help with a smooth transition to a new CEO. Maxwell has been instrumental in keeping the county financially solvent as well as involved in most of the major projects undertaken by Modoc in the last 20 or so years.
City, Perlite company in negotiations for
mill siding use
The City of Alturas and Cornerstone Industrial Minerals Corporation
out of Lakeview, Or. are in negotiations for the leased use of the siding
at the Alturas Mill site.
According to Alturas Mayor John Dederick, the negotiations are
very positive and he expects the deal to be wrapped up in the near future.
Basically, Cornerstone is seeking to haul Perlite from its Lakeview
Tucker Hill mine to the Alturas Mill siding, where it will be loaded onto
train cars and transported to Klamath Falls for further distribution throughout
the world.
Cornerstone had used the Lakeview rail line to transport its
Perlite for connection here, but a series of derailments has decreased that
transportation reliability.
Dederick has been working with Cornerstone owner Mick Stanley.
The city contacted Stanley when it discovered he may have been looking for
an alternative transportation process.
The Perlite would be transported to the Alturas Mill site by
truck, with the current plan to use the old access entrance to the mill, which
is the road from State Route 299 just west of the Modoc Auction Yard into
the Mill. There is also an approved truck route from SR 299 down Warner and
Fourth Streets, but Dederick said the best plan would be the back road access.
He said the early projections are for about 3,000 truckloads
per year amounting to about 100,000 tons of Perlite. The mineral would be
of loaded in what's called a bagged system into a hopper at the siding and
into the rail cars. According to Dederick the bagged system restricts the
dust.
The City owns the rail siding and buildings on the mill property
under this proposal. There will be quite a bit of retrofitting of the property
to accommodate the new use, but Dederick doesn't see any real issues. The
rail siding is currently being inspected, but appears to be in pretty good
shape.
Dederick said one the project is up and running there would be between four
and six jobs created.
Perlite is a natural occurring volcanic glass that contains two to five percent
water and when subjected to heat it will expand to up to 20 times its original
volume. The expansion is due to a change in the state of the water found within
the structure of the rock. The physical properties of the lightweight expanded
Perlite gives it unique commercial value for building construction, horticulture
and industrial uses. It's used in lightweight acoustical and thermal insulation,
plaster materials, insulating and lightweight concrete, horticulture, and
as a filtering medium.
Secure schools money dropped
It appears the Secure Rural Schools Program was removed from
the U.S. Congress Supplemental budget last week, putting those funds for road
and schools into limbo again.
According to Modoc County Superintendent of School Gary Jones
the issue will not be on the agenda before Congress breaks Friday for the
July 4 recess.
"We're looking for second emergency supplemental in the
second week of July, and that would be our next chance for Forest Reserve
and MAA money moving right now," said Jones. "This has to get done
by Sept. 30 or we lose the money for this year. None of us have forest reserves
factored in for next year, and our best hope is the second emergency supplemental."
What was included in the current supplemental was funding for
he Iraq war, the new Webb G.I. Bill and domestic funding for Katrina residuals
as well as Midwest flood disaster funding. Jones figures there will have to
be a second supplemental to handle the scope of the Midwest flood damage and
that's where the secure schools funding could be attached.
The schools issue got past a first hurdle May 15 when it was
approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee as a $400 million, one-year
extension plan in the Emergency Supplemental Bill.
Senator Dianne Feinstein said she is committed to a multi-year solution to
the funding issue, but this year the reality is probably a one-year fix.
In total, the Secure Schools funding amounts to about $1.3 million
to Modoc Schools.
The county office and all districts in the county have not budgeted the Secure
Schools as revenue this next year. The schools in the county remain largely
able to avoid major layoffs for this year, but a continuing loss of those
funds would impact severely in the next budget cycle.
Jones is confident that even with the impending budget cuts
at the state and federal level, the county office and local school districts
"have necessary reserves" to cover the short term.
He cautions, however, that school systems cannot sustain annual losses of this size without cuts to educational programs and services.
Fandango rolls out the fun for Independence
Day weekend
Parade entries will be accepted until 5 p.m. Monday, June 30
for the annual Fourth of July weekend celebration in Alturas known as "Fandango
Days." This year's parade theme is "Independence Day."
Events open Friday, July 4th with some new and several returning
features for all ages, plus high school and family reunions. Fandango provides
all the ingredients for great family fun.
The annual Fandango festivities and parade, sponsored by the Alturas Chamber
of Commerce start Friday night and run through Saturday night, July 5 when
the California Pines Property Owners Association sponsors the Fireworks show
at dusk over California Pines Lake.
On Friday, July 4, the 51st annual Alturas Noon Rotary Fish
Derby will open at Pine Creek reservoir for all children ages 12 years and
under, providing their own fishing poles and bait. The annual event is dedicated
to its founder, the late K.C. Tierney, who organized the first Rotary Fish
Derby for Modoc kids in 1957. Beginning at 8 a.m., kids will cast their lines
to start the two-hour competition with lunch and prizes to follow.
The grand opening of the Disc Golf Course will feature a Disc
Golf Tournament Friday, July 4, 10 a.m. to noon at Warner Street Park, Eighth
and Warner Streets, Alturas will be open to everyone, with prizes for individual
and team categories. Entry is $5 individual or $20, teams. Prizes for best
score and top three teams. Event sponsored by Modoc Parks and Recreation District.
Alturas' Desert Rose Casino opens a day full of activity for
adults and kids starting at noon, with a barbecue for $5 for hamburgers or
hotdogs, kids' games, plus a horseshoe tournament and DJ music on the lawn.
(See display ad for details).
At 3:30 Friday, Modoc Parks and Recreation District will organize
a GPS Treasure Hunt (geocache) July 4. Anyone with a hand held GPS is welcome
to register for the hunt; $5 per team. Meet at the locomotive next to Veterans'
Park and Modoc Museum for a brief explanation prior to the "Hunt"
to start promptly at 4 p.m.
Fandango fun
Fandango 2008 events organized by the Alturas Chamber of Commerce
start Friday evening, 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. with a July 4th Street Dance on East
Fifth Street, between Rite Aid and Plumas Bank. Live music by Big Sage.
Saturday, July 5 bicycle riders of any age can register at 8
a.m. at the park locomotive, for a ride around Modoc Wildlife Refuge. Register,
$5 for kids, 13-19; one dollar for kids 12 and under; $10 for adults. The
loop ride starts at 8:30 a.m. from the park.
At 11 a.m. Saturday, July 5, the Fandango Parade will head south
down Alturas' Main Street, carrying the theme "Independence Day."
Grand Marshal Marie Smith, long-time Director of Modoc Senior Citizens Center
will be joined by this year's color guard, the local Boy Scouts, in leading
the floats, equestrians, four-wheelers, classic and antique vehicles, novelty
entries and more. Watch for Little and Junior Mr. and Miss Fandango, the new
Modoc Beef Princess and some surprise entries.
Parade entries will be judged during the parade with ribbon awards given at
the park at 1 p.m.
Immediately following the parade, the celebration continues
at Veterans' Park. View the classic car show on the lawns of Rachel Dorris
park behind the Modoc Museum then cross over to Veterans' Park for a barbecued
meal cooked by the Alturas Fire Department this year, and the Alturas Lions
Club beer booth will be available along with vendor booths of all kinds, a
children's corner featuring contests, pony rides and more. The Alturas City
and Rural Fire Department's will go for their second year water/hose competition,
Cowpie Bingo returns with Mollie, Debbie and Mike Mason's special family cow
with tickets on chances available on the spot. Hear live music, relax and
catch up on visiting at the Veterans' Park in Alturas.
Fireworks over California Pines Lake start at dusk on July 5.
The show draws a large crowd, dispersed over the Lodge lawns and around the
lake for great viewing from any angle. The show is generously sponsored by
the California Pines Property Owners Association. A tri-tip beef, hamburger,
hot dog barbecue starts at 1 p.m. at Cal Pines Lodge July 5. From 9 p.m. to
1 a.m. Evolution, a Top 40 rock' n roll band will play classic hits from the
60s, 70's, 80's and 90's to the smash hits of today.
Obtain Fandango Parade entry forms in this issue of the Modoc
Record, at Seab's True Value, Main Street Coffee in Alturas or the Alturas
Chamber of Commerce or visitwww.alturaschamber.org for information, vendor
space and parade entry information. Parade entries will begin lining up at
9 a.m. July 5 at the corner of Eighth and Main Streets.
This year's volunteer Alturas Chamber of Commerce Board which has been working on Fandango this year, includes President Jim Cavasso; Vice President Jennifer Barcia; Treasurer Frieda DuBois; Secretary Rose Boulade; directors Terri Haralson, Heather Prevette, Val Flournoy, Valerie Lantz and Stephanie Northrup. Penny Cruse takes on the duties as parade coordinator once again.
Obituaries:
Patrick Geaney
Patrick Geaney, 58, passed away June 19, 2008 in Cedarville, CA.
Services for Pat will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2008 at
1 p.m. at the Surprise Valley Community Church, 405 Bonner St., Cedarville.
Dr. Ben Zandstra will officiate. Refreshments will follow in the church Community
Hall.
Pat was born to Margie (Spaulding) Cain and John Geaney on October
13, 1949, in Alturas, CA. He graduated from Modoc High School in 1968.
On September 18,1976 he married Lana Bullen and they had two
children, John Lewis, born October 14, 1978 and Jason Levi, born April 29,
1982.
Pat spent his adult life working in the woods logging, planting
trees, and building roads. In recent years he worked on ranches in Surprise
Valley. His favorite pastime was fishing, drawing, painting and reading. Pat
was an excellent artist and did many pictures in pencil and oil.
Pat is survived by his son and daughter-in-law John and Carmen
Geaney, Cedarville, CA; son Jason Geaney, Cedarville; mother Margie Cain,
Merrill, OR; step-father Lewis Cain, Cedarville; brother and sister-in law
Jerry and Susan Geaney, Merrill, OR; brother and sister-in-law Chester and
Donna Geaney, Klamath Falls, OR; two grandchildren, six nephews and two nieces
His father John and twin brother Mike preceded Pat in death.
Services for Phyllis Clark
Phyllis Marie (Wells) Clark, a lifelong resident of Alturas,
passed away April 12, 2008 of pneumonia in Alturas, CA. Dr. Ben Zandstra will
hold graveside memorial services at 2 p.m. Friday, June 27, 2008 at the Alturas
Cemetery.
Phyllis Wells was born on January 1, 1927 in Alturas, CA.
She is survived by her daughter Marie White of Alturas, CA;
her son Duane and wife Janet Clark of Billings, MT; brother Earl and wife
Martha Frances Wells of Vancouver, WA, grandson Jerry and wife Gin Atkison
of Alturas and their children Cody and Crisstopher; grandson Chris and wife
Shellie Stiles of Alturas and their children Candice, Stephanie, Halie, Harmonie
and Christian; granddaughter Stacey and husband James Jennings of Billings,
MT and their children Kimmie, Patrick and James; Kimmie's daughter (Phyllis'
great-great granddaughter) Shyla; granddaughter Holly and husband Toby McPhee
of Billings, MT and their children Taylor and Tobin McPhee and Tiffany Clark;
granddaughter Pennie Robinson and her children Kyla and Christina of Carrollton,
TX. She had five grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren and one great-great
grandchild. Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband Criss Clark of Alturas
(2005) and brothers Bill Sandy and Wayne Wells.
James "Jim" Johnston
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated for James (Jim) W
Johnston, who died on May 22, 2008 at his ranch in Big Valley, CA, after a
brief illness following heart surgery. Services were held on Saturday, May
31, 2008 both in Redding and Hillside Cemetery, Nubieber, CA.
Survived by his wife of 40 years, Josefa Johnston and their
precious daughter, Juli M. Johnston, and his beloved children, Mrs. Linda
M. Tyson and Wendell L. Johnston and their families; his loving mother, Mrs.
Alice (Dee) Cherrington, his sister, Mrs. Janet (Lee) Gilliland, step-siblings:
Martin (Joy) Cherrington, Mrs. Patricia C.(Sam) D'Angelo, Stetson Gifford,
Greg (Jan) Gifford and their loved mother, Mrs. Barbara Johnston, uncle Mr.
Robert (Barbara) Johnston, aunt Mrs. Carrie Guttry.
Preceded in death by his father Walter L. Johnston, Dee Cherrington, aunt
Virginia Turner, uncle Evan Guttry, grandmothers Leah Schott and Viola Johnston.
Born August 13, 1935, raised and educated in Redding, CA, he
graduated with the Class of 1954 from Shasta High School where he was active
in Future Farmers of America organization.
Owner of Triple J Boring and Excavating, Homestead Hay, and
Big Valley Red Angus.
Donations may be made to the Big Valley Historical Museum; Lookout Grange
No.415; Modoc Medical Center building fund.
Shirley B. Bauer
Shirley B. Bauer, 81, died on Thursday, June 11, 2008, in Alturas,
CA. She was born on May 10, 1927, in Central Utah.
She is survived by Brent and Judi Bauer, of Susanville, CA,
seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband Raymond and her daughter
Penny Rea Ence.
A graveside service was held at 11 a.m. on June 21, at Diamond Crest Cemetery.
The family has requested no flowers, but donations may be directed to the
Alzheimer's Foundation.
Sports
It's Super Bull Saturday
Don't miss the 12th Annual Super Bull Rodeo at the Modoc District
Fairgrounds Arena in Cedarville Saturday, June 28.
The event starts at 6:00 p.m. building to the climactic "Short
Go" where the night's top six bull riders compete for a grand prize,
silver buckle and $2,000 added purse.
Super Bull tickets are $12 if purchased at one of many local
outlets including Page's Market, Napa Auto Parts, Cedarville Grocery, and
Western Irrigation in Cedarville, at Modoc Auto Parts, L&B Ranch Supply,
Seab's True Value, and Jay's Clothing in Alturas, or at Jack's General Store
in Eagleville. Those from out of the area may also order pre-sale tickets
by calling (530) 279-6383.
Tickets are $15 at the gate. Children seven and under enter
free with an adult.
The Super Bull will open with Alturas' Joann White singing "The
National Anthem" followed by fifteen local competitors from ages 4 through
8 out to fulfill their dreams of becoming rodeo stars in the night's "Mutton
Busting" competition.
The fairground gates open at 5:00 p.m. Volunteers from the Surprise
Valley Chamber of Commerce will be grilling burgers and serving up nachos,
freshly-spun cotton candy, and a wide assortment of snack items at the concession
stand near the arena.
As in past years, Ed and Darrel Hill of H & H Rodeo Company
are staging the event. But the sponsoring Super Bull Committee, which meets
throughout the year to plan this one exciting night, is comprised of hard-working
volunteers from throughout Modoc County.
President Chuck Colas is joined on the committee by Vice President
Jim Erquiaga, Secretary-Treasurer Brianna Brown, and Edie Asrow, Sharon Boneck,
Penni Borghi, Ryan De Paul, Erin Erquiaga, Darrel and Jennifer Hill, Ed Hill,
Rocky Lemonds, Rick and Diana Milton, and Heather Pratt.
Les Schwab Tires is sponsoring the prized silver belt buckle
awarded to the Bronc Champion while Surprise Valley Auto Parts and Napa's
Modoc Auto Parts of Alturas are teaming up to donate the top bull rider's
buckle.
Committee members are selling raffle tickets for three cash prizes of $500, $300 and $200. Funds from the sale of 500 tickets at $10 each help underwrite the high cost of the event and provide annual scholarships awarded to graduating seniors who reside within Modoc County.
First
MX race set July 11-13
The first Modoc Motorsports Association's inaugural motocross
race will be July 11,12 and 13 at the new Cedarville Fairgrounds Track and
will be a part of two series races out of the Medford and Keno, Oregon areas.
Riders who come to this race will earn points in those series.
Local riders have been competing in the Oregon series for the past couple
of years and were anxious to get a race in Alturas. MMA organizers expect
more than 150 riders for the event.
For the races, July 11 will be a practice day with races on
July 12,13. The Pro-am event will have a $1,000 payout each day.
MMA is raffling a 2007 Yamaha Rhino 660 as the top prize to
help fund the races. Second prize will be the ATV trailer and third prize
is $250 cash.
The winning ticket will be drawn on July 13. Tickets are available
at Modoc County Title, Pioneer Auto Body, Alturas Tire, Les Schwab Tire, True
Value, and Main Street Coffee.
The newly formed MMA has about 70 members and is open and encouraging more members to join and help with the inaugural race. The organization needs volunteers on race day.
Masten
Ramsey Memorial Stockhorse Jubilee expands again
Northeastern California's Premier Ranch Cowboy Event is scheduled
in 2008 for July 18, 19 and 20. Entry deadline is July 7. Top hands from four
states will converge on this little California community for honors as Champions.
Over the last 24 years this show has become one of the most popular traditional
cowboy events in the North West. It has been recognized for its quality of
horses and large payoffs along with some good old-fashioned Modoc County hospitality.
The main benefactors of this event are Modoc Youth programs and the Alturas
Rural Fire Department.
The Masten Ramsey Memorial has changed the 2008 format. The
2008 Versatility Show on Friday will start at 1:00 p.m. (last year the event
started at 6:00 p.m.)
The Western Equitation has been eliminated from the event and
the new schedule includes a trail course competition making the event compatible
with a true versatility show consisting of Western Pleasure, Reining, and
Trail.
A Cutting competition has been added to the Friday night's schedule
which includes a Two and Under class, a Non-Pro and Open class. Standard NCHA
rules apply and the competition starts at 6:00 p.m.
Saturday's schedule has been changed as well. The Triple Crown Snaffle Bit
and the Three and Under Snaffle Bit have been eliminated. Saturday's events
begin with the Working cow Horse scheduled to start at 7:00 a.m.
The Junior Team Penning and Women's Team Penning have been dropped
from the schedule. However, the Junior and Women competitors are more than
welcome to join in the Open Team Penning Competition following the Team Penning
Calcutta which will once again start at 6:00 p.m. Directly following the Team
Penning there will be a dance with music by Harry Boulade of Golden Rose Productions.
The Alturas Elks Lodge will be providing food and beverages at the event on
Saturday and Sunday.
Stick Horse Rodeo and Dummy Roping will be hosted by the Repin'
for the Lord Ministries on Saturday afternoon directly following the Ranch
Horse Class.
Sunday's schedule remains unchanged with the Team Sorting starting
at 8:00 a.m. The weekend's main event of course is the premier Three Person
Event. The schedule of events is provided below.
As always, we would like to thank our gracious sponsors and
volunteers for their unselfish contributions to the success of the Masten
Ramsey Memorial Stock Horse Jubilee. Anyone interested in becoming a sponsor
or volunteer or if you have any questions, please call Byron Gibbons at (530)
640-0699 or John McQuarrie at (530) 233-3420. Visit our website at www.mastenreamsey.org.
2008 Masten Ramsey Schedule of Events
Friday, July 18
1:00 p.m. - Versatility Show
6:00 p.m. - Cutting Horse Classes
Saturday, July 19
7:00 a.m. - Working Cow Horse
Immediately following - Snaffle Bit (five and under), Bridle (two rein allowed),
Junior Bridle (16 and under), Ranch Horse Class Calcutta, and Ranch Horse
Class
6:00 p.m. - Team Penning Calcutta and Open Team Penning
8:00 p.m. - Dance
Sunday, July 20
8:00 a.m. - Team Sorting
Immediately following - Cow Mugging, Three Person Team Event (approximately noon), Four Person Limited Branding, and Youth Branding
Rotary
Fish Derby for kids July 4 at Pine Creek Reservoir
The 51st annual Alturas Noon Rotary Fish Derby will be held
at Pine Creek reservoir on Friday, July 4. All children ages 12 years and
under are eligible to participate, using their own fishing poles and bait.
The annual event is dedicated to its founder, the late K.C. Tierney, who organized
the first Rotary Fish Derby for Modoc kids in 1957.
Beginning at 8 a.m., kids will cast their lines to start the
two-hour competition. At 10 a.m. lines must be pulled from the water, officially
ending the tournament. Rotary cooks Fritz Barclay and Penny Cruse will prepare
lunch. Club President Tim Burke and members Elaine Carrillo, Bob Brooks and
Leta Bethel will serve hot dogs and drinks to children, parents and grandparents,
while the officials Bobby Ray, Pam Couch and Don Crum finish weighing and
measuring the catch. Emcee Bob Savage will present six prizes in all- for
first fish caught by a boy and girl; biggest fish caught by a boy and girl;
and most fish or first to limit out by a boy and girl.
Although every eligible participant will receive one ticket for special drawing, only one lucky boy and one happy girl will go home with a brand-new bike. Alturas Rotarians and the following local merchants sponsored prizes for the event: Seab and Karen McDonald of Seab's True Value; Ron Prevette of Sports Hut and George and Linda Wistos of The Belligerent Duck.
News
Modoc fire resources thin for holiday
Modoc County is left with pretty thin fire response resources
this Fourth of July, as many units have been dispatched to assist in the major
fires burning throughout the state.
Last Friday, the U.S. Forest Service called a fire resource
meeting with all area agencies and volunteer units to explain the situation.
According to Modoc National Forest Information Officer, Laura
Williams, the basic message was that if a major fire breaks out, the local
volunteer departments would need to be ready to respond quickly. Some of those
volunteer departments, including the Alturas Rural and Alturas Casino have
had crews working on fires out-of-county now.
So far, Modoc has escaped the dry lightning major fires plaguing
some of the north state. On Monday, lightning started two fires in the Big
Valley area, but aggressive response by the Forest Service crews kept both
of those small, one under two acres and one under one-half acre. Williams
said the Forest is attacking any fire quickly and aggressively.
The area has been under a heavy smoke cover for the past week,
with most of that smoke coming from the Corral Fire, which is about 12 miles
northwest of Eagle Lake's north shore near Upper Gooch Valley. As of Tuesday,
the fire had burned about 15,000 acres of commercial timber and rangeland
and was about 10 percent contained. There is no threat to Eagle Lake communities.
Firefighters completed a fire line around the Peterson Complex fires near
Fall River, containing them to 7,824 acres.
Fire restrictions are now in effect and all burning permits
have been suspended in Lassen and Modoc Counties and in the Lake Almanor Basin.
According to Williams, 35 people attended the fire meeting at
the Forest Supervisor's office on June 26. Fire people from Modoc NF, CalFire,
BLM and 16 Volunteer Fire Departments attended. Three of the Modoc Board of
Supervisors were also in attendance: Dave Bradshaw, Mike Dunn, and Patricia
Cantrall.
Messages discussed at the meeting included all are on notice
that initial attack will need to be handled by the local crews without expectation
of help from outside the area. Ways to improve public information were discussed.
Fire information will be posted by Monday afternoons at the post offices in
Alturas, Cedarville, Likely, Tulelake and Adin. These will also be posted
on bulletins boards at grocery stores and gas stations in Alturas.
Williams reports that fewer than 45 lightning strikes have hit
the ground in northeast California in the last week. These have resulted in
four fires on the Modoc. The Hunter Fire on Hunter Ridge was contained at
two acres. The Hopkins Fire north of Adin was contained at one-half acre.
Three other fires that did not get named were contained at under one-half
acre.
The Forest now has nine engines here, one Type 2 (medium) helicopter,
and one Type 2 hand crew. The Forest usually has 10 engines staff on Forest.
"We have two engines gone to fires off forest and we've staffed a hold-over engine for a total of nine engines," said Williams. BLM has one of two engines available at West Valley and two engines in Cedarville.
New twists in MMC options, future
With a near fatal state budget cut looming, the hospital district
vote not coming until March, and the hospital continuing to lose money, more
options were put on the table at Tuesday's Modoc County Board of Supervisors
meeting.
The first option was to formally invite Blackhawk Healthcare
LLC, out of Austin, Texas, to come to Modoc and tour the hospital. Blackhawk
had contacted the county about a possible operation, management or lease contract
to takeover MMC.
The company owns two rural hospitals, one in Rockdale, Texas
and another in Mangum, Okla., which it has turned around. It is committed
to rural medical care and was founded in 2003.
Modoc County Chief Administrative Officer Mike Maxwell said
the Board ordered staff to contact the company and invite them to Modoc. He
said things are very much in the preliminary stages, but the Board feels Blackhawk
could be a viable option.
Secondly, the Board wants staff to investigate the possibility
of putting a hospital special tax measure on the November ballot to help fund
the hospital for a short time. That issue will come back to the Board on July
15. Maxwell said the actual boundaries of what that vote would cover will
be determined over the next two weeks. That measure would have to be approved
by a two-thirds majority.
The Board is concerned that the option of the Save Our Hospital
committee placing the formation and funding of a hospital district on the
March 2009 ballot could be too late. SOH obtained a board-requested legal
opinion Monday saying their effort was in fact legal. They will take the formation
of the district through the Local Agency Formation Commission.
"Right now we are looking at all options to keep the hospital
open," said Maxwell. "If the state goes ahead with the 10 percent
cut in Medi-Cal payments, it's going to hurt. We're trying to get on top of
things and come up with a set of alternatives."MMC Interim CEO Jim Sato
had requested the Board direct staff on what to do if the state goes ahead
with the Medi-Cal cuts. Those cuts are slated to start July 1.
"Staff has concluded that the State of California's proposed
cut of $1.1 million per year in Medi-Cal payments will be fiscally detrimental
to MMC," he said. "Further plans of action should be developed as
contingencies."
Sato and Maxwell figure the hospital's moving in the right direction,
with most areas showing financial improvement, but the state cuts could erase
any gains, even if the hospital obtains its Critical Access Hospital designation
in the next few months.
As of now, Sato is projecting a $1.5 million loss in the fiscal
year ending June, 2009. That's a marked improvement to a loss of $2.8 million
in fiscal year 2007 and an estimated loss of $2.5 million for the year just
ended June 30, 2008.
"If the state goes ahead with a cut of $1.1 million, a
final loss of 2.6 million in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009 is catastrophic,"
Sato said.
Sato said the community efforts to help the hospital, including
SOH and the consortium working for a new hospital grant are vital, but the
hospital may not be able to survive long enough, with the state cuts, for
their funding to be available.
Sato suggested four options for the Board to consider: fund
the estimated loss of $2.6 million; direct staff to find outside companies
to operate the hospital and to either absorb the losses or keep some or all
of the profits; direct staff to develop plans to reconfigure the mix of services
that will yield the lowest loss possible; or direct staff to close the hospital
if losses exceed a certain amount.
The Board agreed to look into those and other options, but as of this week did not want to go the route of closing the hospital. That option does become a real possibility in the near future if the other options don't pan out. If the state goes ahead with the cuts, Sato and Maxwell agree Modoc Medical Center is in critical condition.
Fandango rolls
out fun for Independence Day weekend
The Fourth of July weekend celebration known as Fandango Days
in Alturas opens Friday with a line up of activities for children and adults.
Events open Friday morning, July 4 with some new and several returning features,
plus high school and family reunions.
On Friday morning, July 4, the 51st annual Alturas Noon Rotary
Fish Derby starts at 8 a.m. at Pine Creek reservoir for children ages 12 years
and under, providing their own fishing poles and bait. The annual event is
dedicated to its founder, the late K.C. Tierney, who organized the first Rotary
Fish Derby for Modoc kids in 1957. Kids will cast their lines to start the
two-hour competition with lunch and prizes to follow.
A Disc Golf Tournament Friday, July 4, 10 a.m. to noon at the
Eighth and Warner Street location is open to everyone, with prizes for individual
and team categories. Entry is $5 individual or $20, teams. Prizes for best
score and top three teams. Event sponsored by Modoc Parks and Recreation District.
Friday, starting at noon, Alturas' Desert Rose Casino opens a day full of
activity for adults and kids, with a barbecued hamburgers or hotdogs for $5,
kids' games, plus a horseshoe tournament and DJ music on the lawn. (See display
ad for details).
At 3:30 Friday, Modoc Parks and Recreation District will organize
a GPS Treasure Hunt (geocache) July 4. Anyone with a hand-held GPS is welcome
to register for the hunt for $5 per team. Meet at the locomotive next to Veterans'
Park and Modoc Museum for a brief explanation prior to the "Hunt"
to start promptly at 4 p.m.
Fandango 2008 events organized by the Alturas Chamber of Commerce
start Friday evening, 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. with a free family Street Dance on
East Fifth Street, between Rite Aid and Plumas Bank. Music by local band Big
Sage.
A bike ride around Modoc Wildlife Refuge will start from Veterans'
Park at 8:30 a.m. for a 12-mile loop ride Saturday, July 5. Riders of any
age can register at 8 a.m. at the park locomotive. Register, $5 for kids,
13-19; one dollar for kids 12 and under; $10 for adults.
At 11 a.m. Saturday, the Fandango Parade will head south down Alturas' Main Street, carrying the theme "Independence Day." Grand Marshal Marie Smith, long-time Director of Modoc Senior Citizens Center, will be joined by this year's color guard, local Boy Scouts Troops 49, 56, Cub Pack 56 and Girl Scout Troop 1491, in leading the floats, equestrians, four-wheelers, classic and antique vehicles, novelty entries and more. Watch for Little and Junior Mr. and Miss Fandango, the new Modoc Beef Princess and Miss Modoc 2008 contestants plus some surprise entries.
Parade entries will be judged during the parade with ribbon
awards given at the park at 1 p.m.
Immediately following the parade, the celebration continues at Veterans' Park.
View the classic car show on the lawns of Rachel Dorris park behind the Modoc
Museum then cross over to Veterans' Park for a barbecued meal cooked by the
Alturas Fire Department this year, or stop by the Federated Church booth where
grilled hamburgers with all the fixings and iced tea await. For over 20 years,
Federated members have been a mainstay, firing up their grills and serving
hundreds of customers. Alturas Lions Club beer booth will return this year,
along with vendor booths of all kinds, a children's corner featuring contests,
pony rides and more. The Alturas City and Rural Fire Department's will go
for their second year water hose competition, Cowpie Bingo returns with Mollie,
Debbie and Mike Mason's special family cow to make someone a big winner. Purchase
squares on site from a Chamber member. Hear live music, relax and catch up
on visiting at the Veterans' Park in Alturas throughout the afternoon.
Fireworks start at dusk Saturday night over California Pines
Lake at Cal Pines Lodge. The show draws a large crowd, dispersed over the
Lodge lawns and around the lake for great viewing from any angle. The show
is generously sponsored by the California Pines Property Owners Association.
A tri-tip beef, hamburger, hot dog barbecue starts at 1 p.m. at Cal Pines
Lodge July 5. From 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Evolution, a Top 40 rock' n roll band
will play classic hits from the 60s, 70's, 80's and 90's to the smash hits
of today.
Parade entries will begin lining up at 9 a.m. July 5 at the
corner of Eighth and Main Streets.
This year's volunteer Alturas Chamber of Commerce Board organizing Fandango
this year, includes President Jim Cavasso; Vice President Jennifer Barcia;
Treasurer Frieda DuBois; Secretary Rose Boulade; directors Terri Haralson,
Heather Prevette, Val Flournoy, Valerie Lantz and Stephanie Northrup. Penny
Cruse takes on the duties as parade coordinator once again. Last minute parade
entries will not be judged.
Hospital district tax legal, opinion states
The Save Our Hospital Committee allocated $10,000 last week
to a law firm to render a legal opinion on the formation of a hospital district
relating to the tax assessment.
On June 30, that opinion was delivered to SOH and states the
proposed tax is legal. That opinion should clear the way for the issue to
go through the Local Agency Formation Commission, LAFCO, as well as satisfy
the concerns of the Modoc County Board of Supervisors. The actual cost of
the opinion was not revealed.
The issues were: number one, whether the proposed special tax
of $175 assessed to each unique property owner located within the proposed
hospital district was legal; and two, whether a property owner who is not
registered to vote in the proposed district can impede the implementation
of the hospital tax.
The second question contained a possible fatal flaw in the district
formation since it was primarily directed at California Pines property owners
who do not reside in Modoc, but if the issue passed, would be assessed the
special tax.
While hospital districts cannot adopt a general tax, they can
adopt special taxes, the opinion states. To adopt a special tax, two-thirds
of the voters in the district must approve it in an election.
"The hospital tax is not an ad valorem property tax, which
is defined as a tax based on the full cash value of real property," the
opinion states. "Instead, the Hospital Tax is a valid special tax, so
long as it is approved by a two-thirds vote of the electorate."
It's important to note that the two-thirds requirement means
two-thirds of the voters who actually vote in the special election, not two-thirds
of the registered voters in the proposed district.
"Only registered electors within the proposed hospital
district's boundaries are eligible to vote on the adoption of the hospital
tax," the opinion concludes. "Any person owning or leasing property
within the proposed hospital district has the option to register to vote (generally
must prove residency in the district). However, if a property owner fails
or does not qualify to register to vote at the election at which the hospital
tax is proposed, that property owner cannot protest the imposition of the
hospital tax on the grounds that he was unable to vote on the measure . .
. the hospital tax is valid if approved by two-thirds of the registered voters
of the proposed hospital district voting in the election, even if some property
owners to whom the hospital tax will be assessed are non-residents ineligible
to vote on the hospital tax . . . additionally, a tax may be imposed without
reference to its particular benefits to specific individuals or property.
The proposal by SOH calls for a tax per "unique" property
owner, basically defined as one assessment regardless of the number of parcels
the person owns. People will not be taxed per parcel they own.
The Board of Supervisors was reticent to sign on to the district
until the legal opinion was reached. Assessor Cheri Budmark and Treasurer/
Tax Collector Cheryl Knoch have raised concerns regarding the legality of
the plans.
The formation of a district will have to pass the voters by a simple majority while the funding portion of the district will have to pass by a two-thirds vote.
Be very careful with fireworks
All local agencies are stressing the importance of fireworks
safety this Fourth of July, as the area is very dry and many fire resources
are out of county on other fires.
Fireworks are not allowed on public lands anywhere in Modoc
County, and campers are advised not to take fireworks with them.
Alturas Chief of Police Ken Barnes said his officers will be
enforcing fireworks laws and people who use other than "safe and sane"
fireworks will be cited.
Several community fireworks displays have been canceled this
year, including Rotary of the Intermountain area. That display was scheduled
for July 5, but the lack of necessary fire apparatus and personnel prompted
that club to cancel the event.
The Annual Fandango Fireworks show over Cal Pines Lake in Modoc is still scheduled. It is sponsored by the California Pines Property Owners' Association and is set for Saturday evening.
Obituaries:
Betty Ruth Clark
After a long struggle, Betty Ruth Clark of Alturas, peacefully
passed on to her heavenly home on Thursday, June 26, 2008 with her family
by her side. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother and friend. She
was 86.
Betty Ruth Combe was born December 28, 1921, in San Francisco,
CA, to Albert and Ruth Combe. She was the middle daughter of the family with
an older sister Frances and later, a younger sister Nancy. Betty was reared
in San Francisco, attended Roosevelt Grammar School, Presidio Junior High
and graduated from George Washington High School. After graduation in 1939,
Betty took a position as an operator with Bell Telephone in the City where
she formed a fast friendship with a fellow operator named Esther Overend-
an older woman who had a son just about Betty's age. His name was Bill. Ester
insisted that the two meet while Bill was home on furlough from the Army.
When Betty and Bill met, it was love at first sight. Betty was 22 when she
married her soldier Bill in July 1944 at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho. A month
later, Bill shipped out to Italy and was away for eight long months. Betty
lived and worked in San Francisco during these months, during war-time blackout
drills that forced the telephone operators to keep the switchboards up and
running by flashlight. Bill's homecoming was celebrated in the summer of 1945,
and shortly thereafter, the couple moved to Alturas, CA to start a life and
family. Bill joined his father Frank, in his meat cutting business.
Their first daughter Betty Jean was born June 16, 1946 on Father's
Day. Six years later, daughter Phyllis Elaine was born March 27, 1952. Adjusting
to life in a small town, Betty's main priority became caring for her family
and participating in church activities. She loved singing in the church choir
and teaching Sunday school. She was a member of the Church of Christ.
Never a stranger to hard work, she helped Bill in the meat market.
When Bill retired, they traveled and enjoyed their grandchildren. Betty loved
gardening, cooking, picnics, drives in the country and seeing new sights.
Betty was up for anything and was always happy to do something a little daring.
She loved holidays, and decorating, baking, giving gifts and organizing activities.
She was an outstanding cook and could literally make dinner out of "thin
air."
As Betty grew older, she began experiencing deteriorating health
conditions and unsteadiness on her feet forced her into a wheelchair. Although
she had failing memory, she never lost track of her family and could remember
dates and names when nobody else could. Bill remained steadfast and devoted
to her care. When she could no longer handle all the tasks, an angel came
to them in the form of a lady name Patricia Waters, who became one of the
family. With Bill, the girls and Tricia by her side, Betty valiantly battled
the transition from vibrant to impaired without a word of complaint. She never
lost her beautiful smile. Even in her last months, she continued to make many
friends at Modoc Medical Center whose staff will remember her fondly as Miss
Betty.
Her family and friends will grieve her loss; but know she leave
them better for having know her, having loved her and having been nurtured
by her. Betty was a past member of Order of Easter Star Chapter 51. Donald
M. Wilson officiated a graveside service at the Alturas Center on Tuesday,
July 1. A time of fellowship followed at Alturas Church of Christ.
Betty is survived by her devoted and loving husband William
M. Clark of Alturas; daughters Betty J. and husband Ted L. Vaughn of Keno,
Oregon; daughter Phyllis Clark-Kirkman and husband Dave Kirkman of Redding,
CA.; sister Nancy Douglas Syvertsen and husband Al Syvertsen of Saratoga,
CA; three grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and nine great-great grandchildren.
Contributions in Betty's memory may be directed to Modoc Medical Center, McDowell
St. or the Alturas Senior Citizens Center, 906 West Fourth St., Alturas, CA
96101.
Arrangements made with Kerr Mortuary.
Helen Sweet
Alturas resident Helen Sweet, 58, died June 29 at Mercy Hospital
in Redding from complications of recently discovered cancer.
She was born Oct. 23, 1949 in McComb, Mississippi and has been
in Modoc since 1983. She married former Modoc County Sheriff Raymond Sweet
in 1986 and they made their home just outside of Alturas. He survives.
A full obituary will be printed soon and the time and date of a memorial service is pending.
James "Jim" Johnston
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated for James (Jim) W
Johnston, who died on May 22, 2008 at his ranch in Big Valley, CA, after a
brief illness following heart surgery. Services were held on Saturday, May
31, 2008 both in Redding and Hillside Cemetery, Nubieber, CA.
Survived by his wife of 40 years, Josefa Johnston and their
precious daughter, Juli M. Johnston, and his beloved children, Mrs. Linda
M. Tyson and Wendell L. Johnston and their families; his loving mother, Mrs.
Alice (Dee) Cherrington, his sister, Mrs. Janet (Lee) Gilliland, step-siblings:
Martin (Joy) Cherrington, Mrs. Patricia C.(Sam) D'Angelo, Stetson Gifford,
Greg (Jan) Gifford and their loved mother, Mrs. Barbara Johnston, uncle Mr.
Robert (Barbara) Johnston, aunt Mrs. Carrie Guttry.
Preceded in death by his father Walter L. Johnston, Dee Cherrington, aunt
Virginia Turner, uncle Evan Guttry, grandmothers Leah Schott and Viola Johnston.
Born August 13, 1935, raised and educated in Redding, CA, he
graduated with the Class of 1954 from Shasta High School where he was active
in Future Farmers of America organization.
Owner of Triple J Boring and Excavating, Homestead Hay, and
Big Valley Red Angus.
Donations may be made to the Big Valley Historical Museum; Lookout Grange
No.415; Modoc Medical Center building fund.
Marilyn Elaine Eugene
Former Alturas resident Marilyn Elaine Eugene, born April 25,
1930, in Weaverville, CA, slipped the bonds of earth and began her final journey
to the Lord on June 24, 2008.
She graduated from Modoc Union High in Alturas, CA in 1948;
received a Bachelor's Degree in Education at Chico State College in 1953 and
began a 35 year career as a Girls P.E. teacher and Counselor in California
High Schools. Placer, Taft, Roseville and Oakmont High School students
were among those privileged to learn from her dedication and enthusiasm of
women's sports. Marilyn was inducted into Chico State Athletic Hall
of Fame Oct. 3, 1998 noting undergrad participation in 6 major sports, her
devotion to her students and all sports. She was an avid supporter of
WNBA Monarchs! Marilyn was predeceased by her mother and father, Joseph
and Elaine Eugene, brother Harry, and sister Mildred Loose. She is survived
by sister Joanne Molen and brother Bill both of Las Vegas, NV, eight nieces
and nephews and a host of co-workers and friends.
An informal "Celebration of Life" and balloon release will be held July 13, 2 4 p.m. at her home, 2525 Flume Lane, Newcastle, CA. Please RSVP to 916-663-2742.
Sports
Junior girls softball tourney here
The Modoc Junior Girls Softball All-Star team will open the
District 48 Tournament at the Modoc Little League field Monday, 5:30 p.m.
when they meet the Quincy All-Stars.
The double elimination tourney will have a game each night at 5:30 p.m., July
7-11.
All games will be at the little League Field on West C Street in Alturas.
First
MX race set July 11-13
The first Modoc Motorsports Association's inaugural motocross
race will be July 11,12 and 13 at the new Cedarville Fairgrounds Track and
will be a part of two series races out of the Medford and Keno, Oregon areas.
Riders who come to this race will earn points in those series.
Local riders have been competing in the Oregon series for the past couple
of years and were anxious to get a race in Alturas. MMA organizers expect
more than 150 riders for the event.
For the races, July 11 will be a practice day with races on
July 12,13. The Pro-am event will have a $1,000 payout each day.
MMA is raffling a 2007 Yamaha Rhino 660 as the top prize to
help fund the races. Second prize will be the ATV trailer and third prize
is $250 cash.
The winning ticket will be drawn on July 13. Tickets are available at Modoc County Title, Pioneer Auto Body, Alturas Tire, Les Schwab Tire, True Value, and Main Street Coffee.
Rotary Fish Derby for kids July 4 at Pine Creek
The 51st annual Alturas Noon Rotary Fish Derby will be held
at Pine Creek reservoir on Friday, July 4. All children ages 12 years and
under are eligible to participate, using their own fishing poles and bait.
The annual event is dedicated to its founder, the late K.C. Tierney, who organized
the first Rotary Fish Derby for Modoc kids in 1957.
Beginning at 8 a.m., kids will cast their lines to start the
two-hour competition. At 10 a.m. lines must be pulled from the water, officially
ending the tournament. Rotary cooks Fritz Barclay and Penny Cruse will prepare
lunch. Club President Tim Burke and members Elaine Carrillo, Bob Brooks and
Leta Bethel will serve hot dogs and drinks to children, parents and grandparents,
while the officials Bobby Ray, Pam Couch and Don Crum finish weighing and
measuring the catch. Emcee Bob Savage will present six prizes in all- for
first fish caught by a boy and girl; biggest fish caught by a boy and girl;
and most fish or first to limit out by a boy and girl.
Although every eligible participant will receive one ticket
for special drawing, only one lucky boy and one happy girl will go home with
a brand-new bike. Alturas Rotarians and the following local merchants sponsored
prizes for the event: Seab and Karen McDonald of Seab's True Value; Ron Prevette
of Sports Hut and George and Linda Wistos of The Belligerent Duck.
The newly formed MMA has about 70 members and is open and encouraging more members to join and help with the inaugural race. The organization needs volunteers on race day.
July 10, 2008
News
Major injuries in Cedar Pass rollover
Two Alturas residents sustained major injuries in a single vehicle accident on Cedar Pass July 8, 12:40 p.m.The California Highway Patrol reports that Jay L. Eppler, age 55, was westbound in a 2007 Honda at an unknown speed at the top of Cedar Pass. He allowed the vehicle to leave the paved portion of the highway, where the Honda struck a sign, a rock face and then rolled over several times.
Eppler and a passenger in the vehicle, V.M. Gardner, age 16, were transported by ambulance to Surprise Valley Hospital and then flown out to Mercy Hospital in Redding. Both were reported to have major injuries.The CHP states that seatbelts and airbags reduced injuries.Flying sheet metal damaged a vehicle on State Route 299 east of Adin July 6, 4:17 p.m., but no injuries were reported. According to the CHP, Ray Hawk, 33, of Adin, was eastbound driving a 1996 Subaru at about 45 m.p.h., towing a utility trailer. Sheet metal on the trailer became airborne and struck a 2007 Dodge Charger driven by Lance Nelson, 38, of Seattle. Nelson was behind the Hawk vehicle. He tried to avoid the flying metal, but it hit the right front of the Charger, flew around and collided with the right passenger door. Both vehicles were able to stop safely. The Charger had damage to the right front bumper, fender, hood, right headlights and the right door.
City will
put sale tax issue on ballot
The Alturas City Council passed a resolution Tuesday night,
which will put a half-cent sales tax issue on the November ballot.
The issue will only affect transactions in the City of Alturas
and the funds raised by the sales tax increase would be used specifically
for public safety, police and fire protection.
The City will call the special election issue along with the
general election on November 4. Registered voters in the City will have the
option to say "yes" or "no" to the new tax. To pass, it
will require a two-thirds majority of those voting in the city election.
Police Chief Ken Barnes said the funding is necessary, in part, because of the uncertainty of state and federal funding. Barnes said the funding would be used to improve and maintain the public safety services in Alturas.
Hospital
debt rate slows down
Modoc Medical Center's debt to Modoc County went up to $11,200,542
at the end of June, an increase of $109,177. That's an improvement over last
month's increase of $197,210, according to Modoc County Auditor Judi Stevens.
For the first six months of this year, the debt has increased by $946,374.
May's hospital debt went up to $11,091,365 from $10,894,425
at the end of April and from $10,472,337 at the end of March.
The debt was $10,423,955 at the end of February. That compares
to a debt of $10,254,168 at the end of January.
The debt was $9,796,084 at the end of December.
The debt has increased since September 2005's $4,690,812 by a total of $6,509,730.
SOH trying to get LAFCO app done
The Save Our Hospital Local Agency Formation Commission sub-committee
is now working hard to complete a business plan, with updated financial information
reflecting the current healthcare uncertainties.
"We're confident our business plan, along with the legal
opinion favorable to Save Our Hospital will present enough information that
the Board of Supervisors can sign the resolution allowing the proposed hospital
district to be submitted to voters within the proposed district boundaries,"
said SOH's Lau Miller.
SOH hopes to submit district formation materials to LAFCO by
the end of July in an effort to get the issue on the ballot next spring. The
formation of a district will have to pass the voters by a simple majority
while the funding portion of the district will have to pass by a two-thirds
vote.
The proposal by SOH calls for a tax per "unique" property
owner, basically defined as one assessment regardless of the number of parcels
the person owns. People will not be taxed per parcel they own.
The ultimate plan is for SOH to have everything in place to
put the District formation and funding measures to the voters in March 2009.
In addition to that plan, the Board of Supervisors is considering
placing a measure on the November ballot seeking a short-term tax to actually
help keep the hospital open and cover the operation costs. That issue will
come back to the Board for discussion at the July 15 meeting. That tax issue
would also have to pass by a two-thirds majority to be implemented.
The Board has also directed staff to contact an interested private
firm, Blackhawk, of Austin, Texas and invite them to tour Modoc Medical Center
in the near future. The county would be investigating a purchase, lease purchase,
or operating contract with that firm, depending upon the firm's assessment
of the local hospital.
The Board is concerned that the SOH vote may be too late and is investigating other options, if that plan does not pan out. The fact that any vote on special taxes requires passage by a "super-majority" of two-thirds is also a serious concern.
Obituaries:
Rose (James) Ash
Rose Mae Ash, known as "Mom" to the many kids she
raised over the years, in addition to her own large, loving blended and extended
family, passed away on the evening of July 7, 2008, at Modoc Medical Center,
Alturas, CA. She was 78.
A loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Rose
and her husband Paul worked side by side for many years serving their customers,
young and old, at their business, the popular Munch Box drive-in and restaurant
in Alturas from1983 until 1996. Even when they sold the business, they continued
to help the new owners by working behind the counter and taking care of customers.
Born on June 11, 1930 in Sego, Utah, to Anna (Kufner) and James
Burrough James, the family moved to Ashland, OR where Rose graduated from
Ashland High School in 1949. Her father worked for the railroad and her parents
later moved to Modoc County. Rose started her own life in Modoc in 1964, when
she moved here with her two sons when she was 34. Her daughter Sandy was born
in Alturas. After her father died in January and her mother died in April
1969, Rose helped raise her siblings, as she was the eldest of 11 children.
Her youngest sister was 13 at the time. Rose also helped raise many nieces
and nephews. Her kids and grandchildren were her life.
Rose married Paul Donald Ash on May 10, 1970 in Reno, NV. Over
the years, Rose worked at the Alturas bowling lanes restaurant as a server,
as a cook for Warnerview Convalescent and a local preschool, and in food service
with Modoc Joint Unified School District. In 1982 Rose retired as the MJUSD
Nutritionist in charge. The following year, she and Paul purchased The Munch
Box. Rose found time to write poetry, read, draw, crochet, sing and became
a "professional grandma" to her family. She was also a Cub Scout
Den Leader and a Blue Bird Leader. She made sure family reunions were organized
and well attended. Her home was always open to anyone who needed a place and
a meal. She cared about people and was dearly loved.
She was preceded in death by her parents James Burrough James
and Anna (Kufner) James and brother James Burrough James, Jr.
She is survived by her loving husband Paul Ash of Alturas, CA;
children: son Richard Brush, Jr. and wife Cora of Corning, CA; son Robin Brush
and wife Judath of Alturas, CA; daughter Sandy Hartman and husband Tony of
Alturas, CA; stepdaughters Cris and Victor James, Noxon, MT.; Renae and Tom
Redman, Osceola, Nebraska; Charla and Jay Baker, Dodge City, KS; Tracy and
Buck Silva, Alturas, CA; Mari Jo and Jim Owens, Ignacio, CO; sisters: Dorris
Wiley, Ashland, OR; Betty Robinson, Sacramento, CA; Pamela Todaro, Chicago,
IL; Jackie Banuelous, Klamath Falls, OR; Francis Elliot, Fallon, NV; Helen
Clark, Klamath Falls, OR; brothers: Johnny James, Alturas, CA; Larry James,
Ashland, OR; Victor James, Noxon, MT; 23 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren
and numerous nieces and nephews.
Viewing will be held from 8 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. on Friday, July
11 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Alturas. LDS Church
President Carl Hubble will conduct services at 9 a.m. at the church. Following
the service, friends and family are invited to gather at the home of Rose
and Paul Ash at 432 West 19th St., Alturas.
Memorials may be made to any humanitarian cause.
Helen M. Sweet
Alturas resident Helen Melissa Chapman Sweet, 58, went home
to be with her Lord Jesus on June 29, 2008 at Mercy Hospital in Redding.
She was born October 23, 1949 in McComb, Mississippi and lived
in Beemer, Nebraska before moving to Redding in 1963. She graduated from Enterprise
High School, Redding in 1967. Helen moved to Alturas, CA in 1983. She married
former Modoc County Sheriff Raymond Sweet on July 9, 1986 in Alturas, CA.
She was a devoted, loving wife and mother who loved gardening and growing
flowers, fishing and camping with her family and hunting with her husband.
Helen loved to go for drives in the Warner Mountains and appreciated nature's
gifts. She also appreciated items made of brass and became a collector of
many pieces.
Helen was a professional, capable, kind person with a good attitude
and sense of humor.
While living in Redding, she was a manager, bonded through Alcoholic
Beverage Control. She also was radio advisory operator for a private flying
club and worked in attendant care supervising patient transports to or from
hospitals by plane and auto. Once she moved to Modoc County, Helen worked
for five seasons at Lynetta Ranches, driving a swather. She was hired in 1984
as a matron-dispatcher at Modoc County Sheriff's Dept. She worked as a teller
at Heart Federal Savings and Loan in Alturas in 1985 and was hired in 1986
as the Civil Clerk for Modoc Justice Court and later as a victim witness advocate.
From 1990 until 1995, Helen worked at State Farm Insurance Agency in Alturas
as secretary, office manager and became state licensed in insurance sales.
She underwent seven back surgeries as an adult and had recently been diagnosed
with cancer.
She was preceded in death by her parents J.A. Chapman and Helen
Chapman Welch; niece Angie Lyons; brother Eddie Chapman; stepfather Robert
Welch and Ray's parents Willard and Pearl Sweet.
She is survived by her husband Raymond Sweet of Alturas, CA; son Richard Chapman
of Alturas; stepdaughter Renee and husband Pete Coats of Cedarville, CA; Stepson
John Sweet of Chowchilla, CA; grandchildren Sean and Allie Chapman of Alturas
and Nathan Calhan of Red Bluff; sister Loretta Clink of Redding and best friend
since high school Dona McIndoo of Redding and step-mother-in-law Lola Sweet
of Gerlach, NV. She will be forever loved and missed by all who knew her.
Graveside memorial services will be conducted by the Rev. Dr. Ben Zandstra
on Saturday, July 12, at 11 a.m. at the Alturas Cemetery. A gathering with
refreshments will follow at the Alturas Elks Lodge. Arrangements by Kerr Mortuary.
Memorials may be made to any local charity of the donor's choice.
Ruby G. Rodriquez
Ruby Gladys Rodriquez, 78, passed away peacefully on July 7,
2008, at Modoc Medical Center in Alturas, California. Ruby had moved to Warnerview
Convalescent in 1998, where she came to know everyone and lived for 10 years.
Ruby was born in Anderson, California on March 28, 1930 to Louis and Jewel
Wool. She attended Sherman Indian School in Riverside, California. She was
small-framed but a strong, hard worker. Throughout the years she worked and
managed orchard fields, picked peaches and strawberries and supervised orchard
workers. She also did various housekeeping duties throughout Northern California.
She owned a home and property in Nubieber and was a Pit River Tribal Elder.
Her long-time companion Steven J. Varela passed away in 1994. In 1997, Ruby
had a heart attack and a stroke. She moved to Hayward to live with her sister
for a time, but longed to return home. She lived on her own for a time at
her Nubieber home and the following year, she moved to Warnerview for more
care. In May of 2008, she fell and broke a hip, then had a second stroke,
while undergoing surgery. She returned to live at Warnerview.Ruby is survived
by her only child Celeste "Lawana" "Minnie" and husband
Eddy Martinez of Reno, NV and two grandsons, Gregory L. Rhoades of Southern
California and Jeffrey T. and wife Tracy Fuller of Reno, NV and one great-grandson
Brandon L. Fuller of Reno, NV. She is also survived by her sister Marjorie
Martinez of Hayward, CA; nieces Diane, Loretta, Kathy, Jessie, several great-nieces,
nephews and numerous relatives.There will be a wake on Friday, July 11, 7:00
p.m., at the Burney Community Center. Funeral will be held on Saturday July
12 at 11:00 a.m. at Burney Community Center. For more information contact
Pit River Tribal Office 530-335-5421.
Elayne Eleanor Ramey
Elayne Eleanor Ramey, age 88, passed away at the home of her
daughter in Adin, CA on July 6, 2008. She spent her last year living
with each of her daughters in their homes in Palm Springs and Adin, CA, but
was a life-long resident of Modesto, CA.
Elayne was born to George and Gertrude Epperson on February
8, 1920 in Modesto, CA. Elayne married Jack Ramey on June 29, 1939. Jack
and Elayne owned several businesses including the Modesto Printing Company,
Dryden Poultry & Breeding Farm and Pleasant Hill Golf & Country Club. Throughout
her life, Elayne held a myriad of jobs including working on a canning line,
movie theater usher, cake decorator, event coordinator, piano player and bingo
caller for a convalescent hospital where her mother passed. But her favorite
job of all was loving her husband Jack and two beautiful daughters Jackie
and Jill. Another great love Elayne always cherished was that of her
Lord, Jesus Christ. In a letter to one of her grandchildren she wrote,
"Anything about the Bible (the Word of God) you cannot understand give
it to the Lord now, and when we get to heaven, He will tell us all." So
the Lord is getting plenty of questions right now and He has an eager listener!
Elayne was preceded in death by her brother Lloyd Epperson,
grandson Jeff Collinson and husband Jack Ramey. She is survived by daughters
Jackie Mullen and her husband Dave of Palm Springs, CA and Jill Thomas and
her husband Spencer of Adin, CA; grandchildren Cory Manzo and her husband
Pablo of Shingle Springs, CA; Todd Hultgren and his wife Stacy of Henderson,
NV; Holly Krieg of Adin; Coupar Thomas of Anderson, CA and Baley Plascencia
and her husband Pedro of Wildomar, CA, and eight great-grandchildren.
A private memorial service will be held at the Lakewood Memorial
Park in Hughson, CA. The family is forever grateful to Intermountain
Hospice.
Melinda Ann Reed
Melinda Ann Reed of Alturas, a 20-year, well-loved resident
of Alturas passed away at her home in Likely, CA Wednesday morning, July 9,
2008. She was 61. A memorial celebration of life gathering will take place
at the Likely Fire Hall on Saturday, July 12 at 11 a.m.Known as "Linda"
to her many friends, she had worked as a medical assistant for the past six
years at Modoc Medical Clinic, Alturas, until she was diagnosed with cancer
in May. She was born Melinda Ann Marsh on May 21, 1947 in Santa Rosa, CA.
She married Dennis Reed, Sr. on February 26, 1964 in Sebastopol, CA. While
their three children were growing up, she was a full-time, stay-at-home mother,
while her husband traveled, working in construction.
"Mom loved people and found good in everyone," recalls her eldest child, Becky Roberts of Susanville. "She was one to give everyone the benefit of the doubt." Her family gathered for a reunion and barbecue in April, with no idea that Linda was sick. Linda was able to see her new great-grandchild and her grandchildren. "She loved her family, her kids, grandchildren and great-grandchildren."When the family moved to Modoc County, Linda trained and went to work as a Certified Nurse Assistant at Warnerview Convalescent Hospital for 11 years. She enjoyed helping people. She also enjoyed gardening and quilting. She and Dennis celebrated their 44 years of marriage this year. She will be missed dearly by her loving family and many good friends.She is survived by her husband Dennis Reed, Sr. of Likely, CA; daughter Becky and husband Larry Roberts of Susanville, CA; son Dennis and wife Lisa Reed of Alturas, CA; son Darrin and wife Sally Reed of Fairfield, MT; nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Arrangements by Kerr Mortuary.
Sports
Motocross race expects to be roaring
This weekend will be roaring at the new Modoc Motorsports Association
inaugural motocross racetrack in Cedarville just west of the Fairgrounds arena.
MMA organizers expect racers from throughout the region, including
Oregon Nevada and the Redding area. They are expecting a full race card in
all events.
July 11 will be a practice day with full races on July 12,13.
The Pro-am event will have a $1,000 payout each day. There is no gate fee
on Friday, and the gate for Saturday and Sunday is $10 for non MMA members
and $5 for members.
Gates will open at 6:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday with registration
at 7 a.m. and racing will start at 10 a.m. following a hour practice session.
The races are part of two series races out of the Medford and
Keno, Oregon areas. Riders who come to this race will earn points in those
series. Local riders have been competing in the Oregon series for the past
couple of years and were anxious to get a race in Alturas. MMA organizers
expect more than 150 riders for the event.
MMA is raffling a 2007 Yamaha Rhino 660 as the top prize to
help fund the races. Second prize will be the ATV trailer and third prize
is $250 cash.
The winning ticket will be drawn on July 13. Tickets are available
at Modoc County Title, Pioneer Auto Body, Alturas Tire, Les Schwab Tire, True
Value, and Main Street Coffee.
The newly formed MMA has about 70 members and is open and encouraging more
members to join and help with the inaugural race. The organization needs volunteers
on race day.
The Alturas Lions Club will be manning the concession stand for the event.
Modoc
girls move on in tourney
Modoc's Junior Girls All-Star team won the district tourney
here this week and now travel to the sectionals at Wheatland, with the first
game July 16.
Modoc beat Quincy 14-3 in the first game, then Quincy came back
to beat Modoc 12-11 in the second game.
Modoc won the championship game 14-12 in extra innings.
Major
boys stars lose in Quincy
Modoc's Major Boys All-star team finished in fourth place at
the District 48 tournament held in Quincy.
After losing the first game the team battled back through the loser's bracket
and missed making the semi- finals by losing 5-4 in their final game against
Intermountain.
The major league regular season boy's winners were the Braves,
who went 12-0 and the girl's title team was the Phillies who had a 10-2 record.
The boys team consisted of Kyle Royce, Dillon Egle, Zack Delette,
Fernando Alcala, Alex Valencia, David Buckley, Tyler Doss, Jefferey Sims,
Charlie McGarva, Daniel Beebout, KC Brandsted and Arthur Delette.
The Phillies team members were: Elizabeth Sanchez, Macie Larranaga, Tamera
Wheeler, Kelly Jo Schmidt, Linzie Malcom, Jodi Budreaux, Sierra Kerr, Kimberly
Dewitt, Kristen Reed and Isabella Cervantes.
The two teams were coached by Ernie Givan, with assistance from Victoria Larranaga,
Dale Dewitt and Greg Valencia.
Disc
Golf course opens
The Grand Opening of the Warner Park Disc Golf Course located
on the corner of Warner and 8thStreet was held on Thursday, July 3rd.
Pat Cantrall cut the ribbon to open of the park for play.
There were seventy people in attendance a great turn out.
Discs can to checked out at Alturas Swimming Pool and Modoc Family Center
(located just east of Alturas Elementary).
The First Annual Disc Golf Tournament was held on Friday, July 4th. The winner of the tournament was Mike Asher. The winner won a free night at Surprise Valley Hot Springs.
July 17th 2008
News
Hospital options narrow, district moves forward
The options for the future of Modoc Medical Center narrowed considerably this week when a potential management company dropped out and no path to a county levy vote was found.
According to CEO Mike Maxwell, Blackhawk Healthcare LLC, out of Austin, Texas, opted out of the management of MMC. He said the company felt this area was just too remote and too far away from major medical facilities.
On Tuesday, County Counsel John Kinney told the Board he had not found a legal vehicle that would allow it to place a county special tax issue for the hospital on the November ballot. He will continue to study the issue, but the county will soon be facing a deadline to get the issue on that ballot.
So, one of the remaining few options on the table is the Save Our Hospital Committee’s healthcare district plan. That project has moved forward and the business plan was presented to the county Tuesday evening. The Board will hold a public hearing on that plan and the formation of a district August 5, 9:30 a.m. in the Modoc County Sheriff’s Conference Room.
The Board needs to adopt a resolution between it and the SOH to forward the entire package to the Modoc Local Agency Formation Commission, which must approve the formation of the Last Frontier Healthcare District.
Once LAFCO approves the formation of the district, it must go before a vote of the people within the boundaries of the district, defined loosely as an area similar to the Modoc Joint Unified School District, but not including Davis Creek or New Pine Creek.
Voters will be asked to approve the formation of the district, requiring a simple majority to pass and a second question will ask voters to approve an annual per property owner assessment of between $175 and $195. The assessment has to pass by a two-thirds margin of those casting ballots in the election.
The plan is to have the special election next spring, probably in March. According to SOH’s figures, the $175 assessment could raise $2,708,825 annually and a $195 assessment would raise $3,018,305.
It’s interesting to note that there are 2,212 owners living within the district and 13,267 living outside the district, primarily California Pines property owners. The in-district owners would contribute $387,100 at the $175 rate and outside owners would pay $2,321,725. Only owners who reside in the district are allowed to vote on the issue.
State budget could be devastating
Modoc County Chief Administrative Officer Mike Maxwell said the department heads in the county have done a solid job on their budget proposals this year, but he fears what the state impacts will yield.
“Potentially, the state could close our hospital and devastate the county this year,” Maxwell said Wednesday. “We don’t know just what the budget impacts will be yet.”
Maxwell said as the budget recommendation from the legislature conference committee sits now, the county would lose the Rural Sheriff’s money amounting to $500,000 annually, another $100,000 in COPS funding, and there is still a talk of 10 percent cuts in other areas and a five percent cut in the medical reimbursement to the hospital.
Also looming on the horizon is a return to a “property tax shift” the state used in the recent past. That would allow the state to set aside Prop. 1A and Prop 40 requirements on county property tax and gas tax allocations.
Maxwell said he figure he’s upside down on the county budget by about $300,000 now, but could manage that amount. If some of the other state cuts happen, it would mean the county would be closer to a $1 million shortfall and he said “that would be bad.”
If the state continues its intent to cut the Rural Sheriff’s funding, that $500,000 cut will create some serious hardships, Maxwell said.
As it stands now, the conference committee is proposing the cuts, plus some new taxes. The probability of new taxes getting a required two-thirds majority vote in the legislature is remote.
Maxwell said he has no clear picture, nor does anyone else, as to when the state will finally adopt its budget. He said the county has gotten to a point where its budget is a good as it can be, until the final ramifications from the state come down.
Modoc assessed value up 5.69 percent
Secured property values in Modoc rose by 5.69 percent on the 2008-09 Assessment roll, released by Assessor Cheri Budmark July 7. The values went from last year’s $821,712,559 to $868,447,666.
Budmark notes that the increase is below last year’s level of 8.48 percent. She also said that approximately 2,183 parcels reflected a decline in value. The unsecured roll increased by .02 percent, from $29,847,795 to $29,855,234.
The total local assessment roll increased by 5.49 percent, $851,560,354 up $898,302,900.
Budmark reported that 18.93 percent of the total parcels in the county still reflect a 1975 land base year.
Budmark said changes in ownership amounted to $23,436,637, a 44.33 percent increase. That’s down dramatically from last year when change in ownership, new construction and so on amounted to $49,899,657, an increase of 76.28 percent.
There were 2,236 parcels reappraised for change in ownership and 534 parcels were reappraised or reviewed because of new construction in 2007. This year, 1,430 were reappraised for change in ownership and 532 parcels for new construction. That represents 274 fewer parcels reappraised.
There continues to be a slow down of activity in the California Pines area, as there is no major resale program continuing in that subdivision. This year here were 1,406 documents processed for Cal Pines, compared to 2,060 in 2006, 2,069 in 2005, 2,429 in 2004, and 3,496 in 2003.
The California Pines subdivision makes up 19.98 percent of the total secured roll in the county. That’s up from last year’s 19.49 percent. The lands outside of Alturas make up 31.17 percent of the roll, the City of Alturas and Surprise Valley each make up 13.58 percent, Tulelake 12.36 percent, Big Valley 7.92 percent and Day 1.41 percent.
The Williamson Act value showed a 59.05 percent decrease in value, with 614 parcels under contract, amounting to a decrease of $45,148,097, with the state subvention amounting to $195,594.
Torres named Modoc fair Queen
By Jean Bilodeaux
Special to the Record
Rachel Torres Raelea Vickerman
Rachel Torres of Lookout was selected as Miss Modoc Queen at the final competition held at the Modoc County Fairgrounds on Saturday evening. She attends Big Valley High School and enjoys playing the piano, reading, sports, and showing livestock. Rachel hopes to attend a two year community college before transferring to a University and receiving a degree in Agriculture. She is the daughter of Abe and Renee Torres. Rachel is being sponsored by the Adin Supply and the Hoffman Hereford Ranch.
Raelea Vickerman, a junior at Modoc High School and is the daughter of Brett and Nikki Vickerman. Raelea hopes to attend UC Davis and become a veterinarian after her graduation from high school. As an outdoor enthusiast she enjoys riding, roping and rodeos. She is being sponsored by the Dunn Cattle Company and the Modoc Veterinary Center.
Both the queen and her princess will represent Modoc County in a year-long series of events and appearances in the tri-state area.
Fire restrictions start July 25 on BLM lands, Modoc Forest
Fire season restrictions on outdoor use of fire and firewood cutting begin Friday, July 25, on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) public lands and the Modoc National Forest.
The restrictions apply to the entire forest and to public lands managed by the BLM Alturas, Eagle Lake and Surprise field offices in Modoc, Lassen, Plumas, Sierra, Shasta, Siskiyou, and Washoe counties. The South Warner Wilderness Area is exempt.
Use of chainsaws for woodcutting will be allowed until 1 p.m. daily on BLM-managed lands. On the Modoc National Forest, forest users are required to call the woodcutting/fire danger hotline, (530) 233-8819, before working in the woods. Chainsaw use is regulated according to daily fire danger levels.
Under the restrictions:
• Open fires are not allowed outside of posted, developed campgrounds and recreation sites, even with a campfire permit. Portable stoves and lanterns using gas, pressurized liquid fuel or jellied petroleum may be used outside of developed recreation sites. A campfire permit, available at all BLM and Forest Service offices, is required.
• Smoking is not allowed, except within developed recreation sites, inside buildings or in enclosed vehicles.
• Motor vehicles must remain on established roads and trails.
• Target shooters may not use tractor, metal jacket, incendiary or exploding ammunition.
As fire dangers increase through the summer firewood cutting may be suspended in some areas. Fire officials urge woodcutters to cut firewood early.
Fire restrictions are already in place for the Lassen and Plumas national forests, and for public lands managed by the BLM’s Redding and Carson City field offices. Those who plan to recreate in the wild lands should contact a BLM or Forest Service office to determine which fire restrictions are in effect.
Obituaries:
Jane Ellen Tarwater
Jane Ellen Tarwater, age 84, went home to be with the Lord on July 14, 2008. She passed at Modoc Medical Center, Alturas, CA.
Jane was born Nov. 8, 1923, in Excelsior Springs, MO to Thomas Jasper Tarwater and Nancy Ellen (Smart) Tarwater. She graduated from Excelsior Springs High School. She moved to Whittier, CA in the 1950s after the death of her father, to be close to her sister and family. For a few years, she worked for the telephone company and then went to work for the civil service. She lived in Bellflower and Paramount during this time, while working at the Naval Hospital in Long Beach and civil service positions in nearby cities. She retired in 1985 and moved to Alturas with her sister in December 1990.
Jane never married and thought of the many cats that she took care of over the years as her children. She loved animals and would never turn away a cat that came to her door. A big thanks to the volunteers at the High Plateau Humane Society whenever she needed help with her “children,” says her niece Nancy. Thank you to Warnerview SNF and Modoc Medical Center who took such good care of her these last months. She was preceded in death by her sister, Eleanor Atchison in September 2007 whom she missed very much. They are now having a great heavenly reunion. She is survived by her niece Nancy and husband Jim Walters of Alturas, CA; nephew Brad and Denise Atchison of Corona, CA and other nieces, nephews and cousins.
Kerr Mortuary is handling arrangements in Alturas and Jane will be laid to rest on July 18, 2008 next to her mother and father in Excelsior Springs, MO. The family also expresses their thanks to Jane’s niece, Betty Jewell who is helping with arrangements in Excelsior Springs.
Grover Cecil ‘Smitty’ Smith, Jr.
Grover Cecil “Smitty” Smith, Jr. passed away peacefully at his home in Ft. Bidwell, CA on July 8, 2008, after a battle of Lewy Body disease. Mr. Smith was born August 9, 1932 in San Andreas, CA. He married his wife Gayle in Carson City, NV on Dec. 1, 1952.
Mr. Smith retired from National Can Corp. where he worked as a Seamer mechanic. He loved working with his hands and was a perfectionist. His projects were a thing of beauty. His passions were his family, wife, children, father-in-law Irving Dark, his love of the Lord and going fishing.
Mr. Smith is survived by his wife of 52 years Gayle Smith of Ft. Bidwell; five children: Bonnie and spouse Joseph Renteria of Whittier, CA; Rebecca Thurman of Ft. Bragg, CA; Jonathan and wife Tammie Smith of Ft. Bragg; Jody and spouse Eddie Ito of Las Vegas, NV; Jason and spouse Melissa Smith of Louisville, KY; 11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; one sibling Evelyn Gillespie of Ft. Bragg, CA. He was preceded by his parents, Grover and Lois; one brother Richard and three sisters Bernice, Sibyl and Alice.
Private services will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be sent to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, Inc. to aid research at LBDA, P.O. Box 451429, Atlanta, Georgia 31145-9429.
Sports
Golf tourney in memory of Dr. Roberts
Plans are coming together for the first Dr. Roberts' Fund Golf Tournament
to be held on Sept. 7 at the Likely Place Golf Course. A $10,000 prize
for a hole in one is being offered by Les Schwab. Each hole will be sponsored
by an individual, business or corporation. The Golf Tournament is being
sponsored by the Dr. Roberts Surprise Valley Hospital Emergency Fund, Inc.
Details of the event will be forthcoming.
Dr. Roberts was a colorful and much beloved physician throughout Modoc
County. She practiced in Surprise Valley for 21 years, seeing patients until
just a few days before her death last Nov. Little known to the general public,
she was also a major benefactor to the hospital.
Surprise Valley Hospital exists primarily because of the generosity of
the people of Surprise Valley through a self-voted tax and contributions
from inside and out of the area.
"Although Dr. Roberts can never be replaced in any real sense, we
are establishing a fund in her memory that will help to keep our hospital
viable during fiscal emergencies," said Bill Benner, member of the
fund's board.
Due to the small size of the rural community served by the hospital, combined
with the poor economy of the area, keeping the hospital's doors open is
a constant challenge.
"We don't have deep pockets and our governor has made it clear we
are on our own concerning the upcoming cuts in MediCal and MediCare reimbursements.
The payments for these services already given are essential to our staying
open. This fund will help us through the hard times," said Wanda Grove,
Surprise Valley Hospital Administrator.
The Dr. Roberts fund has just received its tax exempt status under section
501(c)(3). This means that any contributions made to this fund are tax deductible.
Donations of any amount will be gratefully accepted and annual dues for
membership in the Dr. Roberts Fund is $100 per person, $500 for individual
sponsorship, $1,000 for corporate sponsors or $10,000 to become a lifetime
associate member with no annual dues.
"Our intention is to have an annual appreciation dinner for all our
fund members and we are always open to suggestions on ways to raise money
to keep our hospital open," adds Benner.
Questions and further information may be obtained by calling the Surprise Valley Hospital at 530-279-6111 or any board member including Wanda Grove, Joyce Gysin, Gae Quigley, Mike Whalen, Gary Odgers, Linda Schultz or Bill Benner. Also a website: www.drrobertsfund.org is being developed to explain the life of Dr. Roberts and the fund formed in her memory..
Golf tourney results
The results of the Arrowhead Junior Golf League are as follows.
In the 11-to-12 year old group, Jonathan Morgan was first, Matt Weber was
second and Rylee Pedotti was third.
In the 13-14 group, the winner was Bradley Widby, with Trent McQuarrie
second, and Alex McQuarrie third.
Drew Morgan was the winner in the 15-16 group, with Nathan Juanarena second
and Justin Lee third.
In the Elks Tournament, the winners were Dean Winfree and Elmer Winfree,
with Marty Yamagiwa and Steve Riley taking second. Danny Parker and Bradley
Widby tied for third with Kyle and Keith Weber.
MHS athletes need physicals
Modoc High School Athletic Director and football coach Shaun Wood reminds
athletes to get their physicals and sports information cards completed before
the start of practice.
Modoc High School fall sports include football, volleyball, cross-country
and soccer. Football practice will start August 11.
Physical forms are available at the Modoc Joint Unified School District Office on Fourth Street. Modoc Medical center also has forms available.
July 24th 2008
News
Secure Rural Schools funding not dead yet
The possibility of a resuscitation of the Secure Rural Schools and Communities
Act remains in the works, prompting local officials to think there is some
hope it will breathe again.
Modoc Land Use Analyst Sean Curtis said there is a lot of activity concerning
the issue, especially as it relates to an emergency funding bill concerning
the Midwest floods and California wildfires. That is one of five options
listed in a briefing this week from Bob Douglas, Executive Director of the
National Forest Counties and Schools Coalition.
Modoc County Superintendent of Schools Gary Jones believes that of the
five options, the emergency flooding and fire bill and another dealing with
a second economic stimulus package have the best chances of passing.
"I know there is talk of a multi-year funding package, but I'm thinking
it's more realistic to plan for a one-year extension," said Jones Tuesday.
The five options on the table in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate vary greatly.
Fire restrictions begin
on Modoc NF Friday
Vegetation on the Modoc National Forest is drying and wildfire risk is
increasing. As a result, the Forest will enter fire restrictions, Fri.,
July 25. These restrictions included campfire use, off-road driving and
smoking outside of designated recreation areas.
(If you are unsure if your favorite site is a "Designated Recreation Site," call or visit a forest office.) The South Warner Wilderness Area and the Big Sage Fire Management Unit are exempt from the restrictions.
Road management plan
has changes
During scoping for the Travel Management Plan, the Modoc National Forest
received additional information that led to two changes to the proposed
action that was published in the Federal Register, May 12. Because of these
changes, the scoping period will be extended to August 8.
The proposed changes are:
Propose closing 3.12 miles of road to off highway vehicle use from Glass
Mountain Pumice Mine to County Road 97. Roads 44N08, 44N72Y, 44A018 and
77N01 are used by high volume of heavy trucks and are not safe for OHV use.
Proposing removal of the seasonal closure for bald eagle winter roost along system roads 44A19D, 44A19C, 44N19, ffN20 and 44N04Y. These roads have been open to public use with no discernable disturbance to the bald eagles during their wintering period.
New hospital grant moving forward
While the actual funding has not gone through the entire approval process,
the Modoc Frontier Healthcare Coalition remains positive that the $300,000
planning grant to build a new hospital in Alturas will be approved.
Jerry Smith, representing the coalition, which includes the County of Modoc,
City of Alturas, Pit River Nation and Cedarville Rancheria, said his conversations
with U.S. Senate and Congressional representatives this week have been encouraging.
He said the U.S. House of Representatives committee has approved the initial $300,000 grant, and there is an effort in the Senate to add another $200,000. Once the two houses come together with an allocation, it should be funded.
Obituaries:
Sandra S. Wingate
Sandra S. Wingate passed away at her home in Alturas, CA on July 21, 2008
from Cancer. Mrs. Wingate was born November 6, 1943, in Burbank, CA.
Mrs. Wingate and her Husband Gary Wingate have been married for 49 years
and have been residents of Modoc County since 1979, where Sandra worked
as a waitress for 24 years.
Private services will be held at a later date.
Alice (McGarva) Hicks
Alice Isabella Hicks, 89, passed away at her home in Cedarville, CA on
July 18, 2008. Born Alice McGarva in Oakland, CA on January 13, 1919, Mrs.
Hicks was a long-time Modoc resident who took an active role in her community.
Her family will announce a memorial service at a future date. Kerr Mortuary
is handling arrangements. Mrs. Hicks' obituary and services will be published
in a future issue.
Larry E. Musfelt
Larry E. Musfelt was born on July 4,1948 in Mercedes, Texas. He served
in U.S. Navy from 1965 to 1973, when he was honorably discharged. He died
on July 13, 2008 at the VA Hospital in Spokane, Washington.
Community Cremation Services of Spokane, Washington handled arrangements.
Condolences may be emailed to Mr. Musfelt's family at judyehaslett@yahoo.com.
Virginia Kelley
A graveside service for Virginia Kelley, long time resident of Modoc County,
will be held at the Alturas Cemetery on Friday, August 1 at 11:00 a.m. Following
the service, the family invites everyone to California Pines for lunch and
a time of remembrance.
Mrs. Kelley passed away in Texas on May 14, 2008.
Flora June Lord
A graveside inurnment for Flora June Lord will take place with family and
friends welcome on Saturday, August 2 at 10:30 a.m. at the Likely Cemetery.
June was born in 1916 in Likely, CA. and was the last surviving child of
Will and Gladys Flournoy.
Mrs. Lord died January 19, 2008 in Redding, CA. She was 92. Her inurnment
will be with her late husband Philip B. Lord at the Likely Cemetery.
Sports
Youth hoops camp August 11-13
The Sunrise Rotary Club of Alturas is sponsoring its inaugural Youth Basketball
Camp August 11-13 at the Griswold Gym.
The camp is open to all players, boys and girls grades four through 12.
The fee is $25, which includes camp registration and a T-shirt. Modoc High
varsity girls coach Bill Hall is running the camp with assistance from coaches
and players.
The camp will start each night at 5 p.m. and run until 8 p.m. For more information call Hall at 530-233-6333 or 530-233-5807.
MHS athletes need physicals
Modoc High School Athletic Director and football coach Shaun Wood reminds
athletes to get their physicals and sports information cards completed before
the start of practice.
Modoc High School fall sports include football, volleyball, cross-country
and soccer. Football practice will start August 11.
Physical forms are available at the Modoc Joint Unified School District Office on Fourth Street. Modoc Medical center also has forms available.
July 31, 2008
News
MMC does very well in CAH survey
Modoc Medical Center in Alturas performed very well in the Joint Commission
for Critical Access Hospital survey the first of this week; boosting optimism
that certification is probable.
According to Interim Hospital Chief Executive Officer Jim Sato, this portion of the survey dealt with patient care and the final portion will be the plant engineer from the Joint Commission, who will inspect the facility. He expects that survey to be completed in the not-too-distant future.
Burglars, vandals hit
Modoc Middle School
Burglars and vandals caused up to $100,000 in damages to Modoc Middle School
late Monday or early Tuesday morning.
According to Alturas Chief of Police Ken Barnes, the damage was extensive to several classrooms and offices, the library and $350 in cash was stolen from a safe in the Principal's office.
Woman dies in US 395
rollover
A Las Vegas woman died from injuries sustained in a single vehicle rollover
July 23, 10:10 a.m. on U.S. 395 south of Antelope Road on the Madeline Plains.
According to the California Highway Patrol, Jill Miller, age 52, of Las
Vegas, was driving a 2008 Buick northbound when for unknown reasons, the
car left the left side of the highway and rolled.
A passenger in the car, Jeanine Halk, age 39, Las Vegas, was resting in
the back seat and not wearing a seatbelt. She was ejected from the vehicle
and sustained fatal injuries.
Perlite loading facility at Mill moves forward
The plan to have Cornerstone Industrial Minerals, of Lakeview, truck its
Perlite to the Alturas Mill siding for loading onto train cars heading to
Klamath Falls is moving forward quickly.
According to Alturas Mayor John Dederick, the project could be in operation
by October, barring any major setbacks.
Obituaries:
Alice Hicks
Alice Isabella Hicks died Friday, July 18, 2008, at her home in Cedarville,
CA where she lived close to family since the death of her husband in 1985.
A Memorial Dinner in remembrance of Alice will be held at the Cedarville
Fairgrounds Saturday, August 2 at 1:00 p.m.; potluck welcomed; main dish
will be provided.
Rose Weatherholt
Rose Weatherholt 90, died as she lived, in peace and love, on Saturday,
July 19, 2008 in Tucson, Arizona. Born Rose Clarice Rider on September 13,
1917 in Alturas. In memoriam, please make a donation to Arizona Blind and
Deaf Children's Foundation, 3957 E. Speedway, Tucson, AZ 85712, or to a
charity of your choice.
Flora June Lord
A graveside inurnment for Flora June Lord will take place with family and
friends welcome on Saturday, August 2 at 10:30 a.m. at the Likely Cemetery.
June was born in 1916 in Likely, CA.
Mrs. Lord died January 19, 2008 in Redding, CA. She was 92.
Service for Virginia Kelley
A graveside service for Virginia Kelley, long time resident of Modoc County, will be held at the Alturas Cemetery on Friday, August 1 at 11:00 a.m. Following the service, the family invites everyone to California Pines for lunch and a time of remembrance.
Sports
MHS athletes need physicals
Modoc High School Athletic Director and football coach Shaun Wood reminds
athletes to get their physicals and sports information cards completed before
the start of practice.
Modoc High School fall sports include football, volleyball, cross-country
and soccer. Football practice will start August 11.
According to MHS Volleyball coach Harold Montague, volleyball practice/try-outs
will begin August 12, 6 p.m. for the varsity team and Monday August 18,
4 p.m. for the junior varsity squad. All participants must have their physicals
completed before the first day of practice.
Physical forms are available at the Modoc Joint Unified School District Office on Fourth Street. Modoc Medical center also has forms available.
News
Board supports Hospital District application
The Modoc County Board of Supervisors Tuesday voted 4-1 in favor of a resolution
for initiating procedures for the establishment of a Sphere of Influence
and formation of a Health Care District for Modoc Medical Center.
The Board adopted the resolution of which now allows the Save Our Hospital Committee to present its application to the Local Agency Formation Commission, LAFCO.
Juvenile boys arrested
in Middle School vandalism
Alturas Police arrested two juvenile males alleging they caused up to $100,000
in damages to Modoc Middle School last week. Police made the first arrests
within 72 hours of discovering the crime.
Chief of Police Ken Barnes said the two were students or former students at MMS and were age 14 or younger. Police are still investigating the crime and have not ruled out additional arrests.
Half-cent sale tax will
go on ballot
The Alturas City Council approved a resolution that will place approval
of a half-cent sales tax issue on the November 4 General Election ballot.
The measure is designed to use the half-cent increase in sales tax for
public safety purposes, providing funds for law enforcement and fire protection.
The issue will require a two-thirds majority of City voters who cast ballots in the election for it to pass.
Lightning causes small fires
Monday evening's thunderstorms caused a total of 17 lightning-caused fires
on the Modoc National Forest, the largest being contained to one-quarter
acre.
The storms did produce some moisture on the forest and thunderstorms are
predicted through August 8. The MNF remains under strict fire restrictions.
Fire fighting resources on the forest include eight MNF engines, one U.S. Fish and Wildlife engine, five contract engines, one task force of engines from Region 3, and two contract, 20-person hand crews.
Obituaries:
Tom Boyle
Leon (Tom) Boyle passed away while in the company of his loved ones in
Redding, California on July 28, 2008, at the age of 83. Tom was born June
7, 1925 in Woonsocket, R.I., to Arthur Homer Boyle (1894-1931) and Ida Arlene
Pickering Boyle (1896-1962). As a boy growing up in Massachusetts, he enjoyed
sports and the outdoors - activities he would continue to enjoy throughout
his life.
At his request, no services will be held, but there will be a memorial
service at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate
donations to the American Heart Association.
Pearl Minard
E. "Pearl" Hagerman Minard, who grew up in Alturas, passed away
in Bellflower, CA on January 6, 2008. She was 84 years and three months
and had remained active until the end, described her daughter Karen.
Born to Elizabeth and John Hagerman on October 8, 1923 in Newcastle, Indiana, "Pearl" was seven when she moved to Alturas, CA. Alturas Inurnment was private at Alturas Cemetery on August 4 at 2 p.m. Condolences may be sent to Karen Minard, 128 Rainbow Dr. #2815, Livingston, TX 77399.
Sports
MHS Soccer falls victim to budget
Chalk up Modoc High School Soccer as a victim of the budget crunch.
Soccer will not be brought back as a part of the 2008 Fall Sports season,
primarily because of its $7,500 annual cost and transportation issues.
Soccer was canceled last season because of a lack of players.
August 14, 2008
News
LAFCO waives SOH fee
The Modoc County Local Agency Formation Commission, LAFCO, voted 5-0 Tuesday
evening to waive the $5,000 application fee for the Save Our Hospital Committee.
Previously, the Commission had voted 3-2 not to waive the fee and the issue
was brought back for reconsideration.
SOH will present its application to establish a hospital district encompassing the service area of Modoc Medical Center to LAFCO, who has the responsibility to approve new special districts.
Charter school takes
huge hit
The embattled Modoc Charter School will take a huge enrollment hit for
the coming year, as over 265 Shasta County students will move into an Independent
Study program in that county.
Considering the average daily attendance funds amount to around $5,000
per student in California, Shasta County stands to pick up over $1.3 million.
The Charter School had about 450 students.
Modoc County Superintendent of Schools Gary Jones said the full impact on
the Charter School as well as the districts and the County's Special Education
programs remains unclear this week, but solid numbers should be forthcoming
soon.
Modoc Fair opens Aug.
21
The Modoc District Fair in Cedarville officially opens at 5 p.m., August
21 and has four full days of activity. The Fair Parade will be August 24
at starting at 11 a.m.
While every day of the 75th Modoc District Fair promises fun, there will
be a non-stop line-up of activities geared toward the county's youngsters
on "Kid's Day." So plan to bring the whole family on Friday, August
22.
The Fair opens Friday at 12:00 noon. Admission is $3 for children, $2 for
seniors and $5 for adults. Everyone will enter for free between noon and
1:00 p.m.
Bring your earplugs to the Modoc District Fair on Saturday, August 23 because when the countdown ends the noise will begin as the 5th Annual Demolition Derby gets underway!
Obituaries:
Norine Winn
Norine Boyd Winn was born in Alturas, CA on August 23, 1929 She passed
away on August 4, 2008, at the age of 78 in Walnut Creek, CA. She was preceded
in death by her parents and her loving husband.
Memorials may be directed to Toys For Tots, (National headquarters) P.O.
Box 227, Quantico, VA 22134 or to any local chapter. See www.Toys For Tots.org.
Kerr Mortuary handled arrangements.
Terry R Williams
Formerly of Redding, Terry R. Williams died on August 2, 2008 in Medford,
Oregon.
Born in Soda Springs, Idaho on August 31, 1915 he lived in Redding for many
years.
Josephine Forrest Rahn
A Memorial Service for Josephine Forrest Rahn of Modesto, CA, wife of the late pastor Andrew Rahn, will be held Friday, August 22, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at the Brush Arbor, 7 miles north on Highway 395, just outside Alturas, CA. Friends and relatives are invited. Brush Arbor Fellowship Services will begin immediately following. Please contact Norman Forrest at (530) 233-5930 for further details or information.
Sports
Modoc football starts practice
Modoc football team started practice this week and coach Shaun Wood likes
what he sees so far.
Wood comes back with some exceptional returning players, and while he thought
his line could be the big question mark, early on that question seems to
be answered is a positive vein.
Wood said there are 21 players out for the varsity team with a couple more
expected to come out and 25 players are on the junior varsity squad.
Modoc enters a newly revamped Shasta Cascade League this season with newcomers
Los Molinos and Chester added to Burney, Fall River, Weed, and Etna. Gone
are Mt. Shasta and Trinity. The new configuration makes Modoc the biggest
school in the league.
The team opens play with a scrimmage against Tulelake in Alturas the afternoon
of Aug. 21, and has Mt. Shasta in a non-league contest here August 29. League
play will start at Burney Sept. 26.
Wood expected his team to be favored in the SCL this year and nothing hes
seen so far this week has dissuaded that belief.
Modoc Volleyball will open Sept. 6 at the Henley Tournament under new coach (returning) Harold Montague while Cross Country under new coach Wendi Lowrey opens Sept. 6 at Yreka. MHS canceled this years soccer program.
Team wins Arrowhead tourney
The team of Beth Weber, Susan Gibbons, Cheryl Knoch and Erin Bevil won
the Alturas Ladies Club 2008 tournament last weekend.
There were two teams tied for second place, those of Pat Kerr, Lesley Chace,
Jean Phillips and Ann Rix and the team of Sheila McKenzie, Jeanne Cain,
Linda Metzdorf, Rose Boulade and Pat Crenshaw.
The horse race winners were McKenzie and Lynn McClellan and Kerr and Chace
placed second.
Bevil won the long drive contest for first flight, Boulade for second flight
and Wendy Bailey for the third flight. Phillips won the closest to the pin
contest.
MHS
increases gate, season passes
Modoc High School has increased gate and pass prices to athletic events
for the coming year.
These passes entitle the bearer to attend all home athletic events during the 2008-2009 athletic season. These passes do not include admission to tournaments or playoff games. The prices are as follows; family pass, $ 75; couple pass, $50; senior pass, $20; single, $35. Football parking is $35. Gate Prices; Adults or students without ASB card, $5; visiting student with ASB card, $4; senior citizens (60 and up) $4; booster club members, $4; unaccompanied child under age 12, $9.00.
August 21, 2008
News
Modoc Charter School hit is devastating, costly
The enrollment exodus at Modoc Charter School is worse -- much worse --
than reported last week, and will impact the County School's Office fund
as well as districts if not turned around.
Last week, the estimate was that about 265 students would be leaving the
school. This week that number has ballooned to a loss of 350, with more
possible. That could leave just about 100 students remaining from last year's
450 total.
Almost all of those lost students are from Shasta County, and they will enter an Independent Study program there. Figuring about $5,000 per student that amounts to $1.75 million in Average Daily Attendance funds heading to the Shasta Schools.
Arson suspected in Thoms Creek fire
California Department of Forestry arson investigators are looking into
a structure fire that destroyed a home and outbuildings in Thoms Creek Estates
the evening of August 15.
According to reports, the structures belonging to Stacey Jarvis were fully
engulfed when firefighters arrived. Firefighters were able to contain the
fire to the lot and buildings. A helicopter and a fixed wing aircraft were
called in to assist the Alturas Rural Fire Department, the Alturas Rancheria
OES Fire Department and California Department of Forestry.
Jarvis had reported to Sheriff's Deputies that an acquaintance had threatened to burn down her house.
Modoc Fair opens today
in Cedarville
At 5:00 tonight, the gates of the 2008 Modoc District Fair will swing open
to admit everyone to four exciting days of entertainment, including live
music and magic shows, rodeos, rancher's day and livestock competitions,
the thrills of a first-rate carnival and exhibit halls filled to overflowing
with the very best the folks of Modoc County have to offer.
From August 21 through 24, everyone is invited to commemorate this county's
historic journey as the theme "Wheelin' From the Past Toward the Future"
lends itself to celebrating the Western roots and agricultural heritage
of this far corner of California.
The fair opens at noon on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Miss Modoc Fair
Queen 2008 Rachel Torres and Princess Raelea Vickerman will be on hand to
greet people on opening day and throughout the run of the fair.
General admission is $5. Seniors 60 and over pay only $2, and children 4-12 are $3. On Thursday, everyone gets in for only $2 and admission is free for all each day during the first hour the gates are open. Parking is free with spaces for everyone just outside the fairground entrance on Center Street in Cedarville.
Jack Fire burns on Lava
Beds
A lightning strike Sunday evening sparked a blaze that has grown to 6,900
acres. The fire started on the Lava Beds National Monument and has also
burned vegetation on the Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge.
The Monument was closed and evacuated on Monday, however residents were
allowed to return home today.
The Hill Road and North East entrance to the Monument near Hospital Rock remain closed; however, the South entrance to the Lava Beds is open. Visitors may enter the Monument on Forest Road 10 from State Road 97 in the Tionesta area. The visitor center is open and staffed during normal business hours.
Obituaries:
Robert Rhodes
Services are scheduled for 11 a.m., August 23, 2008 at the Adin Community
Church, in Adin for Robert Gladney "Bob" Rhodes. Pastor Ryan Harper
from the Adin Community Church will officiate. Private inurnment is planned
at the Adin Cemetery.
Mr. Rhodes died August 12, 2008 at Mercy Medical Center in Redding, CA after coming down with a sudden, rare blood disease.
Sports
Braves meet Tulelake in scrimmage tonight
Modoc's Braves will scrimmage the Tulelake Honkers tonight, beginning at
4:30 p.m. at Ed Carver Stadium.
It's a first real test for either team and coaches Shaun Wood of Modoc
and brother Shane Wood of Tulelake will be taking a look at all the players
in a game-like situation. Both varsity and junior varsity will participate.
The Braves come into this season with plenty of talent but not a lot of
numbers. Just 21 players are out for the varsity and a healthy 29 have put
on the junior varsity pads.
Leading the way for the Braves will be quarterback Dee Hunsaker, who will
have Justin Estes and Matt Mayes in the backfield to start. Wideouts will
be Ty Dowdy, Uly Gonzalez with the Z back split of Kyle Voth and David Potter.
Holding down the tight end spot will be Josh Wood and Ethan Bonham is slated
to play at various spots. Jack Callaghan will back up at quarterback. Alex
Moreo and Arlen Gonzales and Andrew Marske will see time at running back.
Anchoring the line at center will be Miguel Torres, with Tyler Wood and
Christian Gonzales at guard and Ryan Vanderheyen and Chris McMasters at
tackle. Ivan Mendoza will also play tackle and Chad Harris is at guard.
Wood will be primarily concentrating on the offense during this scrimmage and looking at how each player performs.
Fair
softball tourney opens 21st year
This weekend marks the 21st year fast-pitch softball teams have gathered at the Modoc District Fair to participate in the Men's Invitational Softball Tournament. The first batter will be stepping up to the plate Friday evening at 7:30 p.m. and the final championship game is expected to start at about 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. "The basic tournament will be familiar to all our players and to everyone who has enjoyed watching from the bleachers over the years", said coordinator Ernie Givan of Alturas. "We've gone back to the double-elimination format so there will be a total of 16 or 17 games.
Junior, women's hunt in Ash Creek
The Pit River Rod and Gun Club and the California Department of Fish and
Game are sponsoring an apprentice pheasant hunt for juniors Sept. 13 and
an apprentice pheasant hunt for women Sept. 14 at Ash Creek Wildlife Area
in Big Valley.
The junior hunt is open to all currently licensed junior hunters accompanied
by an adult and two hunts are offered: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5
p.m.
The women's hunt will have just one hunt, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Women with current
hunting licenses are eligible.
To apply hunters may go online at www.dfg.ca.gov/wildife/hunting/upland
game, or contact Ash Creek Wildlife area or Adin Supply for an application.
All applications must be received in Sacramento by Sept. 1. Mail applications
to DFG, GBH Special Hunts, 1812 9th Street, Sacramento Ca., 95811.
For more information call 530-294-5824.
August 28, 2008
News
Huge biker rally rolls into Tulelake this week
The Tulelake Butte Valley Fairgrounds will be the scene of a huge motorcycle
rally this weekend, the "Shasta Salute to America."
According to local law enforcement sources, thousands of motorcyclists
are expected to descend on Tulelake for four full days of celebration beginning
Thursday and running through Monday.
Tickets are available at the gate. The event is adult only and admission is open to those people age 18 and over. A four day ticket is $125, a Thursday only ticket is $35, Friday $50, Saturday $50 and Sunday $40. The tickets include admission to all concerts and events of the day.
Area well behind on precipitation totals
The area is well behind normal precipitation totals for this time of year,
with the past three months being very dry.
From January until August 28, Alturas has measured just 6.58 inches of moisture, well behind the average of 8.04 inches for the same period.
Obituaries:
Richard Carroll Henson, Jr. III.
Richard "Dick" Henson passed away on August 23, 2008 at the Modoc
Medical Center, Alturas, CA. Memorial services will be held at the family
home in Alturas on Friday, August 29 at 11 a.m.
The family wishes in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Modoc
County Little League, SV Long Term Care or Warnerview Convalescent Home
for continued improvements for the seniors.
Burnham J. Haley
Burnham J. ('Bernie' or 'BJ') Haley, beloved husband, father, grandfather
and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 18, 2008,
at the age of 87, surrounded by his family.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Nicholas Church, in Los Altos,
California.
Douglas Duff
Douglas (Doug) MacArthur Duff, 66, passed away on Saturday, August, 16,
2008 at his home in Fernley, NV.
Respecting Doug's wishes, no services will be held. In lieu of flowers,
a memorial donation may be made to the American Cancer Society, American
Lung Association, or the charity of your choice.
Leonard G. Royce
Former Alturas resident Leonard G. Royce of Jacksonville, OR, passed away
Tuesday, August 5, 2008 at Rogue Valley Medical Center, Medford, OR.
Interment will be held with family members present at the V.A. Cemetery
in Eagle Point on August 13.
Sports
Braves open against Mt. Shasta Friday night
The Modoc Braves will officially open the 2008 football season against
the Mt. Shasta Bears here Friday night in a non-league contest.
The Modoc junior varsity will start at 5:30 p.m. at the varsity game will follow at about 7:30 p.m.
Reservations
required for Refuge Junior Waterfowl Hunt
Junior hunters will have the opportunity to hunt waterfowl at Modoc National
Wildlife Refuge the weekend of September 27 and 28, 2008. Advance reservations
are required and applications will be accepted through September 5, 2008.
Only hunters possessing a valid California Juniors Hunting License may apply.
Junior hunters must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult (18 years or older) with no more than two junior hunters per adult. Submit a post card with name(s) and a complete address(s) for each junior hunter specify "JR WATERFOWL HUNT" on the card. Parent or legal guardian must sign card for each applicant. Mail or deliver to Modoc National Wildlife Refuge, PO Box 1610, Alturas, CA 96101 or hand deliver to Modoc National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters, 5364 County Road 115, Alturas, CA. Drawing will be held on September 9, 2008, successful applicants will be notified by mail. Hunters may contact the refuge at the above address, call (530) 233-3572, or visit www.fws.gov/modoc/ for further information.
Junior, women's hunt in Ash Creek
The Pit River Rod and Gun Club and the California Department of Fish and
Game are sponsoring an apprentice pheasant hunt for juniors Sept. 13 and
an apprentice pheasant hunt for women Sept. 14 at Ash Creek Wildlife Area
in Big Valley.
The junior hunt is open to all currently licensed junior hunters accompanied
by an adult and two hunts are offered: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5
p.m.
The women's hunt will have just one hunt, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Women with
current hunting licenses are eligible.
To apply hunters may go online at www.dfg.ca.gov/wildife/hunting/upland
game, or contact Ash Creek Wildlife area or Adin Supply for an application.
All applications must be received in Sacramento by Sept. 1. Mail applications
to DFG, GBH Special Hunts, 1812 9th Street, Sacramento Ca., 95811.
For more information call 530-294-5824.
News
County avoids layoffs in proposed budget
Modoc County Chief Administrative Officer Mike Maxwell said the proposed
budget will be able to avoid layoffs again this year unless "the state
does something really stupid."
And with the current state government, he's not ruling out stupid.
As it stands this week the state has still not adopted its budget, with both sides continuing to bicker.
Food Bank needs help
The shelves are looking bare at the Modoc Emergency Food, which is in need
of community support at this time.
With California's state budget in limbo and no state budget having been passed, the community food bank center is feeling the fall out and is running out of food, with no funding to make further purchases
Fire restrictions remain
in place
With school back in session, it's beginning to feel like fall. But in northeast
California's back country, conditions are at their driest point of the year,
and restrictions on fire use remain in effect.
Officials at the Bureau of Land Management urge hunters and others who visit
the back country to follow the restrictions and be extremely careful with
fire.
Obituaries:
Sue Albertson
August 27, 2008, the Lord gathered another flower for the Master Bouquet.
Sue Ellen Albertson, 62, was taken from her loved ones after putting up
a tough fight with a very lengthy illness. Her last days were spent in Renown
Hospital in Reno, NV, surrounded by friends and family.
Douglas Hines
Former Alturas resident Douglas Wayne Hines of Midvale, Idaho, passed away August 22, 2008, of natural causes in Idaho, at the age of 49. Mr. Hines had spent 15 years in Modoc County, ranching in Eagleville and Alturas. He left nine years ago when he relocated to Idaho where he was ranching.
Sports
Braves whip Bears 33-13, host fast Lakeview team Friday
Modoc's Braves used a solid second half to beat the Mt. Shasta bears 33-13
Friday night the season opener.
This week a very fast and solid Lakeview Honker squad will invade Carver Stadium in Alturas the week, with coach Shaun Wood expecting a tough game.
JVs
lose tough one to Bears
Modoc's Junior Varsity football team lost a tough opening game to the Mt. Shasta Bears Friday night 19-6 in Alturas.
Refuge
hosts hunt meeting
The Modoc National Wildlife Refuge has scheduled a meeting of the Hunt
Working Group Sept. 24, 5 p.m. at the Refuge headquarters office.
Everyone is invited to discuss issues, ask questions or voice concerns about
the refuge hunting program. For more information, please call 530-233-3572.
September 11 , 2008
News
Board hires new hospital CEO
The Modoc County Board of Supervised hired Walter Beck as the new Modoc
Medical Center Chief Executive Officer at its Tuesday meeting. There were
four candidate interviewed for the position.
Beck comes to Modoc from Mee Memorial Hospital in King City, Ca., which
went from a 42-bed facility to a 120-bed facility during his 12-year tenure
as its CEO.
He has worked in rural health care for the past 16 years and is familiar with the challenges and issues facing rural health throughout the state. He sees similarities between Mee Memorial and Modoc Medial, although the area he left was growing faster.
Hospital debt goes up to $12 million
Modoc Medical Center's debt to Modoc County went up $470,292 at the end of August to $12,065,214 from $11,594,922. While the debt is staggering, the impact of the state's holding back
MediCal reimbursements was a driving force.
According to interim hospital administrator Jim Sato, the fact that the
state has withheld the MediCal funds is significant. He reports that since
July 1, the state owes the hospital about $850,000. He said some $600,000
of that was for the month of August.
Bairds donate land for new hospital
The Baird Family Trust has agreed to donate the land for a new hospital
in Alturas. That parcel would be to the north of Maxwell's Nursery off West
C Street between Fourth and Eighth Street.
Bob and Dawn Baird said the land would be donated through the Last Frontier
Healthcare Coalition, in a size that will accommodate the new hospital.
Chili, fun spice up Amphitheater event
Hot chili will be spiced up with fun activities for all ages, plus live entertainment and hot off the grill hamburgers and hotdogs from noon to 6 p.m. at the annual Chili Cook-Off at Modoc High Country Amphitheater this Saturday, September 13. The Amphitheater is located past the Alturas Airport on West Fourth Street, Alturas. Admission is $5 per person and includes chili tasting at 5:30 p.m., after judges determine the winning chilis.
Balloonfest soars this weekend
Look to the skies in the morning hours this Friday, Saturday and Sunday
for the colorful hot air balloons as they float across Alturas for the Alturas
Chamber of Commerce annual Balloonfest, Sept. 12, 13 and 14.
Some 11 balloons are expected to arrive with their owners for the weekend event, before making their way to the Montague Balloonfest, near Yreka. Balloonists will be traveling to Alturas from Reno, NV, San Ramon, CA, Grants Pass, OR and from throughout California.
Obituaries:
Gertrude Marie Gerig
Longtime Bieber resident Gertrude Marie Gerig, 93, passed away September
8, 2008 at her home in Bieber, CA following a brief illness. Memorial Services
are pending, possibly for October. Kerr Mortuary will be handling arrangements.
Mrs. Gerig was born Gertrude Jackson in Oregon.
Sports
Braves stun Lakeview 41-13, Lost River next
The Modoc Braves stunned a good Lakeview Honkers team Friday night 41-13
for their second straight win at home.
Modoc meets Lost River this Friday night and coach Shaun Wood is looking for a good game, although his Braves should be favored. Lost River lost to Etna 20-13 last week.
Braves
open volleyball at Henley
Modoc's volleyball team opened the season at the Henley tournament last
week, and went 0-4 in the early start.
Modoc lost to Lost River 19-25, 22-25; to Henley 2-25, 6-25; to Mazama 13-25, 18-25 and to Lakeview 21-25 and 18-25.
Lakeview
tops JVs 20-0
The Lakeview Honkers shut out the Modoc Braves junior varsity football
team 20-0 in the preliminary Friday night.
They face Lost River here Friday night.
Cross
Country runs well
Modoc's Cross Country team ran well in the Fall River Invitational Tuesday,
with Susanna Jones winning the varsity girls 4,000 meters race and Michel
Funk placing third.
Austin Hoy placed seventh in the boy's varsity race and Willie Hamman was
sixth. Coach Wendi Lowrey said Rachel Bratton, Lisa Orsbun and Otto Winkle
all ran good races.
On Saturday, the team competed at the big Yreka Invitational. Jones placed
31st out of 90 girls in the varsity race, Funk placed 49th, Beth Colbert
placed 79th and Rachel Bratton placed 88th.
Hoy placed 33rd in the junior varsity boy's race out of 109 runners. In
the varsity race, Hamman was 94th, Kevin Richardson 107th and Winkle 110th.
Monique Lloyd place 73rd in the junior varsity girl's race.
Modoc heads to Mt. Shasta Sept. 19.
September 18, 2008
News
State budget still in flux, hospitals worry
The California State legislature passed a 2008-09 budget Tuesday, 78 days
late, but it faced an immediate veto threat from Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger,
leaving the issue in flux.
Modoc County Chief Executive Officer Mike Maxwell said the budget version passed by the legislator looks to leave the county pretty much intact, but the devil may be in the details and what comes after a veto.
County tightens enforcement on farmer's markets
Modoc County Environmental Health Officer Warren Farnam has informed local
Farmer's Markets and other such events that selling home-prepared food for
profit is not allowed.
Farnam explained the rules to the Surprise Valley Farmer's Market and the Alturas Farmer's Markets Friday and Saturday, but didn't cite anyone or confiscate goods. His information was not greeted with complete understanding by the sellers, but he stresses the rules need to be enforced because of food safety issues.
Pot farm busted near Day
A large marijuana farm, located west of Day near the Siskiyou County line,
was raided Sept. 11 and 3,591 marijuana plants were confiscated by law enforcement.
The raid resulted in the arrest of Ricardo Vidal-Navaro, age 39, of Yakima, Wa., who faces charges alleging cultivation and possession of marijuana for sale.
BLM RAC meets on resource management
Members of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Northeast California Resource
Advisory Council will hear a comprehensive briefing on cultural resource
management, when they meet Thursday and Friday, Sept. 18 and 19, at the
BLM Alturas Field Office, 708 West 12th St., Alturas.
On Sept. 18, council members will meet at 10 a.m.at the BLM field office and depart immediately for a tour of public lands managed by the BLM Surprise Field Office in northwest Nevada.
Obituaries:
Doris Harris
Doris Jane Harris of Alturas passed away September 13, 2008, while stying
with her daughter Cindy in Cave Junction, Oregon. She was born February
23, 1931 in Port Chicago, CA. She moved to Ft. Bidwell with her mother and
two sisters when she was young and attended schools in the area.
Services will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Alturas on Saturday,
Sept. 20 at 10 a.m. Graveside will follow at the Cedarville Cemetery. The
family invites family and friends to join them at the Harris home on Lakeview
Highway, following burial.
Chuck Vermillion
Lifetime Surprise Valley resident Charles (Chuck) Paul Vermillion passed
away September 11, 2008, at Mercy Medical Center in Redding, CA. Chuck was
born in Alturas, CA on March 20, 1939; he was the youngest of 12 children.
The Modoc County School District moved Chuck's family of 12 to Fort Bidwell
in 1939 to keep the Fort Bidwell School open. Chuck was only five days old
and spent the rest of his entire life in Surprise Valley. Chuck attended
both grade school and high school in Cedarville.
Graveside services will be held at the Lake City Cemetery at 11:00 a.m.
on Friday September 19th, 2008. A pot luck reception will follow at the
Modoc Fairgrounds.
Memorial contributions may be made to Surprise Valley Health Care District,
the Cedarville Fire Department or to Surprise Valley Community Church in
Cedarville.
Robert Lyle Case
On Saturday, September 13, 2008, Robert Lyle Case went home to be with
his Lord Jesus Christ. A memorial service in his honor will be held this
Saturday, September 20, at the Alturas Baptist Church on Fourth Street.
The service begins at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Mel Chasteen officiating.
Wade Bennett
Memorial Services for Wade Joseph Bennett of Alturas, will be conducted by Pastor Curtis Barber on Friday, September 19 at 9:30 a.m. at Church of Christ, 1450 N. Warner St., Alturas. Mr. Bennett passed away in Alturas, CA on September 15 at the age of 37.
Sports
Braves crush Raiders, have bye this week
Modoc's Braves crushed the Lost River Raiders 42-7 Friday night in Alturas
and will take the next week off sitting on a perfect 3-0 mark for the preseason.
Modoc travels to Burney Sept. 26 to open the Shasta Cascade League loop.
Modoc is favored for the SCL title, and will probably face their toughest test Oct. 3 when the Fall River Bulldogs invade Alturas. The Braves were the only SCL team to win this week with the following results: Portola 35-Fall River 6; Mercy 20-Weed 16; Biggs 24-Los Molinos 14; University Prep 10-Burney 7; Bonanza 12-Etna 6.
JVs
whip Raiders 26-14
The Modoc junior varsity football team got into the win column Friday night with a 26-14 effort against Lost River.
September 25th, 2008
News
Senate passes secure schools package, now in house
The U.S. Senate passed the Tax Extender package this week, which includes
a four-year extension of the Secure Rural Schools and Communities Act. The
issue now moves to the House of Representatives.
Sean Curtis, Modoc Land Use Analyst was in Washington, D.C. recently to help lobby for the passage of the SRSCA, and said there was some visible support to get it passed this session, but he also cautioned the current financial mess and projected $700 billion Wall Street bailout could impact other legislation.
Modoc school test scores
vary
Modoc school test results varied, some good, some not so good, and some
did very well according to the State Department of Education report.
On the good side, Stateline Elementary maintained its high status with
a 2008 Academic Performance Index (API) score of 859, well above the state
performance target of 800 and 30 points above last year's score of 829.
Surprise Valley High School hit the 800 point goal, raising its 2007 score by 66 points. Surprise Valley Elementary School scored 811, above the 800 target, but 17 points behind last year's score of 828.
1st West Nile bird found
for 2008
Modoc County Public Health Department has been notified of its first West Nile Virus infected bird of 2008. The bird was picked up in Cedarville. WNV is not spread person-to-person, but is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito.
Obituaries:
Paul Clifton Crawford
Paul Clifton Crawford, 55, collapsed while working last Saturday and passed
away at Modoc Medical Center, Alturas, CA on September 20, 2008. A brain
aneurism was determined to be cause of death.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, Oct. 3 at 6 p.m. at the Seventh
Day Adventist Church of Alturas, 300 West Second St., Alturas. Pastor Bruce
Blum will conduct the service. Refreshments to follow.
Anne S. Merrihew
Former Alturas resident Anne S. Merrihew passed away September 17, 2008
at the age of 95 in Redding, CA. Pastor Rod Bodmer conducted services at
Kerr Chapel in Alturas at 2 p.m. on Sept. 20 with burial at the Alturas
Cemetery.
Nancy JoAnn Philpott
A memorial graveside service for Nancy JoAnn Philpott of Alturas will be
held Friday, Sept. 26, 2008, at 2 p.m. at the Alturas Cemetery. Mrs. Philpott,
48, passed away unexpectedly on September 21, 2008, in Alturas, CA.
Leo E. DuMilieu
Leo E. DuMilieu, 81, passed away in Lakeview on Friday, Sept. 12, 2008
after a long illness.
The funeral service was held Sept. 18, at the Lakeview First Baptist Church
with the committal in the Westside Cemetery. A potluck was served in the
Westside Grange following the committal. Desert Rose Funeral Chapel handled
arrangements.
David Hollesen
David Hollesen was born in Fresno, CA to George and Lidamae Hollesen on
October 29, 1943. He passed away at his home in Fresno CA on Friday, September
12, 2008.
A Memorial service was held at the Shrine of St. Therese Catholic Church in Fresno on Wednesday, September 17, at 10:00 a.m. A private family burial service was held at Clovis Cemetery in Clovis, CA on Wednesday, Sept. 12 with full military honors.
Sports
Modoc opens SCL at Burney Friday night
Modoc's Braves open the 2008 version of the Shasta Cascade League Friday
night in Burney against an improved Raider team. Perhaps not improved enough
to beat the Braves, however.
While no football game is a "gimme" the Braves' biggest challenge this Friday could be succumbing to overconfidence. The Burney game should be a good tune-up for what promises to be the Braves' biggest challenge in the SCL Oct. 3 when Fall River's Bulldogs come to Alturas.
Modoc
volleyball struggle, improved
Modoc's varsity volleyball team has started out the season on a rocky note,
but coach Harold Montague said he is seeing improvements.
The Braves finished third in their home tourney last weekend, winning two
matches and losing two. Portola won the event with a 4-0 record, Westwood
was 3-1, Modoc 2-2, Herlong 1-3 and Surprise Valley 0-4.
They lost the first Shasta Cascade League match to Mt. Shasta Tuesday, 18-25, 16-5, 26-24 and 19-25. That puts them 0-1 in league and 2-9-2 overall in the young season.
Results
for local PP&K event
The following are the results for the Sunday's local Punt Pass and Kick
competition:
8-9 girls: 1st Hailey Valena, 2nd Esther Kent, 3rd Payne Capilli
8-9 boys: 1st Jeremiah Brownlow, 2nd Eric VanAcker, 3rd Josh Vierria
10-11 girls:1st Melissa Knoch, 2nd Melissa Torres
10-11 boys: 1st Alex Valencia, 2nd Alan Weber, 3rd Troy Culp
12-13 girls: 1st Tamra Wheeler, 2nd Morgan Bagwell, 3rd Felicia Torres
12-13 boys: 1st Alex Torres, 2nd Austin Kresge, 3rd Riley Larranaga
14-15 girls: 1st Cheyenne King, 2nd Dorothy Long, 3rd Chassie Barkdull
14-15 boys: 1st Jalen Estes, 2nd Austin Carreker, 3rd James Alexander
News
Eagle Lake leaking through Bly Tunnel?
When is a plug not a plug? When is a leak not a leak? Those are questions
that Eagle Lake residents are asking of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
about the Bly Tunnel.
Two years ago when Rudy Whitmer bought property in Spalding, he began hearing
rumors about water being siphoned off Eagle Lake through an abandoned tunnel,
aggravating the damaging effects of the present drought. A retired college
professor for 39 years and avid fisherman, Whitmer decided to discover why
his favorite fishing spot was vanishing before his eyes. "I'm tired
of these rumors," he said to himself. "I'm going to go find out."
After many hours of research, several meetings with state and federal officials as well as trips around and into the tunnel, Rudy and his wife, Louise, have the answers they went searching for. They discovered that water is flowing freely through the smaller of the two pipes in the concrete plug, further drawing down an already drought-stricken lake.
Haralson trial set for January 5
The homicide trial of Robert Chad Haralson, age 32, the suspect in the
1992 murder of Betty Lou Parks, has been set for January 5 in Modoc Superior
Court.
The trial is expected to last three weeks. Haralson remains in custody in the Modoc County Jail. John Webster of Redding, is representing Haralson.
Sheriff investigates
suspicious death in Newell
Modoc County Sheriff Mark Gentry has called in the California Department
of Justice to help investigate a suspicious death in the Newell area.
While Gentry is not calling the case a homicide investigation, he said
there are a lot of loose ends, including an autopsy this week, underway
that need some serious examination.
According to Gentry, co-workers of David Joel Heaton, age 41, discovered his body the morning of Sept. 25 after he failed to show up for work
Senate rolling Secure
Schools into bailout bill
The future of the Secure Rural Schools and Communities Act continues its
roller-coaster ride this week, with no certainty, but some hope, in sight.
The U.S. Senate on Wednesday was rolling the Tax Extender Package into the financial service bailout bill. The version the Senate is considering would be a four-year extension of both the Rural Schools and Payment in Lieu of Taxes programs
State to restore Medi-Cal
funding in November
The State of California will restore full Medi-Cal funding to small rural
hospital in November, but the 10 percent cut until then will cost Modoc
Medical Center about $350,000 of the Medi-Cal-owed $1.2 million.
New MMC Administrator Walter Beck said the new state budget doesn't impact small hospitals as negatively and some, including MMC, will be exempt from some of the state's budget axe.
Obituaries:
William Grove
William F. Grove, who was born in Eagleville and grew up in Surprise Valley,
passed away last Saturday near the Tacoma, Washington vacation home he and
his wife Harriet enjoyed in recent years.
An obituary will be printed in The Record soon, but the family has already
scheduled a "Celebration of Life" memorial service for family
and friends who remember Bill.
An afternoon of fellowship and remembrance, including a potluck meal, will
begin at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 11 in the Community Hall in Eagleville.
Watch the Modoc Record for more information.
Paul Clifton Crawford
A Memorial Service for Paul Clifton Crawford, 55, of Alturas, will be held
Friday, Oct. 3 at 6 p.m. at the Seventh Day Adventist Church of Alturas,
300 West Second St., Alturas. Pastor Bruce Blum will conduct the service.
Refreshments to follow.
Mr. Crawford is survived by his wife Betty Lou of Alturas, CA; brother Tommy Crawford of Arkansas and a brother Charlie (whereabouts unknown). He was predeceased by his father, mother, sister and eldest brother. He also leaves nieces and nephews. Condolences and contributions may be sent to the family at 306 East Modoc Street, Alturas, CA 96101.
Sports
Modoc, Fall River square off Friday night in Alturas
The two powerhouses of the Shasta Cascade League football loop, Modoc and
Fall River will square off Friday night at Ed Carver Stadium in Alturas.
The junior varsity game starts at 5 p.m. and the varsity will follow at
about 7 p.m.
The game should be what "Friday Night Lights" is all about -
an intense high school rivalry that could decide the SCL champs.
Against Burney, Modoc led 6-0 in the first and by halftime held a 27-0 lead. The Braves led 33-0 in the third. Josh Wood added a 37-yard field goal in the fourth for 36. Fall Rivers scored seven in the fourth period.
Modoc
falls to Etna
Modoc's varsity volleyball team lost to Etna in a lopsided contest Saturday
9-25, 11-25 and 17-25, making the Braves 0-2 in the Shasta Cascade League.
The Braves rebounded Tuesday to beat Weed 25-18, 25-11 and 25-18, putting them 1-2 in the SCL and 3-10-2 overall. They'll face a very strong Burney team tonight in Alturas.
Cross
Country team improving, healing
Modoc's Cross Country team has been busy over the past two weeks, and individuals are improving and some recovering from injuries. The team heads to West Valley this Friday.
October 10, 2008
News
Secure Schools passes with bailout
The reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools & Communities Act and
full funding of Payment in Lieu of Taxes, PILT, package was included in
the $700 billion bail out package, which was passed by the House of Representatives
and signed by the President last week.
"We breathed a sigh of relief," said Modoc Superintendent of Schools Gary Jones. "It was definitely good news for all of us. We don't know yet just how the calculations will work, but that should be clear soon."According to Jones, the funding will come for this year, and will actually be a near "windfall" for local districts who hadn't budgeted any Secure Schools funding.
MMC gets critical access designation
Last Friday, following a Joint Commission inspection, Modoc Medical Center
received its long sought after Critical Access Hospital designation.
Chief Executive Office Walt Beck estimates the new designation, which means
a higher reimbursement rate for Medicare and Medicaid (feeral hatlh programs)
services will add about $700,000 in annual income for the hospital.
"This is the gold seal approval," said Beck. "Of the 29 active Critical Access Hospitals in California, only 12 are Joint Commission accredited, It's a more intensive and comprehensive than the state's program."
Fire season ends, prescribed
burning begins
Fire season on the Modoc National Forest officially ends Saturday at midnight.
The Forest will continue to support fire suppression efforts with a ready
reserve of the Federal engines available on a two-hour notice.
This was a light fire season for northeastern California. The Modoc National Forest had 91 lightning-caused fires totaling 80 acres and nine human-caused fires totaling 14 acres.
Hospital debt continues upward swing
Modoc Medical Center's debt to Modoc County continued its upward swing
at the end of September by $363,009 to a total of $12,428,228.99.
That was less than the increase of $470,292 at the end of August to $12,065,214 from July's $11,594,922.
Obituaries:
Gary Ray
Gary Paul Ray was born March 18, 1944, in Susanville, CA. He passed away
in Alturas, CA on October 5, 2008 as a result of a vehicle accident.
Services and potluck will be at the Alturas Veterans Hall October 18 at
1:00 p.m. Donations can be made on Gary's behalf to the VFW Alturas or Susanville.
Lois Greene
Lois Ann Greene, 76, passed away September 30, 2008 at 4:30 a.m. at the
Renown Hospital in Reno, NV. She is now at peace with her husband Charles
Ray Greene, Sr.
Martha Pacheco
Martha Pacheco was born December 13, 1931, in Ayutla, Guerrero, Mexico.
She immigrated to the United States in 1956 with her husband, Manuel Pacheco
and her two small children, Sandra and Jimmy. The young family settled in
Alturas, California.
Ardis Coffman
Former Alturas resident Ardis Mae Coffman, 90, of Castella, CA passed away
October 1, 2008 at Mercy Care Center in Mt. Shasta, CA, after a long illness.
Dan Byrne
Memorial services for Daniel William "Dan" Byrne will be held
on Saturday, October 11, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at the Tulelake Fire Hall in
Tulelake. Mr. Byrne, 54, died of natural causes at his residence in Tulelake,
CA on Sunday, October 5, 2008, with his wife Geri and family at his side.
Nancy Jo Philpott
Nancy JoAnn Philpott passed away at home in Alturas, CA on September 21,
2008. Memorial services were held September 26 at the Alturas Cemetery.
Bill Carpenter
On October 3, 2008, William (Bill) H. Carpenter passed away in Carlin,
Nevada at the age of 84. Bill was born September 15, 1924, to William Carpenter
and Georgia Brannan (Carpenter), in Longford, Kansas. Bill spent his youth
enjoying the outdoors in the states of Wyoming and Kansas.
J. Gene McManus
Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, Gene died peacefully
in his sleep October 4, 2008, in Sacramento, CA. He was 72. Born in Bemidji,
MN on May 31, 1936, Gene moved to Northern California as a young boy and
lived here his entire life. A graduate of Modoc High in Alturas.
Marion Ladewig
Graveside service for Marion Wimer Ladewig will be held at the Lake City Cemetery on October 18, 2008, at 2 p.m. Reception to follow. Marion Wimer Ladewig, 82, of Lake City, CA, passed away on Saturday, May 31, 2008 at Surprise Valley Hospital, Cedarville.
Sports
Braves beat Fall River 20-14, take SCL lead
Modoc's Braves beat the Fall River Bulldogs 20-14 Friday night, in a game
not as close as the score indicates. With the win, Modoc takes a commanding
lead in the Shasta Cascade League and will meet Etna next Friday.
Etna comes in with a 5-1 Record and Modoc remains unbeaten with the toughest part of their schedule out of the way. Etna beat Burney 13-6 last week.
Modoc
volleyball continues slide
Modoc's varsity volleyball team continues to struggle losing three matches
over the last week.
The Braves lost a Shasta Cascade League game Oct. 2 to Burney 20-25, 24-26, 25-23 and 22-25. Coach Harold Montague said the girls had their best match of the season, but came up short.
JV
girls beat Burney
Modoc's junior varsity volleyball team beat the Burney Raiders 25-14 and
25-18 October 2.
On Saturday, the girls played Lakeview and Grant Union in Lakeview. All
of the team members got solid playing time. Modoc beat Lakeview 25-14, 22-25
and 19-17. Modoc lost to Grant Union 23-25 and 22-25.
Youth pheasant hunt set Nov. 1
The Fourth Annual "Jakes" pheasant hunt for youth age 17 and under is scheduled for Nov. 1 on the Chace Ranch in Modoc County. The application deadline for permits, which will be issued by drawing, is Oct. 23. The drawing will be held Oct. 24.
MX races set this weekend
The Modoc Motorsports Association is sponsoring motorcoss races October 11 and 12, 2008 at the Cedarville track. Gates open 6:30 a.m. and sign-ups begin at 7:00 a.m. (Sign-ups will also be taken the night before each race between 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.) Practice starts at 8:00 a.m. and racing begins immediately after Rider's meeting. Submit applications to Department of Fish and Game, P.O. Box 1244, Alturas, Ca. 96101, The applications will be numbered as they are received and the hunt is limited to 20 participants.
October 16, 2008
News
Monday last day to register to vote
October 20 is the final day to register to vote in the November 4 General
Election in California.
Completed voter registration forms must be received at the County Clerk's
office by close of business Oct. 20 or postmarked by Oct. 20. Those forms
are available at many locations: Post Offices, the County Clerk's Office,
DMV offices, libraries, and others.
The County Clerk reminds people that if they have had a name or address change, they must re-register to vote. College students can register to vote using their college residence so they can vote near their homes. California residents 18 years of age and older (or who turn 18 by Nov. 4) who are U.S. citizens can register to vote.
Modoc schools do well,
math tends to linger
Modoc County Schools did well enough in statewide school testing, but there
are some areas of concern, primarily in the mathematics arena.
Modoc County Superintendent of Schools Gary Jones was pleased that nine
of 15 schools in the county showed growth for 2008.
Small schools Surprise Valley High School and Stateline Elementary each
reached the state-goal Academic Performance Index test score of 800. Stateline
improved by 30 points to 859, the fifth year in succession it reached the
goal. Surprise Valley High scored at 800, a 66-point improvement.
Modoc High School dropped from last year's API pf 753 to 737. Alturas Elementary,
a consistent high scoring school, improved from last year's 781 to 790.
Modoc Middle School improved from 717 to 736. South Fork Elementary dropped
from 753 to 737 and Modoc Charter School improved from 670 to 682.
Eagle Lake Bly tunnel
leak to be investigated
Eagle Lake residents packed the house during the Eagle Lake Interagency
Board of Directors meeting in the Lassen County Board of Supervisors Room
on Wednesday to consider issues affecting the lake.
Of greatest interest to the public there was the Bly Tunnel and what effect it might have on dramatically declining lake levels.
Obituaries:
Art Monson
Longtime cattle and horse rancher Art Monson of Canby, CA died of natural
causes on October 7, 2008, at Mercy Hospital in Redding, CA. For the past
year, Mr. Monson had been living in Gerber near his daughter Pam. He was
83.
No services will be held. Memorials in Mr. Monson's name may be made to
the Canby Volunteer Fire Department.
Doris J. Wischmann
Doris Jean Wischmann, 77, passed away August 28, 2008, in Alturas, CA.
Born in Blanco, Oklahoma on May 25, 1931, she was very young when her family
left Oklahoma for California during the Dust Bowl.
Donations in Doris' memory may be directed to the National Multiple Sclerosis
Society.
Michael John Mergen
Michael John Mergen was taken from his family and friends, Oct. 11, 2008,
in Lakeport, CA. He was proud to say that his favorite place on earth was
Modoc County. Although he never lived here, he spent as much time as he
could visiting the area.
Michael John Mergen was born in Cicero, IL on February 13, 1929 to his
mother Emma and father John Mergen, both of whom are deceased. Private interment
is expected in Cedarville, CA on October 18, 2008.
Gary Paul Ray
Services for Gary Paul Ray and a potluck will be held October 18 at 1:00
p.m. at Veterans' Memorial Hall, So. Main St., Alturas. Gary was born March
18, 1944, in Susanville, CA. He passed away in Alturas, CA on October 5,
2008.
Donations can be made on Gary's behalf to the VFW Alturas or Susanville.
Marion Ladewig
Graveside service for Marion Wimer Ladewig will be held at the Lake City Cemetery on October 18, 2008, at 2 p.m. Reception to follow. Marion Wimer Ladewig, 82, of Lake City, CA, passed away on Saturday, May 31, 2008 at Surprise Valley Hospital, Cedarville.
Monday last day to register to vote
October 20 is the final day to register to vote in the November 4 General
Election in California.
Completed voter registration forms must be received at the County Clerk's
office by close of business Oct. 20 or postmarked by Oct. 20. Those forms
are available at many locations: Post Offices, the County Clerk's Office,
DMV offices, libraries, and others.
The County Clerk reminds people that if they have had a name or address change, they must re-register to vote. College students can register to vote using their college residence so they can vote near their homes. California residents 18 years of age and older (or who turn 18 by Nov. 4) who are U.S. citizens can register to vote.
Modoc schools do well,
math tends to linger
Modoc County Schools did well enough in statewide school testing, but there
are some areas of concern, primarily in the mathematics arena.
Modoc County Superintendent of Schools Gary Jones was pleased that nine
of 15 schools in the county showed growth for 2008.
Small schools Surprise Valley High School and Stateline Elementary each
reached the state-goal Academic Performance Index test score of 800. Stateline
improved by 30 points to 859, the fifth year in succession it reached the
goal. Surprise Valley High scored at 800, a 66-point improvement.
Modoc High School dropped from last year's API pf 753 to 737. Alturas Elementary,
a consistent high scoring school, improved from last year's 781 to 790.
Modoc Middle School improved from 717 to 736. South Fork Elementary dropped
from 753 to 737 and Modoc Charter School improved from 670 to 682.
Eagle Lake Bly tunnel
leak to be investigated
Eagle Lake residents packed the house during the Eagle Lake Interagency
Board of Directors meeting in the Lassen County Board of Supervisors Room
on Wednesday to consider issues affecting the lake.
Of greatest interest to the public there was the Bly Tunnel and what effect it might have on dramatically declining lake levels.
Obituaries:
Art Monson
Longtime cattle and horse rancher Art Monson of Canby, CA died of natural
causes on October 7, 2008, at Mercy Hospital in Redding, CA. For the past
year, Mr. Monson had been living in Gerber near his daughter Pam. He was
83.
No services will be held. Memorials in Mr. Monson's name may be made to
the Canby Volunteer Fire Department.
Doris J. Wischmann
Doris Jean Wischmann, 77, passed away August 28, 2008, in Alturas, CA.
Born in Blanco, Oklahoma on May 25, 1931, she was very young when her family
left Oklahoma for California during the Dust Bowl.
Donations in Doris' memory may be directed to the National Multiple Sclerosis
Society.
Michael John Mergen
Michael John Mergen was taken from his family and friends, Oct. 11, 2008,
in Lakeport, CA. He was proud to say that his favorite place on earth was
Modoc County. Although he never lived here, he spent as much time as he
could visiting the area.
Michael John Mergen was born in Cicero, IL on February 13, 1929 to his
mother Emma and father John Mergen, both of whom are deceased. Private interment
is expected in Cedarville, CA on October 18, 2008.
Gary Paul Ray
Services for Gary Paul Ray and a potluck will be held October 18 at 1:00
p.m. at Veterans' Memorial Hall, So. Main St., Alturas. Gary was born March
18, 1944, in Susanville, CA. He passed away in Alturas, CA on October 5,
2008.
Donations can be made on Gary's behalf to the VFW Alturas or Susanville.
Marion Ladewig
Graveside service for Marion Wimer Ladewig will be held at the Lake City Cemetery on October 18, 2008, at 2 p.m. Reception to follow. Marion Wimer Ladewig, 82, of Lake City, CA, passed away on Saturday, May 31, 2008 at Surprise Valley Hospital, Cedarville.
Sports
Braves continue quest for perfect season
Modoc's Braves beat the Etna Lions 32-6, on a bone chilling Friday night, and now turn their quest for an unbeaten Shasta Cascade League season on Weed, there this week.It wasn't much of a contest as the Braves led 6-0 after the first period and 20-0 at halftime. They added 12 points in the fourth to lead 32-0 before Etna scored to make it 32-6.
JVs beat Etna 30-8
The Modoc JV football team defeated Etna 30-8 on Friday, October 10. The commanding victory was facilitated by solid performances from the entire JV roster.
SV girls play for cause
On Thursday October 9 the Surprise Valley High School Lady Hornets Volleyball team put aside team colors and wore pink in order to support and raise money for an even greater cause, Breast Cancer Awareness. The event was the first annual ÒPlaying for a CureÓ game.
Bulldogs
drop Modoc netters
Fall River's Shasta Cascade League-leading Bulldogs beat the Modoc Braves
varsity volleyball team 25-24, 25-19 and 25-15 last week in Alturas.
Modoc faces Mt. Shasta tonight there, and travels to Trinity Saturday. Modoc is now 1-4 in league play.
October 23, 2008
News
Secure schools, roads has some deep concerns
While the passage of the Secure Rural Schools and Communities Act of 2008
was greeted as good news by affected counties, closer examination exposes
some concerns.
Modoc County Superintendent of Schools Gary Jones recently met with the
Executive Board of the California Forest Counties Schools Coalition (CFCSC)
and Executive Director of the National Forest Counties Schools Coalition
(NFCSC), Bob Douglas.
He reports that the SRSCA provides for four years of county payments starting
in federal fiscal year 2008, meaning the county is due federal money for
last year. That payment is expected in the middle of January.
The projected initial county payment of $3,109,487 (split between roads
and schools) is a decrease of about 10 percent from the base year of 2006,
a loss of $338,408.
For the current year of 2009, the county is slated to receive $2,625,789, a reduction of $483,698. The amounts are further reduced for 2010, a total payment of $2,245,741 with a decrease on the prior year's amount of $380,088.
County building perks up with spuds
A new potato storage building in the Newell area made up about half of
the Modoc County Building Department's $2,168,488.62 value in September's
29 permits.
There were also seven permits for garages or barns and four manufactured
homes.
The City of Alturas issued 20 building permits in the month of September,
with 11 being for re-roofing. The estimated value of the permits was $125,043.
Oct. 28 last day for absentee request
The final day to request an absentee ballot for the November 4 General
Election is Oct. 28 and those, plus regular mail-in ballots, must be returned
by Election Day.
The Modoc County Clerk's Office is reminding voters get their mail-in or absentee ballots into the office no later than Nov. 4. If voters plan on mailing those ballots, the Clerk's office stresses they need to be mailed early. In the past some ballots took three days to arrive and some came after Election Day. Voters can physically take those ballots to the Clerk's Office, or can hand them in to a polling place.
Newell death ruled accidental
The cause of the September death of David Joel Heaton, Newell, has been ruled through autopsy as accidental asphyxia, according to Modoc County Sheriff Mark Gentry.
Obituaries:
Gertrude Gerig
After a short illness, longtime Bieber resident Gertrude Marie Gerig passed
away at her home on September 8, 2008. A service of remembrance and to celebrate
her life will be held Saturday, October 25, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at the Bieber
Memorial Hall. A potluck luncheon will follow.
Harold Allphin
Harold Lee Allphin of Alturas, passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully
in the arms of loving family members at his Alturas home on October 17,
2008. He was 88. The energetic Mr. Allphin, had retired at age 75, from
a long career as a union interior/exterior painter in Southern California
and Modoc County.
A private family service was held October 20 in Alturas.
Wiliam Grove
William Fredrick Grove, born and reared in Eagleville, CA, passed away
Saturday, September 27, 2008, at the age of 87. Mr. Grove owned a cattle
ranch in Eagleville from 1949 to 1958.
Bill did not want a funeral. For those who knew Bill during his life as
a rancher, the family held an old fashioned wake in his honor at the Eagleville
town hall October 11. Condolences may be sent to Michael Grove at michaelgrove@yahoo.com.
Bill would appreciate donations to the Shriners Children's Hospital who
helped Bill's oldest son live an extra 45 years.
Ernest Groth
Former Alturas resident Ernest Groth passed away October 12, 2008 in Medford,
OR. Born January 14, 1931 in Independence, Kansas to John B. and Rose Groth,
Ernie graduated from South Medford High School and was on the Black Tornadoes
football team
Services were held in Medford. Condolences to the family may be sent to
2052 Young Ct., Medford, OR 97504. Memorial donations may be sent to the
Church of Christ, 1450 N. Warner St., Alturas, CA 96101.
Steven M. Horning
Steven Michael Horning, 54, who was born and reared in Alturas, CA, passed
away at UCSF Medical Center, San Francisco, CA on October 5, 2008, after
a battle with cancer.
Services will be private. Donations to help defray incurred medical costs may be directed to Kim Horning, 1131 Myrtle St., Turlock, CA 95380. Turlock memorial Park and Funeral Home handled arrangements.
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Sports
Braves beat Weed 42-6, travel to Chiloquin Friday
night
Modoc's Braves buried the weed Cougars 42-6 Friday night in Weed and now
take a trip north to meet Chiloquin this week. The Braves are now 4-0 in
the Shasta Cascade League and 7-0 overall.
There will no junior varsity game at Chiloquin and the varsity game is schedule for 7 p.m.
Modoc splits in league volleyball
The Modoc Braves varsity volleyball team split in Shasta Cascade League action last week, losing to Mt. Shasta in five games, 22-25, 26-24, 25-19, 14-5 and 12-15 and beat Trinity, 19-25, 25-22, 25-23-22-25 and 14-16.
JV
Braves handily defeat Weed
The Modoc JV football team defeated weed 36-6 on Friday, October 17. The passing games of both teams were limited, but the JV Braves running game was solid, with 373 total rushing yards.
October 30, 2008
News
Early voting strong in Modoc
Modoc County is mirroring much of the nation this year as people are getting
their ballots in early for the November 4 general Election.
According to the Modoc County Clerk's Office, more than 1,500 ballots had
been received by Wednesday and were coming in big bundles each day.
Modoc County has 5,332 registered voters, with a breakdown as follows: Republican 2,641; Democrat 1,548; Decline to State 830; American Independent 181, Libertarian 30 Green 19, Peace and Freedom six, and other four.
Shooting brings attempted murder charges
A Monday evening shooting in the New Pine Creek area resulted in attempted
murder charges being filed against Robert Stanchina, age 50.
According to Modoc County Sheriff Mark Gentry, Stanchina is alleged to have shot Martin Verhamme, age 32, twice in the chest with a .22 caliber handgun. Gentry said they pair was reportedly arguing over a chainsaw when the gun was pulled and shots fired. The incident occurred at the Rock House on County Road Two, the road to Lily and Cave Lakes..
City voters asked to approve public safety funds
Voters in the City of Alturas are being asked to approve Measure K, which
would add one-half cent to the state sales tax, which would be used only
for public safety in the city.
The Alturas City Council placed the issue on the ballot at the request
of Alturas Chief of Police Ken Barnes and Fire Chief Keith Jacques, both
of whom see a shortage of funds currently to meet the community's needs.
The issue needs a two-thirds majority to pass on Nov. 4. The state sales tax is now at 7.25 percent, and if Measure K is approved, the sales tax in the city would go up. It is estimated that about $200,000 would be raised annually for the city.
Volunteers Sought for Forest RAC
The Modoc National Forest along with Modoc County is seeking interested
persons to fill four vacancies on the Modoc County Resource Advisory
Committee.
New appointments to the committee will be for the 4 years of
the new legislation. If you are interested in serving on the Modoc
County Resource Advisory Committee, contact Dina McElwain, Modoc
National Forest, at 530-233-8723 or Sean Curtis, Modoc County Resource
Analyst at 530-233-3276, by November 30, 2008. Additional information
on the legislation can be found at http://www.fs.fed.us/srs/
Modoc County will receive $3,109,487 for 2008 under the reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act 2000.
County must decide 80
or 85% split for secure schools, roads funds
The allocation of Secure Rural Schools and Communities Act of 2008 contains
a graduated decrease in funds to Modoc County between now and fiscal year
2010-2011 amounting to $695,544.
The funds for the current base year amount to $3,447,895, drop to $3,109,487
in 2007-08; to $2,798.538 in 2008-09; to $2,522,139 in 2009-10; and goes
up to $2,752,351 in 2010-11.
The Modoc County Board of Supervisors will decide in the near future whether
to allocate 80 or 85 percent of the total funds to county schools and roads,
with either 20 percent or 15 percent going to Title II and Title III projects.
The loss to county roads and school if the Board adopts to 80 percent figures is significant: $155,474 in 2007-08; $139,927 in 2008-09; $126,107 in 2009-10, and $137,618 in 2010-11. That's a total loss of $559,126 to schools and road over that period.
Obituaries:
June Graham
June (Hafer) Graham of Alturas passed away in Sacramento, California on
Friday, October 24, 2008, where she had been staying for the past two weeks,
due to failing health. Mrs. Graham was 86.
Graveside services will be held on Saturday, Nov. 8 at 11 a.m. at the Alturas Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Brass Rail.
Patricia Fox
Memorial services were held October 16, 2008 at the Christian Center Church
in Desert Hot Springs, CA for Patricia "Pat" Carolyn Fox of Silver
Springs, Nevada and Desert Hot Springs. Pat passed away on October 12, 2008
in Yucca Valley from complications with Alzheimer's.
She was born on May 21, 1935 in Oolitic, Indiana to Clarence Hall and Lorene Lavender.
Sports
Braves host Chester for '08 Homecoming
Modoc Braves will host the Chester Volcanoes Friday night for the 2008
Homecoming game. The Braves are sporting perfect 8-0 record coming into
the game and Chester comes in with a 2-6 overall mark.
The Braves walloped Chiloquin last Friday night 47-14 and Chester beat Los Molinos 24-0. The junior varsity game will start about 5 p.m. and the varsity will follow.
Modoc High Volleyball
The Modoc High Varsity Volleyball team defeated Etna in four games on Oct.
25: 25- 19, 21-25, 25-19, and 25-19. The Lady Braves played strong defense,
frustrating Etna's attack throughout the match.
On Oct. 28, the Lady Braves lost to Burney in 4 games: 14-25, 25-19, 18-25, and 15-25. The team was unable to get any sort of rhythm going during the match.
MMA offers to pay entry fees
The Modoc Motorsports Association is offering to pay the entry fee for
one class for any of its members who participate in the Klamath Indoor Motocross
event at the Klamath Fairgrounds Nov. 7-8.
For more information, call Pat Rees at 708-0116 or Rendy Rees at 233-4325.
Modoc High sports Purple and White pride for Homecoming
Homecoming week activities for Modoc High students continue tonight Oct.
30, with dress up (costume) day and royalty voting after the student vs.
faculty Volleyball game. Tonight the annual Powder Puff game, Bonfire and
King Coronation will take place between 6 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on the Football
Field.
Friday is Purple and White school colors dress up day with students to parade down Main Street, Alturas, lining up at 1:25 p.m. on Eighth Street in front of Oxley Social Hall. The parade will head south down Main Street to Veterans' Park, with floats, band, royalty and classes sporting purple and white pride. A student Rally will take place at 2:15 p.m. in the Griswold Gymnasium. Friday night's game against Chester begins with the JV game at 5 p.m. and Varsity at 7 p.m.
News
Crabtree narrowly wins District IV runoff
Shorty Crabtree narrowly defeated James Wills in the run-off election for
District IV Supervisor seat in Tuesday's election and the City's half-cent
sales tax issue failed.
Modoc County had a very strong voter turnout as 81.22 percent, 4,473 of
its 5,507 registered voters cast ballots.
Crabtree garnered 527 votes (51.77 percent), while Wills earned 484 votes, 47.54 percent.
MMC debt keeps climbing
The debt of Modoc Medical Center to the county keeps climbing and may be
nearing a ceiling soon.
The debt at the end of October stood at $12,830,954 an increase of $402,726
from September's $12,428,228.99.
Obituaries:
June Graham
June Graham of Alturas died October 24, 2008, in Sacramento after a brief
hospitalization. She was 86 and had been in rapidly failing health for several
weeks. Graveside services will be held on Saturday, Nov. 8 at 11 a.m. at
the Alturas Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Brass Rail restaurant
in Alturas.
For those who wish, memorial contributions may be directed to the Modoc
County Historical Society, 600 So. Main Street, Alturas, CA 96101 or Modoc
County Library, 212 West Third St., Alturas, 96101.
Fred Haynes
Cedarville resident Fred Haynes passed away October 31, 2008, at the age
of 85 in Cedarville, CA. Mr. Haynes served with the U.S. Navy during World
War II. He became a heavy equipment owner and operator in the Bay area for
nearly 50 years that followed his discharge. He moved to Cedarville five
years ago.
Services were private.
Alvin M. Harris
Alvin M. Harris, 76 of Oroville, passed away on Oct. 27, 2008 in Oroville.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, Nov. 7, 2008 at the Eagles Hall
in Oroville at 1:00 p.m.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ramsey Funeral Home. Please visit RamseyFuneralHomes.com
to view his farewell.
Sports
Braves host Los Molinos in final SCL game
Modoc's Braves quest for a perfect Shasta Cascade League
and pre-season will pit them against Los Molinos in Alturas Friday night.
Los Molinos comes in as a heavy underdog after getting beat by Burney
51-6 last Friday night.
The Braves are coming off a 41-0 drubbing of Chester's Volcanoes.
Chester beat Los Molinos 24-0 earlier this season.
"We'll be prepared for them and take nothing for granted,"
said Modoc coach Shaun Wood. "I think we just have to stay focused
and play our game and we'll be fine. We need to concentrate on this game
and secure home field advantage throughout the playoffs. We're playing
very well this year and we'll be fine."
With a win Friday night, Modoc would finish the season with a perfect
10-0 and 6-0 SCL record, the only team left unbeaten in the section. That
record would give them a first round bye in the playoffs and the remaining
games in Alturas.
Modoc had no trouble against Chester, taking a 20-0 first
period lead and led 34-0 by halftime. The Braves backed off in the second
half, adding just seven points in the third period for the 41-0 win.
The Braves' defense had held Chester to negative offensive yards in the
first half.
Meanwhile, the Braves were running and scoring pretty much
at will. Justin Estes led the running attack with 128 yards on 11 carries,
Matt Mayes added 50 on seven and Dee Hunsaker had 32 on three.
Hunsaker was 4-for-6 passing for 153 yards and two touchdowns.
Josh Wood caught a pair for 50 yards and Ulysses Gonzales caught two for
103 yards, one a 66-yard touchdown.
Hunsaker and Estes scored a pair of touchdowns each, while
Mayes and Gonzales each added one. Josh Wood and Gonzales combined on
the conversions.
Mayes led the team in tackles with 11; Ivan Mendoza had
11, Tyler Wood nine, Miguel Torres eight, and Ryan vanderHeyden, Estes,
Wood and Ethan Bonham seven each.
Josh Wood sacked the Chester quarterback three times, while
Hunsaker, vanderHeyden, Chris McMasters and Torres each had one sack.
So far this season, Modoc's offense has generated 334 points;
a 37-point per game average while the defense has held teams to 80 points,
an 8.8 point per game average.
In other action last Friday, Fall River beat Etna 49-6.
Braves lose to Fall River
The Modoc Braves volleyball team lost to Fall River in 3
games: 16-25, 15-25, and 11-25. The Braves played hard, but were unable
to capitalize on their efforts. "Our inability to consistently pass
to the setter and put serves in play limited our ability to score throughout
the match," said Coach Harold Montague. Following the loss, the Braves
dropped to 3-7 for the season.
Offensively, Emily Conner led the Braves with 6 kills and
12 aces. The rest of the team combined for 10 kills and 2 aces. "Conner
had a great night defensively with 8 blocks," said Montague. Unfortunately,
as a team the Braves were unable to stop Fall River's attack.
The JV team defeated Fall River, winning in 3 games: 23-25,
28-26, and 15-12.
The Braves finish their season playing Weed and Trinity. People are encouraged to come and support the seniors for Senior Night on Thursday, Nov. 6, prior to the commencement of the varsity game against Trinity.
Modoc JVs beat Chester
The Modoc JV Football team defeated Chester 22-8 on Friday,
Oct. 31. The Braves racked up 231 rushing yards against Chester, but were
unable to get a passing game going. The Braves' defense held Chester to
159 total yards.
Webb Dunn Led the Braves with 2 touchdowns, Tee Wilson had
1 touchdown and a two-point conversion, and Jeremy West caught one two-point
conversion. The Braves had 10 rushing first downs in the game.
The Braves' defense played exceptionally well against Chester. At one
point in the game Chester had the ball with first-and-goal on the 2-yard
line and the Braves made a goal line stand, giving the ball back to the
offense on the 7-yard line. Tee Wilson, Austin Carreker and Jessie Silva
each had one interception.
"Great job by the defense," said Coach Rodney Grier. "Besides
the goal line stand, the defense had an awesome night with several QB
sacks and tackles behind the line of scrimmage."
The Modoc Brave JV team is now 5-4 for the season, and is looking to close out strongly against Los Molinos this Friday.
November 13, 2008
News
Perlite facility aims for April operation
The project of Cornerstone Industrial Minerals, to truck
its Perlite to the Alturas Mill siding for loading onto train cars heading
to Klamath Falls is nearing operational mode.
Cornerstone President/Owner Mick Stanley on Friday said that contracts have been signed with the City of Alturas and he would like to be in operation by an April 1.
Public hearing on MMC hospital district
tonight
The proposed Modoc Medical Center healthcare district public
hearing is Nov. 13, 6 p.m. at Alturas City Hall will address putting the
issue to a vote of the people.
The Modoc County Local Agency Formation Commission, LAFCO, The Modoc County Board of Supervisors and the Save Our Hospital Committee is proposing to form a Healthcare District and establish a Sphere of Influence of approximately 955 square miles, including the communities of Likely, Alturas, California Pines and Canby.
Closer look at Tuesday's election details
District Four County Supervisor Shorty Crabtree won another
term by just 47 votes over challenger James Wills last Tuesday 532-485,
and the precinct that may have won it for him was Canby.
According to the Modoc County Clerk's results, Canby gave Crabtree a 37-vote
lead, 88-51.
California Pines voted for Crabtree by five, 124-119 and
Hot Spring voted for him by eight, 184-176.
Alturas B voted in favor of Wills by a three-point margin, 139-136.
Modoc
seeks new RAC members
The Modoc National Forest along with Modoc County is seeking interested persons to fill four vacancies on the Modoc County Resource Advisory Committee. New appointments to the committee will be for the 4 years of the new legislation. If you are interested in serving on the Modoc County Resource Advisory Committee, contact Dina McElwain, Modoc National Forest, at 530-233-8723 or Sean Curtis, Modoc County Resource Analyst at 530-233-3276, by November 21, 2008. Additional information on the legislation can be found at http://www.fs.fed.us/srs/
Obituaries:
Andrew Campbell
Andrew William MacFarlane Campbell, age 68, passed away
November 3, 2008 in Porterville, California. He was a former resident
of Alturas.
A celebration of Andrew's life will be held at the Porterville
Airport on Saturday, November 15, 2008 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. A second
celebration will be held in St. Helena, CA on Friday, November 28. Andrew
requested that donations may be made to the Farmersville Deep Creek Academy
Scholarship Fund.
Kathryn Purington
Kathryn Purington, 78, of Adin, CA passed away October 28,
2008, at Mayers Memorial Hospital, Fall River Mills, CA. A memorial service
will be held Saturday, Nov. 15 at 2:30 p.m. at Adin Community Hall.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Big Valley Endowment for the Adin Ambulance, P.O. Box 356, Adin, CA 96006. McDonald's Chapel, Burney is handling arrangements.
Christopher Cook
Christopher Russell "Chris" Cook, 44, found peace with the Lord on Friday, November 7, 2008, in Dairy, OR. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 815 Pine Street, Klamath Falls, OR on Friday, November 14, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Rogatian Urassa celebrating. Concluding services will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery. An Evening Vigil and Rosary service will be held from the chapel of Ward's Klamath Funeral Home, 1945 Main Street, Klamath Falls on Thursday, November 13 at 6:00 p.m.
Sports
Modoc wins SCL; on to section playoffs
as number 2 seed
Modoc's Braves won the Shasta Cascade League Friday night
with a 59-0 win over visiting Los Molinos. That win gave the Braves a
perfect 6-0 league mark and a 10-0 overall season record.
Even with that perfect record, Modoc enters the North Section Division
Four playoffs as the second seed, behind the 9-1 Portola Tigers. That
gives both Portola and Modoc byes in the first round of the playoffs this
Friday.
Modoc will meet the winner of this week's U-Prep (three seed) versus Etna (six seed) game on Nov. 21 in Alturas. Portola will meet the winner of the Esparto (four seed) versus Quincy (five seed) game in Portola.
Varsity volleyball ends season with
victory
The Modoc High varsity volleyball team defeated Trinity in four games: 25-19, 25-20, 15-25, and 25-22. Modoc ends the season 4-7 in the SCL and 7-17-2 overall.
Modoc JV Football defeats Los Molinos
The Modoc JV football team decisively defeated Los Molinos 36-14 on Friday.The JV Braves end the season 6-4 and were third place in the SCL.
MMS hosts girls hoop tourney
There will be a Middle School Girl's Basketball tournament
this Friday and Saturday with games being played at the Modoc High School
gym.
Teams from Burney, Fall River, Big Valley, Gerlach, Surprise Valley, Lakeview, and Modoc will be participating in 2 divisions. Games will be played between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Friday
November 20, 2008
News
LAFCO passes hospital district issue
The Modoc County Local Agency Formation Commission, LAFCO,
voted 4-0 with one abstention last Thursday approving a resolution sending
the Last Frontier Health Care District formation on its way to a vote.
Following a well-attended public hearing at Alturas City
Hall, Commissioners Mike Dunn, Dan Macsay, John Dederick and Marie Neer
voted in favor while John Schreiber abstained. The issue now goes to the
Modoc County Board of Supervisors for another public hearing and a decision
whether to put the issue to a vote of the people in the proposed district.
According to Modoc County Chief Administrative Officer Mike Maxwell, that hearing will be held at a date to meet a May, 2009 election timeframe. Supervisors have the option to set an election or not.
Final results in the Tulelake Basin Joint Unified School
District election show that two incumbents trustees were unseated.
With the combination of votes from Modoc and Siskiyou Counties incumbent Jeffrey Boyd won with 551 votes, and challengers David Porter Misso won with 407 and Daniel Orr won with 367 votes. Incumbents Thomas Macy lost with 353 votes and Jerry LeQuieu had 220 votes.
Record warm for November
This last weekend has produced record warm temperatures
for November in Alturas and daytime highs well above averages.
Sunday, Nov. 16, found the mercury moving up to 71 degrees,
21 degrees above the average of 51, and breaking a record of 69 set in
1949.
On Monday, the daytime high was 72, tying the record set in 1959. The average high for Nov. 17 is 51 degrees.
Haralson
trial date vacated, hearing set
The impending and often delayed homicide trial of Robert
Chad Haralson, age 32, the suspect in the 1992 murder of Betty Lou Parks,
which had been set for January 5 in Modoc Superior Court has been vacated.
According to the Modoc County District Attorney's Office, the defense attorney John Webster, of Redding, has another trial that conflicted with the January 5 Modoc date. A pre-trial conference has been set for Dec. 16 to address the trial date.
Sports
Braves face Etna in Section semi-final
Modoc's Braves will host the Etna Lions Friday night in
the second round of the North Section CIF Division IV football playoffs.
Etna, the number six seed beat University Prep, number three,
26-13, last Friday to move on to face the Braves. In their Shasta Cascade
League meeting this year, Modoc trounced Etna 32-6.
Number five Quincy beat number four Esparto 9-7 to win the
other opening round game and will face number one Portola in Portola this
Friday.
If Modoc and Portola each win, the section championship will played at Portola Nov. 26. If Portola loses and Modoc wins, the game will be played in Alturas. Portola beta Quincy 44-22 in the first game this season.
Modoc runners have strong finish
Cross Country finished the year with strong performances
at the Trinity Invitational, Small Schools and Northern California Sectionals.
Austin Hoy had a personal best with a time of 20:35 in the
varsity division as a sophomore over three miles on very tough terrain
at the Trinity Invite. He placed 26th out of 45 varsity runners.
Michel Funk and Susanna Jones both ran terrific races, each
receiving medals with times of 24:01 for Funk and 24:03 for Jones, placing
them 11th and 12th out of 45 runners.
West Valley High School was the host of small schools for Shasta Cascade
League.
"It was a very wet and cold day in West Valley making
the course very difficult to run on with several large hills and an all
dirt trail," said coach Wendi Lowrey.
Hoy again ran at the varsity level placing 46th out of 80
runners with a time of 20:56. Jones had a strong race with a time of 25:03
placing her 22nd. Funk had difficulties with her ankle on the muddy trail
and came in 27th with a time of 25:14. The varsity girls had 62 runners
in their division.
Sectionals were held at West Valley. Hoy had a good race, again running in the varsity division. Among 183 male runners he placed 128th with a time of 20:37. Funk also had and good race with a season best time of 23:54 and placing her 69th out of 162 runners. Jones finished her race with a season best of 23:56 placing her right behind Funk in 70th place.
November 27th, 2008
News
New statewide regulations for septic systems will have severe impact on Modoc
The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) has proposed
regulations that will establish new statewide minimum requirements for
the siting, permitting, construction, operation, maintenance and performance
monitoring of all new and existing onsite wastewater disposal systems
including septic tank systems with leach fields.
Modoc County Environmental Health Officer Warren Farnam
is very concerned that the new regulations will be extremely negative
for Modoc County residents, and could be very expensive.
According to Farnum, 71 percent of dwellings in Modoc are on septic systems.
He will address his concerns to the Modoc County Board of Supervisors
at the December 9 meeting. He said the situation is very serious and residents
need to be aware of what the state's doing.
Alturas
man dies in auto accident
A 20-year-old Alturas man, Daniel (Defrates) Shaffer, died
Nov. 20 from injuries sustained in a single-vehicle accident on U.S. 395
about a half-mile south of the Cedarville Y.
The California Highway Patrol reports that Defrates was driving a 1988 Ford Bronco southbound at an unknown time and unknown speed. He allowed the vehicle to drift onto the right shoulder, lost control and the Bronco crossed both lanes of traffic, where it went off onto the right shoulder of northbound U.S. 395 and continued out of control. It continued along that shoulder and rolled several times, ejecting the driver.
October jobless ran well over 2007
The Modoc County unemployment rate for October 2008 was
substantially higher than last year, 9.1 percent this year to 6.6 percent
last year.
According to preliminary figures from the state Employment Development Department there were 380 people unemployed in October 2008, compared to 280 the same month in 2007. The civilian labor force in October 2007 numbered 4,190 and in 2008 it dropped to 4,120.
Obituaries:
Daniel Shaffer (Defrates)
Daniel Wayne Shaffer (Defrates) was born April 13, 1988
in Alturas, CA. He passed away at Renown Hospital in Reno, NV on November
20, 2008, as the result of a vehicle accident near Alturas.
Memorial services will be held at Alturas Baptist Church on West Fourth
Street on Saturday, November 29 at 1 p.m. A potluck and time of fellowship
will follow.
Donations may be made to Modoc Medical Center's Tree of
Life, in memory of Daniel W. Shaffer Defrates, 228 W. McDowell Street,
Alturas, CA 96101.
Helen Cahill
Helen Elaine Cahill lost her battle with cancer on November
17, 2008. She was the loving mother of Shannon (Brad) Towle, Jonelle (Jim)
Bauserman, John "Jody" Cahill and Casey Cahill and wife of John
Cahill who predeceased her on July 8, 1983.
Daryl Bartholomew
Family services will be held at a later date for Daryl D.
Bartholomew, 53, of Burney. Mr. Bartholomew died of natural causes November
9, 2008 at Mercy Medical Center in Redding, CA. He was born October 7,
1955 in Alturas, CA and moved to the Burney in 2005 from Washington. He
was a truck driver.
Dodie Tipton
Dolores "Dodie" Tipton passed away November 22, 2008 at home in Alturas, CA. A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, December 1 at 11 a.m. at Kerr Mortuary Chapel, Alturas. She was preceded in death by her husband Herman "Tip" Tipton on April 23, 2008.
Sports
Braves meet Portola for section title
Unlike the ridiculous college Bowl Championship Series system,
the North Section Division IV Football Championship has come down to what
it should have the two best teams in the division will play for
the title.
Modoc's Braves play the Portola Tigers Wednesday 6 p.m.
in Portola. Modoc beat Etna 34-12 in the semi-final and Portola dropped
Quincy 34-0. The teams come into the title game fairly evenly matched.
Modoc comes into the game with an 11-0 record and Portola finished at
10-1. Both teams beat Division V Champion Fall River.
The Braves averaged 38.8 points per game and Portola 36.4. Modoc averaged 400.9 yards per game offense while Portola had 344 while Portola passed for a 134.5 yard average and Modoc for 108.9 yards. The Braves scored 427 points in 11 games while giving up just 92 and the Tigers scored 400 points, giving up 115.
December 4th, 2008
News
District 4 Congressional race not over
The race between Democrat Charlie Brown and Republican Tom
McClintock to replace retiring John Doolittle in the U.S. House of Representatives,
District Four, is not yet decided.
As of this week, McClintock held a 1,576 vote lead over Brown, 184,543 (50.3 percent) to 182,967 (49.7 percent) according to the California Secretary of State's Office.
MMC debt
goes over $13 million
The Modoc Medical Center debt to the county hit another
milestone at the end of November, going up to $13,281,478.97, according
to the Modoc County Auditor's Office.
That's an increase of $450,524 over the October debt of $12,830,954, which was up $402,726 from September's $12,428,228.99.
Ft. Bidwell woman killed in Cedar Pass
wreck
A single vehicle accident on Cedar Pass Nov. 30 just after
6 a.m. claimed the life of Dana L. DeGarmo, age 51, of Fort Bidwell.
According to the California Highway Patrol, DeGarmo was westbound on State Route 299 in a 2002 Ford SUV at about 50 m.p.h. when she hit a large patch of ice. The vehicle went out of control, struck a rock embankment on the north side of the highway and came to rest upside down on the south side of SR299.
Obituaries:
Roger Paul Dunn
Roger Paul Dunn passed away November 30, 2008, at home in
Alturas, CA due to complications from Diabetes. He had just turned 57
on November 24, and was born in Alturas, CA to Lyle and Mattie Dunn in
1951.
No services will be held per Roger's request.
Memorial donations may be directed to the Modoc Senior Citizens
Center, 906 West Fourth St., Alturas, CA 96101.
Dana DeGarmo
Dana DeGarmo of Ft. Bidwell, CA passed away November 30,
2008, at Mercy Medical Center in Redding, CA, from a vehicle accident.
Graveside services will be held Friday, Dec. 5 at 1:30 p.m. at the Ft.
Bidwell Cemetery.
Dana De Garmo's obituary will be published at a later date.
William 'Bill' Brown
William R. "Bill" Brown, husband of Betty M. Brown
of Alturas, passed away at Sky Lakes Medical Center, Klamath Falls, OR
on December 2, 2008. Services will be held Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 11 a.m.
at the Church of Christ, 1450 North Warner St., Alturas. Mr. Brown's obituary
will be published at a later date.
Dee Anna Snow
Dee Anna Snow passed away at Mercy Medical Center in Redding,
CA on the evening of November 29, 2008, after a very long illness. She
was 65. Graveside services will be held at Adin Cemetery in Adin, CA on
Friday, December 5 at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National
Kidney Foundation of Northern Calif., 553 Pilgrim Dr. Suite C, Foster
City, CA 94404.
Please visit or contribute to her Everlasting Memorial at
ww.mem.com
Dolores Tipton
Dolores Beverly Tipton was born to Ervin and Mary Hill in
Cedarville, CA on December 4, 1936. Dodie died at her home in Alturas,
CA on November 22, 2008. She spent her youth in Surprise Valley and on
the family ranches in Nevada. She graduated from Surprise Valley High
School in Cedarville.
A Memorial Service was held on Monday, December 1 at 11
a.m. at Kerr Mortuary Chapel, Alturas.
Carl Murch
Carl Murch passed away at his Alturas home in the arms of
his loving wife on November 30, 2008.
First and foremost, Carl was a Marine. He served in Vietnam (1967-68)
as an engineer building roads, bunkers and base installations along the
Demilitarized Zone
He is survived by Kathy, his wife of 30 years and his mother
Dorothy Barnard who resides in Colorado. A man with many friends; he will
be sorely missed.
Janice VanLone
Janice VanLone-known by all as "Nan," passed away
on Sunday, November 30, 2008 at age 67. She had lived in Alturas for many
years, then moved to Yuba City about two years ago.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 6 at 2:00 p.m.
Church of Christ, Peach Tree Lane, Yuba City, CA.
Sports
Braves crush Portola 33-10 to win North
Section
Modoc's Braves put together a 27-point second half to crush
the Portola Tigers 33-10 in the CIF North Section Division IV championship
game last Wednesday in Portola.
Portola was seeded number one and Modoc number two in the section play-offs, and the local Plumas County papers were confident the Tigers would make short work of the Braves. The game was played in a steady rain.
Braves in line to play in state title
bowl
The Modoc Braves varsity football team is currently ranked
number one in the north state small schools division, giving them a shot
at playing for the state championship.
Coach Shaun Wood said the ranking is good, but the decision on who gets the nod will come from the commissioners of the 10 CIF section commissioners. That decision will be made December 14. The championship game is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Dec. 19 in Dominguez Hills.
Modoc wrestlers begin quest for 10th
straight SCL title
The Shasta Cascade League wrestling championship trophy
is probably ordered with the Modoc Braves name already engraved. Modoc
is going for its 10th straight SCL title and third straight Division III
championship.
While Trinity and Mt. Shasta may challenge for the title
this year, it's highly doubtful they'll be able to overcome coach Shaun
Wood's Braves.
Modoc comes into his season with the number one ranked 215-pounder in the state, Josh Wood, who placed fourth at the state finals last year.
Braves open hoop season with loss
Modoc's varsity boy's basketball team is at the Fall River
Block F Tournament this weekend. They have had precious few days to practice
since they just completed the football season.
Tuesday night they lost to Triad of Klamath Falls 49-33.
They started with just a two-point first period and trailed at halftime
22-12. They picked it up in the third, outscoring Triad 11-9, but fell
off in the fourth as Triad pumped in 18 points to Modoc's 10.
Dee Hunsaker led the scoring with 12 points and Tyler Dowdy had 10.
Braves
take to the hardwoods
Modocs Varsity Girls team returns three starters and a sixth
man from last years squad, with only one junior with varsity experience
moving up to Varsity.
The Braves first game was Tuesday at home versus Triad from Klamath Falls,
Oregon. They are at Fall River at the Block F Tournament Thursday.
Hall is assisted by Jennifer Slinkard.
The girls beat Triad of Klamath Falls Tuesday night 45-28. Modoc trailed 12-8 in the first, but took a 20-18 lead at the half. The Braves scored 25 second half points, while limiting Triad to 10.
December 11th, 2008
News
County says 'no' to septic proposal
It may not make a lot of difference at the state levels,
but the Modoc County Board of Supervisors agreed with its Environmental
Health Officer Warren Farnam Tuesday and said no to a proposed new statewide
septic system proposal.
The comments were submitted officially by the Board to the
State Water Quality Resources Control Board in response to a Draft Environmental
Impact Report, DEIR, concerning Assembly Bill 885, Onsite Waste Treatment
Systems.
Farnam presented his comments to Supervisors at the regular meeting on Tuesday and will continue to monitor and battle the SWRCB on the issue, which he said would have a devastating impact on Modoc and other rural counties.
New County CAO on Board
New Modoc County Chief Adminsitrative Officer Mark Charlton's
first day on the job was Monday and Tuesday he officially attended his
first Board of Supervisor' meeting.
Charlton comes to Modoc from San Francisco, where he was
Regional Director of Programs for the U.S. Corps of Engineers. He retired
from that position to accept the Modoc job. That also meant giving up
an apartment in the prime Marina District to move to the country.
Charlton and his wife, Susan, own a home in Shingle Springs, so he is familiar with the rural lifestyle. He has also worked and lived in the eastern Washington state area.
Brown concedes to McClintock
On December 3, Lt. Col. Charlie Brown conceded the election
for U.S. Representative in District IV to Thousand Oaks Republican Tom
McClintock.
On Tuesday, the California Secretary of State's office had
McClintock leading Brown by 1,576 votes, 184,543 (50.3 percent) to 182,967
(49.7 percent).
McClintock will replace embattled U.S. Congressman John Doolittle, who is retiring. Doolittle has been under investigation in connection with the Jack Abramoff scandal.
Building remains sluggish in Modoc
Building activity in the City of Alturas and the County
of Modoc remained sluggish in November.
The County Building Department issued 13 permits, worth an estimated $191,013.
That's a change from 13 permits worth an estimated $578,001 for October.
Installation of two new billboards and construction of two
barns made up the bulk of the permit values. Last month, one new home
and a wireless communication facility made up $232,803 of the total.
The City of Alturas issued nine building permits in November,
with an estimated value of $51,317. Two remodeling projects accounted
for over $40,000 of the total.
In October, the City issued 13 permits, valued at $273,409.
Obituaries:
William Brown
William (Bill) R. Brown of Alturas has finished his time
on this earth. God, his Father, took Bill home from Klamath Falls, Oregon
on Tuesday, December 2, 2008. Attending Bill on that night were children,
grandchildren, a daughter-in-law and his adoring wife Betty.
Inurnment was private. A memorial service was held in Alturas
on December 10, 2008. A second memorial will be held Saturday, December
20, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at the First Christian Church, 290 North Union
Road, Manteca, CA.
Donations to a veterans' organization in Bill's name will
be appreciated.
Dana Lynn DeGarmo
Dana Lynn DeGarmo passed away at Mercy Medical Center in
Redding, CA on the evening of November 30, 2008, from a vehicle accident.
She was 51. Dana was born and raised in Alturas, CA. she attended the
local elementary/middle schools and graduated from Modoc Union High School
in 1975.
Services were held on December 5 at Ousley Osterman Huffstutter's
Funeral Chapel, 410 Center Street, Lakeview, OR and graveside services
were at the Fort Bidwell Cemetery in Fort Bidwell, CA.
William S. Atchison
William Samuel Atchison of Alturas passed away December
8, 2008, in Redding, CA. Mr. Atchison's obituary and announcement of memorial
services will be published next week. Arrangements by Kerr Mortuary, Alturas.
Sports
Modoc still favored for state bowl game
The chances of the Modoc Braves football team heading to
Los Angeles to play in the state championship bowl are still positive.
As of this week, Modoc was still the favored team in the
North, while the south representative had changed to Parker out of San
Diego.
Central Valley Christian, of Visalia, was the number one
ranked team in the south last week.
Wood said the decision on who gets the nod will come from the commissioners of the 10 CIF sections. That decision will be made December 14. The championship game is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Dec. 19 in Dominguez Hills.
Modoc hosts Northeast Classic this
weekend
Modoc's wrestling team hosts the Northeast Classic wrestling
tournament in Alturas this weekend, with duals set Friday and the individual
championships on Saturday.
Teams coming this year include: Anderson, Corning, Crane (Ore.), Wood Creek (Sacramento), Burney, Fall River, Lassen, Mt. Shasta, Weed, Big Valley, Portola, Etna, Tulelake, Chester and others.
Modoc boys off to rough start
Modoc's varsity boy's basketball team is still trying to
recover from a championship football season and has started the hoop season
0-5.
Modoc lost three games at the Block F Tournament last weekend
in Fall River.
Hayfork beat the Braves 65-54 to open the tourney. Modoc lost the second
game to Chester 60-49. Big Valley dropped the Braves in the final game
56-48. The Braves lost to Bonanza Tuesday night 46-45 after opening with
a 16-9 first period lead.
Modoc
girls fall to Bulldogs
Modoc girl's varsity basketball team lost a close game to
Fall River 58-57 last Thursday night in Fall River.
Bonanza beat the Braves 66-59 Tuesday. Emily Conner put up 25 points, Michel Funk added 16 and Rochelle Keller had 10.
December 18th, 2008
News
Beck remains upbeat about hospital
Modoc Medical Center Chief Executive Officer Walt Beck remains
optimistic that a turnaround of the facility is on track, in spite of
the increasing debt to the county. That debt went over $13 million last
month.
One of the key issues on the near horizon is the final approval
and allocation of a provider number for the Critical Access Hospital reimbursement.
That process is going through the necessary bureaucratic channels and
Beck expects to see that cash increase in about two months.
If MMC had been receiving the higher CAH reimbursement rate, Beck said it would have amounted to about $120,000 since Oct. 9. The rate increase will be retroactive to the Oct. 9 CAH accreditation date.
Winter
arrives days early
Winter doesn't officially begin until Sunday, but cold and
snow hit Modoc with a passion this week.
The low temperature in Alturas Wednesday was 13 below zero and by noon
it had warmed all the way up to two degrees above. While it was cold,
the record cold for December 17 hit 19 below zero in 1967.
Septic system impact far flung
Last week, Modoc County Environmental Health Officer Warren
Farnam did a report on the Draft Environmental Impact Report by the State
Water Quality Resources Control Board, concerning Assembly Bill 885, Onsite
Waste Treatment Systems.
That report addresses the drastic and far flung impacts that law would have on rural areas, especially counties like Modoc, where about 71 percent of the households have septic systems.
Forest travel DEIS out for comment
The Modoc National Forest Draft Environmental Impact Statement
for Motorized Travel Management is available for review. The DEIS examines
five alternatives for managing motor vehicle use and the predicted environmental
impacts associated with them.
A 45-day comment period will begin on Dec. 19 and end on Feb. 1.
Obituaries:
Faye Henson
Faye Henson passed away on Friday, December 12, 2008, in
Alturas, CA. Faye was born in Purdon, Texas on December 15, 1926, to Alta
and Robert French. She grew up in Sheridan, Arkansas and became a "war
bride" when she married her high school sweetheart, Richard on Valentine's
day,
She is preceded in death by her husband Richard, daughters Alice Faye
and Mazel Ruth, son Richard "Dick" Henson, Jr. and her parents.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Modoc
Little League, VFW, or charity of one's choice. A memorial service to
celebrate Faye's life will be held at a later date.
Fern Rose Pena
Alturas resident Fern Rose Pena said her goodbyes to family
and close friends before passing away at her home on December 10, 2008,
with her daughters Dianna and CeCelia at her side. She was 81. The mother
of 12 children, grandmother of 24 and great-grandmother to 11 children,
Rose extended her heart and home to an additional 22 children over the
years as a foster parent.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated by The Rev. Father
Jeremy Leatherby at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Alturas on Wednesday,
Dec. 17 at 10 a.m. with committal at the Alturas Cemetery.
Bill Peterposten
Former Lake City resident Bill Peterposten, 87, passed away
at his home in Reno, NV on Friday, Dec. 12, 2008. Services will be held
at Grace Church in Reno on Monday, Dec. 29 at 1:30 p.m. Mr. Peterposten's
obituary will be published at a future date.
Gayland Sansing
Gayland W. Sansing, known as "G.W.," passed away
on Sunday, Dec. 12, 2008, at the age of 68, at Modoc Medical Center, Alturas,
CA. Mr. Sansing had moved to the Alturas area from Modesto three years
ago, when he retired
He is survived by sisters Alli and husband Jim, Donna and
a brother John residing in the Modesto area and good friends in Modoc.
His parents predeceased him. Services in Modesto are pending.
William Atchison
A Memorial Service for William S. Atchison will be held Saturday, Dec. 20 at 2 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 1400 W. Fourth St., Alturas. Mr. Atchison made Modoc his home for the past 19 years. He ended his service to Jehovah in this system on December 8, 2008, in Redding, CA. and is poised and ready to begin his service in paradise promised by Jehovah.
Jessie Genung
Jessie Odessa (Cannon) Genung, 89, lost her struggle with
cancer at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, on December 13, 2008
in Virginia Beach, VA.
She was born April 1, 1919, in Surprise Valley, CA. She
was the last surviving child of William Jesse Cannon and Edna Frances
Royce, decendents of Modoc County pioneer families.
Private graveside services will be held in Lawncrest Memorial Park in
Redding.
Michael McCrary
Michael James McCrary, affectionately known as "Mickey",
was born during a rare summer snowstorm on July 7, 1948 in Alturas, California.
He died peacefully in his sleep on December 13, 2008, at Copper Ridge
Care Center in Redding, California.
Please join the us for the burial and memorial service of
this remarkable and beloved man, Michael James McCrary, on December 27,
2008 at 12:00 at the Adin Cemetery. A potluck memorial will be held afterward
at the Adin Community Hall.
Benjamin Garcia
Benjamin (Ben) Gordon Garcia,1952-2008, left this earth
quietly at 3 p.m., the first day of December, 2008, at his home in Bieber.
His wife, children, grandchildren and family will sorely miss him.
There will be a Celebration of Life Service at the Seventh Day Adventist
church in Fall River Mills, Ca. on Saturday, December 20, 2008 at 2 p.m.
There will be a Potluck afterwards.
Sports
Unbeaten Modoc passed over for state
title game
Hamilton City, with a 10-2 record and the North Section
Division III title winner, got the nod as the Northern California team
for the small schools division in the state football bowl championships,
edging out Modoc.
They will meet St. Margaret's of San Juan Capistrano at
4:30 p.m. Friday at the Home Depot Center in Carson.
"We wish Hamilton City luck," said Modoc coach Shaun Wood, who believes his 12-0 Braves deserved the shot at the state title, since they were the only unbeaten team in the north.
Block M tourney starts today
The 52nd annual Block M Basketball Tournament is set December
18, 19, and 20 at the Modoc High Gymnasium in Alturas.
The tourney includes varsity and junior varsity boys and girls competition from five regional schools. Teams are included from Modoc, Chester, University Prep, Tulelake, and Surprise Valley.
Braves second in Northeast Classic
Modoc's Braves finished second in their Modoc Northeast
Classic wrestling tournament last weekend, losing to a strong Woodcreek
team out of Sacramento, 236 points to 162.50.
Modoc coach Shaun Wood said the Woodcreek crew was solid,
but he was pleased the Braves beat Corning, Anderson and Lassen, all bigger
schools.
Corning finished with 143, Anderson 132, Lassen 103,50, Crane 98, Etna 64, Mt. Shasta 63.5, Chester 45.5, Corning II 32, Portola 31, Chiloquin 29, Fall River 28, Modoc II 26, Big Valley 24, Tulelake 12, Crane II 11, Chester II 10, Lassen II 10, Burney 8, Modoc III, Anderson II 6, Weed II 3 and Crane III 2.
Modoc
girls win pair at Portola
Modoc's varsity girl's team won two of three games at the
Portola tournament last weekend, preparing for this weekend's Block M
Tournament in Alturas.
The Block M starts today and runs through Saturday.
December 25th, 2008
News
Cold, wet December continues
Don't look for any relief from the cold and wet winter storms
for the coming week. A white Christmas is definitely in the picture as
forecasts are calling for several days of snowstorms and snow showers.
Over the last week more than 12 inches of snow have fallen in Alturas, with about eight inches still blanketing the ground Tuesday. A thaw on Dec. 21 had melted much of the snowpack as the temperature reached a balmy high of 37 degrees.
Nov. jobless
rate spikes
The unemployment rate for Modoc County jumped to 11.2 percent
for November, well above last year's 7.6 percent and above October's 9.1
percent.
The jobless rate has been on a steady upswing from September's
8.2 percent to October's 9.1 percent.
According to the state Employment Development Department, the number of unemployed jumped from Oct. 08's 380 to 450 for November. That's markedly above November 2007 when 300 people were listed as unemployed.
Hamilton City crushed by St. Margaret's
Hamilton City's football team was crushed by St. Margaret's
59-7 in the California Small Schools State Championship Bowl game. St.
Margaret's of San Juan Capistrano now has a 43-game winning streak.
The 10 CIF Section Commissioners chose Hamilton City, the Division III North Section champion with a 10-2 record over Division IV Champion Modoc, which sported a 12-0 record, to represent the North State's Small Schools.
Tribe closes Thoms Creek Road
The Tribal Council of the Pit River Tribe has closed the
Thoms Creek access Road from U.S. 395 effective immediately.
The road will be closed and gated, but access to emergency
vehicles will be permitted. Homeowners in Thoms Creek will not be allowed
to use that road.
Entrance and exit from the Thoms Creek subdivision remains
off State Route 299 East, heading to Cedar Pass.
The Road closure was an agenda item on the Modoc County Board of Supervisors meeting Tuesday.
Obituaries:
Estella Sherer
Estella Mae Sherer of Canby, CA passed away December 15,
2008, in Alturas, CA. She was 91. She was born to LaFe and Annie Harris
on June 23, 1917, at Buzzards Roost, Shasta County, CA and spent much
of her early life in the Fiddletown area of Amador County
A memorial service for Mrs. Sherer will be held at a later
date (Spring) with Kerr Mortuary in charge of arrangements.
Wanda Slinkard
Wanda Sue Slinkard, 59, passed away on Friday, December
19, 2008, in Reno, Nevada. Services will be held at Kerr Mortuary Chapel
in Alturas, CA on Friday, December 26, 2008, at 1p.m. Burial to follow
at the Alturas Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be directed to the Humane Society, as Wanda loved all cats.
William Peterposten
William Tell "Bill" Peterposten, 87, passed away
peacefully at his home in Reno, Nevada on December 12, 2008. He was born
in Reno, October 11, 1921, and lived in California much of his life. He
attended Greenville, Alturas, and Cedarville high schools, excelling in
track.
Funeral services will be held Monday, December 29, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. at Grace Church, 1220 Robb Drive, Reno. Donations may be made to the Circle of Life Hospice, 1575 Delucchi Lane, Suite 214, Reno, NV 89502, or the American Lung Association.
Sports
Modoc girls go 2-1 in Block M, Boys
1-2
Modoc varsity girl's team went 2-1 in the Block M tournament
over the weekend, earning first place in the round-robin affair, beating
second place University Prep in their game.
University Prep also went 2-1 in the tourney. Tulelake was
third and Chester fourth.
Modoc's varsity boys finished 1-2 in the tourney, placing third. Tulelake won the event with University Prep second. Chester was fourth. Modoc girls go 2-1 in Block M, Boys 1-2.
Wood wins Reno Wrestling title
Modoc's Josh Wood won the huge Reno Tournament of Champions
215-pound division over the weekend, beating Calvary Chapel's (Santa Ana)
Tank Knowles 4-2 in the title match.
Wood went 6-0 in the tourney, beating wrestlers from New York, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma and others along the way. There were 82 schools from throughout the nation at the tournament, and 64 wrestlers per bracket. Knowles in ranked third in the state of California and Wood is ranked number one.