January 2008February 2008 March 2008

April 2008 May 2008 June 2008 July 2008 August 2008 September 2008 October 2008 November 2008

January 3, 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.

February 7, 2008

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.

March 6, 2008

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.

April 3, 2008

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.
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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."
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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, 2008

News

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

May 1, 2008

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