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January 1, 2009

News

Modoc Estates residents snowed in

Modoc Estates has not plowed snow off the roads under its control, and the issue is causing concern not only for residents, but also for Modoc County Sheriff Mark Gentry.

On Monday, Gentry said there were three emergency calls into Modoc Estates, where about 16 inches of snow was measured. In one case, the victim had to be transported from her home by four-wheel drive to an ambulance waiting on the main paved road.

Gentry has ordered the Sheriff's Sno-Cat to be on call in case there are serious emergencies in Modoc Estates, where their four-wheel drive vehicles are unable to operate.

Put old Christmas tree to a good use

Put that used Christmas tree to a good use again this year. The trees have been used very successfully to create fish habitat at Dorris Reservoir the past few years.

Recent tests on the areas have shown that the trees, which are anchored in groups to the bottom of the reservoir, have worked to offer sanctuary for young fish and good reproduction areas.

The used trees can be dropped off free behind the California Department of Forestry at the east end of Ninth Street on the east side of the Modoc High School football field.

People are asked to remove all tinsel from the trees and no flocked trees are allowed. The trees will be collected and taken to the reservoir.

Day Care coming to SVES

In this season of gift-giving, members of Surprise Valley Joint Unified's governing board and others attending December's monthly meeting got an early peek at a possible present the entire community will enjoy in the coming year.

An all-volunteer committee made up of 11 school staff, administrators and community members is moving forward with plans to open a day care facility on the Surprise Valley Elementary School campus by early 2010.

Obituaries:

Linda Gale Goicoa

Linda Gale Goicoa, 52, of Alturas, died December 26, 2008 in Redding, CA. Graveside services will be held Friday, Jan. 2, 2009, at 10 a.m. at the Alturas Cemetery. Linda (Stanley) was born on March 27, 1956, in Sonoma, CA.

Donations may be directed to St. Jude's Children's Hospital or to the local fire department or Ambulance. Mrs. Goicoa's obituary will be published in a future issue.
Kerr Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Wilbur K. Huntington

Wilbur K. Huntington passed away December 25, 2008 in Gresham, OR where he had been living. Services for the former Alturas resident will be held Friday, Jan. 9 at 11 a.m. at Kerr Mortuary Chapel in Alturas, CA. Graveside service to follow at the Alturas Cemetery.
Mr. Huntington's obituary will be published in a future issue.

Sports

Upcoming sports -

Modoc's wrestling team travels to the Anderson tournament January 9-10 and to Burney Jan. 16-17.

The Boys and Girls Basketball teams host Burney January 6 and Lakeview January 8.

They travel to Etna January 10 and play host to Mt. Shasta January 13.

January 8, 2009

News

CSAC warns of state budget impact disaster

The California State Association of Counties, CSAC, sent a memo to county governments January 5 warning of major ramifications from the Governor's proposed budget.

On Wednesday, new Modoc Chief Administrative Officer Mark Charlton said the county is expecting a $174,000 hit for the remaining six months of this fiscal year and a $684,000 hit for the next fiscal year, totaling a loss of $858,000 for the next 18 months.

Those figures do not include possible fiscal impacts at Modoc Medical Center or other public health areas.

There is snow in the mountains

While the actual snow surveys have not yet been done, the Natural Resource Conservation Services SNOTEL sensors show a solid snowpack in the mountains.

As of Tuesday, Cedar Pass had 37.7 inches of snow containing 7.9 inches of water; Adin Mountain showed 25 inches of snow with 6.7 inches of water; Dismal Swamp had 41 inches of snow containing 10.5 inches of water and Crowder Flat had 9.3 inches of snow and 2.6 inches of water.

Comparable historic snow surveys will be undertaken by the federal agencies at the end of January and again in April.

Comment period on state septic issue ends Feb. 9

The public comment period on the State Water Resources Control Board proposed regulations on Onsite Waste Treatment Systems (septic) is February 9.

Modoc County officials are asking anyone concerned about the issue (which could increase the cost of installing a septic system from about $6,000 to $30,000 plus add new regulations) to express their concerns to the SWRCB.

To make it easier, Modoc County Health Services, Environmental Health Division, has set up information on its website. Go to www.modochealthservices.com/environmentalhealth.html, click on the Full Draft Environmental Impact Report, AB 855 information link and that will lead you to a draft letter to the state. People can either use the draft letter or state their own comments.

Hospital debt up slightly

Modoc Medical Center's debt to Modoc County rose to $13,370,234.78 at the end of December, up $88,756 from November's $13,281,478.97, according to the Modoc County Auditor's Office.

While the debt did go up, it was much smaller than November's $450,524 increase over the October debt of $12,830,954. The debt for September stood at $12,428,228.99.

Obituaries:

Wilbur Huntington

Former Alturas resident Wilbur Kincaid Huntington, father, friend and hero, passed away December 25, 2008, in Gresham, Oregon. Funeral services will be at Kerr Mortuary in Alturas, CA on Friday, January 9 at 1:00 p.m., followed by interment, next to his beloved wife Violet at Alturas Cemetery.
A reception will follow at the Brass Rail restaurant from 2:00 to 5:30.

Judith A. Klabbatz

Judith Ann Klabbatz, 58, a long time resident of Alturas, passed away January 7, 2009, at Modoc Medical Center in Alturas, CA. Kerr Mortuary will be handling arrangements. Services will be held Friday, January 9, 3 p.m. at the Church of Christ on north Warner Street in Alturas.

Linda Goicoa

Linda Gale Goicoa, an Alturas resident for over 25 years, passed away on December 26, 2008, in Redding, CA. She was 52. She was born Linda Stanley on March 27, 1956, in the beautiful wine country town of Sonoma, California.

Graveside services were held on Friday, January 2, 2009, at the Alturas Cemetery. The family requests donations be directed to the Volunteer Paramedics in the Alturas area.

Charles H. Massie

Charles Henry Massie of Alturas, CA, passed away Tuesday, December 30, 2008, at the VA Hospital in Reno, NV. "Charlie" was born June 13, 1924, in Rochester, N.Y.
There will be a private celebration of his life at a future date.

Ira Kinyon

Ira Lee Kinyon, 47, died of natural causes in Salem, Oregon, December 8, 2008.
Mr. Kinyon was born in Fall River Mills, January 2, 1962. He lived in Adin before moving to Oregon.

Darlene Wheeler

Darlene Vernice Wheeler passed away peacefully on Dec. 25, 2008. Darlene was born on Oct. 18, 1939, in Susanville, CA and has remained a lifelong resident of Susanville. Darlene attended Lassen High School and was a graduate of the class of 1957.

A funeral service was in the memory of Darlene Wheeler on Friday, Jan. 2, 2009, at Walton's Colonial Mortuary in Susanville.

Sports

Wood wins big Sierra Nevada Classic

Modoc's Josh Wood continued his unbeaten streak and maintained his number one California state ranking at 215 pounds as he powered his way to the Sierra Nevada Classic Championship in Reno Jan. 29-30.

Wood went 6-0 in the tourney, pinning or getting a technical fall in all but one match, which he also won easily. Wood was seeded number one and was on the strong side of the bracket. He beat the wrestlers who finished second, third and fourth.

There were 96 teams from through the west at the big tourney. Modoc finished in 38th place as a team.

Modoc heavyweight Miguel Torres had a good tourney, going 4-2 and finishing one match out of the medals. Tyler Wood, at 171 pounds, went three and two in the tourney, also just missing the medals.

Coach Shaun Wood said both Torres and Tyler wrestled very well in Reno. Also getting wins in the event were 135-pound Kyle Voth, 119-pound Wyatt Valena and 125-pound David Potter.

Modoc now heads to one of the toughest tourneys in the north state at Anderson this weekend. About 50 schools from the region, northern California and southern Oregon will be in attendance.

Hoop teams open SCL with losses

Both Modoc High School varsity basketball teams opened the 2009 Shasta Cascade League season with losses Tuesday night at home against Burney.
The boys lost 36-32, getting outscored 21-12 in the second half after leading 20-15 at intermission.

Dee Hunsaker led the Braves with 16 points, while Ethan Bonham added five.
The Braves girls fell victim 42-37 to the Raiders. The Braves and Raiders were tied at 6-6 in the first and Burney led 18-16 at halftime. Modoc jumped out to a 26-22 lead after three, but got blown out 20-11 in the fourth period.

Sami Schmidt led the scoring with 16; Rochelle Keller added 12, Shauni McCombs five and Michel Funk four.

The Braves host Lakeview tonight, travel to Etna Saturday and host Mt. Shasta Jan. 13. Modoc's girls have an overall record of 6-5 and 0-1 in the SCL. The boys are struggling through a 1-12 opening and are 0-1 in league.

January 15, 2009

News

State budget impact cloudy, county takes action

In Tuesday's Modoc County Supervisors meeting, the county's administrative officer, Mark Charlton, informed the board of the possible effects the budget boondoggle in the state capitol may have upon Modoc County.

"They have not come to any kind of a resolution or even a basic agreement," he said. Charlton noted that there are really three parties to the ongoing negotiations: Democrats, Republicans and the governor. "The three are not coming to consensus," he said, noting that the budgetary standoff left all counties in a state of financial limbo, not knowing how they might be impacted.

After citing the recent "exceptional" analyses from CSAC and RCRC on the current financial state of California, he went on to say, "It's time for us to take a fix on some precautionary actions to be good stewards here in the county. The belt is being tightened on us. I don't know where it's going to end up. I didn't think it would last this long."

Given the present uncertainty in the state's budgetary process, Charlton called for information from the auditor's office "on the expense side" of each of the county's departments. This would allow him to report to the board in the next month or so on present financial condition of the county, "so we can bring a better assessment to the board."

Modoc Medical Center financials show hope

Modoc County supervisors heard a somewhat hopeful financial report for the Modoc Medical Center Tuesday.

Reporting to the board on the hospital's audit from the past fiscal year, Jerrel Tucker of TCA Partners, a Fresno-based auditing firm, had several things to say about the current and future condition of the Modoc Medical Center from an independent auditor's point of view.

Firstly, he reported that this year's report is nearly identical to last year's. "We're kind of commenting on the same issues," said Tucker. "But having said that, (changes in the business office) really bode well for the hospital. I feel a little more confident about some of the changes being made now than I did last year."

He noted that the audit went well, thanks in large part to the hospital's accountant, Monica Derner and the new administrator, Walter Beck. "There have been some improvements there that have been made this past year that, I think, bode well for the future."

Mark Moriarity takes helm of Alturas CHP

The new area commander for the Alturas office of the California Highway Patrol (CHP) has also served as an officer here for 23 of his 24 years in the patrol.

"Just recently, after testing for lieutenant," said Mark Moriarity, 54, "this position came open. And, I happened to be in the right place at the right time . . . I tested, interviewed for it and got the position."
Looking every bit the professional law enforcement officer, Moriarity shouldered responsibility for the local CHP office just a month ago. And he is very happy about it. "This is a fantastic office. It's a great place to work," he said. "We have a lot of experienced officers-the same thing with the office staff. Everyone here does a great job."

Teller suspected of taking $10,000 from deceased man's account

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has taken over a case involving the alleged theft of $10,000 from a deceased Alturas man's bank account by a U.S. Bank teller.

The case was originally investigated by the Alturas Police Department and Chief Ken Barnes requested the FBI's help as the case unfolded. FBI agents were in Alturas January 8 and started their investigation.

According to Barnes, a relative who would act as the estate executor of the deceased man took a death certificate to U.S. Bank the morning of December 2. The certificate was presented to teller Erika Del Carmen Mariscal.

Obituaries:


Cynthia Martinez-Conant

Cynthia Marie Martinez-Conant, wife of James Conant of Alturas, passed away January 13, 2009, at Modoc Medical Center, Alturas, CA. Graveside services will be held Wednesday, January 21 at 10 a.m. at the Alturas Cemetery. Mrs. Conant's obituary will be published in a future issue.

Anni Derner

Anni Derner, 93, longtime resident of Canby, passed away December 30, 2008 at Sky Lakes Hospital in Klamath Falls, OR where she had been hospitalized for five days for treatment of pneumonia.
At her request, no funeral services will be held.

Bonnie Steward

Bonnie Joy Steward of Alturas passed away January 12, 2009, at Surprise Valley Medical Center, Cedarville, CA surrounded by her family. Bonnie, 59, had been recently diagnosed with cancer and was hospitalized in the last month.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made to Bonnie's favorite, Samaritan's Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC, 28607-3000 or the charity of your choice.

Services are pending under the direction of Kerr Mortuary in Alturas. Please phone 530-233-5797 for Kerr Mortuary's recorded information about service arrangements.

Atlee Champe

Atlee B. Champe went to be with his Lord on January 10, 2008, at Modoc Medical Center in Alturas, CA. Atlee was born December 16, 1921 in Fayette Co., West Virginia Services will be held Saturday, January 17 at 10 a.m. at the Alturas Baptist Church, West Fourth St. Interment at the Alturas Cemetery. Arrangements by Kerr Mortuary.

Leona Grigsby

Graveside services were conducted January 12, 2009, at the Hillside Cemetery in Nubieber, for Leona Grigsby, 78, of Bieber, CA.

Mrs. Grigsby died of natural causes January 6, 2009, at Mayers Memorial Hospital in Fall River Mills.

Lavelle Dollarhide

Eagleville native Lavelle Dollarhide, age 84, passed away January 11, 2009 at Sky Lakes Medical Center in Klamath Falls, OR. The Rev. Dr. Ben Zandstra will hold graveside services at the Eagleville Cemetery on Tuesday, Jan. 20 at 10 a.m. A time of fellowship will follow at the Eagleville Community Hall.

Charles Howard

Charles Stewart Howard, III, age 76, passed away at his Alturas, CA home on Sunday, January 11, 2009. It was his request to have a private burial in Alturas. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Charles Howard Fund at Lake District Hospital 700 J Street Lakeview, Oregon 97630. Mr. Howard leaves his wife Robin Michele Howard and daughter Haley Howard of Alturas. Arrangements under direction of Kerr Mortuary, Alturas.

Rollen Gabriel Allen

Rollen Gabriel Allen, age 29, went home with the Lord on January 12, 2009 in Alturas. He was born Dec. 13, 1979 in Red Bluff and had been back in Alturas for the past eight years.

Services will be held January 16, 2009, 4 p.m. at the Alturas Baptist Church on Fourth Street in Alturas. The family invites anyone whose life was touched by Allen to the memorial service. There will be a potluck following the services and people are welcome to bring a dish.
Allen graduated from Warner High School in 1998.

Monta Hodges

Former Red Bluff resident Monta Hodges, 58, was called to heaven on Thursday Jan. 8, 2009, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Monta had lived on Manzanita Mountain in the Cal Pines area of Alturas for the last five years. Born on Feb. 5, 1950 in Waterloo, Iowa, Monta was the first of three children born to Roy and Mae Hodges.

A Celebration of Life Memorial service will be held on Jan. 24 at 2 p.m. at the Community Baptist Church, 598 Round-Up Ave., Red Bluff with a Reception at 4 p.m. at the Durango RV Park, 100 Lake Ave. in Red Bluff. Memorial contributions can be made in Monta's name to: The Veterans Guest House, 880 Locust Street, Reno, NV 89502 or online at: http://www.veteransguesthouse.org.

Sports

Wood remains unbeaten, Braves in Burney

Modoc's 215-pound Josh Wood retains his number one state ranking at that weight and improved his season record to 24-0 by winning the huge Anderson NorCal tourney last weekend.

Wood went 5-0 in Anderson with each win by pin or technical fall. He won the championship match 19-2. This year 20 of his 24 wins have been by pin.

There were 53 schools represented at the Anderson tournament, with the bulk much larger than Modoc. The Braves finished a very respectable 10th in the tourney, well ahead of any small schools.

Modoc struggling in basketball season

Both Modoc's varsity girls and boy's basketball teams continue to struggle in basketball this season.

The boys lost to Lakeview in a one-sided contest Thursday 73-37Dee Hunsaker scored 12 and Justin Estes added 10 for Modoc.

The girls fell to Lakeview 31-21, as Modoc could not find the basket.
Sami Schmidt led the scoring with 11 and Michel Funk added six.

On Saturday Modoc's girls came from behind to beat Etna 48-40 at Etna.
Schmidt led the Braves with 23 points; Rochelle Keller added 15 and Michel Funk six. Funk also pulled down 18 rebounds in the game.

Modoc's boys lost to Etna 46-34, hitting just four of 17 three-point shots. Estes led the 16 points, Hunsaker added nine and Bonham had seven.

On Tuesday, Modoc's girls lost to Mt. Shasta 52-22Keller led the Braves with five points and Shauni McCombs added four.

The Modoc boys fell to 1-15 and 0-3 in league, losing to Mt. Shasta 63-48. Estes led with 21 points and Hunsaker had 15.

January 22, 2009

News

County holds hospital district hearing

The Modoc County Board of Supervisors is holding a public hearing January 27, 9:15 a.m. in the Sheriff's Annex to take comment on a hospital district election.

The board is asking for input concerning the setting of an election May 5 to form the Last Frontier Health Care District to support Modoc Medical Center.

The election would be in two parts, one to form a hospital district and two, to assess a tax of about $175 or $195 per year to "unique" property owners within the proposed boundaries of the district.

Haralson trial date postponed again

The often delayed homicide trial of Robert Chad Haralson, age 32, the suspect in the 1992 murder of Betty Lou Parks, has been postponed again.

On Tuesday, Haralson's attorney John Webster, of Redding, asked Judge Fritz Barclay for at least another week before setting a trial date. Webster told Barclay he needed that time to "wrap up" another case. Barclay set a date of January 27 for trial setting.

Dog saved in Cal Pines home fire

While a manufactured home belonging to Mark and Sandy Main was seriously damaged by smoke and heat, fire crews did save the family pet, a dog named "Oscar."

According to fire officials, a fire started in a spare bedroom of the Mountain Drive residence in California Pines about 9 p.m. Jan. 14. The home was filled with smoke and the interior was very hot when fire fighters arrived, but was not fully engulfed.

Septic issue comment period ends Feb. 9

The public comment period deadline on the State Water Resources Control Board proposed regulations on Onsite Waste Treatment Systems (septic) is February 9.

Modoc residents concerned about the issue (which could increase the cost of installing a septic system from about $6,000 to $30,000 plus add new regulations) should express their concerns to the SWRCB.

To make it easier, Modoc County Health Services, Environmental Health Division, has set up information on its website. Go to www.modoccohealthservices.com/environmentalhealth.html, click on the Full Draft Environmental Impact Report, AB 855 information link and that will lead you to a draft letter to the state. People can either use the draft letter or state their own comments.

Obituaries:


Arthur Douglas Panter

Arthur Douglas Panter, 66 years young, died at his home in Beaumont,
California from complications of lung cancer on January 7, 2009.

More than 185 friends and family commemorated the life of "Doug" at a Memorial Service given by Brother Richard Castro at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Beaumont California on January 12th, 2009.

Any cards and thoughts about Doug may be forwarded to: Patricia Panter, 1107 Chesnut Ave, Beaumont, CA. 92223 or Jerry Panter HC 73, New Pine Creek, OR. 97635

F. Carol Wilson Siebe

On January 3, 2009, F. Carol Wilson Siebe died, leaving this world the same way she lived in it, with grace, dignity and love for the people around her.

A Celebration of Life was held January 17 at Parent-Sorensen Mortuary, in Petaluma. Condolences for the family may be left at parentsorensen.com. In lieu of donations or flowers, follow Carol's example: Live your life as a wonderful adventure and share your love abundantly with all who cross your path.

Sports

Modoc wins Burney invite

Modoc's wresting team, as expected, won the Burney Rotary Invitational tournament last week with four individual champions.

Modoc's 215-pounder Josh Wood kept his perfect record intact wining the division and was named Outstanding Heavyweight in the tourney.

Tyler Wood took the title at 171 pounds and earned the award for most pins in the shortest time, four in eight minutes.

Alex Moreo won the 103-pound title and the Most Outstanding Lightweight award.
Heavyweight Miguel Torres won his weight class. Kevin Richardson took a second at 119 pounds.

Boys, girls fall at Weed

Both the Modoc girls and boys varsity basketball teams fell victim to the Weed Cougars Friday night.

The girls fought hard in the second half after trailing 13-7 in the first period and 23-11 at halftime. The Braves cut into the lead 31-24 after three but could not catch the Cougars losing 41-26.

Modoc boys got buried early as Weed took a 15-9 first quarter lead and turned that into a 36-19 lead by half. Modoc had a good third period, outscoring Weed 15-12, but the Cougars blew them away in the fourth 17-9 for the 65-43 win.
Modoc hosts Etna Jan. 23.

JV boys lose three

Modoc's junior varsity boys lost three league games recently. They fell to Weed Friday 46-31. Last Tuesday the Braves lost to Mt. Shasta 50-33. On Jan. 10, they fell to Etna 30-37.

The JV girls split in action this week, losing by five to Mt. Shasta and beating Weed 28-21.

January 29, 2009

News

December, January under precip totals

The last few months have seen Modoc precipitation totals under normal averages, including this month where the average is 1.56 inches and the total to date is less than half at only .76 inches.
December had some wet days, but the total precipitation was 1.45 inches, below the 1.56 average. November had 1.24 inches of water, below the normal 1.43 and October rainfall measured .46 inches, below the normal of .94 inches.

Haralson trial date set August 10

The homicide trial of Robert Chad Haralson, age 32, the suspect in the 1992 murder of Betty Lou Parks, has now been set for August 10.

On Tuesday, Modoc Superior Court Judge Francis Barclay set the trial after conferring with Haralson's attorney, John Webster, of Redding. Webster had told Barclay earlier this month that he needed that time to "wrap up" another case in the Redding area.

The trial had once been scheduled for January 5 and is still expected to last about three weeks. Haralson remains in custody in the Modoc County Jail since his arrest and transfer to Modoc some 19 months ago. By the time he goes to trial, he will have been incarcerated in the Modoc County Jail for 27 months.

Deadline for septic comments is Feb. 9

Anyone with something to say about the State Water Resources Control Board's proposed regulations on Onsite Waste Treatment Systems (septic) must have those comments in by February 9.

Modoc residents are concerned about the issue, which could increase the cost of installing a septic

system from about $6,000 to $30,000 and add new regulations.

To make it easier, Modoc County Health Services, Environmental Health Division, has set up information on its website. Go to www.modoccohealthservices.com/environmentalhealth.html, click on the Full Draft Environmental Impact Report, AB 855 information link and that will lead you to a draft letter to the state. People can either use the draft letter or state their own comments.

The Modoc County Board of Supervisors has officially opposed the issue.

Obituaries:


Jamie Lynn Morgan

Jamie Lynn Morgan, born Jamie Lynn to Larry and Tina Mobley on May 21, 1975, in Bakersfield, CA., went home to be with our Lord on Friday, January 23, 2009 in Alturas, CA, after a long battle with liver disease. She was 33 years old.

Services for Jamie will be held at Repin' for the Lord Ministries on Eighth St., Alturas on Thursday, Jan. 29 at 11 a.m. Destry and Shirley Campbell will officiate. A Potluck will follow.

Condolences and donations may be sent to Chris Morgan, P.O. Box 218, Alturas, CA 96101.
Our family is at peace knowing Jamie is no longer suffering. Thank you to everyone for their support.

Cynthia Martinez-Conant

Cynthia Marie Martinez-Conant, 72, wife of James Conant of Canby, passed away January 13, 2009, at Modoc Medical Center, Alturas, CA. Pastor Curtis Barber held graveside services on January 21, 2009, at 10 a.m. at the Alturas Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to her favorite charity, Amateur Radio Band Defense Fund and Habitat for Humanity.

Big Bear

Celebration of Life services for "Big Bear" will be held on February 2, 2009 at 2 p.m. at the Evergreen Cemetery Veterans' section in Yreka, CA. All friends and family are invited to attend. Dinner will follow services at the Yreka Karuk Tribe Housing Authority located at 1836 Apsuun St.; doors will open at 6 p.m.

Big Ju Ju Bear, age 65 has gone to be with our Heavenly Father on Dec. 14, 2008 at Rogue Valley Medical Center, Medford, OR. "Big Bear" was born on Feb. 1, 1943, as Daniel M. Forrest Jr., in San Francisco, CA. Flowers, memorials, correspondence may be delivered at the Yreka Karuk Tribe Housing Authority Office .at 1836 Apsuun St: Attn to: Children of Big Bear.

Leo Glinkman

Born Leo Kenneth Glinkman on Feb. 25, 1917, in Princeton, Kan., Leo passed away with his family present on Nov. 14, 2008, in Auburn, Wash., in the home of his daughter Dorothy. He was nearly 91.
Mr. Glinkman, who built Sixth Street Steel and Oxygen on Juniper Streeet in Alturas, CA in the 1970s came to know many local residents through his routes and business contacts in Modoc.
Mass will be given at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Klamath Falls, OR at 11 a.m. Feb. 21. A luncheon will follow. Please RSVP to (541) 482-0278 to confirm your attendance for the luncheon. A short interment service will be at Eternal Hills Memorial Gardens with a VA color guard.

Bonnie Steward

Memorial Services for Bonnie Joy Steward will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 31 graveside at the lake City Cemetery. A potluck will follow at the Fire hall in Lake City. Bonnie, 59, passed away January 12, 2009.

Sports

Girls win, boys do not

Modoc's girls beat two Shasta Cascade League opponents last weekend, Fall River and Etna, but the boys lost both games.

The varsity girls beat Fall River 55-51, holding off the Bulldogs in the second half. Modoc led 18-10 after one and 31-20 at halftime. The Braves scored 24 in the second half while the Bulldogs put up 31.

Sami Schmidt led the Braves with 20 and Emily Conner added 16 with Michel Funk adding 11.

The girls then dropped Etna 56-55 Friday night. Modoc led 13-8 in the first and 21-18 by halftime. Both teams scored 14 in the third period and Etna came up just short with a 23-21-point fourth period. Schmidt had 15, Conner and Rochelle Keller 12 each, Funk nine and Shauni McCombs six.

Meanwhile, the varsity boy's team continued its drought, losing 66-61 to Fall River and 54-50 to Etna.

Modoc jumped out to a 12-5 first period lead against Fall River, and led 26-22 at halftime. Modoc increased that lead to 46-40 after three, but the Bulldogs outscored them 26-15 in the fourth.

Justin Estes and Dee Hunsaker each had 18 points, Ethan Bonham added nine and Ulysses Gonzales had eight.

Etna buried the Braves 18-4 in the first period and led 31-19 by half. The Lions took a 39-30 lead into the fourth period and held off Modoc's 20-point fourth quarter with 15 of their own.

Hunsaker put in 23 points, Estes had 14 and Gonzales had nine.

The girls now hold a 9-8 overall record and a 3-3 league mark. Modoc boys are 1-18 overall and 0-6 in the SCL. The Braves travel to Burney Jan. 30.

The junior varsity boys picked up two wins last week, beating Fall River 48-41 and Etna 41-26. Austin Hoy scored 12 points and Jonathan Jones had 10 against Fall River. Against Etna, Jones had 10 points and 10 rebounds, Collyn Server added 10 points and Hoy had nine points and 11 rebounds.

Wood loses first, on to Corning

Modoc's Josh Wood dropped his first match of the season at the tough Mid-Cal finals in Gilroy last weekend to another state-ranked wrestler, Drew Meulman of St. Francis by a score of 5-4.

Wood maintains a 30-1 record this season at the 215-pound weight division and remains favored in the northstate and state tourney.

"Josh didn't like it, but he now has that monkey off his back and I expect him to respond well," said coach, and dad, Shaun Wood. "Josh beat Meulman in the state tourney last year and I expect him to beat him if they meet again. Meulman is a defensive wrestler and Josh is aggressive. We'll go after him the same way."

Miguel Torres took a sixth at the heavyweight division in Gilroy. Wood held him out of the last two medal round matches because of a minor injury, or he could have placed higher.

Tyler Wood took a seventh place at 171 pounds and Alex Moreo finished just out of the medals going 3-2.

Coach Wood believes that Josh, Tyler, Torres, Moreo and Kyle Voth each have a legitimate shot at qualifying for the state tourney this year. The North Section gets to take the top three section finishers in each weight class. Last year, only the top two qualified. Voth did not wrestle at Gilroy because of injury.

The Braves travel to the big Corning Invitational this weekend and the Shasta Cascade League finals are at Big Valley Feb. 6-7

February 5, 2009

News

Dr. Clyde accepts new position at Herlong FCI

Dr. Debra S. Clyde has given formal notice to the Board of Directors of Surprise Valley Health Care District (SVHD) that she will discontinue her regular practice at Surprise Valley Hospital and Clinic effective February 13, 2009.

Dr. Clyde has accepted a position as Clinical Director for the Federal Corrections Institution at Herlong California. The facility houses 1,000 inmates and Dr. Clyde will oversee a clinic staff of three mid-level practitioners.

Modoc jobless rate jumps to 12.2%

Modoc's unemployment rate jumped from 11.2 percent in November to 12.2 percent in December 2008, according to the latest data from the California Employment Development Department.

The increases parallel the state and nation as the recession takes hold and jobs are cut. The jobless rate for Modoc has increased by 32.4 percent since December 2007.

Modoc schools can weather this budget storm

Modoc County Superintendent of Schools Gary Jones is confident local school districts will be able to weather the current budget crisis, thanks to healthy reserves, but is concerned about a lack of leadership at the state level.

"The budget situation at the state level is 'ugly,' according to State Superintendent Jack O'Connell," Jones said this week. "The state faces a budget shortfall of $40 billion over the next two years with no agreement on how to address such a massive deficit. The state operates on about $100 billion in revenues and is currently spending much more than it receives.

"Since school spending is a large part of the budget, a never-ending stream of proposals flows from the governor, legislators, and anyone else who feels compelled to tell us how to best cut education to balance the state budget."

Deadline for septic bill comments extended to Feb. 23

The deadline to submit comments on the State Water Resources Control Board's proposed regulations on Onsite Waste Treatment Systems (septic) has been extended to Feb. 23.

Most Modoc residents and the County Board of Supervisors are concerned about the issue, which could increase the cost of installing a septic system from about $6,000 to $30,000 and add new regulations.

To make comments easier, Modoc County Health Services, Environmental Health Division, has set up information on its website. Go to www.modoccohealthservices.com/environmentalhealth.html, click on the Full Draft Environmental Impact Report, AB 855 information link and that will lead you to a draft letter to the state
Mildred Anklin

Mildred Ann Anklin went to be with her Lord on January 29, 2009. Mildred Ann Looper was born in Monterey, Tennessee on April 30, 1953 to Enloe and Johnnie Looper.

A celebration of life was held, Feb. 3 at Kerr Mortuary Chapel in Alturas, with interment at the Alturas Cemetery. Pall bearers were her sons Raymond and Rick Anklin, son-in-law Eric Duarte; nephew, Victor Madrigal, brother-in-law Bob McCoy and special friend Jesse Doss.

Edwin Knight

Edwin Llewellyn Knight, 81, of Alturas, CA, passed away in his sleep, with his wife Doris, daughter Sandy and his son-in-law Marty at his side on January 30, 2009 at Warnerview Skilled Nursing Facility, his home for the past five years.

At Edwin's request, there will be no funeral services. Condolences may be mailed to the family at P.O. Box 427, Alturas, CA 96101. Donations may be made to Modoc Medical Center's Living Tree in memory of Edwin Knight and mailed to 228 W. McDowell St., Alturas, CA 96101.

Chandler Ward

Alturas resident Chandler Hilding Ward, 87, passed away January 8, 2009 in Philip, South Dakota, where he had divided his time since 2001, living near family and friends. Funeral services were held in the United Church in Philip, SD on January 12. Interment was with military honors by the Wheeler-Brooks American Legion Post #173 at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip, SD.

John H. Partridge

John H. Partridge, 73, passed away on Jan. 30, 2009, at Sky Lakes Medical Center, Klamath Falls, OR, with his wife Barbara by his side.

He lived in Alturas and Likely, CA, before he moved to Wendell, CA, in 1974.

A Celebration of Life Service was held at Davenport's Chapel of the Good Shepherd in Klamath Falls on Feb. 4, 2009, at 10 a.m. with a concluding graveside service at the Davis Creek Cemetery in Davis Creek, CA, at 2 p.m. The services were officiated by Chaplain Patrick Stroup.

Donations may be directed to the Klamath Hospice, 4745 S. Sixth St., Klamath Falls, OR 97603, or a charity of your choice.

Sports

Braves favored for 10th SCL title

Modoc' wrestling team is the odds on favorite to win its 10th straight Shasta Cascade League wrestling title at the league meet this weekend in Big Valley.
No other team has been able to challenge Shaun Wood's Braves in a decade, and it doesn't appear any one is up to the task this year, unless a whole lot of unusual things happen. Wood said that Trinity could mount a run, but he said that last year and the Braves beat the Wolves by better than 100 points.

Modoc travels to Big Valley Friday for a dual meet against Trinity and will head back to Bieber on Saturday for individual and team championships.

The Braves are coming off a huge second place finish at the Corning tournament last weekend. Wood had hoped for at least a top eight result. The top 10 team scores were: Pleasant Valley 179, Modoc 138, Orland 137, Henley 135, Lakeview 124, Corning 113, Paradise 113, Willows 103, Quincy 102 and Wheatland 101.

The Braves Josh Wood powered his way to the 215-pound title and won the Outstanding Heavyweight award.

Modoc's Tyler Wood at 171 pounds took second, losing the title match by a 4-6 score.

Miguel Torres placed third at heavyweight and wrestled very well.

Kyle Voth wrestled to a fifth place at 135 and Kevin Richardson took a fifth at 119 pounds. Gustavo Chavez placed 6th at 120 pounds.

While those wrestlers placed, several other Braves wrestled well, and were a big reason the team finished second in the big meet. They all picked up points in winning matches along the way, but just missed the medal rounds. Wood credited Tyler Stains, Mike Ponti, Web Dunn, Tim Holloway, David Potter and Omar Aceves for their performances.

Girls beat Burney, Mt. Shasta next

Modoc's varsity girl's basketball team beat the Burney Raiders 60-54 Jan. 30 and is at Mt. Shasta this Friday night.

Michel Funk led the way with 17 points, Sami Schmidt added 13, Emily Conner had 12, Shauni McCombs and Rochelle Keller each added nine.

The Braves' varsity boy's team has yet to find a win in the SCL, and are currently the bottom dwellers at 0-7. They meet league-leading Mt. Shasta, 6-1, there on Friday.

Modoc lost to Burney 45-41 last Friday night. Dee Hunsaker had 10 points, Justin Estes added eight and Ty Dowdy and Ethan Bonham each had seven.

February 12, 2009

News

RAC looking at wide variety of projects

The Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) for the Forest Service is well into the process of deciding how to allocate over $248,000 in Title Two federal funds for projects on Forest Service land this year.

"We have a whole variety of projects," says Dina McElwain, RAC coordinator for the Forest Service, referring to the many projects submitted for this year’s funding. "So far, most of these projects are Forest Service."

According to McElwain, the competition for RAC-funded money is keen, with far more projects proposed than funding would allow. She estimates over $500,000 worth of projects have been submitted, more than double the actual funding.

In the initial February 2 meeting, about 13 projects were presented to the committee for consideration. Of those, five were denied, while the remainder were moved forward for the full application review.

County building remains stagnant

While there were three building permits issued by the City of Alturas in January 2009, worth an estimated $30,717; the county fared only slightly better with three permits valued at $55,092.
In the county building one Ag shop accounted for the bulk of the permit value.

The City issued just four permits in January 2008, but they were worth $103,165. Modoc County issued eight permits in January 2008 worth an estimated $420,211.

Obituaries:


William (Bill) Goulding

Longtime Alturas resident William (Bill) Goulding, 86, passed away February 7, 2009 in Madras, Oregon. The 61-year Modoc resident relocated to Oregon a year ago. Inurnment will be private.

Mary Leona Grigsby

Mary Leona Grigsby of Bieber, CA, known as Leona or Grammie to many, was born in a farmhouse near Stockton, Missouri on June 26, 1930 and passed away on January 6, 2009 at Mayers Memorial Hospital in Fall River Mills, CA. She was 78 years old and died of natural causes.

Services were held January 12, 2009, at Hillside Cemetery, Nubieber. Memorial contributions may be made to Big Valley Swimming Pool Fund, c/o the Big Valley Recreation District, P.O. Box 457, Bieber, CA 96009 or the Intermountain Cattlewomen’s Association.

IlaFaye Henson

A Memorial Celebration of Life service for IlaFaye Henson of Alturas, will be held Saturday, Feb. 14 at 11 a.m. at the Church of Christ, Warner St., in Alturas. Family and friends welcome.

Faye Henson passed away on Friday, December 12, 2008, in Alturas, CA.

Donald M. Prine

Donald M. Prine, 73, of Susanville, died on February 5, 2009 at Renown Medical Center, Reno after a short battle with cancer.

Don’s ashes will be scattered at a later time. Those wishing to donate in his memory may do so to Stanford Cancer Center, Development Office, 2700 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025 to support research on Diffuse Large Cell-B Lymphoma.

Leo Glinkman services

Services for Leo Kenneth Glinkman, nearly 91, who built Sixth Street Steel and Oxygen on Juniper Street in Alturas, CA in the 1970s, will be given at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Klamath Falls, OR at 11 a.m. Feb. 21. A luncheon will follow. Please RSVP to (541) 482-0278 to confirm your attendance for the luncheon.

Sports

Braves win 10th straight wrestling title

The Modoc Braves wresting team continued its dominance of Shasta Cascade League wrestling by winning its 10th straight league championship last weekend at Big Valley.

Modoc will now head to the North Section Division III championships in Willows Feb. 21. The Braves have won the past two small schools titles and will be favored to get their third straight. Coach Shaun Wood said his team will be challenged primarily by Willows, Trinity and Quincy.

The SCL championships found nine Braves in the 14 championship matches, with four winning titles. Modoc won the tourney with 180.5 points, followed in order by Trinity 135, Etna 78, Chester 76, Tulelake 60, Big Valley 55, Mt. Shasta 52, Burney 48, Weed 37, Fall River 24 and Westwood 14.

Josh Wood had no trouble winning the 215-pound championship and younger brother Tyler Wood won the 171-pound title.

Alex Moreo took the title at 103 pounds and Miguel Torres won the heavyweight division.

Taking second places for Modoc were: Kevin Richardson 119 pounds; David Potter 125 pounds; Kyle Voth 135 pounds; Tyler Stains 189 pounds; and Ethan Haas 215 pounds.

Tim Holloway picked up a third place at 130 pounds and Web Dunn was third at 152 pounds. Coming home with fourth places were: Omar Aceves 112 pounds; Wyatt Valena 125 pounds; and Gustavo Chavez 140 pounds.

In the two weight classes Modoc didn't place, both wrestlers were battling illness - Mike Ponti at 160 pounds and Colton Reid at 145 pounds.

Braves fall to Bears

Both the Modoc varsity girls and varsity boy's teams fell victim to the Mt. Shasta Bears there Friday night. The girls put up a good fight, but the boys got blown out. Both teams fell to Weed on Tuesday night.

The boys had trouble from the jump ball, trailing 14-8 in the first and 32-22 by half. The Bears buried Modoc with a 24-7 third period and added 14 points to the Braves' 12 in the fourth for the 70-41 win.

The girls took a 9-2 lead against Weed Tuesday and led 22-9 at halftime. They lost Schmidt to injury in the first half and Weed buried them in the second half, outscoring them 34-18 for a 43-40 win.

The boys lost to Weed 55-48 after taking a 25-24 halftime lead.

February 19 , 2009

News

Modoc awaiting impacts of state, federal funds

Modoc County is in relatively healthy financial condition at the moment, but like other California counties is waiting for the state to drop the other shoe, when and if the legislature adopts a budget.

County Chief Administrative Officer Mark Charlton said the county should be able to avoid layoffs and maintain programs, but things will be tight.

“Most of our departments are operating on reserves and can get through to the end of the fiscal year in June,” Charlton said. “The department heads saw this coming and started tightening belts about six months ago. We’ll be able to keep essential programs running through this fiscal year.”

The State Legislature is still deadlocked on a budget, with one Republican vote holding up its adoption. Senator Dave Cox, who represents Modoc and other northern counties is one of the Senators who could move the deal, but won’t. He objects to any tax increases.

MMC gets CAH provider number

The final piece of the Critical Access Hospital designation for Modoc Medical Center came through last week as its provider number was assigned.

MMC Administrator Walt Beck said the CAH number will positively impact billing retroactive to October 9, 2008, when the CAH designation was originally approved.

According to Beck, using current hospital numbers for historic services provided, the CAH designation should mean about a $700,000 annual increase in revenues.

Rumpelstiltskin spins gold with local cast for two shows Saturday

The youthful cast of Rumpelstiltskin has been working hard at rehearsals throughout this past week to prepare for two performances, which will delight audiences of all ages on Saturday, Feb. 21 at 1 p.m. and again at 5 p.m. at the A.C.T. Niles Theater. Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for students and senior citizens at the door.

This classic heart-warming tale of mischief and friendship, has drawn together a cast of over 50 local students from Kindergarten through Senior High age to perform the original musical adaptation of Rumpelstiltskin.

Costumes, props, sets, acting, professional lighting, choreography, music, action will keep the audience entertained as they help Clara guess a mischievous little gnome’s name as he spins straw into gold for a price.

Modoc snowpack below average for the year

Not surprisingly, the snowpack in Modoc is below averages for this time of year and recent storms have done little to improve the overall picture.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, Cedar Pass had 27.1 inches of snow containing 9.0 inches of water on Feb. 3, compared to the long-term average of 34.5 inches.

The Feb. 2 Forest Service manual reading at Blue Lake had 19.5 inches of snow containing 5.8 inches of moisture. That’s 79 percent of the long-term average of 24.8 inches.

Adin Mountain’s Sweagert Flat snow survey showed 24.8 inches of snow containing 7.4 inches of water Jan. 30. The snow depth is 88 percent below the long-term average of 28.1 inches.

Obituaries:

Clarence Lotspeich

Clarence Eugene Lotspeich, Jr. passed away in Cedarville, CA on February 10, 2009, at 10 p.m. Memorial Services were held on Monday, February 16, 3 p.m. at Faith Baptist Church in Alturas, CA.

Interment will be held at Northern California National Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be directed to Faith Baptist Church, Alturas or to Susan Lotspeich.

Earl Clark

For nearly 80 years, Earl Clark has called Alturas home. His presence will be dearly missed, as Mr. Clark passed away February 16, 2009 in Alturas, CA at the age of 88. Dewey Potter of the Alturas Church of Christ will hold a graveside service on Friday, Feb. 20 at 2 p.m. at the Alturas Cemetery.

Born in Hudson, Minnesota on September 15, 1920, one of six children, Earl graduated from Modoc Union High School in 1938.

Memorials may be directed to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Robert Nunn

Services were conducted February 13, 2009, for Robert Elton Nunn, 83, of Burney. Burial was at Burney Cemetery.

Mr. Nunn, formerly of Canby, CA, died of natural causes February 8, 2009, at Mayers Memorial Hospital in Fall River Mills, CA.

Richard Hiatt

Richard Dale Hiatt, 76, of Adin, CA passed away February 16, 2009 at Mayers Memorial Hospital, Fall River Mills, CA. Mr. Hiatt who retired as a lumber mill foreman, took an active role in his community and served as Adin Fire Chief for many years.

Services will be held Friday, Feb. 27 at 2 p.m. at the Northern California Veterans Cemetery in Igo, CA. McDonald’s Chapel, Burney is handling arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the Richard Hiatt Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 582, Burney, CA 96013.

Sports

Modoc looking for 3rd straight small schools title

Modoc’s wrestling team heads to the North Section Division III championships in Willows Feb. 21. The Braves have won the past two small schools titles and will be favored to get their third straight.

Modoc won its 10th straight Shasta Cascade League title this year. Coach Shaun Wood said Willows, Trinity and Quincy will be tough at the small schools meet.

Hoop teams split in SCL action

The Modoc Braves split in Shasta Cascade League action this past weekend and have a game with Trinity left.

Modoc girls lost to SCL bottom dwelling Fall River 55-50 Friday
The girls beat Trinity 49-37 Saturday, coming back from an 18-7 deficit in the first period.

The girls sit at 5-6 in the SCL. League standings with one game left are: Etna 9-2, Mt. Shasta 7-3, Burney 5-5, Modoc 5-6, Weed 5-6, Trinity 4-6 and Fall River 2-9.

The Modoc boys beat Fall River 55-50 for their first SCL win of the season Friday night. .

Modoc fell to Trinity Saturday 76-71.

The SCL standing for the boys are: Mt. Shasta 8-2, Etna 7-4, Weed 7-4, Burney 6-4, Trinity 5-5, Fall River 3-8 and Modoc 1-10. The Braves are 2-22 on the season.

Young runners compete at Nor-Cal mile

Modoc Joint Unified students and parent volunteers are preparing to compete in the Nor-Cal Elementary Mile, which will be held on March 7, in Redding, CA.

The Nor-Cal runners will be competing against schools from Shasta, Trinity, Lassen, and Tehama Counties in the first-second grade division, third-fifth grade division and the sixth-eighth grade division. The students have been training for the past three weeks on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays and will continue that schedule up until race day.

February 26, 2009

News

No layoffs planned in Modoc

After perusing the new California State budget and the initial impacts of the Federal Stimulus Bill, Modoc County Chief Administrative Officer Mark Charlton told the County Board of Supervisors they could breathe easier.

“All things considered, we did better than we were expecting to do,” he said during Tuesday’s meeting. “The departments are digesting this, but we’re not looking at any furloughs or layoffs.”

Charlton said he was still combing though the 47 bills that make up the state budget, but in some instances he has found “small county” exemptions, which would bode well for Modoc.

Gold may again come out of High Grade

Golden Predator Mines Inc., with offices in Reno and Vancouver, BC, have released the results from its summer 2008 exploration program at its High Grade project.           

High Grade is a district-scale bonanza gold vein target located in the Warner Mountains near New Pine Creek and north of Fort Bidwell. Golden Predator has secured essentially the entire former High Grade mine district, with gold-bearing mineralization outcropping over three miles of strike length and one mile of width.

Surface and underground rock sampling by company geologists returned gold values up to 3.76 oz. per ton and 20.3 oz. per ton of silver.

Forest announces end of 2008 fuelwood season

The Modoc National Forest would like to remind all fuelwood permit holders that the 2008 season ends this Saturday, February 28, 2009.

The beginning of the 2009 season will be dependent upon road conditions, but it is expected to begin sometime in May. Call (530) 233-8819 for updates on the 2009 season.

 

Obituaries:

Peter Ytcaina

Long time Surprise Valley resident and businessman Peter Ytcaina died the morning of February 25 at Surprise Valley Hospital in Cedarville.
Services are pending and a full obituary will be published next week.

Richard Laird

Richard “Dick” Laird of Alturas, passed away on February 22, 2009, at the age of 93 in Alturas. A private service was held Tuesday at Alturas Cemetery.
Richard was born in Cozad, Nebraska December 26, 1915 to Blanch (Montgomery) Laird and John William Laird. 

Frank Freeman

Frank Meredith Freeman, 59, of Alturas, CA passed away February 18, 2009, at Rogue Valley Hospital in Medford, OR. Born April 5, 1949, in Eugene, Oregon.

His final resting place will be at the Alturas Cemetery Curtis Barber will officiate the service on Friday, February 27 at 11 a.m. at the Alturas Church of Christ. Graveside immediately following. A Potluck will follow at Church of Christ.

Sports

Modoc 2nd at Small Schools, now off to Master tourney

Modoc’s Braves were narrowly unseated as the defending North Section CIF Division III champions last weekend in Willows by the host team.

The Braves now head to the Masters tourney in Redding this weekend where the top three finishers in each weight will go on to the state finals in Bakersfield March 6-7.

Modoc coach Shaun Wood believes three or four Braves should qualify for the state tourney this year led by 215-pound Josh Wood, who is seeded number one at the section tourney. Tyler Wood, at 171 pounds, comes in as the number three seed. Modoc’s 103 pound Alex Moreo is seeded fourth with Kyle Voth seeded sixth at 135 and Miguel Torres is sixth at heavyweight.

Hoop season comes to a close

Basketball season for Modoc High School came to a close this week, and right on schedule it rained for the opening day for baseball and softball practice.
Modoc’ varsity girls team got the number 14 of 16 seeds in the playoffs for Division V and lost to number three University Prep 49-33 Tuesday in Redding.

The girls won their final league game against Trinity 58-38 at home Friday.
The end of the season was probably a blessing for the Modoc boy’s varsity. The Braves finished the season with a 1-11 SCL record and a 2-23 overall mark as they struggled all year.

Little League sign-ups in March

Modoc Little League registration is set for March 4-5 at the Modoc Employment Center, 221 North Main Street, Alturas from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m.

Boys must be age five by April 30, 2009 and girls must be age five by Dec. 31, 2008. Parents are asked to bring any uniforms or equipment that has not been returned to the registration.

In addition, an effort to start up a Senior League for players ages 15-16 is underway. More information will be available at the Little League registration or call Mary Martin at 530-708-0286.

March 5, 2009

News

New hospital plan gets boost from Feds

The Modoc Frontier Healthcare Coalition received expected, and welcome, good news this week with the U.S. House of Representatives’ passage of the Omnibus Appropriations Bill, which included a $285,000 grant for the proposed new Alturas hospital.

That funding was earmarked last year by then Congressman John Doolittle and backed by Senator Barbara Boxer. It remained in that budget bill until this week, when Congress actually voted to approve. President Obama is expected to sign the bill once it is approved by the U.S. Senate.

Stanchina will face attempted murder charges

The suspect in the Oct. 27, 2008 shooting of Martin Verhamme will face trial alleging attempted murder. The shooting took place at the Rock House east of New Pine Creek.

Following a preliminary hearing in Modoc Superior Court Feb. 27, Judge Francis Barclay ruled there was probable cause to hold Robert Stanchina to stand trial on felony charges alleging attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.

County places halt on Williamson Act contracts

The Modoc County Board of Supervisors Tuesday placed a one-year moratorium on new Williamson Act contracts, pending a review.

“The final State budget package includes $34.7 million for Williamson Act subvention payments to local governments for 2009-10 there is a 10-percent decrease from the previous year, said Modoc Planning Director Kim Hunter.

 

MMC debt crests $14 million

Modoc Medical Center’s debt to Modoc County at the end of February went up to $14,039,137.02, from $13,752,863.93 at the end of January. That’s an increase of $286,274, according to the Modoc County Auditor’s Office.
While the debt increased, it was a smaller increase from the $382,629 last month. The debt stood $13,370,234.78 at the end of December and up $88,756 from November’s $13,281,478.97

Obituaries:

Richard Alan Milton

A celebration of life potluck will be held March 12, 1 p.m. at the Four Seasons building at the Modoc County Fairgrounds in Cedarville for Richard “Rick” Alan Milton.

Milton died March 1, 2009 at Surprise Valley Hospital in Cedarville. He was born September 27, 1947 in Johnston, Co.

Harold C. Kauffman

Alturas-born Harold Clarence Kauffman, 94, passed away February 13, 2009. Last of an old-time Modoc family, Harold’s father Frank Warner Kauffman, born near Cedarville, was a Modoc Sheriff around 1914-1916 and dedicated the major part of his career working for the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).

Howard J. McCracken

Longtime Susanville resident Howard J. “Dude” McCracken, passed from this life peacefully, following a valiant battle with cancer, Wednesday evening, Feb. 25, 2009, at his residence. His loving wife and family were at his side.
A celebration of Howard’s life will take place at a later date. An opportunity to express condolences to the family along with signing the memorial guest register is available online at www.fehrmanmortuary.com. The family suggests any remembrances in Howard’s memory be made to Honey Lake Hospice who so lovingly helped in his care, c/o Fehrman Mortuary and Crematory, P.O. Box 803, Greenville, CA 95947.

Pete Ytcaina

A tribute to a Basque with nine lives will be held on Monday, March 9 at 10 a.m. graveside at the Eagleville Cemetery. John Pete Ytcaina passed away February 25, 2009 in Cedarville. He was born at the Miura Ranch house outside of Eagleville, CA at 5 a.m. on November 14, 1924 to Pete Ytcaina and Mary Ospital Ytcaina.

Memorial donations may be directed to the Cedarville Fire Dept., Surprise Valley Hospital or St. James Catholic Church, Cedarville.

Sports

Wood, Moreo on the state wrestling finals

Modoc’s Josh Wood and Alex Moreo will compete at the California State Wrestling Championships in Bakersfield this weekend.

Wood is one of the top ranked wrestlers in the state at 215 pounds and placed fourth in the state last season. He, along with four other 215-pounders has a good shot at the title this year, said coach, and dad, Shaun Wood.

Wood finished second at the Masters in Redding last weekend, losing to a Sutter wrestler, Austin Morehead, in the finals 8-7. He has lost only two matches this entire season; each by one point and each to wrestlers coach Wood believes he can beat the second time around at state.

Moreo, 103 pounds, placed third at the section meet, getting the berth to the finals. He lost early the first day but came back very strong the second day to qualify for state, said Wood. He will face a very strong contingent of wrestlers at that weight, but has been improving with each tourney.

What’s up in sports?

Modoc spring sports, complete with the usual snow and wind, are currently underway, primarily in the practice stages.

Modoc baseball under coach Tim MacDonnell has its opening game at Bonanza March 17 and a first home game against Burney March 24.

Modoc softball under coach Tanya Conner will also open at Bonanza March 17 and have a home game against Burney March 24.

Modoc track and field, with coach Wendi Lowrey, will have a first meet March 27 at the Burnet Williams Classic and at the Hornet Invitational April 4. They do not have a home meet.

Modoc’s golf team with coach Harold Montague opened Feb. 24 at Palo Cedro and heads to Enterprise March 12.  Their only home tourney is April 23 at Arrowhead.

March 12 , 2009

News

New hospital grant survives Senate theatrics

The $285,000 grant to begin work on a new hospital in Alturas survived the U.S. Senate theatrics and was passed along with the entire Omnibus funding bill Tuesday evening.

“Tuesday evening the Senate passed the $410 billion spending bill from last year that will fund the government until September of this year,” said Jerry Smith, Modoc Frontier Healthcare Coalition Government Liaison Wednesday. “Not only Social Security, Medicare, and Medical funding are included in the funding, but increased spending is authorized for low income infants and mothers nutrition programs, and a 10 percent increase in housing vouchers are included.  Of tremendous importance to Modoc County is the $285,000.00 for starting the groundwork by Modoc Frontier Healthcare Coalition to replace the hospital.”

Modoc jobless rates soar to 15.5 %

Modoc’s unemployment rate for January 2009 soared to 15.5 percent, according to the state Employment Development Department.

That was an increase of 24.5 percent from December’s 12.2 rate and an increase of 35.6 percent from January 2008.

According to EDD, Modoc had a civilian workforce numbering 3,960 in January with 610 people claiming unemployment.

Building inching upward

While there’s nothing to shout about, building in Modoc County and the City of Alturas got a little better in February

Modoc County issued eight building permits worth an estimated $111,136 last month. In January the county had three permits valued at $55,092.

One garage and an addition to a home made up nearly $84,000 of the county’s permit February total. The county has issued just 14 building permits in the past three months.

The City issued just three permits worth an estimated $85,723. One addition to a home accounted for $70,000 of that total.

Highway 299 future on the line

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) in cooperation with Shasta, Lassen, and Modoc Counties, will host three public workshops.  The purpose of these events is to provide the public the opportunity to discuss the future of State Route 299. 

This input will assist Caltrans in developing a long-range planning document for the route called a Transportation Concept Report.  The Transportation Concept Report is a plan that will address the next 20 years.

The local meeting will be March 24 at 5 p.m., Alturas, Council Chambers, City Hall 200 North Street.

Obituaries:

J. Ervin Toney

J. Ervin Toney, 85, of Ashland, Oregon, peacefully joined his Lord in Heaven on Wednesday, March 4, 2009, with his family by his side. The funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 12, at Our Lady of the Mountain Catholic Church in Ashland where Erv was a member, with reception to follow.

A memorial service and interment will be held on Saturday, March 14 at the Lake City Cemetery in Lake City, CA, where Erv will join three generations of ancestors.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Toney-Odbert Family Scholarship Fund or Rogue Valley Hospice.

Rick Milton

A celebration of life and a potluck will be held today, March 12, 1 p.m. at the Four Seasons building at the Modoc County Fairgrounds in Cedarville for Richard “Rick” Alan Milton.

Milton died March 1, 2009 at Surprise Valley Hospital in Cedarville. He was born September 27, 1941 in Johnstown, Colorado.

He is survived by his wife, Diana, of Lake City; daughter Stephanie Stroud and husband Roy, grandchildren Joshua, Becky and Nikaila of Peoria, AZ; brother Russell and wife Vonda of Alturas; Fred Milton and wife Gretel of Reno; Ronald and wife Lynn of Susanville; sister Karla Pombo and husband Alfred of Sierraville, CA; sister Paula Erle and husband Jim of Calpine, CA; and his mother Pauline Milton of Truckee.

Memorial donations may be made in Mr. Milton’s name to the Surprise Valley Hospital in Cedarville or to a charity of choice.

Gill Vincent Benavidez

Alturas resident Gill Vincent Benavidez, 59, passed from this walk of life March 5, 2009 at 3:12 p.m. at Renown Hospital, Reno, NV. Mr. Benavidez suffered a brain stroke in Susanville, CA on March 3, and was airlifted to the Reno hospital. On March 5, he was released from life support at 3:10 p.m. as he slipped away peacefully with a host of family by his side. A private family memorial service will be held at his home at 7 p.m. on March 19, which is also his birthday.

William Welt

William “Billy” Howard Welt, died February 27, 2009 in Klamath Falls, Or. He was born November 13, 1964 in Lancaster to Diane and Les Welt and grew up in Alturas. Services were held March 9 in Alturas.

William “Bob” Wilson

William Robert “Bob” Wilson, 82, of Carmel Valley, CA passed away March 8, 2009 in Monterey, CA.

Bob was born on February 3, 1927 in West Point, New York, where his father, William Innis Wilson was teaching at West Point Army Academy.
A Celebration of Life will be held 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2009 at the Carmel Valley Trail and Saddle Club at 85 East Garzas Road.

Memorial Contributions can be made to: Carmel Valley Historical Society P.O. Box 1612 Carmel Valley, CA  93924.

Sports

Wood 3rd in state championships

Modoc’s Josh Wood finished third at 215 pounds in the California CIF Wrestling State Championships last weekend in Bakersfield, narrowly missing a chance at the finals match.


Wood placed fourth as a junior last season and this third place is the highest any Modoc wrestler has ever placed in the state tourney. Unlike other states California’s wrestling finals do not break down into school size divisions. Wood went 5-1 in the state tourney.

Wood was visibly disappointed that he didn’t get into the finals match, but placing third in the California State finals is huge.

What’s up in sports?

Modoc spring sports, complete with the usual snow and wind, are currently underway, primarily in the practice stages.

Modoc baseball under coach Tim MacDonnell has its opening game at Bonanza March 17 and a first home game against Burney March 24.

Modoc softball under coach Tanya Conner will also open at Bonanza March 17 and have a home game against Burney March 24.

Modoc track and field, with coach Wendi Lowrey, will have a first meet March 27 at the Burnet Williams Classic and at the Hornet Invitational April 4. They do not have a home meet.

Modoc’s golf team with coach Harold Montague opened Feb. 24 at Palo Cedro and heads to Enterprise March 12.  Their only home tourney is April 23 at Arrowhead.

March 19th, 2009

News

Police warn of scams

Alturas Chief of Police Ken Barnes is warning local residents to be aware of a wide variety of scams now taking place.

“The important thing to note here is that if something sounds to good to be true; it is too good to be true,” Barnes said. “If you get mail, email, or a phone call you might think is a scam, please give us a call before you respond to anything. We’d much rather deal with these scams beforehand, and keep people from losing their money. We’ll be happy to take a look at what you have.”

Stimulus funds will repair local highways

At least two federal Economic Stimulus Plan road projects will begin this summer in this area.

Caltrans, District 2, has received $43 million in stimulus funds according to a release March 13. The projects approved are set to begin this summer.

The first will be an additional rubber chip seal project that will be completed on a 20-mile section of U.S. 395 from the Lassen/Modoc County line to three miles south of Alturas. That project comes in at $1.57 million.

Another asphalt runner chip seal will be placed on 13 miles of State Route 139 in Lassen County between Susanville and Adin. The type of paving uses a high percentage of recycled rubber tires and depending on traffic volumes, can provide a maintenance free travel way for 10 to 15 years. This is a $1.3 million project.

 

Nurse pleads guilty to medical charges

Former Modoc Medical center registered nurse Shannon Stromberg entered a guilty plea March 12 to two felony counts and two misdemeanor counts involving controlled substances at the hospital.

Modoc District Attorney Gary Woolverton had charged Stromberg with 26 counts of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud or deceit, one felony count of burglary, one misdemeanor count of violation of prescriber’s recording requirements and one misdemeanor count of altering medical records.

 

Obituaries:

Thoms Patrick Kelley

Thomas Patrick “Pat” Kelley passed into his next journey on Thursday, March 12, 2009 at Eastern New Mexico Medical Center. Pat was 66 years old and resided in Roswell, New Mexico.

Pat’s memorial service and celebration of his life will be held at La Grone Funeral Chapel, 900 South Main Street in Roswell, New Mexico at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2009. After the services Pat will be transported to and placed in Arlington National Cemetery with full Military Honors. Pat’s desire is for any memorial donations to be forwarded to the Fisher House Foundation in his name.

Judith Ann Klabbatz

Judith Ann Klabbatz, age 58, passed away January 7, 2009, at Modoc Medical Center in Alturas, CA. Mrs. Klabbatz endured a lot in her short life, but she never gave up and she always pushed others to do the same...fight and don’t give up. Judith Ann Cruse was born August 22, 1950 in Fullerton, California.

Services were held on January 9 at the Alturas Church of Christ and performed by Pastor  Curtis Barber. Among those who shared memories were Judy’s grandson Daylen, friend Carol, daughter Shannon and son-in-law Jason Strand.

Memorial donations may be directed to the American Cancer Society via website http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/Events;MosaicofHope?pxfid=424468&fr_id=9910&pg=fund

or send checks payable to American Cancer Society to: Shannon Strand, 20340 S. Beavercreek Rd., Oregon City, OR 97045

Sports

Wood dispatches Oregon Champ

It took Modoc’s 215-pound Josh Wood just 1:20 of the first round to pin two-time Oregon State Champion Eric Coy of Vale in the Oregon California Championships Saturday in Redding.

According to Modoc Coach Shaun Wood the match was over just seconds after it started.  California defeated the Oregon wrestlers 39-15 overall.

Wood placed third in the state of California at 215 pounds on March 7. California is the only state that has a true champion format said coach Wood. In this state, the state championships pit all wrestlers together, no school size division splits. Oregon, by contrast crowns state champions in each division, which is determined by school size.

Youth wrestlers had great day

The annual Modoc Youth Wrestling tournament was held this past weekend in Modoc High School Gym. The tournament is the largest youth wrestling tournament held in the North state.

The turnout was excellent; wrestlers from all over northern California and southern Oregon attended the event.

The following are the Modoc wrestlers who placed in the tournament:
14 & under, 1st place - Matt Froeming, Ben Bevil, Patrick Bell, Riley Larranaga, 2nd place - Justin Valena, Tuesday Sylvester, Jacob Cruse, 3rd place - Lucas Bocanegra, Tristian Axelrod, Felicia Torres, 4th place - Gabe Kerr, Blake Williams;

12 & under, 2nd place - Chantz Albrecht, Austin Kresge, Ethan Dunn, 3rd place - Josh Vierria, Tyler Ewing;

 10 & under, 1st place - Alex Valencia, Marcus Williams, 2nd place - Lane Galvin, Brandon Hays, 3rd place - Kyle Royce, Robert Dowdy, Jess Picotte, 4th place – Jeff Carey, Kyle Royce, Zaca Bickford;

 8 & under, 1st place – Wade Schluter, Scott Lewis, 2nd place – Hardy Ingram, Jordan Royce, 3rd place – Wyatt Larranaga, Trevor Schluter.

Braves open with two losses

The Modoc Braves baseball team lost their opening two games in Bonanza 17-7 and 15-2 Tuesday.

Modoc travels to Trinity Friday and a scheduled home game against Burney March 24 will be played at Burney since Modoc’s field is under reconstruction.

What’s up in sports?

Modoc spring sports are underway.

Modoc baseball, under coach Tim MacDonnell, travels to Trinity March 20 and to Burney March 24.

Modoc softball under coach Tanya Conner will also open league at Trinity Friday and has a home game against Burney March 24. Modoc trounced Bonanza in two games Tuesday and full results will be reported next week.
Modoc track and field, with coach Wendi Lowrey, will have a first meet March 27 at the Burney Williams Classic and at the Hornet Invitational April 4. They do not have a home meet.

Modoc’s golf team’s only home tourney is April 23 at Arrowhead.

March 26, 2009

News

Local schools avoiding layoffs in tough times
Modoc schools are able to avoid teacher layoffs next year, unlike much of the state as the March 15 deadline to issue layoffs has passed.
But, times are tough and local schools are dipping into their reserves to make ends meet and try to maintain the educational programs.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell last week said more than 26,590 teachers and other school staff statewide have received the pink slips as of March 14, one day before the annual March 15 deadline for districts to issue layoff notices for the coming school year.
The recently enacted state budget included $11.6 billion in cuts to public education budget over the next 15 months.
As an indication of the teacher employment stress throughout the state, Modoc Joint Unified School District Superintendent Lane Bates said the district advertised an elementary school teacher position on Friday afternoon and by Monday morning 23 applications had been received.

Hotshots moving from Canby, not yet in plan
There is a petition circulating in the community of Canby and in Alturas aimed at thwarting a possible move of the U.S. Forest Service Hotshot fire crew from Canby to Tulelake.
The Modoc National Forest said Wednesday that there are no actual plans to move the crew.
“The idea was floated during an administrative staff meeting and was just preliminary discussion,” said MNF Administrative Operations Specialist Jim Gunn. “At this time there is no proposal on the table.”

Casino cancels show for safety
The Desert Rose Casino has decided to cancel the Midnight Dolls dance show scheduled for March 27 because of a perceived threat from an employee of the Modoc County Sheriff’s Department.
According to Casino Manager Shawn Normington, the Casino legal counsel advised him to cancel the show as a precaution and to protect himself, casino staff and the entertainers. In addition, he said the show producer decided he would not bring the female entertainers into a potentially dangerous situation.

SV Schools budget safe for next year
Surprise Valley schools stand to collect about $33,000 of additional federal Title I funds once the “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009” (ARRA) is implemented.
According to a report from the Department of Education, the overall goals of the ARRA are to “stimulate the economy in the short term and invest in education and other essential public services to ensure the economic long-term health of our nation.”
Districts are being warned ARRA funds are “one-time only” and will be restricted as to how they may be used.
Business Manager Robin Teuscher presented news on both the ARRA and the local Surprise Valley Joint Unified School District’s budget at the March school board meeting.
Moving from the Federal stimulus money to California’s 2009-2010 recently passed budget, Teuscher explained that while overall state funds to schools were expected to decrease, the district could be able to transfer currently restricted funds to other areas of need.
The new flexibility is slated to last through 2013. “This flexibility could free up $20,000 to $30,000 a year in our district”, she said.

Obituaries:

Bertha Marie Dooley Ross
Former Cedarville resident Bertha Marie Dooley Ross passed away at the Enloe Hospital in Chico, CA on March 20, 2009 at 3:03 p.m., following a brief illness.  She was 98 years and 9 days old.
A graveside service will be held at a later date in Cedarville, CA. Donations may be made to Surprise Valley Hospital, P.O. Box 246, Cedarville, CA 96104.

Don Collis
Donald Parker Collis, 75, of Alturas, passed away March 21, 2009 at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Reno, NV., after two months there.
Mr. Collis’ obituary and date for his memorial service will be published in a future issue. Condolences may be addressed to the family at P.O. Box 476, Alturas, CA 96101.

Kim Nosler
Kim Oreta Nosler was born September 18, 1957 in Merced, CA to Buck and Carolyn Nosler. She passed away March 18, 2009 in Weiser, Idaho after a courageous battle with cancer.
A celebration of her life will be held in Alturas at a later date.

Donald William Hicks
Spry and good-humored Donald William Hicks, who spent most of his life in Alturas and worked 40 years with Surprise Valley Electrification Corp., passed away the morning of March 24, 2009 in Alturas, CA. He was nearing his 98th birthday.
Services will be held Saturday, March 28 at 11 a.m. at the Alturas Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, Attn: Donations, 2425 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95817.
Services are under the direction of Kerr Mortuary, Alturas

Marcel L. Capik
Marcel Ludwig Capik, age 88, passed away on March 22, 2009 at Shasta Regional Medical Center in Redding, CA.
The family asks in lieu of flowers, donations in Marcel’s name may be made to the Arrowhead Golf Club for the Evie Capik Memorial Fund, 1901 Warner St., Alturas, CA 96101, of which the local need and contribution Marcel Capik was so very proud of.

Veronica Diane Allan
Veronica Diane Allan passed away at the age of 28 on February 27, 2009, surrounded by her beloved family and close friends.
A memorial service celebrating Veronica’s life will be held at The Community Church in Cedarville, California. The time and date is to be announced.

Sports

Braves split in softball league openers
Cascade League opener against Trinity Friday, winning the first game 5-0 and losing the second 5-4.
The second game went into extra innings. Modoc led 1-0 in the first, 2-0 in the third and 3-0 before Trinity pushed three runs across in the bottom of the fourth to tie it through regulation seven. The Braves scored one run in the eighth and Trinity scored two for the win.
The Braves split with Burney Tuesday, losing the first game 7-6 and winning the nightcap 6-5.
Modoc won the second game, holding off a Burney rally in the seventh. The Braves took a 5-0 lead in the third, but Burney scored three in their half of the inning to trail 5-3. The Braves added a run in the top of the seventh and Burney scored a pair, coming up one short.
The Braves face Mt. Shasta April 3 there.

 



April 9, 2009
Sports