Modoc Record 2009 Archives

The Modoc County Board of Supervisors Tuesday balked at rehiring the 10 Road Department employees whose layoffs became effective August 1.
Supervisor Dave Bradshaw had put their reinstatement on the agenda, but stated new information on the state deferring the Highway Users Tax Account funds until next year, makes the situation improbable.
The State Assembly is basically playing a shell game with the HUTA funds. The Assembly pulled the taking of those funds by the state out of the budget, which had counties cheering. But, when the other shoe fell, so did local hearts and hopes.
According to Road Department/Public works Director Rick Rudometkin, the state is deferring those monthly payments until “sometime after January 10.” That means the nearly $135,000 per month will not be coming through. And with the current cash flow problem in the county treasury, the county would not be able to backfill those funds in the interim.

Modoc Medical Center’s debt to Modoc County dropped another $428,112 at the end of July to $13,323,409, from $13,751,521. Over the past two months the hospital’s debt has decreased by $1,013,730.
While most local officials expect the hospital to continue in a positive vein, they expect the debt repayment level to come down over a month-to-month basis. But, the past two months have been a very welcome trend, especially when it comes to the long-term debt and the county treasury.
The hospital debt to Modoc County dropped to $13,751,521.54 at the end of June, down $585,618 from May’s $14,337,139.51, which was an $80,386 improvement over April’s $14,417,525.70.

The Modoc County Board of Supervisors will be reviewing its previous decision to close some transfer stations and change the hours at others.
When the Board approved a preliminary budget in early July, it set an August 1 closing date for the following transfer stations due to lack of funding: Adin, Canby, Davis Creek, Eagleville, Ft. Bidwell, Likely, and Willow Ranch.
The following transfer stations would be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the following days: Lake City on Fridays; Newell on Saturdays; Lookout on Sundays.
The Alturas Transfer Station would be open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Tuesday the Board heard from several concerned citizens and Supervisors who pointed out the public pays a tax for solid waste, and while it doesn’t cover total operations, they do expect a service.
The Board agreed to meet with Public Works and come back with a recommendation on each site by the end of this month. Until that time, the transfer stations will remain open.

Firefighters have been able to fully contain and control all fires in the Upper Complex on the Modoc National Forest that resulted from this past weekend’s lightning activity. There were 15 fires in this complex.
The Northern California Inter-Agency Incident Management Team 1 has been managing the fires. Command will be turned back over to the Modoc National Forest on Wednesday morning.
The thunderstorm activity of the past few days has started over 200 fires in Northern California. Large fires are still burning on the Lassen National Forest and on the CalFire area on the Shasta Trinity Ranger Unit. Smoke from these fires may have some impact on Modoc County communities. At this time none of the Modoc communities are threatened.
With a warming and drying trend predicted for the rest of the week the public is being asked to continue to use caution with fire. The vegetation is very dry and ready to burn.
For the most up to date information on fires in the Modoc National Forest, contact the Modoc National Forest Supervisors Office at (530) 233-5811.

Walter Leland Olson, 85, passed away on August 2, 2009, at Warnerview Skilled Nursing Center in Alturas, where he resided for the past two years. He was a resident of Modoc County for the last 18 years.
Visitation will be Thursday, August 6 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Kerr Mortuary, 400 West Second St., Alturas. Graveside services will be held Friday, August 7 at 10 a.m. at Alturas Cemetery.

Ruby Ascherman, long-time Surprise Valley resident, passed away quietly in her home in Cedarville, CA on July 29, 2009. She was 82 years of age.
Ruby is preceded in death by her husband Harold Ascherman, and son Eric Ascherman.
A graveside service for Ruby will be held for immediate family members per Ruby’s request. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Surprise Valley Senior Citizens Center or the Surprise Valley Hospital, P.O. Box 246, Cedarville, CA 96104.

Military Graveside Services for Robert “Neal” Bearden will be held at the Alturas Cemetery on Saturday, August 8 at 11 a.m. Neal passed away June 13, in Springfield, Oregon, at the age of 90, after a long struggle with Diabetes.
A private reception for family and close friends, will follow at Antonio’s restaurant in Alturas.

Services for Bryan Charles Smith “Smitty” will be held on August 15, 2009 in Milleville, CA. Smitty passed away on July 6, 2009. He was 49 years old. Bryan attended schools in Alturas from kindergarten though high school. He graduated from Modoc High in 1978.

Modoc High School coaches are geared up for their seasons and have provided the following information regarding practices and tryouts.
In order to participate in any way, students must have completed a physical and must have the necessary athletic forms filled out and ready to give to the coaches.
All forms are available in the Modoc High School principal’s office.
Cross Country practice begins on August 24 at 3:45 by the locker rooms. There is a sign-up sheet in the MHS principal’s office for those who are interested; however students may simply show up to practice on the first day.
Football practice starts on August 10 at 5:30 p.m. and practices go until it gets dark. Some football players still need to pick up their gear in the MHS weight room at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 6.
Soccer practice tentatively begins on August 17 from 3:15 to 4:45 on the PE field east of the gym. Varsity volleyball tryouts are on August 19 from 6:00-8:00 a.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. and August 20 from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.
Students need to attend all three sessions. JV tryouts begin on August 20 from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

A hunter education class will be held at the Ash Creek Wildlife Area August 15 and August 22.
The class hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day. Individuals wishing to take the class must pick up a student packet and sign the class roster before the first class at the Wildlife Area headquarters information booth.
There is neither an age requirement nor fee for this class and the reading material is about fifth grade level.
Additional information is available with the student packet or call the California Department of Fish and Game volunteer instructor, Mike Wolter at 233-3632.

The Modoc Teachers’ Association is sponsoring a Cancer Benefit 4-person Scramble Golf Tournament August 15 at Arrowhead Golf Course in Alturas.
All proceeds with benefit the Modoc County Breast Cancer Support Group and the American Cancer Society.
People wishing to play need to sign-up by 9:30 a.m. August 15 at Arrowhead. The entry fee is $30 per player. The fee includes green fees, door prize, gift drawing, silent auction, plus closest to the pin, long drive and longest putt competition.
Mulligan tokens will be available for $5, and wear a pink shirt or blouse and receive a free mulligan token.
There will be a blind drawing prior to the tournament to select teams. The tournament is set to tee off at 10 a.m.

While Modoc County is not fully in the clear, the State Controller’s Office seems pleased with the county’s effort to deal with its budget, cash flow and restricted fund issues.
Modoc County Chief Administrative Officer Mark Charlton met with the Controller office staff in Sacramento last Thursday and came away feeling the State was willing to give the county a chance to correct and deal with the budget problems.
Charlton said the one big thing that came out of the meeting was the recognition by the Controller that Modoc was being very transparent and open about the budget and cash flow and that steps taken so far were constructive.

Modoc’s victims of domestic violence were victims of the Governor’s budget-slicing knife last month, effectively shutting the Modoc domestic violence program.
According to TEACH Executive Director Carol Callaghan, the over $16 million cut to domestic violence programs across the state, amounted to a loss of $200,000 and the entire program here. It also

A multi-million dollar marijuana farming operation near the town of Day in Western Modoc County was raided August 10.
While no arrests were made, the Modoc County Interagency Narcotics Task Force, California Highway Patrol, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Narcotic-North State Marijuana Investigation Team, Alturas Police Department and the California Department of Fish and Game were successful in destroying the crop.
According to the Task Force, the teams eradicated 3,752 high-grade marijuana plants and seized 3.15 pounds of processed

Building activity dropped in Modoc County for July, with 14 permits issued by the Building Department, worth an estimated $433,636. That’s down from 15 permits worth an estimated $772,275.71 last month.
Two new homes were in the permits for July, making up the bulk of the building activity at $363,441.
Obituaries:

Danny Raymond Taylor, 58, went home to the Lord on July 22, 2009. He passed away in Klamath Falls, OR, his home since 1966. Graveside services will be held Friday, August 21 at 2 p.m. at the Alturas Cemetery. A potluck will follow at the park.

The life of Timothy Michael Northrup, 22, was tragically taken in a vehicle accident on August 8, 2009 in Dorris, CA. Memorial services will be held today, August 13 at 11 a.m. at Dorris First Baptist Church. A potluck fellowship will follow.

Ronald G. Olson
Ronald “Ron” Gustav Olson, 78, of Alturas, passed away unexpectedly at his home August 11, 2009. A Graveside memorial service will be held Friday, August 14 at 10 a.m. at the Alturas Cemetery. A time of fellowship will follow at the Alturas Elks Lodge. Donations in memory of Ron Olson may be made to Shriners Hospital, Northern California, 2425 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95817-2215.

Thomas Allan Grimme, 61, of Alturas, passed away August 11, 2009, at Warnerview Convalescent Hospital, Alturas, CA. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 22 at 2 p.m. at the Federated Church in Alturas. Arrangements by Kerr Mortuary. Mr. Grimme’s obituary will be published in a future issue.

O. V. (Oscar Valentine) Haise was born January 26,1915, in Russell, Russell County, Kansas.
Haise went to be with the Lord, August 10, 2009, in Alturas, CA. He was 94 years, 7 months and a few days old.
A memorial service will be held at the Likely Fire Hall on Monday, August 24 at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Destry Campbell will officiate. Burial will be at the Likely Cemetery.
Donations in Mr. Haise’s memory may be directed to the Modoc County Cattlewomen Memorial Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 711, Alturas, CA 96101 or Repin’ for the Lord Ministries, P.O. Box 986, Alturas, CA 96101.

Longtime Modoc rancher Rob Flournoy died the morning of August 12, 2009 at Renown Hospital in Reno, Nv. A full obituary will be published next week.

The Modoc Teachers Association Cancer Benefit Golf Tournament and Silent Auction is ready to tee off at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15th at Arrowhead Golf Course in Alturas, Ca.
Sign up by 9:30 on Saturday at Arrowhead for the 4-Person scramble. The $30 entry fee includes green fees, door prize, gift drawing and all entry fees for Closest to the Pin, Long Drive and Longest Putt competitions. Golfers who wear a pink shirt or blouse receive a free mulligan token.
This community event will benefit the Northern California Chapter of the American Cancer Society and the Modoc County Breast Cancer Support Group which provides gas money for women to travel out of the county for mammograms.

Modoc High School coaches are geared up for their seasons and have provided the following information regarding practices and tryouts.
In order to participate in any way, students must have completed a physical and must have the necessary athletic forms filled out and ready to give to the coaches.
All forms are available in the Modoc High School principal’s office.
Cross Country practice begins on August 24 at 3:45 by the locker rooms. There is a sign-up sheet in the MHS principal’s office for those who are interested; however students may simply show up to practice on the first day.
Football practice started on August 10 at 5:30 p.m. and practices go until it gets dark.
According to coach Shaun Wood, 35 players are out for the junior varsity and 20 are out for the varsity with two or three more expected., The teams travel to Tulelake next Thursday for a scrimmage starting at 11 a.m.
Soccer practice begins on August 17 from 3:15 to 4:45 on the PE field east of the gym.
Varsity and junior volleyball tryouts are on August 19, 20 from 8:00-10:00 a.m. each morning and 6:00-8:00 p.m. on August 20. Students need to attend all three sessions.

The California Department of Fish and Game and the Pit River Rod and Gun Club are hosting a Pheasant Hunt for juniors Sept. 12 at Ash Creek Wildlife area in Big Valley.
There are two hunts scheduled, one from 8 a.m. until 12 noon and another from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. The hunts are open to all junior hunters with current hunting licenses and accompanied by an adult.
To apply contact the Ash Creek Wildlife Area or Adin Supply for an application. Mail that application to DFG, GBH Special Hunts, 1812 9th Street, Sacramento, Ca. 95811. Those applications must be received in Sacramento by August 21.
For more information, call 530-294-5824.

The financial problems of the state have mandated courtroom closures in all counties, starting next month.
According to Modoc County Superior Court Administrative Officer Linda Ostoja, the Modoc Court will go on a mandated furlough schedule starting September 16 and continuing through June. What that means is the Modoc Court will close completely every third Wednesday of each month.
The furlough means all 16 employees will be off without pay, and will also include both judges Fritz Barclay and Dave Mason.
The furloughs are an effort to save funds, but were mandated by the state legislature.
Ostoja said many of the court’s employees are now taking voluntarily furloughs this month in an effort to save funds.
The Modoc Courts are a busy place, and the staff will try to limit disruptions and still serve the public. It’s vital to note that the court will be closed the third Wednesday of each month, at least until June.

The often postponed homicide trial of Robert Chad Haralson, the suspect in the 1992 murder of Alturas’ teenager Betty Lou Parks, has now been set for March 8, 2010 and is scheduled for four weeks.
The trial date will has been continued several times since Haralson’s May 25, 2007 arrest. He remains in custody in the Modoc County Jail.

Modoc County has plenty of rocks, dark brown ones, light brown ones, grey ones with a few other colors thrown in. Some of these rocks are relatively rare and serve as a destination for rock hounds, tourists and scientists from around the world.
It’s not just the lure of the gold and silver holdings being developed north of Fort Bidwell, or the beautiful multi-colored sheen obsidian found near Davis Creek, but the rocks everywhere. These rocks hold the secret of Modoc County’s red-hot geologic past.
To help understand these rocks and their story the River Center in Alturas has developed and published a brochure entitled, “Modoc Rocks!”
The brochure tells about the geologic history of the area, shows samples of different rocks found locally and offers a self-guided tour of the county’s rocks and their formations, both rare and common.

Time to park the tractor, log off the computer, ignore the weeds in your garden . . . and don’t even think about that basket of dirty laundry this weekend!
At 5:00 tonight, the gates of the 2009 Modoc District Fair will swing open to admit folks to four glorious days of entertainment, including live music and African Acrobats, rodeos, rancher's day and livestock competitions, the thrills of a first-rate carnival and exhibit halls filled to overflowing with the very best the creative, diligent folks of Modoc County have to offer.
From August 20 through 23, everyone is invited to come out and celebrate the Western roots and agricultural heritage of our far corner of California (between roller coaster rides and bites of warm cotton candy, of course.)
After today, the fair officially opens each day at noon. Street dances with live bands on both Friday and Saturday nights will extend the fun well past the exhibit halls’ closing at 9 p.m.
General admission is $5. Seniors 60 and over pay only $2, and children 4-12 are $3. On Thursday, everyone gets in for only $2 and admission is free for all from noon until 1:00 p.m on Friday.
Parking is free with spaces for everyone just outside the fairground entrance on Center Street in Cedarville.

While the entire federal stimulus package funding has not gotten into the mainstream economy yet, agencies in Modoc County had received $3,305,198 by the end of July.
It is anticipated that other projects will receive funding as the program plays out.
The biggest single project is a $1,720,400 road rehabilitation effort on U.S. 395 from the Alturas Overhead to the Lassen County line. That project is currently underway.
Another $750,000 went to the U.S. Forest Service for conservation work and $585,000 went to California Conservation Corps through job partnerships and wildfire protection projects.
The Modoc Joint Unified School District received $155,713 and Surprise Valley Joint Unified received $33,084 in Title I grants.
Other projects were funded through the program.

Thomas (Tom) Alan Grimme passed away on August 11, 2009 at Warnerview Convalescent Hospital in Alturas, CA. He had battled many years with a Chordoma Brain Stem Tumor. Tom had been a resident of Modoc County approximately 30 years, a place he grew to love and enjoy all those years.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 22 at 2 p.m. at Federated Church in Alturas. Dr. Ben Zandstra will officiate. A reception will follow services in the adjoining Fellowship Hall. The family is asking that in lieu of flowers, donations to the Alturas City Fire Department and/or American Cancer Society be made.

A Celebration of Life memorial service for Rob Flournoy will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 29 at the Likely Fire Hall. A potluck fellowship will follow. Mr. Flournoy, a well known longtime Likely rancher, passed away in Reno on August 12, 2009. Private burial.
Mr. Flournoy’s obituary will be published in a future issue.

A memorial service for O. V. (Oscar Valentine) Haise of Likely, will be held at the Likely Fire Hall on Monday, August 24 at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Destry Campbell will officiate. A potluck will follow. Burial will be at the Likely Cemetery.
Donations in Mr. Haise’s memory may be directed to the Modoc County Cattlewomen Memorial Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 711, Alturas, CA 96101 or Repin’ for the Lord Ministries, P.O. Box 986, Alturas, CA 96101.

Ronald “Ron” Gustav Olson, was born to Gus and Leona Olson on May 2, 1931 at the family farm in Eckman, North Dakota.
Ron’s wonderful life on Earth ended unexpectedly August 11, in Alturas, leaving his family broken hearted. He was 78.
Alturas Elks Lodge member Danny Parker conducted a graveside memorial service on Friday, August 14 at 10 a.m. at the Alturas Cemetery. A time of fellowship followed at the Alturas Elks Lodge.
Donations in memory of Ron Olson may be made to Shriners Hospital, Northern California, 2425 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95817-2215.

Phyllis Ann Mercer, age 88, passed away in Elko, Nevada, June 12, 2009, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Memorial services for Phyllis will be held at 3:30 p.m., Saturday, August 29 at the home of Mary Woodward, Dorris Reservoir on County Road 57. All are welcome to come celebrate the life of Phyllis.
Donations to the Friends of the Modoc County Library, 212 W. Third St., Alturas, CA 96101, in her honor are greatly appreciated.

Dorothy Almeda Madden went to be with the Lord Jesus Christ on August 17, 2009 at the age of 87. She came to Alturas in 1992, with her sister and long-time companion Zelma Lou Webster. Dorothy was born in Milland, Oklahoma on February 28, 1922, the oldest of Luther and Lillie Brasial’s five children.
Private family arrangements will be carried out in Hayward, CA, where she will join her husband in burial as she wished.

Long time Lake City rancher Wilson Gorzell passed away at his home on the afternoon of August 18, 2009. He was a long time member of the Lake City Fire Department, Modoc Farm Bureau, Cattlemen’s Association. He had planned to make the traditional ride with Surprise Valley VFW in the fair parade in the family WWII command car. Services will be after Labor Day and an obituary will follow.

Fall River Volunteer Fire Department Chief Charles “Chuck” Norris Bethel, Sr., 62, died in his sleep the morning of July 17, 2009. A 35-year veteran of the Fire Department, Chuck became a fireman July 13, 1977 and became chief five years ago.
Chuck was born April 18, 1947 and lived his entire life in Fall River Mills, CA.
Graveside services were held July 21 at Fall River Mills Cemetery. A celebration of life followed at the fire hall, as the Fire Department escorted their chief to the cemetery with his casket aboard Engine 315.
Donations may be made to the Fall River Fire Dept., P.O. Box 315, Fall River Mills, CA 96028.

September 8, 1965 – August 7, 2009
Nick Kurtz was a resident of Santa Cruz for the last five years, and just recently moved to Alturas, CA, due to te June 4th death of his father Steve Kurtz.

Modoc’s Braves will open the 2009 football season with a scrimmage at Tulelake August 20.
The Braves are sitting atop MaxPreps early high schools rankings, seeded number one in the Shasta Cascade League and number one in the North Section for Division IV, which they won last year in an unbeaten season.
Coach Shaun Wood generally likes to start the season a bit behind the curve, but the rankings could be very close. The difference this year is that Hamilton City will be dropped into Division IV as well. And that could be interesting.
“We’re going to be very strong, just not real deep, “ Wood said with just 22 players on the squad. “We have very good speed and size and a number of returners from last year. We also have several juniors this year who played in the playoffs last year as sophomores. We’ll be solid on both sides off the ball. I don’t see a lot of weaknesses.”
This year the Shasta Cascade League consists of Modoc, Burney, Fall River, Weed, Etna, Los Molinos and Chester. The Braves have non-league games scheduled against Mt. Shasta, Lakeview and Lost River.
Modoc will be on the road this year with the first three games at Mt. Shasta August 28, Lakeview Sept. 11 and Lost River Sept. 18 before getting one of three home games September 25 when Burney comes to town.
The Braves will be tough this year, bringing 10 players back from last year’s perfect squad. Leading the seniors will be Matt Mayes at running back, Tyler Wood at guard, Chris McMasters at tackle, Christian Gonzales at guard, Miguel Torres at center, Kyle Voth at wing, Ulysses Gonzales at receiver, Alex Moreo at receiver, Andy Marske at running back and Jack Callaghan as a back.
The following players will be a big help coming into the varsity ranks this year: Web Dunn at quarterback, Tee Wilson at running back, Collyn Server at tackle, Mike Ponti at tight end, Jaylen Estes at guard, Nick McMasters at tackle, Tyler Kuhn at wing, Ethan Haas at center, Jeremy West at tight end, Justin McDaniel at guard, John Randall at receiver and Tyler Hammerness at running back.

The one thing new Modoc Junior Varsity football coach Dominic Budmark doesn’t have to worry about is numbers – he has 36 players, 26 of them freshmen, out for the team this year.
“There’s quite a few of them, and the talent level is pretty high,” Budmark said this week. ‘We should be pretty good.”
Budmark will be rotating players in and out for the scrimmage against Tulelake today, and expects to get a good look at the players.
Returning from last year are: Wyatt Valena, Austin Carraker, Trent McQuarrie, Jesse Silva, Grady Server, Colton Reed, Zack Ratliff, Zach Goulden, Brett Boudreaux and Travis Johnston.

Modoc’s County’s budget remains a work in progress and there may still be shortfalls that need to be rectified.
According to County Chief Administrative Officer Mark Charlton, there may be as much as $300,000 still left to cut before it comes into balance. He said the county department heads are working individually, and collectively, to bring a plan to the Board of Supervisors in the next couple of weeks.
“The county budget still needs some belt tightening,” Charlton said. “We’ll still be able to provide basic services, but the quality or timeliness may be affected. There could be more lay-offs, not many, in the future.”
Modoc has already laid off 10 Road Department employees and several others in county departments.
In addition to the cuts, most inflicted by the state and others the result of lower revenues in general, there are issues pertaining to school, roads and other department restricted funds.

The Modoc County Public Works said this year the 2009-2010 seasonal influenza vaccine supply is not expected to be limited or delayed. In general anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the seasonal flu can be vaccinated.
If you are included in the group as follows then a seasonal flu shot is definitely recommended: people 50 years and older; residents of long-term care facilities; people who have long-term health problems such as disease of the heart (except hypertension), lung (including asthma), kidney, diabetes, blood disorders, weakened immune systems due to cancer treatment, HIV medications or steroids, people on long-term aspirin treatment and women who will be pregnant during the influenza season; people who are household contacts and caregivers of children aged under 5 years and adults aged greater than 50 years, especially contacts of children aged under 6 months; persons with medical conditions described above; healthcare workers and caregivers who come in close contact with individuals at high risk for flu complications.

Modoc County’s unemployment rate dropped to 11 percent for the month of July 2009, from June’s 11.8 percent, according to the State Employment Development Department.
While the drop was welcome, the 11 percent is still 35.3 percent higher than last July when the jobless rate was 8.2 percent.

The Modoc Fire Safe Council has been awarded Title III (Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000) funding by the Modoc County Board of Supervisors to assist Modoc County residents to create and maintain the 100 foot defensible space requirements for residents living in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI).
In Modoc County, it is not a question of if a wildfire will happen but a question of when and how severe. The Modoc Fire Safe Council is accepting sign-ups for these two programs now and will be happy to make a visit to your home. For more information on defensible space or to sign up for these life saving programs contact Stacey Hafen at (530) 233-8871 or (530) 233-5516.

Patricia Suzanne Steyer, formerly Sloss, passed away on August 21st, 2009 at Modoc Medical Center in Alturas after a brief illness. She was attended by her loving husband Dick, and numerous family members.
There will be a memorial service for Sue at the Federated Church in Alturas on Friday, August 28 at 2:00 p.m., reception will follow in the service hall. There will also be an interment ceremony at the Mt Shasta Cemetery on Saturday the 29th at 2:00 p.m. All wishing to attend are encouraged to come and celebrate the life of Sue.

Robert Louis Flournoy passed to eternity Wednesday, August 12, 2009 in the early hours of the morning surrounded by his children in his Reno hospital suite.
A memorial for Rob Flournoy will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. in the Likely Fire Hall. All are welcome to share in the potluck, fellowship, and celebration of this life well lived.

A graveside memorial service with military honors will be held for Wilson Gorzell at the Lake City Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 8th. A Celebration of Life and potluck fellowship will follow in the Lake City Fire Hall. Mr. Gorzell, a long time Lake City rancher, active in the Lake City Fire Department, Surprise Valley VFW, and Modoc County agricultural organizations, passed away at his home August 18, 2009. An obituary will be published next week.

Joe Mensurati, 49, of Alturas, CA. passed away unexpectedly August 17, 2009 in Redding, CA. Services are pending. An obituary will be published at a later date.

Dorothy Maxine Primorac, 89, passed away in Redding, CA on August 23, 2009. She was born Dorothy Scott in Dunsmuir, CA on April 12, 1920. She and her husband Forrest had lived in Adin, CA for 61 years, where she served in the U.S. Postal Service for 30 years; part of those years as Post Master in Adin.
No service will be held. Memorial contributions may be sent to Adin Volunteer Fire Department or a charity of your choice

Modoc’s head football coach, the always under stated Shaun Wood, said this year’s varsity team is going to be “pretty good.” That should be a signal to the Shasta Cascade League that Wood is looking at another title.
Not that he would openly predict that, however.
“We’re tough and very solid with the starting lineups,” said Wood. “The only thing that scares me is a lack of depth and numbers. If we can stay healthy, we’ll be tough to beat. We don’t have a lot of weaknesses.”
Wood’s team scrimmaged Tulelake last week and scored six touchdowns out of 20 plays in the first series and added three touchdowns out of 10 plays in the second series. The defense only gave up one touchdown to the Honkers.
The Braves meet Mt Shasta Friday night there with the junior varsity set to start at 5:30 p.m. and the varsity game to follow. The Braves are at Lakeview Sept. 11, and at Lost River Sept. 18. Their first home game is Sept. 25 against Burney.

Doctor Steve Bratton, Modoc County Office of Education school psychologist completed the Vineman Triathlon August 1 in Sonoma County.
The event was his first full Triathlon and he finished in a time of 12:16.29, the top third of the 683 competitors. Bratton, age 42, finished 22nd in his age group and 138th overall.
He had also competed in a half Ironman in Boise earlier this summer. He plans on competing in the huge Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Triathlon next June.
The full Vineman Triathlon is the oldest independent Ironman distance triathlon held in the continental United States. The event includes a swim of 2.4 miles, bike ride of 112 miles and a marathon of 26.2 miles through beautiful Sonoma County's wine country.

The aura of agencies working together to resolve Modoc County’s current cash flow problems looks to have disappeared. It boils down to a matter of trust.
Last Thursday, the Modoc Joint Unified School District Board of Trustees voted to ask Treasurer Cheryl Knoch to approve a withdrawal of $1.8 million from MJUSD funds in the Modoc County Treasury for purposes of reinvestment in the district Class account to maximize their interest income.
Following that decision, the Tulelake Joint Unified School District asked that $750,000 of their funds be removed and Surprise Valley Joint Unified School District requested $250,00 be removed. On Tuesday the Modoc County Board of Education asked that $2.3 million of its money be removed from the County Treasury. That means a total of $5.1 million in school funds from the treasury could be removed.

The hits just keep coming for the Modoc County budget. The latest hit puts the county in a strained position with its 2007-2008 independent auditor, and may put some grant and federal funding issues at risk.
On July 8, the State Controller’s Office sent a letter to TCA Partners LLP, of Fresno, informing the auditing firm that its 2007-08 Modoc audit did not meet standards and was not certified.
Modoc Count Chief Administrative Officer Mark Charlton said he just saw the letter last week, and has some serious concerns.
Those concerns are directly from the Controller’s office letter, which says it must notify federal funding agencies when an audit does not comply with federal law. The agencies then can invoke sanctions, including witholding a percentage of federal awards until the audit is competed, withhold or disallowing overhead costs, suspending federal awards until the audit is conducted or terminating the federal award.

The Burning Man celebration started this week in the Black Rock Desert near Gerlach, attracting more than 30,000 people.
Over the last week and specifically the weekend, the Burning Man participants made their way through Alturas and Surprise Valley heading to Gerlach. The traffic was a real benefit and treat for local businesses.
In addition, the Burning Man attendees leave a very positive impression.
4-Corners Market has been staying open all night on the Sunday of the opening of the Burning Man for a few years. They provide service for those people coming through late and in the wee hours of the morning.

Richard A. Campbell, age 77, of Adin, died in a two-vehicle crash August 31, 8:05 p.m. on Adin’s Main Street.
According to the California Highway Patrol, a 2007 Lincoln driven by Bobby R. Green, age 76, Ranger, Texas, was westbound on SR299 (Main Street, Adin) when Campbell, driving a 1983 Datsun, proceeded from a stop sign into the direct path of the Lincoln. Green swerved to the right but was unable to avoid the Campbell vehicle, colliding with the right side of the Datsun at the intersection of Main and Cedar Street.

The Day Fire, which started August 27 on the west side of State Route 299 near the Old Pittville Highway charred 853 acres before it was contained on Sunday evening.
According to CAL FIRE, firefighters spent Saturday and Sunday patrolling and putting out hot spots from the fire, which burned in brush and heavy timber. It also smoldered for several days and firefighters patrolled until they were sure it was completely out.

Edouard Wilson Gorzell transitioned at the family home on the ranch in Lake City, CA on August 18, 2009, near his 91st birthday. He passed quickly, while just shortly before was enjoying watching wildlife in the yard, toured the ranch on his “three wheeler” and was traveling by TV and glad to be “in Good Old Modoc”.
Graveside memorial services with military honors will be held at the Lake City cemetery at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 8, 2009. A Celebration of Life and potluck fellowship will follow in the Lake City Fire Hall. Arrangements are through Kerr Mortuary. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Lake City Fire Department, HC 60, Box 5, Lake City, CA 96115 or Surprise Valley VFW Post 7888, P.O. Box 314, Cedarville, CA 96104.

Leon Earle Chase of Alturas, 89, known to his friends as “Tiger,” passed away August 29, 2009, after his few, final days at Modoc Medical Center, Alturas, CA. Mr. Chase, who had made Modoc his home for the past 17 years, was a retired millwright and had worked in the logging industry over the years, living in many places including Hayfork and Ukiah
No services will be held.
Memorial donations may be directed to Modoc Medical Center, McDowell St., Alturas, CA. 96101. Cremation arranged by Kerr Mortuary.

Modoc’s varsity football team beat the Mt. Shasta Bears 24-14 Friday night there, in a game featuring three touchdown passes for Modoc.
The Braves had just scheduled a Rio Vista game here Saturday, but that game was cancelled on Monday. Modoc’s next game is at Lakeview Sept. 11.
The Rio Vista game was scheduled to fill a blank spot in both teams’ schedule this year.

The Modoc Motorsports Association awarded the winners of its 2009 Summer Series Season last week.
The riders had to compete in six of the eight races to qualify for the series trophies.
The results are as follows:
Wee Quads: First - Kirsten Bickford, Second - Adam Wisser, and Third - Madisyn Whiting.
Quad Jr.: First - Tre Hawes, and Second - Wyatt Van Slyke.
Quad Beginner: First - Zachary Bickford, Second - Kyle Roberts, and Third - Dylan Maes (Sparks, NV).
Quad 80: First - Tyler Lewis (Susanville, CA), Second - Kimberly Van Slyke, and Third - Taylor Johnson (Sparks, NV).
Women’s Quad: First - Carrie Bushey.
Quad 200 Blaster: First - Zachary Bickford, Second - Dylan Maes (Sparks, NV), and Third - Kelly Roberts.
Pee Wee 0-6: First - Tre Larranaga.
OTH 30-39: First - Keith Moore.
Wee Quad-Jr.: First - Tyler Lewis (Susanville, CA), Second - Taylor Johnson (Sparks, NV).
125/250 Beginner: First - Tyler Bushey.
250/450 Beginner: First - Tyler Bushey.
50cc Open: First - Christian Wisser.
OT 40 and over: First - Patrick Rees, Second - John Wiser.
85 Beginner: First - Ryan Holloway, Second - Jesse Holloway, and Third - Tyler Ewing.
65 Beginner: First - Aaron Pereira, Second - Whitney Moore, and Third - Ty Pedotti.
Women’s Beginner: First - Whitney Moore.
Super Mini 85-105cc: First - Jesse Holloway, Second - Ryan Holloway.

Modoc’s junior varsity football team opened the season with an 8-0 loss to the Mt. Shasta Bears last Friday and will wait until the next game Sept. 11 against Lakeview.
New coach Dominic Budmark said he was pleased overall with the team’s performance and although there were plenty of mistakes, those mistakes were easily correctable.
He was pleased with his defense which held the Bears to just 115 yards total offense. However, his offense only managed a total of 75 yards.
The Bears scored the only touchdown of the game in the second period.

Last week, the Modoc County Schools Office and three school districts formally requested that County Treasurer Cheryl Knoch, remove $5.1 million in school funds from the treasury and that she establish a separate fund for new incoming revenue.
The Modoc Joint Unified School District approved a withdrawal of $1.8 million; the Tulelake Basin Joint Unified School District asked that $750,000 of their funds be removed; Surprise Valley Joint Unified School District requested $250,000 be removed; and Modoc County Board of Education asked that $2.3 million of its money be removed.
County Superintendent of Schools Gary Jones estimated that between $6-7 million of school money would remain with the county.
Knoch said she is researching whether she has the authority to deny the request for a new account, and is considering whether to grant the schools’ request to remove the funds. As it is now, the county has guaranteed the schools they will not dip into school funds to cover non-school expenses. The schools remain very concerned.
The following joint statement was presented to the Modoc Record Wednesday from County Superintendent of Schools Gary Jones, Modoc Joint Unified Superintendent Lane Bates, Surprise Valley Joint Superintendent Don Demsher and Tulelake Basin Joint Unified Superintendent Patty Reeder.
“Modoc County school officials continue to be concerned about the illegal use of school funds within the County Treasury. The County CAO, Mr. Mark Charlton, has acknowledged school funds were used for non-school related expenses. The county has also stated that school funds have been restored and that a ‘hard fence’ has been placed around these funds. Mr. Charlton has yet to describe or define what a ‘hard fence’ actually is. At this point, ‘hard fence’ seems to be a metaphor meant to lead us to believe school funds will be safe where they are.

Modoc County will be looking for long-term financing to satisfy the State Controller’s requirement for a “near-future” repayment plan of the county’s negative balance accounts.
“We need to find long time financing to put liquidity into county treasury and it’s going to be very difficult proposition,” Charlton said. “We have been talking to financial analysts and brokers, but since the county has no credit rating it will be very difficult.”
Charlton said the county will be looking for long term financing in the range of $10 million, hopefully at not more than five to seven percent interest. The repayment of that loan could be in the 30-year range.
Charlton said the issue making things more difficult now is the fact that the county budget for next year remains in flux.

There were 15 permits issued by the Modoc County Building Department in August, worth an estimated $731,762. That’s up from July, with 14 permits valued at $433,636.
A pair of manufactured homes made up about $406,000 of the total value and seven garages, shops, or ag buildings made up the bulk of the remainder.
That’s down from 15 permits worth an estimated $772,275.71 in June.
Two new homes were in the permits for July, making up the bulk of the building activity at $363,441.
Three new homes kept Modoc County’s building permit totals at respectable levels for June. The three new homes made up $727,539 for the total estimated value.
Building in Alturas was slow as seven permits were issued in August, with a value of $18,731. That compares to eight permits in July valued at $33,062.

The Modoc County Resource Advisory Committee will hold its next meeting on September 14, 2009, at the Modoc National Forest Supervisor’s Office, beginning at 6:00 p.m.
Project Managers will be on hand to make presentations on the progress of funded projects. Also on the agenda is the discussion of the timeline for accepting project proposals for the next round of funding.

A bird’s ability to fly is often linked to its will to live, say Tina and Bill Hodge of Eagleville, who have rescued hundreds of injured wild animals including 30 or so golden and bald eagles, many hawks, owls, and the occasional vulture. They also care for orphaned or injured wild mammals. The couple is devoted to getting animals rehabilitated and released, but large soaring birds have a hard time when an injury brings them down to earth. The Hodges have found that there are very few of the huge specialized aviary’s in northern California necessary for the flight conditioning of Eagles after their initial injuries have healed. This has prompted a massive project on their land that they hope to finish with help from others who admire these increasingly scarce birds of prey.

John “David” Harris of Alturas passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2009 at Renown Hospital in Reno, NV. Arrangements and memorial services are pending.
Mr. Harris is survived by his wife Yvonne Harris of Alturas; son Greg Harris, Alturas; daughter Melissa Bucher, Lakeview, OR and sister Loretta in Idaho.
His obituary will be published at a future date.

Richard “Dick” Almon Campbell was born in Hettinger, North Dakota on October 14, 1931 and was called to be with God on August 31, 2009 at the age of 77.
A memorial service was held September 5, 2009 at the Adin Community Center. Memorial contributions may be made to any charity of choice.

Donald Edward Coonse Jr., known as Eddie “The Flying Dutchman,” passed away September 1, 2009.
Born and raised in Alturas, CA, Donald went to Modoc High School.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, September 10 at the Federated Church in Alturas at 1:30 p.m.

Joe Mensurati, of Alturas, CA, a beloved son and brother, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at the young age of 49, on the evening of August 17, 2009 in Redding, CA. Burial for Joe will be held at the Lake City Cemetery in Lake City, CA at 1 p.m. on September 12, 2009, with a potluck gathering to follow at the Surprise Valley Community Church, Cedarville. The family invites all those folks who were a part of Joe’s life to join them.

Margie (Dick) Smith, 97, of Sonora, Calif. died Sunday, July 19, 2009 at a Sonora Care Center.
She was born at her maternal grandmother’s home in New Pine Creek, Modoc County, to John Dick and Ellen Converse Dick. She graduated from Mount Brow Grammar School near New Pine Creek in 1926 and graduated from high school in 1930 in New Pine Creek, which was a high school branch of Alturas, Calif.
A memorial service was held at Heuton Memorial Chapel and followed by a celebration luncheon at the Tuolumne County Senior Center.

Modoc’s varsity football team will be without six players, suspended for partying last weekend, when it travels to Lakeview Friday night.
Coach Shaun Wood said the six players will be suspended for one full game and will not travel with the team. Six other players are on strict team probation with no tolerance for other indiscretions, but will get to play this week.
“It’s tough for us and we’ll be missing some starters,” said Wood. “They made some bad decisions. We’ll do what we can.”
Wood expects the Lakeview squad to be pretty tough, even though they lost several players form a really good team last season.
“We thought about forfeiting, but I hate to do that to us and the other team,” said Wood. “We’re going to have our work cut out for us, but the other players told me they wanted to play.”
The junior varsity game starts at 5 p.m. with the varsity to follow around 7 p.m. in Lakeview.

MHS sports—
We’re fairly sure that Modoc High School has a football team, cross country team, club soccer team and a volleyball team this year. We have only heard from the football coach, however.
The following games are on tap:
Football at Lakeview Sept. 11, 5 p.m. JV, 7 p.m. Varsity
Volleyball at Mazama, JV, Sept. 12
Volleyball at Henley, Varsity, Sept. 12
Volleyball at Lakeview Sept. 17
Cross Country at Fall River Invitational Sept. 15
Soccer, Fall River here Sept. 15, 5 p.m.

School administrators are extremely pleased with the just released state test results.
According to County Superintendent of Schools Gary Jones, all three school districts in the county improved their test scores from last year. Modoc Joint Unified improved 3.4 percent, Surprise Valley Joint Unified 4.6 percent, and Tulelake Basin Joint 1.5 percent.
“Students throughout the county are demonstrating increased knowledge of the content standards and are scoring proficient or advanced on state assessments. Improved scores are a direct result of excellent teachers, engaged students, and supportive families,” stated Jones.
MJUSD Superintendent Lane Bates was justifiably buoyed by his district’s improvements and specifically about four of the schools going above the state target score of 800.

Modoc County Chief Administrative Officer Mark Charlton believes it’s important to adopt the county budget in the near future, but says he sees about a $650,000 shortfall that has to be remedied.
Charlton acknowledges that the numbers are still fluid and that shortfall may change. At this point, former Marin County Auditor Richard Arrow, who is working through the California State Association of Counties to assist Modoc, has not yet determined the budget figures.
According to Charlton, he is supposed to report his findings to the Modoc County Board of Supervisors in the next couple of weeks. Charlton said he would like to be able to put Arrow on a retainer to continue using his services. That would have to be approved by the Board.

Modoc County Department heads, following a meeting this week without County Chief Administrative Officer Mark Charlton, have requested the Board of Supervisors adopt a formal resolution to deal with state offices.
The formal resolution is slated for hearing at the Sept. 22 meeting of the Board.
“The Modoc County Department Heads are hereby requesting a Board resolution to designate a committee consisting of the Modoc County Treasurer, and/or the Modoc County Auditor, County Administrative Officer, and one member of the Board of Supervisors to participate in communications with State Offices, including the State Controller’s Office, regarding the County’s fiscal situation,” the resolution request states.
Most of the communications between the State Controller and Modoc County have been through CAO Charlton, pretty much alone.

Modoc County Public Health is receiving reports of a cluster of viral meningitis cases. Viral meningitis is not the same as bacterial meningitis, which is a very serious illness requiring immediate medical treatments.
According to Public Health, viral meningitis is circulating in Shasta, Tehama, Glenn, Plumas, Colusa and Modoc counties.

The Modoc County Museum was unceremoniously closed the second week of July, because of a budget crisis at the county level.
The doors have remained locked with Public Works’ Rick Hironymous telling the society that it would probably be two years before funding is available to hire a curator.
While the Historical Society doesn’t have the funds to hire a curator, the group is willing to study some options and may rely on volunteers.
In its September newsletter, Dixie Server suggests asking for volunteers to start a new Board of Directors for the Museum. The purpose of the Board would be to set up a non-profit organization, bank account, and solicit money to possibly hire a director who would be able to direct museum volunteers.
The Board would set the vision for the Museum, and hopefully, said Server, run the Museum into the future.
There have been several people expressing interest in the concept and some will to donate financially to the organization if it is non-profit. The first key is to find a director.
Anyone who is interested or wants to comment or help should call Server at 233-3724.

Barbara Anne Carlisle gently touched many lives during her years in Modoc. Mrs. Carlisle, 67, passed away September 10, 2009 in Cedarville, CA.
Memorial donations may be sent to the American Cancer Society or to the Surprise Valley Hospital, which provided wonderful care for Barbara in her time of need. No services will be held.

John ‘Dave’ Harris
John David Harris, 69, passed away unexpectedly at Renown Medical Center in Reno, Nevada on September 8, 2009. Services will be held at Kerr Mortuary, Alturas on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 1 p.m., with a fellowship to follow at the Elks Hall picnic area.
Dave was preceded in death by his father, John G. Harris and his mother, Helen Woods Harris.

Elmer Leroy Whitham
Alturas resident Elmer Leroy Whitham, 84, passed away September 3, 2009 at Modoc Medical Center, Alturas, CA. The son of Walter and Edith Whitham, he was born May 9, 1925 in Pennsylvania. He was preceded in death by his wife Rose and his parents. Private inurnment arrangements by Kerr Mortuary, Alturas.

Our beloved, Stuart Brown, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on September 3, 2009, of a heart attack in Carson City, NV, cutting short a vibrant and passionate life committed to the American West.
His Memorial service will be held at Bowers Mansion State Park in Washoe Valley, NV at 1 p.m. September 26. If directions are needed, please contact call Rennie Tillis at 775-772-3883.

Robert M. Lyons, often called “Mr. Bob,” passed away September 14, 2009 at his home in California Pines. He was 82. He was born April 18, 1927 to Floyd and Lillian Lyons in Auburn, N.Y., the youngest of two children.
A Celebration of Life memorial service and potluck will be held Friday, Sept. 18 at 2 p.m. at the Veterans’ Memorial Hall, So. Main St., Alturas. Pastor Curtis Barber to officiate. Private inurnment at a later date.
Donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Services are under the direction of Kerr Mortuary.

Modoc’s Braves, missing six players who were suspended for partying, still beat the Lakeview Honkers 21-0 Friday night in Lakeview. On Friday, the Braves will be back to full strength and will be facing a tougher Lost River squad at Lost River.
Lost River beat Etna 45-21 last Friday night and Modoc coach Shaun Wood expects a good game.

Modoc’s junior varsity football team beat Lakeview 20-14 there Friday night and will travel to Lost River tomorrow.
“The kids played well,” said coach Dominic Budmark. “Our defense held Lakeview to just 112 yards and 97 of that was through the air, one a 50-yard pass in the fourth quarter.”

The following games are on tap:
Football at Lost River Sept. 17, 5:30 p.m. JV, 7:30 p.m. Varsity
Volleyball at Lakeview Sept. 17;at Mt. Shasta Sept. 22
Cross Country at Mt. Shasta Invitational Sept. 18
Soccer at Mt. Shasta Sept 22; Fall River here Sept. 24.

Modoc County Treasurer Cheryl Knoch presented three financial alternatives to schools this past week aimed at protecting the restricted use of school funds.
One of those plans actually was more than school administrators said they expected and was greeted with enthusiasm. The plan also meant schools would not withdraw about $5.1 million from the county treasury.
Knoch’s action will place what’s termed a real “hard fence” around the school funds, keeping them completely protected from use by the county.
“Last week, Cheryl Knoch, presented three proposals concerning the separation of the school cash in the county treasury. Each proposal was reasonable and justifiable. After careful consideration, a signed agreement was completed Monday between the County Treasurer and the Superintendents,” said County Superintendent of Schools Gary Jones. “Ms. Knoch’s direct involvement and professional manner proved extremely helpful in finding an agreeable solution which did not require the schools to make large withdrawals from the county treasury.”

A computational error by Modoc County cost the City of Alturas and the County of Modoc $566,000, according to the State Controller’s Office.
In a letter to County Auditor Alice Marrs, dated Sept. 11, the Controller says most of that money will probably not be reallocated.
Alturas City Mayor John Dederick called the error egregious and said the City was investigating its options to recover its funding.

On Monday morning the temperature in Alturas dropped to 27 degrees, making the city the coldest place in the nation for that day. The record cold for September is 20 degrees, set in 1993.
Monday warmed all the way up to 84 degrees. The average low for Sept. 21 was 35 degrees.
The coming week will be warm, with highs in the 80’s and projected lows going only into the 40s. There has been no precipitation for September, which usually is dry with an average of .47 inches of precipitation measured.

On Monday September 21, a Desert Rose Casino customer made casino history by hitting a $1,916,150.71 dollar jackpot.
Terry Privett, an Alturas, CA resident, has lived in Alturas and been a patron of the Desert Rose Casino for many years.

Members of the Modoc Washoe Experimental Stewardship Steering Committee will tour public rangelands and discuss natural resource topics, when they convene for a field tour and meeting Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, in Cedarville.
The public is welcome. They must provide their own transportation for the tour.
On Sept. 30, the committee convenes at 8 a.m. at the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Surprise Field Office, 602 Cressler St., and departs for stops in Long Valley and near Barrel Springs. The tour returns to Cedarville at about 5 p.m.

Modoc’s varsity football team will be looking to make it 16 wins in a row Friday night as the Burney Raiders come to town for the Braves first home and league game of the season.
While the Raiders come in sporting a 3-1 record in the early season, Modoc Coach Shaun Wood is fairly confident his Braves will handle the night.
“Burney is better than they have been, but I don’t think they’ve seen a team as tough or talented as we are at this point,” Wood aid. “They have some good, speedy backs, but I’m not sure they’ll be able to get past our line and linebackers.”
Burney will come in to Modoc following a 29-8 win over St. Bernard’s. Modoc enters the game coming off a solid 37-17 win over Lost River and sporting a 15-game winning streak. The Braves went unbeaten 12-0 last season and have started this year 3-0.

After a two-year absence the Modoc High School Soccer team took the
field Tuesday in Mount Shasta for their first game of the season.
The Braves had a strong defense in the first half led by Fili Arceo at Goal. With more than 15 shots on the Brave's goal, the Bears only managed to score two goals. The 7-0 final score does not adequately reflect the level of play.
The Soccer team is at home tonight at 5:00 at the AES soccer field against Fall River. Their next two games are home games: Weed - Sept 29th at 5:00 and Etna Oct. 3rd at 2:00 p.m.

Modoc’s varsity volleyball lost to Lakeview 11-25, 17-25 and 23-25 Sept. 17 in Lakeview. Modoc hosts Weed for the first home game Sept. 29.
Maddie Halvorson, Rochelle Keller and Dejah Montague each had three kills and Ashlie Conner and Olivia Peters were 7-for-7 serving.
The girls lost to Mt. Shasta Sept. 22 in four game, 21-25, 8-25, 25-19 and 16-25. Keller had 10 kills and Peters seven. Conner was 16-of-17 serving and Halvorson was 17-17.
Modoc’s junior varsity lost to Lakeview 14-25, 25-9 and 15-10 and to Mt. Shasta 14-25, 22-25.

The Modoc Braves Cross-Country team had a fantastic day at the Mt. Shasta invitational on Friday Sept.18th.
According to coach Wendi Lowrey, the Mt. Shasta course is very challenging with deep dirt trails and steep hills. In the Frosh/Soph race, Jac Derner ran a great race with a time of 15:34.00 placing him 8th overall. Jeff Larsen also competed well with a time of 16:23.00 placing him 14th in the Frosh/Soph race.
In the boy’s varsity event, Austin Hoy ran a terrific race with a time 15:42.00 placing him 44th out of a very competitive race. Cody Book came in with a time of 18:55.00.
The varsity girls’ race was also very tough competition with 48 runners in all. Lisa Orsbun finished with a time of 23:48.00.
The next meet is at Henley High School in Klamath Falls, Sept 29th.

Modoc’s junior varsity football team beat Lost River 26-14 Friday night at Lost River and will face a good Burney Raider team in the preliminary here Friday night.
The Braves and Lost River were tied at 6-6 after the first period, but Modoc added 20 points in the second to take a 26-6 lead into halftime. Lost River scored eight in the fourth period.

Modoc County Department heads last week requested the Board of Supervisors adopt a formal resolution regarding Chief Administrative Officer Mark Charlton and his dealings with state offices.
Supervisor Dan Macsay told the Board he agreed with the purpose of the action, but felt it should come directly from the board, not through the Department Heads. He made that in the form of a motion.
Supervisors Macsay, David Bradshaw, Shorty Crabtree and Patricia Cantrall all voted in favor of the issue, setting up a committee of Charlton, a Supervisor, the Treasurer, Auditor and/or other Department Heads to accompany Charlton on any visit to the State Controller’s Office. Supervisor Jeff Bullock voted against the measure.

With the onset of autumn weather, fire restrictions will be lifted Friday, Oct. 2, on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management’s northeast California field offices.
The easing of restrictions affects lands managed by the BLM’s Alturas, Eagle Lake and Surprise field offices in Modoc, Lassen, Sierra, Plumas, eastern Shasta, and eastern Siskiyou counties in California and parts of Washoe County, Nevada.
Autumn has arrived and with that arrival comes a reduction in the risks of wildfires. As a result, the Modoc National Forest is lifting the fire restrictions effective, Friday October 2, 2009.
Fire restrictions will remain in place for northeast California’s Lassen National Forest until the region receives rain. Restrictions also remain in place for BLM-managed lands in northwest California, and on many national forests in the state. Hunters, off-roaders and other backcountry visitors should check fire restriction status with Forest Service or BLM offices in the areas they plan to visit.
Additionally, the ban on outdoor burning such as debris piles and agriculture projects will remain in effect until lifted by CAL FIRE.

The Modoc County Transportation Agency will receive a $75,000 federal Recovery Act (stimulus) grant, channeled through Caltrans.
The local grant will be used to purchase two steel bus equipment storage units and six on-board security cameras for the Sage Stage buses. Caltrans announced the grant award Sept. 29.

John D. Abreu passed away at the Windsor Redding Care Center on Friday, September 25, 2009. John was born on November 14, 1925 in Colusa, California. Memorial contributions may be made in John’s name to the charity of your choice.
A Rosary and Mass service is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 3 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church on the corner of 4th and Jay Streets in Colusa. Burial will follow at the Holy Cross Cemetery, also in Colusa.

Former Alturas resident Kenneth W. Wright, 83, passed away of natural causes in Red Bluff, CA on September 27, 2009. Mr. Wright resided most recently in Cottonwood and was a former resident of Tulelake and Redding. Services are pending in Modoc County, under direction of Hoyt-Cole Chapel of the Flowers of Red Bluff.

MHS sports—
The following games are on tap:
Football: Modoc at Fall River Oct. 2, JV, 5:30 p.m., Varsity 7:30 p.m.
Volleyball: Modoc at Burney, Oct. 1, at Fall River Oct. 8.
Cross Country: Home time trials, Oct. 6.
Soccer: at Trinity Oct. 3, at Fall River Oct. 8.

While it’s still early in the season, the showdown for the Shasta Cascade League title could be played this Friday night in Fall River as Modoc’s Braves meet the Fall River Bulldogs.
“It’ll be the toughest game we’ve played so far this year,” said Modoc coach Shaun Wood. “They have good size on the line and their quarterback Tyler Sloat, throws well. They’ve run the ball pretty well so far with two backs, but I don’t think their line is as quick as ours. I expect this to be a very good game.”
Modoc’s defense will be anchored by an outstanding set of linebackers in Matt Mayes, Tyler Wood, Web Dunn and Tyler Hammerness. Modoc’s defense has given up only 43 points in four games.
Sloat was 8-for-10 passing against Weed, with two touchdowns and one interception. Nathan Gilligan and Tyler Kirk are their top running backs.
The Braves will be coming off a 49-12 whipping of Burney here Friday night and Fall River will come into the game of a 46-12 win over Weed. Modoc is unbeaten at 4-0 and will be looking for its 17th straight win. Fall River lost to Portola to open the season this year and comes in at 3-1. Last year Modoc beat Fall River 20-14 here. Fall River went on to win the North Section Division V title and Modoc went unbeaten to claim the Division IV championship.

There was a great crowd of support for Thursday’s soccer game against Fall River. The Braves scored their first goal of the season, but Modoc was trounced 8 to 1 by the Bulldogs.
Tuesday evening’s game against the Weed Cougars was a different story. In a close game, Modoc won with a score of 4 to 3. All four goals were scored by Fili Arceo. Goalies Max Munguia and Eric Haggard were credited with several saves.
The Braves next home soccer game is scheduled for October 10 against the Etna Lions at 2:00 pm.

Modoc’s varsity volleyball team recovered from a slow start to beat Weed 15-25, 25-21, 25-21 and 25-15 Tuesday. The Braves travel to Burney today.
“We struggled a bit in the first game, but covered the floor well and started communicating better in the final three games,” said coach Harold Montague. “Our serving is still not as strong as we need to be, but our passing has improved and we are beginning to run some plays.”
Dejah Montague was 16 of 19 serving and Jessica Kresge was 5 of 6. Maddie Halvorson had five kills and Olivia Peters had eight. Kresge blocked three and Rochelle Keller two.
The Modoc junior varsity lost to Weed 23-25, 25-19 and 15-17. Jodie Boudreaux had 10 kills and Sarah Glidden six. Courtney Yamagiwa was 9 for 9 serving and Kristyn Halvorson and Boudreaux were 10-11.

Modoc’s junior varsity football team had no trouble with the Burney Raiders Friday night in the Braves home opener, beating them 29-6.
Modoc took charge early with a pair of touchdowns in the first period, one on a 17-yard pass from Wyatt Valena to Austin Carreker and the second on a run by Trent McQuarrie. They led 15-0 after one.
The Braves added a touchdown run by Drew Culp in the second and another on a reverse by Zack Goulden.
In addition, the Braves defense held Burney to 17 yards offense.
Culp led the rushing with 34 yards on three carries. Valena was 2-for-3 for 21 yards.
The Braves face Fall River Friday night in MacArthur, and coach Dominic Budmark expects a pretty good game. The Junior varsity game starts at 5:30 p.m.

Modoc County Treasurer Cheryl Knoch told Supervisors Tuesday that the current treasury balance showed about $800,000 above the school funds. That’s making county officials nervous.
“We’re very tight right now and are having to pick and choose which bills to pay. Some payments will be late,” Knoch said. She and County Auditor Alice Marrs are contacting various vendors to explain that some payments may be late and go to a net 60-day payment.
While it’s still really in the month, Knoch said she hoped there would be enough cash to make the October payroll. She expects revenue to come in throughout the month to cover that cost.
The problem is that the county cannot touch school funds, which are restricted, and are now “hard fenced” in the treasury. In the recent past, the county dipped into those school funds, which has partially caused the current budget crisis in the county. The schools requested their funds be put into safe accounts and Knoch agreed to that request.
The Board also discussed a “Strategic Finance Plan,” which was discussed in a questionable closed session last Thursday under the “pending litigation” exemption.

The crisis surrounding Modoc County’s 2007-08 independent audit by TCA Partners, may come to a much better conclusion than originally anticipated.
Modoc Chief Administrative Officer Mark Charlton and consultant Richard Arrow told the Board of Supervisors Tuesday that TCA has agreed to “do what it takes” to complete its audit.
On July 8, the State Controller’s Office sent a letter to TCA Partners LLP, of Fresno, informing the auditing firm that its 2007-08 Modoc audit did not meet standards and was not certified.
Arrow said TCA was committed to do the right thing and he feels the State Controller’s Officer is well aware of the audit situation and both entities are working towards a solution. ”TCA pledged to us that they’d make the audit good,” said Arrow.

The Modoc County Public Health Department held its annual Alturas Drive-thru Flu clinic on September 30th. The drive-thru clinic was open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and vaccinated 672 adults, 118 more than last year.
One may wonder why Modoc County Public Health does drive thru flu clinics. Modoc County Public Health is tasked with the ability to dispense antibiotics, antivirals, or vaccinations, to the entire population of Modoc County in 48 hours. The Drive-Thru method is used as a “drill” for Public Health to prepare for a disaster/emergency that may require this tight timeframe.
Public Health would not be able to conduct this drill or prepare for such an event if the public did not come through our clinics. So they thank the public, each year learning something new and build on mistakes and make changes for the following year.

The Modoc Medical Center debt to Modoc County increased slightly at the end of September, to $12,805,515, up $95,363 from the end of August’s $12,710,152, according to the County Auditor’s Office.
County Treasurer Cheryl Knoch said the numbers aren’t as bad as shown. She said the Auditor’s Office mistakenly double paid a monthly health care bill of $70,000 that should have been paid in October. In addition, the hospital’s Oct. 1 deposit came in at $108,000.

Kenneth Warren Wright, known to many as “Grandpa Pepsi”, formerly of Alturas and Tulelake, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2009 in Red Bluff, CA at the age of 83.
He was born on August 3, 1926 in Yuma, Arizona
A graveside service will be held at the Alturas Cemetery in Alturas, CA at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 13, 2009. A reception celebrating Ken’s Life will be held immediately following the graveside service at the Faith Baptist Church, 810 Carlos Street, Alturas, CA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association or to ‘Lassen House’, 705 Luther Rd., Red Bluff, California, 96080. Cremation services provided by North Valley Crematory in Red Bluff.

Mary Margaret (Roberts) Jeffers passed away October 3, 2009 in Alturas, CA.
Mary was born in Alturas on October 20, 1953, and attended local schools including Modoc High before going to Sierra College to study business.
A private memorial service will take place for Mary’s friends and family Friday, October 9th, 2009 at 11 a.m. at Marie Roberts’ home on Hwy 299, Alturas.
Donations in tribute to Mary’s life may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or at www.alz.org.

Rose Marie Coops passed away October 5, 2009 at Surprise Valley Hospital, Cedarville, CA. Born in Parnell, Missouri on November 19, 1922.
A Rosary will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, October 12 at St. James Catholic Church in Cedarville, followed by the Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. A potluck dinner will be held at the church hall immediately after the Rite of Interment at the Cedarville Cemetery.
Donations may be made in Rose Marie’s name to St. James Mission, c/o Sacred Heart Church, 507 East 4th Street, Alturas CA 96101 or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Desert Rose Funeral Chapel in Lakeview OR is in charge of arrangements.

Modoc ‘s Braves knocked off Fall River’s Bulldogs 28-20 Friday night at Fall River, winning their 17th in a row and putting themselves well ahead of anyone else in the race for the Shasta Cascade League title.
Etna’s Lions come to Modoc Friday night coming off a loss to Burney 38-20. Modoc beat Burney 49-12 last week. Modoc will meet Weed Oct. 16 for Homecoming and then will be away at Chester then Los Molinos to finish out the regular season. If all goes according to plan, Modoc should have a least one playoff game at home.
It’s very probable that Modoc can run the table in the next four games, completing its second unbeaten season with a winning streak of 21 games.

Modoc’s varsity volleyball team lost to Burney Oct. 1, 15-25, 25-27, 17-25, and 14-25.
The Braves travel to Fall River today and have Etna here Saturday.
Olivia Peters had nine kills and Maddie Halvorson had six. Peters was 12-13 serving and Jessica Kresge was 11-12. Kresge had three blocks and Rochelle Keller one.
The junior varsity beat Burney 23-25, 25-17 and 15-12. Jodie Boudreaux was 11-11 serving, Bailey Hansen was 5-5 and Courtney Knoch was 8-9. Boudreaux and Sarah Glidden had nine kills as Dorothy Long had seven.

Modoc’s junior varsity football team beat the Fall River Bulldogs last Friday there 14-12 to continue their winning streak. They face Etna here Friday night.
Modoc scored all 14 of their points in the first period, one a 16-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown by Colton Reed and the other on a 17-yard pass from Wyatt Valena to Riley Larranaga. Fall River scored six in the third and six in the fourth period, but failed both conversions.
“It was a tough game, but I am very proud of the kids and our defense,” said coach Dominic Budmark. “They gave up some yards, but stepped up when they had to.”

The Modoc Braves had a fantastic day at the Henley Invitational on Sept. 29. The Henley course is very flat and is good for working on fast times.
“The only obstacle at the meet was the severe head wind the runners had to face,” said coach Wendi Lowrey. “In the boy’s varsity race, Austin Hoy ran a terrific race with a time 20:55 placing him 28th out of a very competitive varsity race. Cody Book came in with a time of 24:37 finishing at 34th place. In the junior varsity race, Jac Derner ran an unbelievable three-mile race with a time of 19:47 placing him first overall. Jeff Larsen also competed well with a time of 21:22 placing him 13th in the J.V. race.”
The varsity girls’ three-mile race was also very tough competition. As a freshman Ashley Hoy ran in the varsity race placing eighth overall with a time of 22:23. This is her first race of the season as she has been nursing a badly sprained ankle. Lisa Orsbun finished with a time of 32:30 Danielle Grier ran her first competition with a time of 26:16 placing her 21st.
“It was a great day overall with outstanding times,” said Lowrey
Our next meet it at Enterprise Community Park in Redding, Ca. Oct. 21st.

The Modoc County Board of Supervisors approved what they termed a “dynamic” 2009-10 budget following a public hearing Tuesday morning.
The public hearing discussion was fairly sparse and no actual details of the budget, concerning any future layoffs or cuts in services, were forthcoming. Approval of this final budget came after the approval of the preliminary budget, and contained over $500,0000 in additional cuts hammered out primarily by Department Heads.
There was some discussion about funding the Modoc Trapper, whose position will be unfunded under the current budget as well as some cuts in maintenance by public works.
The overall 2009-10 budget comes in at $37,493,404, with $9,684,892 in general fund revenue and $27,808,612 in special revenue funds.

Modoc County Transportation/Public Works Director Rick Rudometkin told Supervisors Tuesday morning that snow removal for the coming winter will be much different than in past years.
He stressed the public needs to be aware of the changes and be prepared for some tougher days if Modoc experiences a heavy snow winter.
“There will be a significant decrease in snow removal services on Modoc County Roads this winter,” he said. “Due to State budget cuts and the current County budget crisis, the Modoc County Road Department is operating on two thirds of its normal staff and no funds are available for overtime. This winter you should expect delays in snow removal and deeper accumulation of snow prior to removal.”
The Modoc Road Department is down 12 employees, largely due to layoffs from the state and county budget crisis.

Building in Modoc County continued an upward swing for the month of September, as both the county and city benefited.
The County Building Department issued 20 permits worth an estimated $466,135. There were two new homes and four garages or barns in the permit totals.
That compares to 15 permits issued by the Modoc County Building Department in August, worth an estimated $731,762. That was up from July, with 14 permits valued at $433,636.

The just passed Modoc County budget doesn’t have full funding for the Modoc County Trapper, and some groups believe that’s an essential position.
Sean Curtis, representing the Farm Bureau said that organization as well as the Modoc County Cattlemen’s Association is spearheading a fund raising effort to keep the trapper operating.
Curtis said he figures the groups need to raise about $25,000 from donations, grants and other areas.

Jane Fox will be lovingly remembered as a gracious and beautiful woman, who had the special gift of making people feel genuinely welcomed and comfortable in her presence. Her sparkling, dark eyes, and beautiful smile will be greatly missed, but not forgotten. Mrs. Fox passed away of natural causes on Tuesday, October 6, 2009, in San Jose, CA at the age of almost 89. Born Jane Caldwell on November 9, 1920 in Alturas, CA to Everett and Henrietta Caldwell, she graduated from Modoc Union High School in 1938 and continued studying at Sacramento Junior College.
Services will be private on November 2, 2009 at the Alturas Cemetery, as her family gathers at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be considered for the Children’s Section of the Modoc County Library, 212 W. Third Street, Alturas, CA 96101 or to the Alturas Youth Park Fund c/o Rotary Clubs, 135 North Main St., Alturas, CA 96101.
Arrangements by Kerr Mortuary.

Phillip Gregory Weed of Likely was born October 26, 1981 and lived life to the fullest until October 6, 2009. He left this life having fun on a four-wheeler near New Pine Creek, OR.
Phillip was born in Puyallup, Washington and at the ripe age of six months, moved to Likely, CA.
Celebration of Phil’s life will be held at the Likely Fire Hall on Saturday, October 17 at 2 p.m. A potluck fellowship will follow.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Modoc Scholarship Fund in memory of Phillip Weed at Plumas Bank, 510 North Main St., Alturas, CA 96101.

Raquel Jean Azevedo Taylor, born October 29, 1982, in Alturas, CA, passed away in Yuma, Arizona on October 8, 2009.
Raquel was born and raised in beautiful Modoc County in North Eastern California. 4-H, FFA, and being the official stats keeper kept her very busy during her school years. Raquel served as the 1st Chairman of the Annual Surprise Valley Hoop Wars, which is an adult basketball tournament held every spring in Cedarville. This tournament would gather teams from the tri-state area for a three-day, fun-filled family event. She held this position until graduating from Surprise Valley High School in 2000. This tournament continues today and has proven to be an asset to the Cedarville community.
Raquel attended Butte College in Chico, CA where she obtained her A.S. degree and her Paramedic certificate. After graduation from college she moved to Yuma, AZ to work full time as a paramedic for Rural Metro. She also enjoyed her time working at Care Flight, in Yuma, AZ, as a Flight Medic. She met her future husband Scott Taylor in Yuma. She and Scott were married on March 14, 2008 in San Diego, CA.
Raquel is survived by her husband Scott and her stepson Shawn; her father and mother, Russell and Cheryl Azevedo of Cedarville, CA; Grandparents, Gloria Balzano of Phoenix, AZ; George Azevedo of Cedarville, CA and George and Georgia Howder of Magalia, CA; Scott’s parents, Kim and Karen Ferris of Prosser, WA; and numerous loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Memorial Services were held in Yuma, AZ on October 13, 2009.
Graveside services will be held at the Eagleville Cemetery on Monday, October 19, 2009 at 11a.m. with Dr. Ben Zandstra and Pastor Ryan Washburn to conduct the service. Fellowhip to follow at the Eagleville hall. Pallbearers will be Jon Arreche, Anthony Schultz, Jerry Cook, Matthew Bietz, Henry Bietz, Steve Scroggins and Pablo Castenada.

Weed is Modoc Homecoming foe
The Weed Cougars will be the 2009 Homecoming foe for the Modoc Braves this Friday night. It may not be pretty.
The Braves come into the game on an 18-game winning streak that shows no signs of slowing. They beat Etna Friday night, playing a fairly sloppy game, 34-0. Chester beat Weed 22-0. Fall River has beaten Weed 46-12 and Modoc beat Fall River 28-20.
“I felt we played a sloppy game against Etna,” Modoc coach Shaun Wood said. “Our running game worked very well, but our passing was out of synch. We’ll work on that this week. Weed’s fairly big, but a little slow. They do have a good running back.”

Modoc junior varsity football team beat Etna 28-6 in the preliminary Friday night and will open the Homecoming festivities against Weed this Friday.
The Braves led 21-0 at halftime and 28-0 after three. Etna scored on a pass play in the fourth.
Modoc’s Riley Larranaga scored the first touchdown on a 26-yard run. Jacob Cruse blocked an Etna punt and Brett Boudreaux recovered the ball in the end zone for the second score. Austin Carreker scored on a three-yard run and Wyatt Valena added the final score on a nine-yard run.
Trent McQuarrie led the rushing attack with 32 yards on seven carries and Larranaga added 28 on three. Valena was 3-for-7 passing for 49 yards and a touchdown.
Modoc lost its opening game to Mt. Shasta 8-0 and has won five straight since then.

Modoc’s varsity volleyball team lost to Fall River Oct. 8, 17-25, 25-22,17-25, 25-23 and 8-15.
Olivia Peters had eight kills, Deja Montague had five and Rochelle Keller six. Keller was 19-19 serving and Maddie Halvorson was 12-13. Keller and Jessica Kresge each had two blocks.
The junior varsity lost 19-25 and 15-25. Bailey Hansen was 6-6 serving and Courtney Yamagiwa was 4-4. Kristyn Halvorson had five kills and Jodie Boudreaux and Hansen each had four.
Modoc’s varsity lost to Etna 21-25, 16-25, 25-22 and 20-25 Oct. 19. Halvorson was 11-11 serving and Montague was 18-19 with three aces. Keller had six kills and Halvorson added four. Keller also had seven blocks.
The junior varsity lost 23-25 and 18-25. Courtney Koch was 11-11 serving and Boudreaux was 9-9. Sarah Glidden had seven kills and Knoch had four. Boudreaux had four bocks.

Modoc County Public Health Department has been notified that they will soon be receiving the H1N1 Vaccine. Please go to our website at modoccountyhealthservices.com and watch for bulletins sent home from schools for information on scheduled clinics.

The Save Our Hospital Committee will ask the Modoc County Board of Supervisors to set an election to form a Hospital District covering Modoc Medical Center the first week of February, 2010.
According to SOHC President Mike Mason, the need for the district is readily apparent and current financial conditions in the county and with the hospital point to the need of a successful hospital district election.

While they delayed action unnecessarily for over a month, the California State Senate passed SB 65 and SB 67 last week, which were vital to the continuing funding of county and city governments.
The California State Association of Counties and League of California Cities had lobbied hard for the passage of the two bills, which were held up because of Republican gamesmanship in September.
According to CSAC, SB 65 is a cash management bill that includes clean up language to accelerate payback of deferred payments of the HUTA (Highway Users Tax Account) or gas tax funds to cities and counties. Some $250 million in deferred gas taxes has already been paid by the public and is owed to counties and cities.
The “taking” of the HUTA funds is what prompted the Modoc County Road Department to layoff 10 employees this summer and is largely blamed for the proposed serious cutback in snow plowing this winter. The cut amounted to nearly $700,000 out of the Road Department Budget.
One version of the bill would exempt from deferral the state’s 13 smallest rural counties, including Modoc.
The Modoc County Road Department did not comment on how the SB 65 passage will impact it, but deflected the question to County Chief Administrative Officer Mark Charlton, who was out of the office this week.

Modoc County’s oldest resident, Recy Ester Hicks, age 106, died of natural causes on October 18, 2009, at Warnerview Convalescent Hospital in Alturas, CA.
Mrs. Hicks was born on January 20, 1903, in Moreland, AK.
Her family and church invite everyone to share in honoring her life at a service at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, October 24, 2009, at Alturas Baptist Church, with a short service at Alturas Cemetery. A potluck luncheon will follow at the church.

Longtime Alturas resident Eunice Seminario passed away October 15, 2009 in Redding, CA. Visitation will be held at Kerr Mortuary in Alturas from 10 a.m. to noon on Friday, Oct. 23, followed by graveside services at the Alturas Cemetery at approximately 12:15 p.m. Friday.

MHS sports—
The following games are on tap:
Football: Modoc idle this week, at Chester Oct. 30.
Volleyball: Modoc is at Weed today and at Etna Saturday, Burney here Oct. 27, JV 5:50 p.m., varsity 6:30 p.m.
Cross Country: Basin run-off, Oct. 27.
Soccer: at Weed today, at Etna Oct. 24.

Weed’s Cougars were going to be a serious underdog to Modoc’s Braves last Friday night, even before the flu bug decimated their ranks. But, few expected a 68-6 Modoc win.
Modoc is idle this week and will travel to Chester Oct. 30. The final regular season game will be at Los Molinos Nov. 6. The Braves have now won 18 straight games.
According to coach Shaun Wood, the Cougars were missing about 10 players and he was pleased they still chose to show up for Modoc’s Homecoming celebration. The Braves did not try to run up the score. Wood instituted a running clock midway through the second period and kept that clocking running in the second half.
The Braves ran only 35 offensive plays, but scored a touchdown on nine of those. They also added one touchdown on an interception.

Modoc splits in volleyball action

Modoc’s varsity volleyball team split in volleyball action this weekend, beating Trinity and losing to Mt. Shasta.
The Braves lost to Mt. Shasta 25-17, 25-18, 18-25, 21-25 and 15-8 last Thursday.
“We lost the first two games, but won the next two,” said coach Harold Montague. “We came out flat, but improved, forcing a tie-breaker for the match.”
Rochelle Keller had eight kills, Maddie Halvorson had seven, Ashlie Conner and Olivia Peters five each, Jessica Kresge had four blocks with Keller and Conner getting two each. Halvorson was 26-28 serving with two aces; Deja Montague was 14-15, Conner 11-12 and Christina Correa 10-12.
The Braves beat Trinity Saturday 27-25, 25-20 and 25-21.

Modoc soccer improving

The Modoc Braves Soccer team has steadily improved as the season progresses. This past week the Braves had two home games at the AES field.
They faced Mt. Shasta again and had a tough battle against the league leaders, the 8-0 Bulldogs. The first Fall River outing was the Braves first game of the season and the Bulldogs trounced the Braves 7-0.
This past Thursday, on Brave territory, the Bulldogs were only allowed to score four goals.
The final two Mt. Shasta goals were scored early in the second half and the Braves defense shut down the Bears scoring machine for a final score of 4-0.
Saturday the 17th, Modoc Soccer hosted the Trinity Wolves under sunny but windy conditions. Their first meeting in Weaverville ended with the Wolves and Braves tied at two. This time Modoc came out strong with an early goal from senior Eric Haggard. Trinity answered soon after with a goal but was denied for the remainder of the game.
Max Munguia tended the Braves goal the whole 80 minutes with more than 20 saves to his credit. Late in the second half the Braves worked their way downfield resulting in a goal by Jonathan Jones securing the 2-1 win for Modoc.
The Braves soccer team has two more away games this week to finish out their season. If they win both games, they will move into the top half of league standings. Modoc goes to Weed on Thursday and faces Etna on Saturday. Coach Jim Blankenship feels " . . . both games are very winnable, if we keep on current pace."

Modoc JVs trounce Weed

The Modoc junior varsity football team beat the Weed Cougars 49-14 Friday night in the Homecoming preliminary, giving them a 6-1 record.
Weed’s JV was inflicted by the flu bug as well, but their program also suffers from a lack of players.
The Braves led 43-0 in the third and Weed scored their two touchdowns in the fourth.

The Modoc County Board of Supervisors slammed the brakes on the Save Our Hospital Committee’s drive for a February vote on a hospital district during Tuesday’s meeting.
SOHC’s Judy Mason was asking for a resolution to form a Healthcare District with a special tax and that a mail-in election ballot be set the first week in February. Mason was convinced SOHC and the Local Agency Formation Commission, LAFCO, had their “ducks in a row” and the board just needed to adopt the resolution.
However, Supervisor Jeff Bullock said he felt that the time had passed for a required public hearing and he stated the Board of Supervisors had not held the required final public hearing on the election question. Mason felt that required meeting had occurred in January, but Bullock said the Board never actually held a second hearing and that the required hearing time had elapsed. He felt a new public hearing session was required.
“We need things done properly so our ducks are in a row,” Bullock said, saying he didn’t want to see the election or the results challenged at a later date because of procedural problems. He didn’t see any open path to having a February election and suggested June may be more likely.

The Modoc County Board of Supervisors adopted a policy Tuesday that will require a monthly review of the county budget. That review will be held on the second Tuesday meeting of each month.
While the initial request was for the reviews to take place until the financial crisis abetted, the Board agreed that it would be better to make it a continuing monthly policy.
The county remains mired in a cash flow problem, creating some anxiety and stress between some departments and the auditor’s office about which bills get paid and which can wait. The auditor’s office has sent a letter to vendors saying that because of the cash flow situation, some payments will be delayed.

The Modoc County Road Department received $413,000 of Highway Users Tax Account, HUTA, funds Wednesday morning.
The funds were a welcome boost for the Modoc County budget, said Chief Administrative Officer Mark Charlton. While the state “taking” of the HUTA funds initially this year amounted to a loss of about $695,000 and was cited as the reason for a layoff of 10 Road Department employees, it’s not certain those employees will be rehired.
Charlton said the county cash situation has deteriorated and the Road Department may not be in a position to bring those employees back on a full time basis. He did say their funding could make a difference in the level of snow plowing this winter. The situation has improved with the addition of those funds. The remaining HUTA funds should also be forthcoming in normal time.

Modoc County Public Health has started H1N1 vaccinations for residents of the county. They have c Health had ordered 2,700 shots and 1,200 mists.
These first vaccinations are for the priority target group of pregnant women and children six months to 18 years of age only. The first clinic was held yesterday at Alturas Elementary.
There is a Clinic at Newell Elementary School and Surprise Valley Elementary School today, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at both locations.
On Friday, Oct. 30, a clinic will be held at South Fork Elementary in Likely, starting at 9 a.m. and at Arlington School in Canby starting at 11 a.m. There will also be a clinic at Modoc County Health services in Alturas, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. for emergency personnel only.
On Saturday, Oct. 31, there will be a drive through clinic at the Modoc High School Football Field, from 12 noon to 5 p.m.

Anna Bailey passed away last Wednesday evening, October 21, 2009, at the Modoc Medical Center, at age 85.
She was born on April 29, 1924, to Phillip and Mamie Essex at the Hot Creek Ranch (Fisher Ranch) near Alturas.
A memorial celebration will be held on Friday, November 13 at 11:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Parish Hall, Alturas; a potluck will follow. Any donations can be made to the Modoc Senior Citizen Center, 906 W. Fourth St., Alturas, CA 96101.

After a year and a half battle with Leukemia, Nancy Joanne Roderick, 69, went home to be with her maker on October 15, 2009. As she wished, she was surrounded by her five children and her baby sister, during her last few days here on earth in Alturas. Nancy was born to Gerald and Naomi Roderick on April 21, 1940 in Solano County, CA.
Services were held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Alturas, CA on October 19, 2009. Interment will be at Santa Rosa Memorial Park on Saturday, November 7, 2009 at 12 noon.
Donations can be made in Nancy’s name either to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Alturas.

Marian Louise Benner of Mojave, CA, age 46, and originally from Cedarville, CA, passed away October 26, 2009 at a Bakersfield hospital. Born October 23, 1963 in Cedarville, she spent 20 years of her life there, graduated from Surprise Valley High School.
Services for Marian Louise Benner will be held Sunday, November 1 with a Rosary from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Beloved Care Funeral Services, 115 18th Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301. Monday, November 2, a Mass at St. Joseph Church, 1515 Baker Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301 with burial following at Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery.
Condolences to her children may be sent to The Benner Family, 1062 Robinson St., Bakersfield, CA 93305

Modoc’ football teams will travel to Chester Friday night, and the varsity looks to keep its 19 game win streak alive. That should not be a problem.
Chester beat Los Molinos last week 26-13, but has lost to Burney 14-0 and to Etna 28-16. Chester also beat Weed 22-0, but in Modoc’s last game, they beat Weed 68-6.
“We don’t really know what type of offense they’ll run against us, but we’ll be ready for anything,” said Modoc Coach Shaun Wood. “I don’t expect any real problems, and we’ll be trying some new things.”
Modoc has escaped any real problems with the flu outbreaks that have hit some of the other schools and Wood hopes to keep the team healthy through the playoffs.
In other Shasta Cascade League action last Friday, Fall River beat Burney 50-6 an Etna beat Weed 32-26. Current standings in the Shasta Cascade League are as follows: Modoc 4-0 (7-0); Fall River 3-1 (6-2); Burney 2-2 (5-3); Chester 2-2 (3-4); Etna 2-3 (4-5); Los Molinos 1-3 (3-5); Weed 1-4 (3-5).
The Braves are odds on favorites to beat Chester Friday and then Los Molinos next week, putting together a 12-0 season last year and a 9-0 season this year. That 21-game winning streak would be a Modoc High School record.

Modoc’s varsity volleyball team beat Weed Oct. 22 at Weed 31-29, 25-22, and 25-11.
Jessica Kresge and Olivia Peters each had five kills, Ashlie Conner, Maddie Halvorson and Rochelle Keller each had four. Conner was 11-11 serving, Peters was 17-25 with seven aces and Keller was 8-10 with two aces. Keller had two blocks and Kresge one.
“It was an exciting game with both teams fighting to get a two-point edge,” said coach Harold Montague. “In the second game, Modoc fought back from being down two separate times by four point margins to finally tie the game at 20 and take charge of the set. We played well, but still need to fine-tune our offensive attacks. As soon as the girls start to run our plays with higher efficiency, we will be in a better position to compete with the better teams in league.”
Modoc lost to Etna there 25-23, 17-25, 25-19, 10-25 and 12-15 Oct. 24. Peters had 10 kills while Deja Montague and Keller had six each. Keller blocked five and Kresge seven. Peters was 22-25 serving with eight aces, Keller 15-18 with nine aces, Kresge 12-13 and Conner 8-9.
Montague said the girls overcame an eight-point deficit in the first game and took a two set to one lead after three against the league’s top team. They fell short in the fifth and deciding game, missing five serves.
“The girls played very well despite the loss and proved they can come back when down,” he said. “Xin Guan Ying filled in due to the absence of one of our starters and did a fantastic job in that spot. The girls passed well and got to a lot of balls that would have hit the floor a couple of weeks ago.”
Montague said Modoc must win the rest of its games to make the playoffs. And standing in their way is number two Burney and number three Fall River.
On Tuesday, Modoc lost to Burney 25-16, 20-25, 25-23 and 24-26. Montague said the girls started off slowly in the first game, won the second and stayed close the final two.
“We dug large holes and got really behind early in a couple of the games,” he said. “We played well, we just made some little errors throughout the match that cost us the opportunity to come out on top in the final score. I was pleased with how the girls were running our offense.”
Keller had 11 kills, Kresge and Montague seven each, Conner five and Halvorson and Peters three each. Keller had four blocks and Kresge two. Conner was 10-10 serving, Peters was 19-22 with five aces, and Keller was 9-10 with two aces.
Modoc is at Trinity Saturday and home against Fall River next Tuesday.
Modoc’s junior varsity beat Weed 25-18, 20-25 and 15-0. Courtney Knoch was 20-21 serving and 15 straight serves in the final game. Justine Collier was 10-11 with an ace. Sarah Glidden had six kills and Jodie Boudreaux had five kills and two blocks.
The JV lost to Etna 19-25, 20-25. Knoch and Dorothy Long were 6-6 serving and Kristyn Halvorson was 9-10 with an ace. Glidden had eight kills and Long had six.
Modoc’s JV beat Burney 25-15, 15-25 and 9-15.

Modoc X-Country runs at Trinity

The Modoc Braves had a good day at the Trinity Invitational on Oct. 23. Trinity’s course is extremely difficult with steep hills, rutted trails and obstacles on the path. “It was a good chance for us to race against some of the teams that we will be facing in small schools next week,” said coach Wendy Lowrey. “They ran the boys J.V. and Varsity races together leading to tough competition for the younger runners.”
Jac Derner ran a terrific three-mile race with a time of 19:43.00 placing him ninth overall. Austin Hoy ran a terrific race with a time 20:17.00 placing him 12th. Jeff Larsen also competed well with a time of 22:33.0 placing him 21st overall. Cody Book came in with a time of 24:32.00 placing him 31st out of 37 runners.
The Girls’ three-mile race was also very tough competition. Freshman Ashley Hoy ran an outstanding race placing seventh overall with a time of 22:22.00. Lisa Orsbun finished with a time of 34:54.00. Danielle Grier ran with a time of 29:33.00 placing her 25th.
The next meet is in Cottonwood at West Valley high school for small schools

Following a doom and gloom financial report to the Modoc County Board of Supervisors Tuesday morning, Modoc County Chief Administrative Officer Mark Charlton then resigned his position later in the meeting.
Charlton’s resignation was accepted by the Board, effective December 4. While he provided a letter of resignation, no reason was given for his decision. However, it’s reported that he felt the Board was not allowing him to perform his job effectively.
During his presentation on Tuesday, he basically told the Board the county would run out of money in February and may not be able to meet payroll. This comes after he touted a balanced 2009-10 budget adopted last month.
He explained to the board that he wanted to make the current financial situation and its dire consequences clear.

Modoc Medical Center Chief Executive Officer Walter Beck resigned his position Tuesday, which becomes effective Nov. 30.
Beck who took over the reins of the hospital in September, 2008 is credited with turning the failing facility around and moving it from a huge money drain to Modoc County to actually paying off more than $2 million in less than a year. No administrator in decades has been able to get that done.
He submitted his formal resignation to the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, which they accepted with regret.

The Modoc Joint Unified School District is reducing its administrative staff by one position, according to Superintendent Lane Bates.
The MJUSD Board of Trustees approved a change last week that will remove Alturas Elementary School Principal Diane Janssen. Current Modoc Middle School Principal Mike Martin assumed those duties as of Wednesday. Martin will continue in both positions through the end of this school year and the Board will be discussing its options for next year. Bringing back an administrator may not be in the cards.

Building activity in Modoc County took a slight dip in October as 16 building permits were issued by the County, worth an estimated $392,966.
The County Building Department issued 20 permits worth an estimated $466,135 in September.
There were two new homes and seven garages or barns on the building report for October.
That compares to 15 permits issued by the Modoc County Building Department in August, worth an estimated $731,762. That was up from July, with 14 permits valued at $433,636.
That’s down from 15 permits worth an estimated $772,275.71 in June.
The City of Alturas issued 13 building permits in October, with an estimated value of $57,884.
Alturas had nine permits worth a value of $318,866 in September. There were two new homes, accounting for about $300,000 of that total in the permits. Building in Alturas was slow as seven permits were issued in August, with a value of $18,731. That compares to eight permits in July valued at $33,062.

Modoc native Eunice James Seminario of Alturas, passed away at a Redding, CA hospital on October 15, 2009. Born in Likely, CA to Jim and Faye Chapman, on January 6, 1936, Eunice graduated from Modoc High School in Alturas. She met Joe Seminario, also from Modoc, and the two were married August 28, 1954 in Alturas.
Graveside services were held October 23 at 1 p.m. at the Alturas Cemetery. Father Bernardine Mugabowakigeri of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Alturas, officiated.

Ginger Renee Sergi, of Bonanza, OR was tragically taken from us October 30, 2009 at the age of 33. Born November 15, 1975 in Baker City, OR. to Todd and Loretta McGiffin.
Burial will be at the Oak Hills Cemetery in Red Bluff. Details of a pending memorial in Klamath Falls will be announced in the immediate future. Ward’s Klamath Funeral Home (882-4404) is in charge of the arrangements.

Charles A. Andres of Canby, CA, died on Monday, October 12, 2009 at the Windsor Redding Care Center in Redding, CA. He was 71 years old.
The son of the late Charles B. and Eva B. Andres, Charles was born November 28, 1937, in Detroit, Michigan.
Those planning an expression of sympathy may consider making a donation to High Plateau Humane Society, P.O. Box 1383, Alturas, CA 96101.

Ida Westberg, mother of five children, grandmother of seven, great-grandmother of six and great-great grandmother of five, passed away October 17, 2009. Born September 17, 1919.

The Modoc Braves crushed the Chester Volcanoes 68-8 in Chester Friday night, winning their 20th straight game and setting up their final Shasta Cascade League game against Los Molinos this Friday.
The Los Molinos game may mirror the Chester game, and Modoc coach Shaun Wood doesn’t see any real issues, unless the entire Modoc team got the flu.
The Braves’ big tests will come in the North Section Division IV playoffs. As it stands now, Portola has the number one seed and that will probably not change with Modoc at number two. That should not change either.
What that means is Modoc would get a first round bye on Nov. 13 and host a game on Nov. 20 in the semi-finals. The odds-on favorite for that spot against Modoc would be Hamilton City. A win there would probably mean a Modoc-Portola game on Nov. 25 at Portola. But since this is not the flawed college Bowl Championship Series, BCS, formula, nothing’s certain.

Modoc’s varsity volleyball team had its best serving effort in beating Trinity 25-16, 20-25, 25-23 and 24-26 Oct. 31. However, the Braves played an ineligible player and were forced to forfeit the match.
Maddie Halvorson was 23-23 serving while Rochelle Keller was 20-21 with an ace, Deja Montague and Jessica Kresge 11-12.
Keller had nine kills, Halvorson six, Olivia Peters five, Montague four, Kresge two and Guan-Ying, one. Keller had three blocks and Kresge two.
The junior varsity lost 11-25 and 19-25.
The Braves lost heir final game of the season to Fall River in four sets 25-17,25-22, 21-25 and 15-25. The finish with an overall record of 4-11-1 and a league record of 3-8.
Against Fall River, Guan-Ying served 15-15, Montague 1-10 with two aces, Halvorson 18-19 with an ace, and Keller 13-14 with two aces. Keller had 12 kills, Halvorson eight and Montague five. Keller had two blocks and Kresge one.

The triangle-shaped area north of Plumas Bank took another step in becoming a “watershed friendly” public park. The landscaping effort this fall included soil preparation and grading that takes advantage of native soils and site conditions. Native plants arranged in several “plant communities” demonstrate plant diversity found in the Pit River watershed. The native plant list was compiled with assistance from the Modoc Forest Service Botany Section, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Central Modoc Resource Conservation District, River Center staff and the local nursery staff at Maxwell’s. Plants on the list are available from Maxwell’s Nursery. The plant list is available at The River Center. A variety of native grasses will provide open grassland and meadow areas but not a “traditional” lawn. Walkways and a plaza area will include the use of pavers that allow water percolation into the soil. A dripline irrigation system provides for using drops of water rather than gallons of water to maintain the native plants and grasses.
The community-wide effort to develop the park started with the Alturas Chamber of Commerce and found support from Plumas Bank, the City of Alturas and many local businesses. The River Center became involved when it secured a $10,000 grant for park construction materials from The McConnell Fund of the Shasta Regional Community Foundation for 2008 and a second grant of $10,350 for plant materials in 2009.

The Modoc County Sheriff’s Office declared the county in a state of “local emergency” Nov. 5 because of the county’s financial mess. The declaration lasted until Tuesday, when the Modoc County Board of Supervisors opted not to ratify the action.
While no one is denying the county is facing a major fiscal crisis, the declaration of an emergency may not have met the requirements for such an action. That was the opinion of the county’s legal authorities.
Undersheriff Gary Palmer, acting as the assistant Director of Emergency Services signed the proclamation last week, effectively transferring responsibility of county operations to the Office of Emergency Services until the Board of Supervisors was to meet Tuesday.
On Tuesday, during a rambling and often confusing meeting, the Board voted unanimously to reject the emergency declaration, but opted to keep in place the Incident Command System process that had been set up.
In addition, the Board voted to appoint Road Commissioner/Public Works Director Rick Rudometkin as the County’s Interim Chief Administrative Officer to takeover from Mark Charlton who has resigned. Rudometkin apparently will also continue with his current positions and will lead the ICS team.
It remained fairly uncertain whether an actual emergency as defined fit the state of emergency status.

Redding Attorney John Webster filed motions for a change of venue and dismissal in the murder case against Robert Chad Haralson.
He filed the motions in Modoc Superior Court Nov. 2. The case is set for a two-day hearing starting Feb. 10, 2010, 9 a.m. District Attorney Gary Woolverton will oppose both motions. A change of venue approval would move the trial out of Modoc County.
Haralson, the suspect in the 1992 murder of Alturas’ teenager Betty Lou Parks, was arrested May 25, 2007. He remains in custody in the Modoc County Jail.

Thanksgiving is looming and the Thanksgiving food baskets remain empty at the TEACH, Inc. office.
TEACH staff has high hopes that the community, which has shown generous support in the past, will offer support, so everyone may reflect on Thanksgiving bounty and kindness to one another, November 26.
Executive Director Carol Callaghan told the Record Tuesday, donations of meat and food stuffs for the Thanksgiving baskets will be welcomed through Friday, Nov. 20 at the TEACH office. Referrals from agencies have identified 50 families/individuals who will need help this year. So, TEACH will plan to pull together 50 Thanksgiving Food Baskets by November 20.
“Every week people donate food to the Food Bank, which is absolutely wonderful,” said Callaghan, “But, the need is greater this year at the Food Bank. Right now, we can pull together some of the items for the food baskets, like canned green beans, but we don’t have the meat (turkeys), pies, rolls, (cranberry sauce, dressing, olives and the like). We do buy in bulk, so we can sponsor a family food basket for about $25.
Anyone who would like to help with Thanksgiving food donations or a $25 family food basket sponsorship, may drop (or mail) donations to TEACH, Inc., 112 East Second St., Alturas, 96101. Please specify on checks/money orders payable to TEACH, Inc., if the funds are to be used for Thanksgiving, asks Callaghan.

William Emdon Busch was born where the west still lives, but he always said he was born 100 years too late. His family called him an outlaw who never got caught, and who was a great storyteller and a man with a gifted mind.
He was born on Veterans’ Day, November 11,1948 in Alturas, CA to Bertha (Morgan) and Gilbert Busch; one of their six children.
Memorial donations may be made to the National Rifle Association.

Matthew Dale Aegerter, 31, went home to be with his Lord on Saturday, October 31, 2009, in Ketchikan, Alaska where he resided. He was born April 5, 1978, at Surprise Valley Hospital Center in Cedarville, California.

A memorial service was held in Ketchikan at the Clover Pass Community Church on Friday, November 6, 2009, with Pastor Clint McClennan officiating, where about 250 friends and family gathered together to celebrate Matt’s life.
A graveside service officiated by Pastor Ryan Washburn of the Lake City Church will be held at the Lake City Cemetery on Saturday, November 14, 2009 at 1:00 PM with a meal following at the Lake City Fire Hall.

Anna Jane Bailey
A memorial celebration for Anna Bailey of Alturas will be held on Friday, November 13 at 11:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Parish Hall, Alturas; potluck to follow.
She was born on April 29, 1924, to Phillip and Mamie Essex at the Hot Creek Ranch (Fisher Ranch) near Alturas. She was the fifth of six children.
Memorial donations can be made to the Modoc Senior Citizen Center, 906 W. Fourth St., Alturas, CA 96101.

Modoc’s Braves will get a first-round bye in the CIF North Section Division IV playoffs. Modoc takes its Shasta Cascade League Championship, 9-0 season record and a 21-game winning streak into the playoffs.
The Braves won the Section Championship last year, completing a perfect 12-0 season. This year, they’ll get the same number two seed, with also unbeaten Portola getting the top playoff bracket spot.
There’s a real chance that this year’s section title game could be déjà vu all over again. Last year, Portola got the number one seed and Modoc number two. Both won their semi-final games and Modoc beat Portola 33-10 in the championship game at Portola.
On Nov. 20, Modoc will play the winner of Nov. 13’s game between Hamilton City and Etna. Hamilton is heavily favored. Portola will meet the winner of the Quincy-East Nicolaus game. If, as expected, both Modoc and Portola win Nov. 20, it will set up the section title game in Portola Nov. 25.
Modoc coach Shaun Wood said the Hamilton team is strong and that should prove to be a tough game. The one thing the Braves have going for them is the valley team has to come to Modoc. It’s bound to be cold.
“Any valley team having to come here is an advantage for us,” said Wood. “We’re used to the cold, but they aren’t. Hamilton’s got a good team, and that’s who I expect we’ll play.”
One concern for Wood is the team is coming off some cakewalk league games heading into the playoffs. The Modoc starters have played less than a half in the past four games. Friday night, they beat Los Molinos 70-12 sealing the SCL title.

Last week the Modoc Braves traveled to West Valley High School for the Small Schools championships.
“It was a great day with fantastic weather,” said coach Wendi Lowrey. “The West Valley three-mile course is very difficult with extreme hills and uneven trails.”
Austin Hoy ran a good race with a time of 21:23.0 placing him 25th overall.
Jac Derner set a personal record for the three-mile with a time of 19:25.0. Derner placed 13th overall and was named all league for Shasta Cascade League.
Cody Book finished with a time of 25:02.0. Jeff Larsen finished with a time of 23:19.0
According to Lowrey, the girls all ran a terrific race on such a difficult course. Danielle Grier came in 35th place with a time of 28:34.
Ashley Hoy clocked in a quick time of 22:42.0 placing her 12th overall. She was also named all league for the SCL. Lisa Orsbun finished with a time of 35:08.0
Everybody qualified and is moving on to the large schools meet which is again being held at West Valley High School on Thursday November 12th.
Derner and Hoy both a good chance of moving on to the state championships in Fresno, Ca.
“With both of them being freshman, I look forward to seeing them move on and what they will do in the future,” said Lowrey.

A slow first half put the Modoc Braves junior varsity football team in a 20-7 hole, and they wound up losing to Los Molinos last Friday 20-14.
The Braves limited Los Molinos to 40 yards offense in the second half, and had a couple of chances to win late in the game, but fell short.
Wyatt Valena hit Austin Carreker on a 26-yard touchdown pass in the first half and Carreker scooted in from the two for the Braves’ score in the second half.
“We didn’t play up to par in the first half, but they put it together in the second,” said coach Dominic Budmark. “Overall, I couldn’t be happier with the season. They did really well and our coaching staff was excellent.”
The Braves finished the season as the Shasta Cascade League co-champs, with a 5-1 league mark and a 7-2 record overall.

The residents of Surprise Valley, the administrator and staff of the Surprise Valley Hospital and Medical clinic are all wondering just where they stand in the midst of the county’s financial turmoil. They are beginning to worry that the county is about to make their problem, SV Hospital’s problem.
“We have never been officially notified that the county will withhold payment of our special district tax monies. But third hand word is that this is about to happen,” said Surprise Valley Hospital Administrator Wanda Grove.
Surprise Valley residents pay a $225 per year tax assessment on each occupied residence in the district in order to keep their hospital solvent. The hospital pays a fee to the county for collecting the assessment along with the property taxes. The county then disperses the funds to the district. The SVHCD then deposits the money with Plumas Bank, paying off their loans and establishing a new line of credit with the bank for the following year. This has been done for 23 years and is an established tradition the hospital depends on.
This year it may all change and the hospital may receive less tax money in December.

The State Controller’s 107-page quality control review of TCA Partners 2008 audit of Modoc County, received in Modoc the first week of November, pointedly states that the firm did not meet acceptable standards and was not accepted by the state.
Modoc’s Board of Supervisors has approved going out for a new audit, estimated at about $300,000 and are in hopes that audit will clear up the outstanding issues and answer some questions.
It is also anticipated that TCA Partners of Fresno, may have to come up with some funds for the new audit, but that issue may have to be decided through litigation or agreement.

Modoc National Forest Supervisor Stanley Sylva has signed a Record of Decision approving the selection of Modified Alternative 5 for the Motorized Travel Management project.
The decision follows over five years of route inventory, environmental analysis, and extensive public involvement and discussion.
The long anticipated decision incorporates the suggestions of individuals, tribes, government agencies and private organizations. The comments received on the Proposed Action (Alternative 2) led to the creation of two other action alternatives which reflected suggestions made by the public. A modified version of Alternative 5, was analyzed in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement and modified in the Final Environmental Impact Statement before becoming the Selected Alternative in the Record of Decision.
As described in the Record of Decision the Selected Alternative will restrict public motorized use to designated National Forest Transportation System (NFTS) roads, trails, and areas.

There have been a couple of requests to locate a medicinal marijuana dispensary in Alturas. At this time a moratorium is in effect until the issue can be studied further.
Since there are no codes or zoning ordinances in place regarding that type of establishment, the City Planning Commission discussed the issue at last night’s meeting, after Record presstime.
“This is new and the City wants to look into the issues and put together some codes, restrictions and zoning that meet everyone’s needs,” said Alturas Chief of Police Ken Barnes. “We want to be fair, but able to protect the community. For instance, there may have to be a section saying how far away from schools the dispensary would have to be located. There are a lot of things to look into before it even comes up for approval.”

Former Alturas resident Albert “Al” Wattenburg passed away November 8, 2009 at St. Anthony Hospital in Pendleton, Oregon. He was 86. Born in San Juan Capistrano, CA on March 10, 1923, his parents were Albert and Christina (Garcia) Wattenburg.
Arrangements are by Pendleton Pioneer Chapel, Folsom-Bishop. Services will be held at a later date with an announcement to follow in the Modoc Record.

Modoc’s Braves will host the Hamilton City Braves Friday night, 7 p.m. in the North section CIF Division IV football playoffs semi-finals. Portola will host Quincy in the other semi-final game.
The winners of these games will meet Nov. 25 for the championship game. Modoc won the Section title last year. That title game will be played at the highest surviving seed’s field. Hamilton City crushed Etna 55-0 and Quincy beat East Nicholas 38-30 in the first round of the playoffs.
There is an added wrinkle to the Modoc Hamilton City game. Last year Modoc was ranked number one in the northern small schools with a 12-0 record. Hamilton City was ranked number two, sporting a 10-2 record. Strangely, the 10 commissioners of the CIF North Section voted to send Hamilton City, instead of Modoc, as the north’s representative to the state High School Small School Championship Bowl. St. Margaret’s of San Juan Capistrano destroyed Hamilton City 59-7 in that game.
While both teams sport different players this year, Modoc comes in with a 9-0 record and Hamilton City comes in at 9-2.
“I think our seniors are still a little miffed,” said Modoc coach Shawn Wood. “They are taking the attitude of let’s see just how good you guys (Hamilton) really are. I am expecting a tough game.”
Wood is holding no illusions about the upcoming match-up. He knows Hamilton City has a good, solid team and the local Braves will have to play well.

Modoc County Supervisors voted Tuesday to advance the Surprise Valley Healthcare District 100 percent of its tax revenue by Dec. 10.
That vote, however may be more symbolic of their support than a guarantee that the funds will actually be paid.
Modoc County Auditor Alice Marrs, prior to the vote said. “You can vote, but it doesn’t mean we’ll do it.” Marrs has the authority to decide what payments are made.
What Marrs stressed was the cash may not be in the treasury to pay the entire 100 percent, $165,600, by December 10. She said the current cash flow situation in the county is critical and she is trying to balance the payments on an equitable basis for all concerns.

The June 2010 election, which has openings in several county positions, is already drawing interest.
Modoc County Sheriff Mark Gentry has confirmed he will not run for re-election. That opening has drawn the most interest to date.
Mike Poindexter, who narrowly lost to Gentry in the 2006 election will run again for the position. Poindexter, is a retired California Highway Patrolman who has also served as a Alturas City Police Reserve Officer since September 2006.
The 2006 election was so close it went to a recount, where Gentry wound up winning with 1,859 to Poindexter’s 1,765, a 94 vote difference.
Current Undersheriff Gary Palmer and Deputy Stacy Callaghan have also announced their intention to run for the office.
The other offices on the June 2010 ballot include: Clerk-Auditor-Recorder, now held by Alice Marrs; Treasurer-Tax Collector Cheryl Knoch; Assessor Cheri Budmark; Superintendent of Schools Gary Jones; and District Attorney Gary Woolverton.

Friday, November 20 was not a good day for tree and roofs in the City of Alturas as 70 m.p.h. wind gusts caused serious damage across the city.
Alturas Police and Alturas Fire Department crews were very busy from morning through early afternoon.
Through the morning the wind was measured at 40-50 m.p.h. steady with gusts of up to 72 m.p.h.
According to APD records, the first call came in at 9 a.m. when tin roofing was reported blowing airborne in the area of Carlos Street.
Soon after another call from the Modoc County Library reported a non-secure canopy was on the ground between Third and Rine Streets. The fear was that it would become airborne.
A call at 9:45 a.m. reported a huge evergreen tree fell on the Mickey and Dixie Server home on 2nd Street. Police and fire crews responded to that scene, and were able to cut and remove the tree, but it did cause damage to the roof and chimney. No one was hurt.

After 39 years with the Forest Service, Stan Sylva has decided to retire on January 2, 2010. Sylva has been the Forest Supervisor of the Modoc National Forest for the last seven years.
“It has been a privilege and pleasure to work with the people of Modoc County and the dedicated employees on the Forest,” Sylva stated.
The accomplishments the Forest has achieved during his tenure are commendable. In the past year alone, the Modoc National Forest has received the 2009 Elk Country Achievement Award in Wildlife Habitat from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation “for excellence in restoring the long term health and productivity of elk populations and their habitat at a landscape level”. The Modoc National Forest also received the “Golden Drip Torch” from the Pacific Southwest Regional Office of the USFS for their 2008 hazardous fuels program.

The Modoc County and City of Alturas would like a 45-day moratorium on establishing any medicinal marijuana dispensary in Modoc.
The Modoc Board of Supervisors approved that issue during Tuesday’s meeting as an interim urgency ordinance. The City Council also approved the moratorium.
According to Alturas Police, there have been a couple of requests to locate a medicinal marijuana dispensary in Alturas. They want the moratorium in effect until the issue can be studied further.

Edward Anthony Angiolini, 66, of Alturas, CA went home to his Father on November 5, 2009. Born in Schenectady, NY, on April 26, 1943, he graduated in 1961 from Mohonasen High School in Schenectady, NY. Ed retired from the United States Navy in 1988 after 21 years and United Airlines after 14 years.
Memorial services were held on November 17, 2009, at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, 5810 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620, (707) 693-2460. Contributions in his honor may be made to the High Plateau Humane Society, P.O Box 1383, Alturas, CA 96101 and prayers for his family are always welcome.

The same North Section Division IV Football Championship is like déjà vu all over again. Modoc will meet Portola in Portola Wednesday night. Last year the Braves beat the Tigers soundly last year to win the championship.
Portola will comes into the title game with an 11-0 record and Modoc sports a 10-0 mark, but also has a 22-game wining streak intact. Coach Shaun Wood isn’t paying much attention to last year.
“They’re a very good team, with good backs and a very solid defense,” Wood said this week. “We’ll need a good game on both sides of the ball to beat them. Overall, I think we match up well in a lot of areas. We’ve looked at the films, and we know what to expect.”
According to MaxPreps, the teams come together with pretty even stats. But Wood said the Portola team played its starting lineup much longer in games that Modoc did, especially in games that were decided early.
Considering like opponents, Modoc and Portola both beat Fall River and Hamilton City.
MaxPreps reports that Modoc and Portola each averaged 43.8 points per game with the Braves getting an edge in rushing, 287.7 to 251.1 yards per game. Portola gets the edge in passing, with a 118.7 to 86.8 yards per game average. Total yards per game shows Modoc at 374.5 and Portola at 369.8.
The Braves leading rusher, Matt Mayes averages 136.3 yards per game, while Portola’s Alberto Pena averages 109.3 yards per game.
“It’ll be a tough game, but we’re ready,” said Wood. “It’s good we had the tough game against Hamilton. I think we’re ready.”
The Braves beat Hamilton City 39-22 here Saturday in the section semi-final game.
Modoc played flat in the first half, but a “spirited” pep talk from Wood brought them out for a much different second half.

Last week the Modoc Braves traveled to West Valley High School for tge large schools championships. It was a great day with fantastic weather. The West Valley three-mile course is very difficult with extreme hills and uneven trails.
All seven of the kids ran in the varsity division at the West Valley course.
The varsity boys’ race had 199 boys running with Modoc’s Jac Derner placing 92nd overall with a time of 19:32.77, a personal best for the season. Austin Hoy placed 124th with a personal best time of 20:28.95. Jeff Larsen placed 187th with a personal best time of 23:36.44 and Cody Book placed 192nd with a personal best time of 24:51.81
Ashley Hoy placed 43rd out of 144 runners in the varsity girl’s race with a personal best time of 22:03.56. Danielle Grier placed 133rd with a personal best time of 28:44.48 and Lisa Orsbun placed 142nd with a personal best time of 33:26.98
State qualifiers had to place in the top twelve out of Division Five for both boys and girls. Jac Derner was the closest for the boys placing 25th and Ashley Hoy missed going to state by one spot, she finished 13th in division five.

While very little has actually happened since May to resolve Modoc County’s budget crisis, the long slog through the swamp continues.
This week, outside auditors are in the county to prepare a new audit to replace a rejected audit done by TCA Partners of Fresno. The highly critical quality control report by the State Controller’s Office on the original 2008 TCA audit was over 100 pages long.
This new audit should provide better numbers, correct some issues out of the county auditor’s office, and provide a clean report to deal with future financial transactions.
Meanwhile, the county has instituted an Incident Command Management team to try to come to terms on the variety of issues facing Modoc. Interim Chief Administrative Officer Rick Rudometkin is heading up the ICS team.
According to the ICS, the Board of Supervisors and department head members “continue working diligently and cooperatively together as working groups, fully functioning within the incident management team. The three different working groups have developed specific objectives . . . and departments have made cost-cutting decisions to save county treasury dollars.”

Modoc County has decided it will change the way it has apportioned taxes to all tax receiving entities this year, giving very short notice of the change.
On Wednesday Alturas City Treasurer Kathie Alves said the city was noticed it will not receive its 100 percent of property taxes in December as in year’s past. Instead, Auditor Alice Marrs said 50 percent would be distributed in December, 40 percent will be let in April and the final 10 percent in June.
Alves said it was another example of the county making a decision without the courtesy of discussion with the City Council or any other representative.
The change will also affect special districts and schools.
Marrs states the change will “curb Modoc County’s cash flow crisis” and will “alleviate some of our cash flow problems.”
What the decision also does, said Alves, is spread the county’s cash flow crisis to the city and other entities, which have managed their funds well for years and are not responsible for the county mess.

New Modoc Medical Center Chief Executive Officer Robert Duncan sees the hospital continuing to be in the black or at the break-even even point for the foreseeable future.
Duncan takes over from Walter Beck who resigned effective the end of November. Beck took the hospital from a losing entity to actually making money in just about six months.
“We think the next fiscal year will be strong for the hospital,” Duncan said Tuesday, noting he likes challenges and enjoys working in the rural hospital setting.
Duncan comes to Modoc with some 30 years of hospital administration experience, 20 as a CEO, and was the director of ancillary services at a 164-bed Sierraview Hospital in Porterville. He has also worked as the CEO in Lake Isabella and Tehachapi.

John Parrin Curtis
John Parrin Curtis, 88, of Alturas, CA passed away December 1, 2009 at Sky Lakes Medical Center in Klamath Falls, OR. Mr. Curtis and his wife Margot moved to Davis Creek, CA in 1977 where they ranched. In 1987, they retired to Alturas. Margot predeceased John in September 2006.
Mr. Curtis is survived by his immediate family, son John D. (Jack) Curtis of Martinez, CA and son Sean Curtis of Alturas, CA and two daughters Mary Curtis of Iowa City, Iowa and Deirdre Curtis Hill of Cedarville, CA.
Memorial information and obituary will follow in a future issue.

Robert R. LeBouef, 72, of Alturas, CA, passed away November 16, 2009, after a long illness.
Robert was born in Oswego, NY on August 15, 1937, to the late Theodore F. and Dorothea J. (Hopkins) LeBouef.
It was Robert’s wishes to be cremated and have no calling hours or funeral services.
Donations can be made to the Masonic Lodge, Elks BPOE or the Humane Society, P.O. Box 1383, Alturas, CA 96101, in Robert’s memory.

Sir John Porter, a resident of Indio, CA, died from complications of cancer in Indio on September 23, 2009, at the age of 73.
Born November 26, 1935 in Alturas, CA and reared in Modoc County, the only child of Carlton Porter and Bernice Smith-Schulz, John was raised by his maternal grandmother, home schooled and graduated from Modoc High School in Alturas, CA in 1953. Services were private and he rests at the Columbarium in San Francisco, CA.

Everett Eugene Howard, half-brother of Enid Foote of Redding, died on November 11, 2009, at the age of 89, from complications related to Alzheimer’s. Mr. Howard was a resident of Denver, CO. Born in Cleveland, Oklahoma to Jess and Leona Howard on February 27, 1920
Memorial contributions are welcome at the Indian Creek Historical Museum; c/o Charles Vestal; 57765 390th St.; Emerson, Iowa 51533-5003; (712) 824-7730 .

The Portola Tigers beat the Modoc Braves football team 34-13 Wednesday to take the CIF North Section Division IV football championship. Portola stopped the Braves’ winning streak at 22 games.
Last year, the Braves beat Portola 33-10 to win the North Section title.
“They have a freakin’ good team,” Modoc Coach Shaun Wood said. “We came out a little flat, and I don’t think I called a very good game. We had our chance at the end of the first half, but the wheels came off in the second.”

Modoc’s Varsity Girls basketball team will look a lot different from last year, losing four starters and having only three players with experience at the Varsity level.
“We are rebuilding and yet could be challenging for a league title,” Coach Bill Hall stated. “On paper we look small and not very experienced, and if teams think we are a going to lay down and die they are in for the biggest surprise.” Hall expects Etna to be head and shoulders above the rest, but will face tough tests with Mt. Shasta, Fall River and perennial favorite Trinity to be at the top of the league.
Hall is not sure of where Modoc will fit in; his major concern is to get some sort of team chemistry. “Right now we are just a group of individuals, working to become a team, but we are improving daily.”
Hall has Junior Rochelle Keller as the only returning starter. Seniors Raelea Vickerman and Madison Halverson will start along with sophomores Cheyenne King and Olivia Peters. Dejah Montague will bring some toughness to the mix and returning all around player Sarah Gibbons will help with versatility. Christina Correa and Alyssa Axelrod add some depth off the bench.
The first game will be today against Fall River at the Block F Tournament. Modoc will be at Lakeview Dec. 8 and at the Portola tournament Dec. 10-12. The Block M Tournament is scheduled Dec. 17-19 in Alturas.

Both the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams will be on the go in early December.
The Hornet boys’ and girls’ teams will head to Plumas County to play in the Greenville Tournament from Thursday, December 3 through December 5.
The JV and Varsity boys will play in the Westwood Invitational from December 10-12.
Everyone will get a chance to cheer on the teams when they play two December home games. On Tuesday, December 15, the Paisley Varsity will play the Hornets in the Surprise Valley High School gym. The game begins at 5:00 PM.
Then on Thursday, December 17, Greenville will tip off against the JV beginning at 4:30 with the Varsity games to follow.

Modoc’s wrestling team will head to the Chester Tournament Friday and Saturday to open the season. Most of the wrestling team just came off the football season and started practice Monday.
The Braves, under coach Shaun wood, are heavily favored to repeat as the perennial Shasta Cascade League champions. This opening tournament will be a test, in some cases for some wrestlers to make weight after the Thanksgiving holiday. That’s not always an easy task, said Wood.
The coach expects to see several North Section teams at the Chester invite, including Chico, the preseason large school favorite.
While some northstate high school wrestling programs have to scour the halls for wrestlers, Wood’s vaunted program has to expand the practice rooms. This year wood has 37 wrestlers out for the team. A full roster will be released next week.
Wood said it’s early in the season but expects good performances from Alex Moreo, Tyler Wood, Miguel Torres, Collyn Server, Jalen Estes, Ethan Haas, Cody Book, Matt Mayes, Kyle Voth, Tim Holloway, Tyler Hammerness, Mike Ponti, Colton Reed and Omar Aceves. He said several other wrestlers will also step up and he sees a very strong team overall.

Schools face belt tightening as they dip into reserves

Schools in Modoc County are facing a year of uncertainty from the state, and dipping into reserves to get through this school year. It is not an easy task.
“Overall, the schools are fiscally sound and have some choices to make,” said County Superintendent of School Gary Jones. “Things are much more difficult now. I have repeatedly said that the districts and county office of education prepared for bad economic times. We did so, better than most public agencies. Contributing to our reserves over many years put us in a position to make cuts to positions, programs, and services in less painful ways because the cuts occur after discussions and proper planning. We have not operated in a crisis management mode.”
While the County’s decision to appropriate property taxes on a 50-40-10 percent split is causing the schools and every other agency trouble, Jones said schools had anticipated the change. In the past, the county allocated 100 percent of each entity’s property tax dollars in December. This year, 50 percent will be allocated in December, 40 percent in April and the final 10 percent in June.
The county’s reason for the change is a cash flow problem in the county treasury. Changing the allocation means that cash flow problem will also be transferred to everyone else.
“We anticipated the change and planned for it,” Jones said. “It forces us to bring in some reserves to fill the hole. We do have the money this year, but it means we’ll run with less cash in funds and not have a huge buffer.”

Building activity continues to slide

There is precious little building activity in Modoc County and the coming cold weather isn’t about to change that picture.
The County Building Department issued just nine permits in November, worth an estimated $215,126. There was one new home in the totals and four garages or storage buildings.
The City of Alturas only issued seven permits, worth an estimated $27,395. A new restaurant remodeling and plumbing was the highest value permit.
Building also slipped in October as 16 building permits were issued by the County, worth an estimated $392,966 compared to 20 permits worth an estimated $466,135 issued in September.
There were two new homes and seven garages or barns on the building report for October.

Modoc jobless rate ticks up for October

Modoc County’s unemployment rate ticked up to 12.3 percent in October, from September’s 11.2 percent. Last year, the October rate was 8.4 percent.
According to the state Employment Development Department, the county’s October civilian labor force numbered 4,020 and 490 were unemployed. Last year, the labor force totaled 4,200 with 350 unemployed.
The biggest drops from October 2008 were in farm labor where the numbers dropped from 490 employees to 370 and in federal government were it dropped from 300 to 190 employees. Trade transportation and utilities dropped from 400 to 320 employees. Local government employee numbers increased from 1,050 to 1,160 this year.
The state unemployment October rate was 12.3 percent and the federal rate was 9.5 percent.
Modoc ranked 26th out of the state’s 58 counties for highest unemployment with Lassen also at 26 and Siskiyou at 40th, with a jobless rate of 14.7 percent. Imperial has the highest unemployment rate at 30 percent and Marin the lowest at 8.1 percent.

While there are questions and fewer answers on the county budget situation, charting a proper course of action continues to be the priority.
According to a news release from the Incident Command Team, several things are in the works now and will continue in the future.
Some of those issues being addressed include a wide smattering of directions and goals.

Larry C. Van Etten died Friday, December 4, 2009 at this home in Alturas, California at the age of 72.
He was born December 3, 1937, the son of Reverend Lester A. Van Etten Sr. and Lydia A. Red Leaf. When Mr. Van Etten was born his mother was told he was chosen to be someone special. Mr. Van Etten grew up in the Badlands of South Dakota and later he and his family moved to Rawlins.
Funeral services and gathering will be held at the Strong Family Health Center in Alturas on Tuesday, December 15, 2009 at 11:00 a.m.

After a long and brave battle with a long-term illness, Donna (Parks) Swetman 71, of Alturas, CA went home to be with her Lord and Savior on November 20, 2009 in Anderson, CA.
Her immediate family held a private celebration of her life on November 29th in San Francisco. A memorial service in Alturas is pending. Memorial donations can be made to Hope Chapel, 4983 Sonoma Hwy, Ste D, Santa Rosa, Ca 95409, (707) 539-HOPE.

James Cecil Clark, born September 10, 1954 in Richland, VA, passed away December 6, 2009 in Alturas, CA after a long illness. He was 55. Mr. Clark had moved from Washington to Alturas, CA about three years ago. He held various jobs over the years.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to Warnerview Long-term Care Center in Alturas or AA.
Private services will be held in the springtime.

Jerry G. Ennenga, 63, of Alturas, CA, passed away in Klamath Falls, OR on November 5, 2009, after a brave battle with cancer.
Jerry will be honored in a memorial service to be held on December 19, 2009 at 11 a.m. at the Veterans’ Memorial Hall in Alturas. Potluck to follow.

Modoc Braves are hosting on of the biggest wrestling tournament in the northstate this weekend, and about 200 wrestlers are expected to descend on the Griswold Gym Friday and Saturday.
According to Modoc coach Shaun Wood, teams from about a 200-mile radius are expected for the tourney. He sees Corning, Anderson and Lassen being in the top spots, with the Braves well within the top four or five. Modoc still needs to get some practice sessions in and not everyone is healthy. Wood said the state school budget situation has forced some schools to cancel.
Wresting will start about 1 p.m. Friday with the dual matches, and the individual championships begin Saturday about 9 a.m. The matches will last until the finals early evening Saturday.
The Braves finished fourth in the Chester Tournament this last weekend, but Wood was pleased overall with the performance.
“We were missing some kids, only had four days of practice, and some kids were wrestling in different weights,” Wood said. “I felt we did pretty well considering. We’re going to be tough.”
A very strong Chico team won the event with 253 points; Lassen was second with 126, Chester third with 122 and Modoc fourth with 113. They were followed in order by: Chico II 103, Reed (Sparks) 83, Live Oak 81, Quincy 45, Tulelake 43, Weed 36, Modoc II 26, Big Valley 22, Mt. Shasta 19, Dunsmuir 10 and Fall River 10.
The Braves Alex Moreo won the 103-pound division and Miguel Torres won the heavyweight title. Tyler Wood, wrestling up a division at 189 pounds, took second. Jalen Estes came in fourth at heavyweight and Matt Froeming took fourth at 215 pounds.
Wood said the Chester tourney only places to fourth and Modoc had nine wrestlers who finished just one win out of the medals: Ben Bevil 112, Omar Aceves 119, Devin King 130, Tim Holloway 135, Tyler Bushey 140, Gustavo Chavez 145, Colton Reed 152, Mike Ponti 160 and Tyler Hammerness 171.
Modoc may have solid wrestlers Kyle Voth, Web Dunn, Cody Book and Matt Mayes back for this weekend’s event.

Modoc’s varsity boys basketball team is hoping to improve on last year’s one win season, but got off to a slow start in the Fall River Bock F Tournament last weekend.
The Weed Cougars beat Modoc 61-43 in the opening game. The Braves trailed 14-11 in the first and 29-24 by halftime. Modoc stayed within reach after three 43-37, but the Cougars went on an 18-6 fourth quarter run.
Trent McQuarrie led with 11 points, Brett Boudreaux added nine and Drew Morgan had eight.
Big Valley took down the Braves 70-52 in the second game of the event. The Cardinals jumped out to a 20-9 first period lead and led 36-15 by halftime. Big Valley increased its lead to 56-30 after three and outscored Modoc 14-12 in the fourth quarter.
David Rodriguez led the Cardinals with 25 points and Darren Haverty added 15. Brandon Baines led Modoc with 11, Jonathan Jones added nine and Trent McQuarrie eight.
Chester dropped Modoc in the third game 66-46. Chester took a 15-8 first period lead and increased that to a 31-19 lead by half. The Volcanoes had a 23-17 advantage in the third and a 12-10 difference in the fourth.
Ulysses Gonzales led Modoc with 13 points and Kristopher Traylor added 12.
The Braves are at the Portola tournament this weekend.

Modoc’s varsity girl’s basketball team opened with a 54-26 loss at Fall River Dec. 3.
The Braves were never in the game as Fall River took a 14-3 first period lead and built that to a 27-11 halftime advantage. Modoc managed only four points in the third and Fall River increased its lead to 41-15 lead. The Bulldogs outscored Modoc 13-10 in the fourth.
“We are so short,” said coach Bill Hall. “We got out rebounded and ended up in foul trouble. I will take the loss on this one, if I could have kept my starters on their starters it would have been a much closer game.”
Cheyenne King led the scorers with 14 points.

June election already drawing interest

Most local incumbents are indicating they will run for re-election in the June 2010 election.
One exception is Modoc County Sheriff Mark Gentry who has confirmed he will not seek re-election. He will have served one term, but has worked in the Sheriff’s Office for about 30 years, holding the position of Undersheriff before the last election. The other exception, confirmed on Wednesday afternoon is that Supervisor David Bradshaw has decided not to run again.
That opening has drawn the most interest to date. Former California Highway Patrol Officer Mike Poindexter, who narrowly lost to Gentry in the 2006 election, will run again. Current Undersheriff Gary Palmer and Deputy Stacy Callaghan have also announced their intention to run for the office.
The other offices on the June 2010 ballot include: Clerk-Auditor-Recorder, now held by Alice Marrs; Treasurer-Tax Collector Cheryl Knoch; Assessor Cheri Budmark; Superintendent of Schools Gary Jones; and District Attorney Gary Woolverton. Knoch, and Budmark said they seek another term. Marrs said she is undecided at this time. Jones said he is leaning towards running for another term.
There is interest in the DA race, where at least one person, John Lawson, intends to run. Woolverton has not announced formally whether he’ll seek re-election.
In addition, the County Supervisor seats of Dan Macsay in District One (Surprise Valley) and David Bradshaw in District Five (Big Valley-Newell Tulelake) are up for election. David Porter Misso has said he’ll run for the District Five spot. No opponent has emerged in District One where Macsay will seek re-election.
In addition, both Superior Court Judges, Frances Barclay and David Mason will be up for election. Both are expected to run for another term.
There are also two seats up for election on the Alturas City Council as well as the position of City Treasurer held by Kathie Alves. She will seek re-election. Those council seats are now held by John Dederick and Keith Jacques. Both have indicated they will run for re-election.
The period to file candidate in-lieu petitions is from January 4 to Feb. 25 and the time to declare candidacy and pay the fee is from Feb. 15 through March 12. If an incumbent does not file for re-election, the nomination period is extended five days.

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Beware of classified scam

The Modoc Record has had several calls from classified customers to report a current scam. The scam has been reported to the Alturas Police Department and Modoc Sheriff’s Department.
Someone is calling phone numbers out of the classified ads already in the paper and stating they represent the Modoc Record and the ad can’t run until payment is received. In one case, the caller said she represented a collection agency. The Record does not use a collection agency. Do not give that person a credit card number or offer to pay.
Normal Record classified practice is that ads are paid in advance. If anyone receives that scam phone call, please call the Record office at 233-2632 and ask for either Cody or Judath. People can also report the call to local law enforcement.

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Stanchina pleads to shooting

Robert Stanchina pled guilty last Thursday to Assault with a Deadly Weapon charges in the Oct. 27, 2008 shooting of Martin Verhamme at the New Pine Creek Rock House.
He was originally charged with attempted murder.
According to Modoc District Attorney Gary Woolverton, Stanchina stipulated to the upper end of the sentence, four years, plus a three year enhancement for causing great bodily injury and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The possible servable state prison term is nine years. He also pled to a strike in the case.

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Modoc’s Medical Center’s cost report auditor discovered a Medicare reimbursement error that will cost the hospital $750,000.
According to Chief Executive Officer Bob Duncan, Medicare had set the reimbursement rate of Critical Access Hospital too high for cost.
“This really is normal when it comes to Critical Access Hospital rates at the beginning,” said Duncan. “The good news is we’re operating more efficiently then they thought. The bad news is we have to pay that money back. We’ll pay it back over 12 months, and I think the hospital can handle it.”
According to Duncan, the hospital’s auditor figured out the formula and reported the hospital’s costs for providing service were not as high as estimated by Medicare. The hospital reported the discrepancy.

John P. Curtis of Alturas, CA, a descendant of California Pioneers, passed away on December 1, 2009 after a brief illness and brief stay at Sky Lakes Medical Center in Klamath Falls, OR. He was 88 years old.
A memorial service, followed by Masonic funeral rites, are planned for 2:00 p.m. on December 21, 2009 at the Federated Church in Alturas, CA. Conversation and light refreshments will follow in the Fellowship Hall. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children. To donate, call 800-241-4438 or e-mail DonorRelations@shrinenet.org.

Joan Kay (Nelson) Houghtby of Likely, CA passed away at Shasta Regional Hospital in Redding, CA on December 15, 2009. Born Joan Nelson in Sand Springs, Oklahoma, she was 67.
A Memorial Service will be held Friday, Dec. 18 at 10 a.m. at the Likely Fire Hall, with potluck fellowship to follow.

Karen Kristine (Tena) Kendall was born on January 17, 1944, in Stockton, CA, where she was raised with her four sisters and one brother. She went home to her Lord and Savior on December 11, 2009, from Modoc Medical Center in Alturas, CA. She was 65 years of age.
A memorial service will be held December 19 at 1 p.m. at the Canby Fire Hall, 22489 Hwy. 299 in Canby, where her family and friends will celebrate her life.

Julienne (Jacobs) Apple, born to Kenneth and Eva Jacobs in Lake City, CA on April 26, 1932, passed away in Redding, CA on December 7, 2009.
A graveside memorial service will be held in Lake City in the spring of 2010. At that time, Mrs. Apple’s obituary will be published.
Condolences may be sent to 35570 Schooner Way, Nehalem, OR 97131.

A memorial service for Jerry G. Ennenga, 63, of Alturas, will be held on December 19, 2009 at 11 a.m. at the Veterans’ Memorial Hall in Alturas. Potluck to follow. Arrangements by Kerr Mortuary.
Mr. Ennenga passed away November 5, 2009, after a brave battle with cancer.

Wallace “Wally” Patrick Preston of Alturas left this earth Sunday, December 13, 2009 on the XL Reservation at the young age of 52. Wally was born March 20, 1957 at Modoc Medical Center, Alturas, CA, the loving son of Mary and Donald Preston of Alturas.
Wake service will be held at Wally’s home located on the Reservation Monday, Dec. 21 at 5 p.m.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Dec. 22 at 1 p.m. at the Federated Community Church, 307 East First St., Alturas. Graveside service will be held at the Alturas Cemetery. A potluck gathering at the Federated Community Church hall will follow the graveside service.

Ret. Col. Charles Bogner left us peacefully Monday, December 7, 2009 after 93 trips around the sun. He was born on November 25,1916 to August and Nell Bogner in Cedarville, California, and was raised by Jim and Josie Wakefield on their ranches in Lakeview, Oregon.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Pomerado Hospital for their loving care in his final days. Services were held Dec. 10 in Escondido with final resting place at Dearborn Memorial Park, Poway, CA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of his favorite charities: Miranda’s Animal Rescue, 1603 Sandy Prairie Road, Fortuna, California 95540.

The Modoc Braves boys and girls basketball teams will host the Alturas Rotary Block M basketball tournament this weekend at the Griswold Gym.
Teams from Lakeview, Chester and Tulelake will compete against Modoc at both the junior varsity and varsity levels in the girls and boys divisions. Action starts Thursday and will continue through Saturday.
Both of Modoc’s varsity teams will be looking for their first wins of the season, having struggled so far in the season.
Block M schedule:
Modoc varsity boys: Modoc vs Chester, Thursday, 8:30 p.m.; Modoc vs Lakeview 8 p.m. Friday; Modoc vs Tulelake 8 p.m., Saturday.
Modoc varsity girls: Modoc vs Chester, 7 p.m. Thursday; Modoc vs Lakeview 6:30 p.m. Friday; Modoc vs Tulelake 6:30 p.m. Saturday.
Modoc JV boys: Modoc vs Tulelake 2:50 p.m. Thursday; Modoc vs Chester 12 p.m. Friday; Modoc vs Lakeview 5:20 p.m. Saturday.
The JV girls open with Tulelake at 1:40 p.m. today, meet Chester at 10:50 a.m. Friday and finish against Lakeview at 4:10 Saturday.

The Modoc Braves won their own Northeast Classic wrestling tournament last weekend, wining the final matches to top Crane, of Oregon.
Modoc had three individual champions in the tourney, Alex Moreo at 103 pounds, Tyler Wood at 189 pounds and Miguel Torres at heavyweight.
Moreo was named Outstanding Lightweight wrestler and Wood earned Outstanding Heavyweight honors.
Team scores were as follows: Modoc 200.5, Crane 194, Lassen 177, Mazama 149, Chester 146, Mt. Shasta 109, Quincy 57, Etna 51, Fall River 50, Modoc II 47, Tulelake 39, Burney 35, Chiloquin 34, Lassen II 29, Burney II 27, Weed 26, Dunsmuir 19, and Mazama II 18.

Alturas’ Doug Wellemeyer won the deadlift competition at the NorCal Powerlifting Championships in Sacramento Saturday, powering up 501.5 pounds.
He placed second overall in the 181-pound division, lifting a combined weight of 1,197.5 in three events.
Wellemeyer has been competing for two years and trains at his sponsor, Alturas’ Weights and Figures Gym, as well as with his coach in Susanville.

Six Modoc cross country runners braved blizzard conditions with six inches of snow on the ground in Reno this past Saturday while competing in the AAU National Cross Country Championships.
Competing against elite teams from large metropolitan areas from throughout the United States, the Modoc Middle School sixth grade girls finished 18th as a team. The girls were lead by Emily Lowrey who finished 142nd out of 285 runners. She was followed by Beth Derner, Hailey McPeek, Cindy Cohen, Melissa Knoch, and Mattee Vickerman. Jeff Gouveia who had qualified as a Bantam Runner did not compete

County cash flow position improves

Modoc County’s cash flow crisis has eased, according to Treasurer Cheryl Knoch.
She told the Board of Supervisors the treasury fund balance as of Tuesday was $12,393,645 and the cash flow balance has increased to $3.3 million. That moves the county out of the cash flow crisis of having just over $1 million available for operations. The cash flow improvement actually means the county will be financially whole through at least April.
According to Supervisors, the budget corrections made by county department heads and the work done by the financial Incident Command Team have been instrumental in turning the ship around.

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Bradshaw will not run for re-election

At least two current Modoc County incumbents will not be seeking re-election in the June 2010 election.
Update: Modoc County District Five Supervisor David Bradshaw, of Lookout, informed the Record that he has decided not to seek re-election to another term. He said he wants to spend more time with his family and on the ranch.
Modoc County Sheriff Mark Gentry will not seek re-election. He will have served one term, but has worked in the Sheriff’s Office for about 30 years, holding the position of Undersheriff before the last election.

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SV Hospital deals with tax shortage

What is generally supposed to be Modoc County’s mismanagement of funds and the resulting financial difficulties has negatively impacted other more financially responsible agencies.
Surprise Valley Hospital is struggling through the Modoc County auditor’s decision to not pay the hospital the full amount of its special tax money.
The residents of Surprise Valley pay a special hospital district tax to help support their hospital. These tax monies have been vital in securing an annual line of credit from Plumas Bank.
“For 20 some years the county has paid us the full amount of our special tax in December. We use this tax money to pay off and secure our line of credit for the following year. Only paying us half of our money has caused us difficulties regarding our budgetary plans,” explains Wanda Grove, Surprise Valley Hospital administrator.
Having heard that the withholding of tax money might occur, SV Hospital immediately tried to cut expenses in every way possible. With little time to prepare, the hospital was caught short.
Grove is optimistic about being paid the full tax amount if the county secures a short term loan.

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Warnerview Convalescent Hospital has shown a profit of $37,000 for the current fiscal year, according to Monica Derner, Chief Financial Officer for Modoc Medical Center.
Warnerview has been the subject of several discussions over the recent past. The assumption was that filling all 59 beds would be the “Golden Goose” and erase the need for any county money or proposed district tax dollars.
MMC CEO, Bob Duncan agrees that having more people in Warnerview would be a big help, but points out that as more patients are admitted, more staff is required and costs as well as revenue goes up.

Memorial Services for Gerald A. Smith of Alturas will be held Saturday, Dec. 26 at 2:30 p.m. at the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Second and Rine Streets, Alturas. Pastor Blum will conduct the service.
Mr. Smith, 76, passed away Monday, Dec. 21, 2009 at Renown Medical Center in Reno, NV.
Gerald was born Feb. 5, 1933 in Yerrington, Nevada to Gerald and Verna Smith.

Joan Kay (Nelson) Houghtby, 67, of Likely, CA passed away at Shasta Regional Hospital in Redding, CA on December 15, 2009. Her family, community and friends gathered for her memorial service Friday, Dec. 18 at 10 a.m. at the Likely Fire Hall, followed by a potluck fellowship.
Memorial donations may be directed to Likely Volunteer Fire Dept., P.O. Box 515, Likely 96116 or High Plateau Humane Society, P.O Box 1383, Alturas, 96101.

Former Alturas resident Donald Wayne Penrod, age 77, of Redding, CA passed away the afternoon of December 23, 2009 at home in Redding. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 29 at the Alturas Cemetery. Mr. Penrod is survived by his wife Mary Alice Penrod of Redding; son Jerry Penrod, Redding; daughter Donna Gaylene Hansen, Redding. Allen & Dahl, Redding and Kerr Mortuary, Alturas are handling arrangements. Mr. Penrod’s obituary will be published in a future issue.

Modoc’s Miguel Torres placed seventh in the huge Reno Tournament of Champions heavyweight division last weekend, winning five and losing two matches. Torres, who was ranked second in the North section, did beat the top ranked section wrestler in the event.
Modoc’s 171-pounder Tyler Wood finished just one match out of the medals, going 4-2.
Mid-weight Tyler Hammerness went 2-2 and Alex Moreo, at 103 pounds, went 1-2 in the event.
Modoc coach Shaun wood said he was pleased with the performances. There were 92 teams from throughout the nation competing. Modoc’s Benny Bevil, Austin Carreker, Gustavo Chavez and Colton Reed had respectable outings at the tourney, said Wood.
Modoc will take eight to 10 wrestlers to the Sierra Nevada Classic tournament in Reno Dec. 20-30.

JV Girls:
1st place Modoc
2nd place Lakeview
3rd place Tulelake
All Tourney:            Pamela Forbes (Lakeview); Madee Boyle (Tulelake)
Jesenia Bryant (Lakeview); Jodie Boudreuax (Modoc); MVP, Monica Eppler (Modoc)
JV Boys:
1st place Tulelake
2nd place Chester
3rd place Modoc
All Tourney:            Luis Arce (Lakeview); Zack Indrigo (Tulelake); Harry LeSeur (Chester); Drew Culp (Modoc) MVP, Adam Kandra (Tulelake)
Varsity Girls:
1st place Lakeview
2nd place Chester
3rd place Tulelake
All Tourney:            Kinsey Seaton (Lakeview); Gabby Rascon (Tulelake); Taylor Lobosky (Chester); Madison Halvorson (Modoc) MVP, Kaitlin Shuffield (Lakeview)
Varsity Boys:
1st place Chester
2nd place Tulelake
3rd place Lakeview
All Tourney            Bryce Davis (Lakeview); Nick Staub (Tulelake); Cole Fanning (Chester); Ulyssess Gonzalez (Modoc) MVP, David Ryn (Chester)

SV Hospital gets CT Scan, PAD machine

The Surprise Valley Hospital and Health Care District has completed the paperwork for the acquisition of a CT scanner and a Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) machine.
The CT scanner is ready to be shipped to Surprise Valley Hospital as soon as the site preparation and training are completed.
“No, no it’s not a brand new CT scanner. We can’t afford the $300,000 for a new one. We’re not purchasing it. MD Imaging of Redding made us a deal we couldn’t refuse,” exclaims Wanda Grove, SV Hospital administrator.
Demographics show that Surprise Valley, as well as Modoc County, has an increasing aging population. SV Health Care District was founded on the principle of offering medical care to its residents. The district believes that a CT and PAD will help to meet the needs of its aging residents.

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SVHD demands tax money

The Surprise Valley Hospital board of trustees has written a letter ordering Modoc County officials to reimburse the hospital district the full amount of its special tax. The board is also requesting a full audit report of the funds collected.
The letter is in compliance with California Health and Safety Code Div. 23, Article 1, Section 32204, that states in part, “that all monies so collected shall be transferred upon order of the district board to the district and placed the account of the district.”

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December colder than average

The month of December was colder than average, just in case people may not have noticed.
The average low temperature for the month is 18 degrees, but the December 2009 average was substantially lower at 13 degrees. The high was not all that high either as the average is 43 degrees, but for Dec. 2009 the average high temperature dropped to 38 degrees.
The coldest days drove the average down. It was below zero on several days: Dec. 7 (-5); Dec. 8 (-12); Dec. 9 (-11); 10 (-7) and below 10 degrees on many days: Dec. 3 (7); Dec. 5 (5); Dec. 6 (0); Dec. 22 (8); Dec. 23 (3); Dec. 24 (5); Dec. 25 (5); and Dec. 26 (8).
The high temperature days for the month were: Dec. 19 at 55 degrees, Dec. 18 at 52 degrees, and Dec. 20 at 52 degrees. The record high for the month is 71 degrees set Dec. 4, 1939 and the record low was Dec. 9, 1972 at -34 degrees.

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The Modoc County Resource Advisory Committee is seeking project proposals for funding under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000.
New change: Pre-applications for projects to be considered for funding by the Modoc County Resource Advisory Committee are due by February 1, 2010. Submit pre-applications to the Modoc County RAC, c/o Modoc National Forest, 800 West 12th Street, Alturas, CA 96101, Attn: Stephen Riley.
Following a review of the pre-applications by the Modoc County RAC on February 22, 2010, invited applicants will be asked to submit a full application to the Modoc County RAC, at the above address, by April 19, 2010.

The Bureau of Land Management is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for killing six wild horses found in northern Washoe County, Nevada, in early December.
On December 5, 2009, a helicopter crew conducting a wild horse gather saw five mustang carcasses in one area and a sixth dead mustang about a half mile away from the others. BLM officials from the Surprise Field Office in Cedarville, Calif., recognized the dead mustangs belonging to a clan of horses known to roam the Buckhorn Herd Management Area.
Persons providing information may choose to remain anonymous. Individuals with information about this incident are encouraged to contact BLM Special Agent William Taylor at (530) 601-6689.

On December 13, 2009, Wallace “Wally” Patrick Preston went on his journey to start his other life. He was 51. He was born in Alturas, CA on March 20, 1958, on the first day of spring. He was layed to rest December 22, 2009 on the second day of winter. He lived his life full of energy and to the fullest. He lived his life on the XL Reservation for many, many years and that’s where his life ended, doing what he loved.
Funeral services were held Dec. 22 at 1 p.m. at the Federated Community Church, 307 East First St., Altura

Esther Elizabeth Russell, 81 of Alturas passed away on Wednesday, December 23, 2009 at Modoc Medical Center in Alturas, CA. Esther was a native California Wintu Indian born on January 3, 1928 to Arthur D. and Lala Curl McDaniel in “Yadalpom” Copper City, California (under Shasta Lake).
A Memorial Gathering honoring Esther will be held this spring in Redding, CA. We welcome her family and friends.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alturas Humane Society or a charity of your choice.

LeAnn Eubanks was called home by our Heavenly Father on December 20, 2009 while in Houston, Texas. Her son and family were with her, as her short battle with cancer came to a close.
LeAnn was born on December 27, 1951 to Carl and Laura Pisel of Torrance, California
A memorial service will be held in early Spring. LeAnn lives in our hearts.

On Dec. 27, 2009, after a long battle with cancer, Larry Everett Evans passed away in his home in Alturas, CA with his family by his side.
Larry was born on Jan. 2, 1940, in Weed, CA to parents Leland and Rebecca Evans.
Services will be conducted by Pastor Bruce Blum of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Services will be held in the Faith Baptist Church on Carlos St., Alturas on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2010 at 10 a.m. Lunch Coming in sports:
The following games are on tap for Modoc High School as teams enter Shasta Cascade League play.
Boys and girls basketball:
January 5, at Burney, all teams
January 12, at Mt. Shasta
January 15, Weed Here, JVs start at 4 p.m.
Wrestling:
Dec. 29-30, Sierra Nevada Classic in Reno
January 8-9, Anderson tourney
January 15-16, Burney tourneywill be served to family and out of town guests.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Cancer Society.