January 7, 2010

News

New hospital coalition moving forward

Alturas Mayor John Dederick has been elected a Chairman of the Modoc Frontier Healthcare Association.
The organization’s goal is to build a new hospital for Alturas and the surrounding community and consists of the City of Alturas, County of Modoc, Cedarville Rancheria, Fort Bidwell Tribe and Pit River Tribe.
In a six-hour work session Monday at Alturas City Hall, the Modoc Frontier Healthcare Coalition states it “began 2010 with significant steps toward assuring that Modoc County will have a new hospital by the time Modoc Medical Center is slated to close in 2020.”

Obituaries:

Jack L. Ochs
Former Alturas City Councilman and business owner, Jack Leslie Ochs passed away at home in Mt. Shasta on January 4, 2010, after a short battle with cancer. Memorial services will be held January 21 at 3 p.m. in Redding at the First United Methodist Church. Mr. Ochs’ obituary will be published in a future issue.

Norton D. Smith

Norton D. Smith passed away January 2, 2010 in Alturas, CA. He was born on October 14, 1920, the oldest of five children, to Alva and Bertha Smith. They were a pioneer family in Modoc County.
Visitation will be available at Kerr Mortuary on Thursday, January 7 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., with graveside services at the Alturas Cemetery on Friday, January 8 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the U.S. Veterans organization of choice.

Lincoln Covington

Lincoln “Linc” Ellis Covington passed away December 27, 2009 at his home in Carson City, NV after a long brave battle with cancer. He was born on May 27, 1937 in Sacramento, California. Linc graduated from Roseville High School in 1954 and earned a B.A. from Chico State University in 1960. A memorial service was held in the Carson City Brewery Arts Center Ballroom on Tuesday, January 5. Immediately following the memorial service, a Rosary was held at St. Teresa’s Church in Carson City. Marjorie and Linc used to come “home” to Alturas regularly, where they have relatives.

Sports

Wrestlers head to Anderson invite

Modoc’s wrestling team heads to the big Anderson Invitational Tournament this weekend, where they’ll run into most of the North Section rivals.
According to Coach Shaun Wood, about 45 schools are heading to the event, which he considers a good preview of what will probably shake out in ranking over the season.
Currently, Modoc’s Miguel Torres is the top ranked heavyweight in the North Section, with 171 pound Tyler Wood and 103 pound Alex Moreo each ranked second. With any luck, they’ll run into the top-ranked wrestlers this weekend.
Modoc is carrying 35 wrestlers on the team this season, making it quite the in-team tourney to earn the top 14 wrestler divisions at each event. Modoc has more than one wrestler in some weights.
Wood expects several other wrestlers to do well in Anderson, including Tyler Hammerness, Tyler Bushey, Mike Ponti, and Gustavo Chavez. Several other wrestlers are improving with each week, so Wood is optimistic.
The Anderson tourney runs Jan. 8-9.
Last weekend, a few of the Braves participated in Reno’s Sierra Nevada Classic, which drew 97 schools and 1,000 wrestlers.
Moreo at 103 pounds and Wood at 171 placed each placed sixth in the huge tourney while Torres placed eighth. Each of them had to wrestler nine matches over the two days.
Wood was very proud of the wrestlers. He said only two other North Section wrestlers placed at the Sierra Nevada.

Braves open SCL hoop play

Modoc’s basketball teams opened Shasta Cascade League play Tuesday against the Burney Raiders and are in Mt. Shasta Jan. 12. Weed comes to Modoc Jan. 15.
The boy’s varsity is still looking to first win of the season, but played competitively against Burney, losing 45-37.
“I was proud of our effort defensively, particularly with Chris McMaster,” said coach Keith Weber. “”He shut down the Raiders’ leading scorer, Ryan Phipps, holding him to two points in the first half. Unfortunately, we would not hit our shots in the fourth quarter.”
The Braves trailed 6-10 after one and 24-21 at half. They fought to trail 31-30 at the end of three, but Burney outscored them 14-7 in the final period. Ulysses Gonzalez led with 12 points, Jonathan Jones added nine and Kristopher Traylor had eight.
A rough fourth period also doomed the varsity girl’s team as the fell to the Raiders 42-29. Modoc trailed 15-12 in the first and 18-17 at halftime. The Braves stayed tight at 29-27 after three but only added two points in the fourth while Burney netted 13, nine of free throws. The girls are also looking for a first win.
“Burney was huge compared to us,” said coach Bill Hall. “We played man-to-man all night long and it seemed to work, with most of our fouls made during transition or non-threatening situations. We’ll work on that area.”
Cheyenne King led the scoring with eight points, Madison Halvorson and Rochelle Keller each had six.
While the varsity teams are struggling, Modoc’s junior varsity squads are putting things together well. The junior varsity girls are coming off a solid Block M championship and took care of Burney to open league 43-31.
The Braves came back from a 29-27 third period deficit to outscore Burney 16-2 in the fourth period. Jodi Boudreaux led the scoring with 10, Monica Eppler added nine and Telese Dowdy had eight.
“The team is really starting to sync together,” said coach Jennifer Slinkard. We go to Mt. Shasta and it’s always tough playing there. The girls are looking strong at this point and it will continue.”
The junior varsity boys used a full court press to drop the Burney Raiders 51-23. According to coach Kip Lybarger, the entire team got a lot of playing time.
Travis Johnson and Cam Anderson each scored 12. Daniel Martin, Matt Weber and Randy Schmid had sold effort on defense and rebounding.

January 14 , 2010

News

State offers help, if county refills coffers

The message coming from a meeting with state officials last week in Sacramento was “borrow the money to refill the restricted fund department coffers and we’ll help.”
The county’s consultant, Richard Arrow, told the Board of Supervisors Tuesday that it “was of critical importance” to restore the balance in the county treasury and those funds should be restored “as soon as possible.”
Arrow has been singing that same tune for months and is spearheading a plan to borrow millions of dollars over the long term to refill the treasury balances. Several departments, whose funds were tapped to keep Modoc Medical Center open would be replenished, including the Road and Public Health Departments,
Arrow, Supervisor Dan Macsay and acting county Chief Administrative Officer Rick Rudometkin visited with the State Controller, Department of Social Services, Cal Works and Senator David Cox and Assemblyman Jim Nielsen to seek advice and help for the county in its budget crisis.
All three said the trip was well worth the effort and all state departments are “willing to help” and are pleased the county is taking a passionate and active effort to restore the funds in the treasury.
“No one wants Modoc to fall off a cliff,” Arrow said.

State auditor filling new redistricting commission

As of Tuesday, no one from Modoc County had applied for the new statewide Citizens Redistricting Commission. Redrawing the district boundaries is very important to the north state.
Elaine Howle, California State Auditor, is hoping her office receives applicants from every county in the state and invites interested Modoc residents to apply.
“This is a very important commission and we would like a representation from throughout the state,” her office said this week.
What is redistricting?
She explained that every 10 years, after the federal census, California and every state in the country – must redraw the boundaries of its legislative and State Board of Equalization districts to reflect the new population data. How these boundaries are drawn affects how people are represented.
Previously, these boundaries were drawn by lawmakers, but when voters passed Proposition 11 (the Voters First Act) in the November 2008 general election, that responsibility transferred to the people in the form of a new Citizens Redistricting Commission.

New face in District 5 race

There is a new face in the Modoc County race for Supervisor in District Five, where incumbent David Bradshaw is retiring. So far, only he and Modoc Sheriff Mark Gentry have officially decided not to seek re-election in June.
David Porter Misso has entered the race in District Five, and this week Geri Byrne, of Tulelake, announced she is also going to run for the seat.
Bradshaw, of Lookout, said he wants to spend more time with his family and on the ranch.
Gentry will have served one term, holding the position of Undersheriff before the last election.
Former California Highway Patrol Officer Mike Poindexter, current Undersheriff Gary Palmer and Deputy Stacy Callaghan have announced they’ll run for the position. Poindexter narrowly lost to Gentry four years ago.

Proposed county motel tax has to go to voters

Modoc County Supervisors are considering whether to increase the Transient Occupancy Tax (bed tax on motels/hotels) from the current four percent up to 10 percent.
In the past, they could have simply done that by board vote, but the issue now will have to go to a vote of the people and a majority would have to approve for the increased tax to be implemented.
The County cannot place a tax on hotel or motels within the City of Alturas, so it would only affect those establishments outside the city limits and in other communities.

Obituaries:

Jack Ochs

Former Alturas City Councilman and business owner, Jack Leslie Ochs passed away on January 4, 2010, surrounded by his family in Mt. Shasta, CA.
He was born November 15, 1935 in Southgate, CA.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like any donations made to the First United Methodist Church and Mercy Mt. Shasta Hospice.
Memorial services will be held January 21 at 3 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Redding.

Dixie L. Broadhurst

Long-time Modoc resident Dixie Leah Broadhurst went to be with her Lord peacefully from her home in Alturas on January 9, 2010. Dixie was born to Josephine Mae Brooks and Alvord John Keesaman in Clinton, OK on November 10, 1924.
Services will be graveside at the Lookout Cemetery in the Spring. A notice of date and time will be published in the Record, at a later date.

Grave Crampton

Grace Crampton passed away on January 5, 2010, surrounded by her family.  Grace was born Grace Anita Morgan on August 28, 1920 in Eagleville on the Murphey homestead, Modoc County, CA .
A celebration of her life will be held on Sunday, January 17th at 2 p.m. at the Moose Lodge, 375 Lake Blvd, Redding, CA.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Mercy Hospice, 1544 Market, Redding, CA, American Heart Assoc. 28 Hanover Lane, Chico, CA,  Golden Umbrella Alzheimer’s Support Group 200 Mercy Oaks, Redding, CA.
  Ashes will be interred at the Williams Cemetery, Williams, CA at a later date.

Donald Penrod

Former Alturas resident Donald Wayne Penrod, age 77, of Redding, CA passed away the afternoon of December 23, 2009 at the Copper Ridge Care Clinic in Redding, with his family by his side. 
Don was born May 23, 1932 in Parkland, Oklahoma to Nolan and Ethel Penrod
Funeral services were held December 30, 2009 at Kerr Mortuary Chapel in Alturas. Interment was January 5, 2010 at the Alturas Cemetery.

Sports

Modoc wrestlers among favorites in Burney Invite

Modoc’s wrestling team will be among the favorites at the Burney Rotary Invitational tournament this weekend in Burney.
According to coach Shaun Wood, his team, the team from Shasta High, Trinity and Truckee will be tough. Modoc is recovering from a team-wide illness this week, but should be ready by the Burney tourney.
Last weekend, Modoc traveled to the big Anderson tourney, along with 49 other schools. Because of the illness, the Braves took just a few wrestlers.
Modoc’s 103-pound Alex Moreo had the top performance, taking a second place, losing the championship match by one point to a Red Bluff wrestler. Wood believes Moreo will be able to beat that wrestler the next time around.
Modoc’s Tyler Wood, 171-pounds, took fourth place, after injuring his shoulder. Wood had his son forfeit his final match because of the injury.
Miguel Torres, Modoc’s heavyweight, also was hurt in the tourney and forfeited his final round because of injury. He placed fourth.
Wood expects Tyler Wood to wrestle at Burney, but plans to hold Torres out for the needed recovery time. Wood also expects the remainder of the team to be recovered by Friday.
In Anderson, 130-pound Jesse Siva went 0-2, 152-pound Colton Reed went 0-2, and 215-pound Ethan Hass went 0-2.  Wood said he was pleased with their outings and each of them had tough divisions.
For instance, Wood said Haas’ 215-pound category had the number one and two ranked wrestlers in the state in the finals match.

Bears slaughter Braves’ varsity teams

Mt. Shasta’s Bears slaughtered the Modoc boy’s and girl’s varsity basketball teams in Mt. Shasta Tuesday night, keeping both the team winless for the season.
The boy’s game was an anomaly, with the Bears winning 80-15. A Modoc boy’s varsity team scoring 15 points in a game is not a record to boast about.
The Bears led 20-0 in the first quarter and 39-7 at halftime. By the end of three, the Bears led 63-12. Modoc could only add three points in the fourth period while the Bears pumped in 17.
Mt. Shasta only shot 53 percent from the floor, and had four players in double figures. They picked up 45 rebounds and had 16 steals.
The Modoc girl’s varsity team lost 59-18. While Modoc had a 5-1 lead early, by the end of the first period the Bears led 10-5. Mt. Shasta took a 23-10 lead at halftime and led 39-11 after three.
“Mt. Shasta is good,” said coach Bill Hall. “We hung close early, but as usual once I started subbing rotations for fouls, we got killed.”
Raelae Vickerman was hurt early with a knee injury. Rochelle Keller had seven points for Modoc; Cheyenne King added five.
Modoc has Weed at home Friday night. The Cougars are also struggling, with just one win for the season.
Modoc’s junior varsity girl’s team lost a tight one 31-30. Jodie Boudreaux led with eight points and Telese Dowdy added seven. Mt. Shasta has knocked off Fall River and Etna in league as well. Of all Modoc hoop teams; the junior varsity girls appear to be looking at the best overall record.
Mt. Shasta outscored Modoc’s junior varsity boys 23-7 in the third quarter Tuesday night on their way to a  64-38 victory over the Braves.  The Bears beat the Modoc defense down the floor for 22 points on breakaway lay-ups.
Jac Derner had nine points and Matt Weber contributed with four rebounds

January 21 , 2010

News

Modoc County Superintendent of Schools Gary Jones will run for re-election in June.
Jones made the announcement in a memo to staff Jan. 16. “I have tried to ‘see myself’ in an educational leadership position somewhere else,” Jones wrote. “Since I cannot see myself anywhere but Modoc County, I intend to file for re-election.” Jones is finishing his first four-year term.
Modoc County District Attorney Gary Woolverton has also indicated he will seek another four-year term. As of now, local attorney John Lawson has entered the race to challenge Woolverton.
District Five County Supervisor David Bradshaw, of Lookout, is not running for re-election and two people, both from the Newell-Tulelake area have entered the race. David Porter Misso and Geri Byrne are running for the position.
Modoc Sheriff Mark Gentry is retiring and former California Highway Patrol Officer Mike Poindexter, current Undersheriff Gary Palmer and Deputy Stacy Callaghan have announced they’ll run for the position.
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. Knoch, and Budmark are seeking new terms. Marrs has not announced her intentions.
The County Supervisor seat of Dan Macsay in District One (Surprise Valley) is up for re-election. No opponent has emerged and Macsay will seek re-election.
Both Superior Court Judges, Frances Barclay and David Mason are expected to run for another term.

MNF Forest plan on hold

The Modoc National Forest Plan Revision effort has been suspended at this time. This decision is based on several factors which include the enjoinment of the 2008 Planning Rule by the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.
Based on this ruling the USFS reinstated the 2000 Planning Rule, with transition language for the use of the 1982 Planning Rule procedures.

Obituaries:

Patricia Clark

Patricia Ann Clark of Alturas passed away January 17, 2010 in Hemet, CA from the effects of a stroke. Catholic services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on January 25 at St. Francis deSales Church at 4268 Lime St., Riverside, CA 92501. Interment will follow at Olivewood Memorial Park, Riverside, CA.

Norene Garrison

Norene Edna Garrison of Cedarville, CA passed away January 9, 2010 in Redding, CA at the age of 76. Services will be held at the Jehovah Witness Kingdom Hall in Alturas on Saturday, January 23 at 2 p.m.
Born Norene Dees on July 9, 1933, in Tionesta, CA, she spent most of her life in Modoc County and graduated from Surprise Valley High School, Cedarville.

Walter Harold Talso

Former Alturas resident Walter Harold Talso of Clearlake Oaks, CA, passed away after a brief illness at the St. Helena Hospital, St. Helena, CA. on January 17, 2010. He was born on the Finnish Colony in Redwood Valley, CA, in 1925, to Knute and Lena (Muhonen) Talso. He served as Modoc Area Commander for the California Highway Patrol from 1973-1978 in Alturas.
It was his wish that no services be held. Donations may be made to The California Association of Highway Patrolmen Widows and Orphans’ Trust Fund, P O Box 161209, Sacramento, CA 95816-1209.

Bruce Berger

Bruce Allen Berger, son of Will and LuRay Berger of Alturas, CA, passed away at his home in Wolf Creek, OR on January 3, 2010 at the age of 51.
A Memorial Service will be held on January 23, 2010 at 11:30 a.m. at the Faith Baptist Church on Carlos St., Alturas. Pastor Rod Bodmer will be officiating. A potluck will follow the service.
Any donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 31 West Sixth St., Medford, OR 97501. Hull and Hull of Grants Pass, OR has charge of arrangements.

Hazel Mae Kirk
Former Alturas resident Hazel Mae (Siler) Kirk, age 82, passed away at Sonora Regional Medical Center in Sonora, CA on Sunday, January 17, 2010. Hazel was born on March 29, 1927, in Santa Fe, New Mexico to Eddie and Glesyner Siler.
A viewing will be held Friday, Jan. 22 from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. at Terzich and Wilson Funeral Home, Sonora. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Jan. 23 at 11 a.m. at Sonora Baptist Church, Sonora, with a potluck lunch following the service

Sports

Moreo, Wood win at Burney

Modoc’s 103-pound Alex Moreo and 171-pound Tyler Wood won championships at the Burney Rotary Invitational last weekend.
The Braves finished third as a team with 129 points, with Lassen winning with 199 points. Truckee was second with 133, followed by Chester 114, Trinity 76, Mt. Shasta 67, Lassen II 57, Tulelake 51, Weed 45, Fall River 43, Modoc II 41, Etna 32, Burney 33, Dunsmuir 29, Big Valley 25, Redding Christian 19 and University Prep 8.
Jalen Estes placed second at heavyweight, with Collyn Server third. Modoc’s top heavyweight, Miguel Torres, was out, resting an injured knee. Tyler Hammerness took third place at 171 pounds and Ethan Haas took third at 215 pounds.
Colton Reed placed third at 152 pounds, with Tyler Kuhn taking fourth and Dusty Prevette taking sixth. Jake Cruse placed at 145 pounds.
Benny Bevil was fourth at 112 pounds and Mike Ponti took fourth at 160 pounds. Tyler Bushey was fifth at 142 pounds.
Modoc is off this weekend and then hits the prestigious Corning Invitational Jan. 30. The Shasta Cascade League tournament is scheduled for Feb. 5-6 in Burney.

Modoc can’t buy a win

Modoc’s varsity basketball teams remain winless following losses to Weed Friday at the Griswold Gym.
Modoc faced Fall River last night after presstime and travels to Etna Jan. 22. Trinity comes to Modoc Jan. 26.
The boy’s varsity lost 57-28. They trailed 11-6 in the first and 26-14 at halftime. They were down 42-25 after three and got outscored in the fourth 15-3.
The Braves shot just 25 percent from the floor, hitting just 11 of 44 and only 27 percent from inside six feet, 6-for-22. The Braves only made five of 16 free shots. Jonathan Jones led the scoring with 10 points.
The Modoc girls lost 43-34, after leading 21-19 at halftime. Rochelle Keller led the scoring with 21 and Cheyenne King added five.
The Shasta Cascade League standings for the girls is as follows: Fall River 4-0 (9-3); Mt. Shasta 3-1 (8-8); Weed 2-2 (2-9); Burney 1-1 (4-6); Etna 1-2 (10-6);
Trinity 0-2 (0-11); Modoc 0-3 (0-11).
The SCL boy’s standings are: Weed 4-0 (13-2); Fall River 3-1 (12-3); Mt. Shasta 3-1 (10-6); Burney 1-1 (7-6); Trinity 0-2 (9-6); Etna 0-3 (5-11); Modoc 0-3 (0-12).
Modoc’s junior varsity girls beat Weed 58-47. They took a 21-12 lead after the first period and led 36-24 by halftime. Jodi Boudreaux led the scoring with 15 points, Monica Eppler added 12 and Telese Dowdy had eight
Fall River came to Modoc Wednesday after presstime, and the Braves will be looking to avenge an earlier loss to the Bulldogs.
The junior varsity boys beat Weed 59-34 after building up a 45-14 lead. Modoc had 11 steals and 16 assists in the game, Riley Larranaga led with 24 points. Cam Anderson, Alex Torres and Jonathan Morgan combined for 12 rebounds

January 28 , 2010

News

County takes big steps to $10-12 million loan

The Modoc County Board of Supervisors took a big step towards going into major debt Tuesday morning.
Supervisors voted to hire David Glasser as a financial advisor and approved Brian Quint to provide bond counsel. They also changed the contract for financial consultant Richard Arrow from “consultant” to a formal position of “Chief Financial Officer.” Modoc has never had a Chief Financial Officer.
Glasser will be on a contingency of not more than $40,000 and the proposed contract for Quint would not exceed $50,000.
The two new financial officers were recommended by a committee chaired by Supervisor Jeff Bullock, under an action item by Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Darcy Locken.
Arrow, a retired Marin County Auditor, was originally brought into the County through the County Supervisors Association of California, CSAC to assist with the county budget crisis and was then hired as a consultant.
While the Board has never actually released, and may not know, an exact total they want to borrow on a long-term basis, it’s estimated to be between $10 and $12 million. That is on top of a short-term line of credit of about $2 million. The long-term loan will probably be paid back over a 20 to 30 year period and funds used from the line of credit must be repaid within the year. While no one knows for certain, the long-term repayment could be well over  $1.5 million per year. The loan will be secured by county-owned property.
County Counsel John Kenny advised the Board it needed to have professional people in these financial positions before they go out for the long term financing. He told the board it was clear the county has $12 million in deposits more than the cash in the treasury and the county needs to put that money back into the treasury.
The funds were apparently “borrowed” from restricted finds including road and public health. The funds were used primarily to keep Modoc Medical Center open.

Modoc jobless up to 14.5%

The jobless rate in Modoc County jumped from November’s 12.3 percent to 14.5 percent for December, according to the state Employment Development Department.
EDD reported a county labor force of 3,980 for December, down from November’s 4,100, but up 10 from December 2008’s 3,970. The jobless rate last December was 12.3 percent with 490 persons unemployed. In December, 2009, there were 580 people unemployed.

Wild Horse killing reward now $12,500

The Humane Society of the United States and The Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust are increasing the reward to $12,500 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for killing a band of six wild horses found south of Cedarville, by Burnt Lake in northern Washoe County, Nev., in early December.
 The HSUS is adding $2,500 to the $10,000 reward the Bureau of Land Management initially offered, in the hopes that the substantial increase will encourage those with information to come forward.
Special Agent William Taylor stated that there have been no arrests made in this case, although the rumor mill may say otherwise.
“We do hope to have an announcement concerning this investigation within the next two weeks,” adds Taylor.

Obituaries:

Richard Schulter

Richard Schluter passed away January 21, 2010 in Redding, CA, where he had been the past few weeks. Richard was born August 23, 1939 in Alturas to Robert and Erma (Ash) Schluter.
Services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alturas Country Jam.

Nellie Starkebaum

Former long-time Alturas resident Nellie Starkebaum passed away peacefully in Portland, OR on November 5, 2009.
Services will be held in the Spring of 2010 at Alturas Cemetery

Tanner E. Kinney

Tanner Erick Kinney, born January 21, 2010 in Klamath Falls, OR, passed away at Rogue Valley Medical Center in Medford, OR at 1:05 p.m. January 23, 2010. Services will be held at the Latter-day Saints Church in Alturas at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 6.
Tanner is the son of Julie and Erick Kinney of Alturas and grandson of Kenneth and Florence Bordwell of Cedarville and James Kinney of Alturas and JoAnne Kinney of Ridgecrest.

Ronald Lake

Robert Donald Lake, Pastor of the Modoc Full Gospel Indian Church for the past 10 years, went home to be with the Lord Jan. 21, 2010, with his wife and grandchildren by his side at his home in Alturas, CA.
Services will be held today, Jan. 28 at 10 a.m. at the Full Gospel Indian Mission, 1010 Henderson St. in Alturas. Pastor Lake’s brother-in-law Rev. Clifford “Bill” Curten and the Rev. John Thompson will officiate. There will be a graveside service and a potluck will follow at the Federated Church in Alturas. Everyone is welcome to come to the services.

Grady Hart

Grady Gerrell Hart passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 19, 2010. He was born August 6, 1937, in LaGrange, Georgia to Samuel and Bertha Hart. Grady was raised most of his life in California by his mom and step-dad Joe Odom. He graduated from Lodi High School and shortly after joined the United States Navy
A graveside Memorial will be held (when it thaws) May 15, 2010 at Lake City. Donations can be made to the Back Country Horsemen in care of Sharon Enderlin, also a great friend.

Mildred Robison

Mildred Lucille Robison passed away at the Lake District Hospital in Lakeview, Oregon on January 20, 2010. She was 90 years old.
Mildred was born in Alturas, CA on February 18, 1919. She was born to Pete and Cordelia Weber. Mildred and her two brothers, Herman and John, were reared on the Weber Ranch near Alturas.
Services will be held Saturday, Jan. 30 at 11 a.m. in the Sacred Heart Parish Hall, 507 E. Fourth St., Alturas, with a reception following. Interment will be at the Alturas Cemetery.

Sports

Hoop teams still struggling

Modoc High’s varsity girl’s and boy’s basketball teams are still having trouble finding the hoop and getting into the win column. They have yet to win a game this year.
The Braves have Burney at home Friday and go to Trinity on Saturday. The Jan. 26 Trinity game has been moved to Feb. 18.
Modoc’s boys got beat by Fall River 61-32 Jan. 20. The Bulldogs got up 14-5 in the first and 27-16 by half. They outscored the Braves 17-9 in the third and 17-7 in the fourth. Jonathan Jones led with nine points, Ulysses Gonzales added seven and Austin Hoy had six.
Etna trounced the Braves 63-28, with Modoc pretty much out of the game in the first period, trailing 20-11. By halftime Etna led 36-15. The Lions outscored the Braves 27-12 in the second half. Jones led with 12 points.
The Braves girls didn’t fare any better, losing to Fall River 56-24. Fall River doubled up Modoc in the fist 18-9 and led 29-14 at halftime. They outscored Braves 13-2 in the third and 14-8 in the fourth.
Cheyenne King had eight points and Rochelle Keller added six.
Etna dropped the Braves 69-28 Jan. 22. The game was pretty much over after one 23-9 and 40-17 at half. Etna scored 29 to Modoc’s 11 in the second half. King led with 11 points, while Keller and Madison Halvorson each had six.

Rotary hosts Snow Blast

Sunrise Rotary of Alturas is sponsoring a Cedar Pass Snow Park Snowblast Feb. 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Ski races for all age groups will start at 12 noon. Younger skiers will have to have a signed parents’ consent form at the ski hill the day of the races or pick up a registration form from Seab’s True Value in Alturas or at Page’s Market in Cedarville. There is a $5 race entry fee and prizes will be awarded to first, second and third place finishers.
Cedar Pass will provide the public with half-off T-bar tickets, adults age 13 and up $7; children age 12 and under $5. First timers who are 12 and under will be provided free rope tow, equipment and lessons. Rentals will be provided at half off at $5 for boots and skis or boots and snowboards.
There will also be a tri-tip sandwich barbecue at the hill for $5 or $8 for the whole meal with chips and soda.

February 4th , 2010

News

The revised Modoc FEMA flood hazard maps will be into effect the first of June and residents in the flood plain could get hit with required flood insurance costing about $200 per month.
The Pit River running through Alturas is in that hazard area as well as a big residential area east of Main Street from Third Street south. Residents and business who believed the Pit River levee system would negate the flood hazard issue will be disappointed.
A representative from the National Flood insurance Program will be in Alturas April 21 at City Hall to answer questions and present information to the public. The flood insurance must be in place by the time the new FEMA maps take effect, or the costs for that insurance could double or triple.
On Tuesday, Judy Soutiere, Flood Risk Program Manager, Sacramento District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, explained the issues concerning the Pit River Flood Control Project to the Modoc County Board of Supervisors.’
The news wasn’t good.

SVEC has temporary outage

Surprise Valley Electric will have a scheduled temporary outage on February 10 that affects the Fort Bidwell area.
The outage will be from 9 a.m. to 12 noon so SVEC can do repairs and maintenance work.

Obituaries:

Strother Boyd

John Strother Boyd of Alturas, died January 28, 2010 at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Reno, NV. A graveside service memorial with military honors, will be held at the Alturas Cemetery on February 16 at 10 a.m.

William Armstrong

Services for longtime Adin resident William E. “Bill” Armstrong will be held Saturday, February 6 at 11 a.m. at graveside at the Adin Cemetery.
Mr. Armstrong passed away January 29, 2010 in Redding, CA. He was 82.
Memorial donations may be directed to the VFW Post 7144 Scholarship Fund. Services are under the direction of Kerr Mortuary, Alturas.

William Doss

William (Bill) Anton Doss passed away on August 11, 2009 in Eagle Point, Oregon. Bill was born to Clarence and Annie (Jacobs) Doss on Dec. 27, 1918. Both parents were pioneer families in Modoc County. Burial will be in Cedarville Cemetery.

Tanner Erick Kinney

Tanner Erick Kinney, born January 21, 2010 in Klamath Falls, OR, passed away at Rogue Valley Medical Center in Medford, OR at 1:05 p.m. January 23, 2010. Services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Alturas at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 6

Sports

Moreo wins Corning Invite; Braves seek 11th straight SCL title

Modoc’s 103-pound Alex Moreo won the Corning Invitational last weekend, besting a solid group of wrestlers.
Moreo will lead the Braves into the Shasta Cascade League tournament this weekend in Burney, where Modoc will be going after its 11th straight SCL wrestling championship.
Coach Shaun Wood expects a pretty good battle with Trinity for the league title this year.
“Our seniors were in first grade the last time Modoc didn’t win the wrestling title,” said Wood. “It’ll be a little tighter this year. Trinity has some good kids, but some of our younger, inexperienced wrestlers are really starting to do well. It’ll be a dogfight.”
In Corning, Modoc finished eighth out of a very tough 51-team tournament. “I was very pleased,” said Wood. “I would have been fine if we had finished in the top 20. But we had a lot of the guys really step up.”
Modoc 171-pound Tyler Wood took a second place, losing to a wrestler from Reno in a close final.
Heavyweight Miguel Torres also took a second, losing to a Pleasant Valley wrestler. The two have been alternating wins and number one and two seeds all season.
Wood said he was very pleased with Tyler Hammerness’ 7th place finish at 160 pounds. Hammerness went 4-1 in the event, losing his second match to the number one guy in the section.
Tyler Bushey wrestled well to finish in eighth place at 140 pounds and Collyn Server took eighth at heavyweight.
Wood said he was also pleased with the performances of Ethan Haas, Jesse Silva, Colton Reed, Mike Ponti and Tyler Kuhn at the Corning tourney.

Modoc Boys win game, JV girls win

Modoc varsity boys team got its first win of the season against Burney 53-44 Friday night, then traveled to Trinity Saturday where the wheels fell off again.
Modoc has Mt. Shasta at home Feb. 5 and goes to Weed Feb. 9.
Modoc actually played fairly solid basketball against the Raiders on the home court going up 13-6 in the first period, but trailed 19-18 by half. Neither team set the hoops on fire in the first and the game was tied at 26-26. The Braves scored 27 points in the fourth quarter for the win while Burney added 18.
Ulysses Gonzales led the scoring with 17, Kristopher Traylor added nine and Jonathan Jones had eight.
Trinity dismantled the Braves quickly, taking an 11-0 first period lead and led 31-6 at halftime. The Wolves led 45-10 after three and outscored the Braves 10-8 in the fourth. Jones had eight to lead Modoc.
The Shasta Cascade League standing for the boys are: Weed 5-1 (15-4); Fall River 5-2 (15-4); Mt. Shasta 4-2 (11-7); Trinity 3-2 (12-6); Etna 2-4 (8-12); Burney 1-4 (7-9) and Modoc 1-6 (1-15).
Modoc’s varsity girl’s team is still looking for a first win, dropping both games last week.
Burney’s Raiders beat the Braves 52-29 Friday night. Burney led 17-10 in the first and 28-17 by half. Modoc trailed 41-24 after three and Burney added 11 to Modoc’s 5 in the fourth. Madison Halvorson led the scoring with 11, Cheyenne King and Rochelle Keller each had five.
Trinity dropped Modoc 52-33 Saturday, even though the Braves played a better first half, leading 22-15 at the halftime buzzer. The Wolves pounced on the Braves 37-11 in the second half. King led with 11 points and Halvorson added eight.
The SCL girl’s standings are: Fall River 6-1 (11-5); Mt. Shasta 5-1 (10-8); Etna 5-2 (15-6); Burney 2-3 (5-8); Weed 2-4 (3-12); Trinity 2-4 (3-14); and Modoc 0-7 (0-15).
Modoc’s junior varsity girls beat Burney 30-23. Monica Eppler led all scoring with 13 points, Courtney Knoch and Jodi Boudreaux each had six and Telese Dowdy four.
“With this win we are looking very strong for the league title,” said coach Jennifer Slinkard. “Every team in league has at least one loss, with our two toughest opponents still to come here to play, Mt. Shasta and Etna.”
The JVs lost to Trinity 51-30, starting with only six points in the first half. Knoch led the scoring with 11, Eppler had eight and Boudreaux and Dowdy had four each.
The JV Boys have recorded a win and three losses to finish out January.  At home against Fall River the Braves trailed by 25 after three quarters, but closed the game on a 21-8 run to lose 59-37. 
At Etna, the Braves reversed a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter and had a chance to tie with a shot at the buzzer.  It fell short, and Etna won, 47-45.  Alex Torres had 12 points. 
Modoc beat the Burney Raiders on Friday and came from eight points down in the fourth quarter to a 50-46 win. Travis Johnston pulled down 19 rebounds and also had 8 steals.
On Saturday, the Braves played at Trinity and trailed by only four points in the first half. Modoc was outscored 50-20 in the second half and lost 73-39. Riley Larranaga scored 13 and Travis Johnston added  9.
The JV Boys are now 3-4 in league and sit in the middle of the pack at fourth place.

February 11 , 2010

News

The Modoc National Forest has conducted its first snow survey for the winter of 2009-2010. To date, a roughly average amount of precipitation was found in the local mountains with snowfall amounts average to slightly above average and water content was found to be average to slightly below average.
The Adin Mountain (Sweagert Flat) snow survey was completed on January 28.  Snow depth was 34.4 inches compared to the long-term average of 28.2 inches.  Water content was 8.2 inches compared to the long-term average of 8.2 inches. Last year, the site showed only 24.8 inches of snow containing 7.4 inches of water,
The Blue Lake Ranch snow survey was completed on February 1.  Snow depth was 24.4 inches compared to the long-term average of 24.8 inches.  Water content was 6.2 inches compared to the long-term average of 7.2 inches. In 2009, the area had 19.5 inches of snow with 5.8 inches of water.
The Cedar Pass snow survey was completed on February 2.  Snow depth was 36.6 inches compared to the long-term average of 34.6 inches.  Water content was 9.2 inches compared to the long-term average of 10.5 inches. Last year, the site had 27.1 inches of snow with 9.0 inches of water.
The next survey will be conducted during the last week of February or the first week of March.
The SNOtel sensor at Dismal Swamp showed 57 inches of snow Feb. 8, containing 16.1 inches of water. Last February, that site had 60 inches of snow containing 15.5 inches of water.

Plumas Bank rejects county credit line

Plumas Bank has denied a short-term line of credit application from Modoc County.
According to County Chief Financial Officer Richard Arrow, he was informed of the decision last Friday. Arrow told Supervisors Tuesday that Plumas Bank was concerned it was not protected strongly enough from a county bankruptcy proceeding. There were other questions concerning the county’s credit worthiness.
According to Arrow, both Bank of America and U.S. Bank in Alturas have expressed interest in providing a line of credit.

Obituaries:

Edward J. Bannan

Edward  Joseph Bannan, loving husband of Anna Bannan of Alturas, passed away February 9, 2010 at Modoc Medical Center, Alturas, CA. Mr. Bannan was born Dec. 29, 1933 in Marseilles, Illinois. Private family services will be held at a later date. Mr. Bannan’s obituary will be published in a future Record issue.
Arrangements are under direction of Kerr Mortuary.

John Strother Boyd

John Strother Boyd of Alturas, died January 28, 2010 at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Reno, NV. A graveside service memorial with military honors, will be held at the Alturas Cemetery on February 16 at 10 a.m.

Sports

Trinity stops Modoc wrestling streak at 10

The Trinity wolves did something last weekend that no one has been able to do for the past 10 years – they beat Modoc for the Shasta Cascade League wrestling championship.
“I thought I’d be really upset about losing the streak, but I was actually okay with it since our kids wrestled well,” said Coach Shaun Wood. “Honestly, if some of our experienced kids had continued instead of quit this year, we probably would have won fairly easily. Trinity had seven seniors in their lineup and we had just three.”
Team scores were as follows: Trinity 155, Modoc 140, Chester 127, Mt. Shasta 53, Burney 36, Weed 33, Tulelake 31, Etna 28, Big Valley 19, Fall River and Dunsmuir 18.
Modoc has the next week off and then heads to the Division III finals in Tulelake Feb. 20. Wood said Modoc, Trinity and Durham will compete for that title and he said his team has a better than even shot at winning. It will be tight.
Modoc had three champions at the SCL tournament. Alex Moreo won the 103-pound division; Tyler Wood moved up and won the 189-pound division and Miguel Torres won the heavyweight class.
Tyler Hammerness took second at 160 pounds.
Third places went to:  Tyler Bushey 140 pounds;  Colton Reed 145 pounds; Mike Ponti 171 pounds; Ethan Haas 215 pounds and Collyn Server heavyweight.
Taking fourth were: Benny Bevil 112 pounds; Austin Carreker 135 pounds; Jake Cruse 145 pounds; Tyler Kuhn 152 pounds; and Jalen Estes heavyweight.
Youth wrestling
Wood will start his youth wrestling program Feb. 22, with practice in the old Auto Shop at Modoc High School. Middle School age wrestlers will meet at 3:30 p.m. and elementary and under kids will being at 5:30 p.m.

Braves continue to struggle through SCL

Modoc Braves will finish a tough basketball season next week. They travel to Fall River Feb. 12, Etna comes to Modoc Feb. 13 and Trinity comes here Feb. 18. Both of the varsity teams are in the cellar of the Shasta Cascade League, with the boys winning only one game and the girls still winless.
The varsity girl’s basketball team lost to Mt. Shasta 52-27 Feb. 5.
The Braves led 9-6 after one, but the Bears took a 22-13 lead at half and led 38-20 after three. The Bears outscored Modoc 14-7 in the fourth.
Rochelle Keller led the scoring with 11 and Sarah Gibbons added seven.
The girls lost to Weed 51-17 Tuesday night there. Modoc never got started, with Weed leading 14-2 in the first and 25-10 by half, Weed outscored Modoc 15-6 in the third and 11-1 in the fourth.
Modoc’s boys varsity fell to the Bears 49-29. Mt. Shasta jumped out to an 18-3 first period lead and led 31-8 at halftime. Mt. Shasta led 37-16 after three.
Kristopher Traylor led with eight points; Ulysses Gonzales and Brett Boudreuax had five each.
The boys lost to Weed, playing a better game Tuesday, 57-43. Weed never trailed in the game, up 14-10 in the first, 32-21 by half, and 41-30 after three.
Jones led with 14 points, Brandon Bains added 12, Gonzales and Boudreuax had nine each.
The junior varsity boys lost to Mt. Shasta at home on Friday, 64-52 and beat Weed 44-15 Tuesday. 
In the Mt. Shasta game, a 20-10 run by the Bears in the second half sealed the loss. Cam Anderson led with 21 points and 14 rebounds.
Against Weed, the Braves allowed only four points in the first half as they went on to win. Anderson and Travis Johnston each pulled down 10 rebounds.
Modoc’s junior varsity girls lost to Mt. Shasta 32-26, as shots were just not falling.  High scorer was Jodi Boudreaux with nine and Monica Eppler with eight.  They played very well against Weed Tuesday, coming out in the first quarter with a 16 to 4 lead.  Modoc stayed strong until the third quarter, only scoring four points, but finished well, winning 44-27. Boudreaux led with 12, Eppler had 10 and Courtney Knoch had eight

February 18th , 2010

News

Wild horse herds can roam on land, “devoted principally but not exclusively to their welfare in keeping with the multiple-use management concept for the public lands,” Wild Horse and Burro Act, 1971.
Blade and his 176 Carter Reservoir wild horse herd mates were gathered and the herd downsized to 36 head, because according to the BLM, they were destroying the water holes and the environment.
Under the multiple-use concept the wild horses must share their 25,000 acres with other animals.
Steve Surian, BLM wild horse program manager and range management specialist explains how herd size determination is made, “We consider the size of the herd area, available water, and range conditions. We don’t consider deer or antelope present on the range, there’s not that many. We’ve never measured enough wildlife to make a difference in the range capacity.”
Yet one BLM document states that there are 4,000 antelope, 2,500 mule deer, 110 big horn sheep and a few elk in this same herd area. The document also states there are 758 head of cattle on the same lands.
BLM’s gather of 177 horses was based on, “the need to balance wild horse populations with wildlife, livestock, wilderness study areas values, cultural resources, soil and vegetation resources, and to protect the range from the deterioration associated with overpopulation of wild horses.”

Modoc puts skids to pot shops

It’s going to be a while before people in Modoc can purchase marijuana from a legal storefront.
Last week, the Modoc County Board of Supervisors approved a temporary moratorium on the establishment of medical marijuana dispensaries until Nov. 23, 2010.
The moratorium was presented by Kim Hunter, Modoc Planning Director, approved by unanimous vote and took effect immediately. The action dovetails with a stance the City of Alturas has taken.
She said that there have been “several inquiries into placement and operation of the dispensaries in the city of Alturas and in the County.
Hunter said it is “critical” that the county and city work together on the issue to “insure that the adopted codes regarding medical marijuana dispensaries are consistent and complementary to each other.”

Stanchina shocks court, own attorney

Robert Stanchina, who had pled guilty in December to assault with a deadly weapon charges in the October 2008 shooting of Martin Verhamme at the Rock House near New Pine Creek shocked the judge, the District Attorney and his own attorney Tuesday afternoon.
During the review hearing on his plea bargain and potential nine-year sentence, Stanchina told his Attorney John Lawson that he wanted to change his plea to not guilty. Lawson then reported that to the court, stating that he had just heard about the change from Stanchina in court Tuesday.
District Attorney Gary Woolverton indicated he would have liked more time to consider the change of plea, but Lawson reaffirmed he had just found out himself.
Superior Court Judge David Mason said he would bring the issue back in a hearing March 5, to determine whether he was required to accept the change.
All of these theatrics come after a hearing January 19 where Mason did not formally reject the plea bargain for Stanchina, but told lawyers on all sides he was leaning in that direction.

Obituaries:

Services Feb. 25:
Frances Arletta Burrell
A Celebration of Life service for Davis Creek resident Frances Arletta Burrell will be held, Thursday morning, February 25 at 11 a.m. at the Davis Creek Grange Hall. Mrs. Burrell, 91, passed away February 20, 2010 in Davis Creek, CA. She had made Modoc her home for the past 90 years, after being born in El Toro, CA on February 25, 1918.
She is survived by her children Karen Baldwin of Davis Creek, CA; Mark Burrell of Bakersfield, CA; sisters Laura Putnam and Juanita Sowles of Sacramento and foster daughter-in-law Lucy Wells. Her son Johnny, foster son Howard Wells and brother Bud Van Horn preceded her in death. Donations in her memory may be made to the Davis Creek Fire Auxiliary, P.O. Box 65, Davis Creek, CA 96108.

Strother Boyd

John Strother Boyd was born in Cynthiana, Kentucky on October 28, 1920 and grew up in Virginia, graduating from Draper High School in Drapers Valley, CA. He later graduated with a Masters in Christian Education from seminary at Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina. Strother volunteered for both World War II and the Korean War, serving with the U.S. Army and earning three Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star for Valor. He was retired as a Captain on April 1, 1953, due to his injuries. 
He passed away from congestive heart failure at the age of 89 on January 28, 2010, at the Veterans Administration Hospital (VA) in Reno, NV. The Rev. Ben Zandstra conducted his memorial interment at the Alturas Cemetery on February 16. He was honored by the Alturas American Veterans Post 2003, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 3327 and the American Legion Post 163. He was remembered with a fellowship at the Federated Church following the service.

Edward Bannan

Edward Joseph Bannan, loving husband for 51 years of Anna Bannan of Alturas, passed away February 9, 2010 at Modoc Medical Center, Alturas, CA. Mr. Bannan was 76. 
Private family services will be held at Forest Hills in Cypress, CA.

Dorothy G. DeRoos
Dorothy Gertrude DeRoos, 91, an Alturas resident for the past 35 years, passed away February 16, 2010 in Alturas, CA. She was born in Illinois on August 5, 1918. Burial will be at Sacramento Memorial Lawn in Sacramento, CA.

Lola (Conklin) Rogers

Lola passed away unexpectedly Sunday afternoon at home at age 72. She was born to Wilson and Lucille Conklin, the youngest of three children. She grew up in Alturas, CA, where she married and had three children.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, February 11 at 10:00 a.m.

Sports

Wrestlers at Division III finals

Modoc’s wrestling team is at the Division III finals this weekend in Tulelake and are led by Alex Moreo, Tyler Wood and Miguel Torres.

Basketball teams finish down season today

Modoc’s basketball season will come to a close tonight when the Braves host the Trinity Wolves. It has not been a season to remember.
Modoc’s girls  varsity will be looking to get one win this year as they face the Wolves. So far the girls are 0-11 in the Shasta Cascade League and 0-19 overall and have struggled in every game.
Last weekend the girls dropped two league games. Fall River beat them 62-29 Friday night. The bulldogs were up 14-7 in the first and 34-14 by halftime. By the end of the third period, Modoc trailed 50-19. Rochelle Keller led the Braves with 19 points.
Saturday, Etna dropped the Braves 51-28. Etna was up 15-5 after one and 31-15 by half. The Lions scored 20 and Modoc 13 in the second half. Keller had 15 points and Cheyenne king added nine.
The Modoc boys fell to Fall River 67-48. The Bulldogs led 18-11 in the first and 34-23 as the braves stayed competitive. However, Fall River scored 22 to Modoc’s 10 in the third to lead 56-33. Ulysess Gonzales led with 10 points and Brandon Bains added nine.
The boys lost to Etna 54-39, hurt by a slow first period wheer they trailed 14-4. By half, the Lions were up 30-16 and 41-29 after three. Jones led he scoring with 13, Gonzales added 11 and Boudreuax had eight.
The junior varsity boys lost to Fall River on Friday 58-39.  Riley Larranaga hit for 12 points and Alex Torres chipped in 9.
On Saturday, the Braves beat Etna with a come-from-behind 52-42 win over the Lions.  Riley Larranaga, Cam Anderson and Travis Johnston hit for 16, 11 and 10 points.  Drew Culp and Jac Derner added fine defensive efforts.
The JV Boys are now 5-6 in league and are in 4th place. 

Snowblast brings out skiers

Cedar Pass Snow Park exploded with excitement as skiers took to the hill to participate in the Annual Cedar Pass “Snowblast,” event sponsored by the Sunrise Rotary club.
The event took place Feb. 6 and many folks came out of hibernation to observe this fun-filled winter event.
Snowblast race winners: 
Girls ages: six and under, Bell Farnam (Big Hill); 7-8, Charly Simpson, 9-11 Joanie Gladwell, Henny Linker; 12-14 Josie Hanel. Boys ages:  6 and under Tre Larranaga, 7-8 Elias Antunez; 9-11 Zach Bickford; 12-14 Damond Goodwin; 15-17 Jesse Freeman; 21-35 Perry Copp (fastest time of the day), 36-46 Stephen Bratton; 47-up Guy Wendal; (Snowboarding) Jonathon Morgan.
The first "Snowblast" was in February of 1998, started as a Sunrise Rotary club function to benefit the kids of Modoc County and also stimulate interest and benefit the ski hill. It has occurred every year since that time, on the years the hill was open.

Middle school hosts tourney

The Modoc Middle School Boys Basketball Tournament is Friday and Saturday, Feb. 19th and 20th.   There will be an A division and a B Division. 
Teams from Lakeview, Gerlach, Big Valley, and Janesville will be joining the three Modoc teams starting on Friday at 11 a.m. with pool play and with tournament brackets on Saturday at 10 a.m.
 Trophy presentations will be at about 6:00 on Saturday evening

February 25, 2010

News

Supervisor Dan Macsay and County Chief Financial Officer Richard Arrow are cautiously optimistic following a meeting with the county’s bond counsel and financial consultant in San Francisco Feb. 12.
While nothing is set in stone at the moment, Arrow said he feels good about the progress and options available to Modoc to cover the about $12 million hospital debt through the sale of bonds.
On the table at the moment is an effort for the county to secure a credit rating and exploration of what types on bonds will be available. According to Arrow, bond counsel Brian Quint suggested tax-exempt bonds, which would have about a four percent lower interest rate. Quint is researching that path this week.
If Modoc can get a credit rating, bond repayment interest rates would be from six to eight percent and if not they could go as high as 12 percent. The difference in the county’s repayment would be substantial. The county is currently estimating a repayment of about $1.5 million annually.

Body of attempted murder suspect found off CR91

The body of a 67-year-old Japanese man, accused of attempted murder Feb. 4 in San Francisco, was discovered off the intersection of County Road 91-87 (Adin-Lookout Road) on Thursday. Identification is pending notice of next-of-kin.
According to Modoc Sheriff/Corner Mark Gentry, the man had shot his brother-in-law in San Francisco and an arrest warrant had been issued when he left the Bay Area. The victim was shot in the leg and is recovering.
Gentry said the death appears to be a suicide, but there are some extenuating circumstances that are perplexing. An autopsy performed in Redding Monday pointed to a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Board may set hospital election

The Modoc County Board of Supervisors may set a Hospital District election next week at its regular meeting.
While the agenda item called for the Board to order County Counsel John Kenny to complete title and description or a request to circulate a petition, which had been field Dec. 12, Kenny changed course.
He told the Board he felt it would be wiser for the Board to simply set an election, rather than force the Save Our Hospital Committee to circulate petitions to quality a ballot measure.
Basically, the Board agreed to bring the election issue back at next week’s meeting. It is possible for the Board to set the election, which means SOH would not have to circulate petitions.
According to SOH’s Jim Wills, the best available date to call for that Special Election is August 31 and that will be the request next week.

Obituaries:

Dorothy Reynolds

Dorothy Eileen (Payne) Reynolds suffered a massive stroke on February 18 and passed peacefully on Friday, February 19, 2010 in Chico, CA.
She was born on September 6, 1916 in Alturas, CA to Anna Toreson and Harry L. Payne.
A private family interment will be held at the family plot at the Alturas Cemetery on Mother’s Day, May 8. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Butte Humane Society. Condolences may be sent to 903 Karen Drive, Chico, CA 95926.

Arletta Burrell

A Celebration of Life service for Frances Arletta “Nook” Burrell will be held, Thursday morning, February 25 at 11 a.m. at the Davis Creek Grange Hall. Mrs. Burrell, 91, passed away at her home near Davis Creek, CA on February 20, 2010. She had made Modoc her home for the past 90 years.
Frances Arletta Van Horn, known as “Nook,” was born on February 25, 1918, in El Toro, CA to Franklin and Arletta Van Horn.
Donations in her memory may be made to the Davis Creek Fire Auxiliary, P.O. Box 65, Davis Creek, CA 96108. Lunch and refreshments will follow the Celebration of Life.

Charles Redding

Charles Edward Redding, 59, died February 12, 2010, at his home in Alturas, CA. He was born on September 9, 1950, to Charles A. and Eleanor M. Redding in Albany, CA. 
Services will be private.

Dorothy DeRoos
Dorothy Gertrude DeRoos, born August 5, 1918 in El Dorado, Illinois to Rolland Walker and Etta Fewkes Walker, died in Alturas, CA on February 16, 2010, where she had resided 33 years.
Memorial service was held at 10:30 a.m.  February 23, at Sacramento Memorial Lawn, 6100 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA.

Sports

Trio of Braves win Small Schools titles

The standard bearers of the Modoc Braves wrestling team did their jobs last weekend, each winning a North Section Division III title in Tulelake.
Alex Moreo, at 103 pounds, won his weight division and will be seeded fourth in the Feb. 26-27 Masters tourney in Redding. Moreo, who went to state last year, is in a good spot to move on again this season.
Tyler Wood won the 171-pound division in Tulelake and goes into the Masters as the number one seed. He is expected to advance to the state championships.
Miguel Torres won the Small Schools heavyweight title and is seeded second for the Masters. He should qualify for state. The top three finishers at Masters move onto state.
In order to move onto the Masters tourney, wrestlers had to finish in the top four at the small schools tourney.
“Overall, we had some kids do really well, and I expect we’ll take three to state this season,” said Modoc coach Shaun Wood.
Modoc’s Tyler Bushey placed fourth at 140 pounds, Tyler Kuhn was fourth at 152 and Mike Ponti took a fourth at 189 pounds. They have all wrestled very well this season.
Taking fifth places in Tulelake were Jesse Silva at 125 pounds and Benny Bevil at 112 pounds. Both will go as alternates to the Masters tourney.
Durham won the small schools title with Trinity second, Willows third and Modoc fourth. Modoc was missing two of its top wrestlers in the event.
Youth wrestling notes
Modoc’s Youth Wrestling program will run Thursday this week and return to Monday next week. There is still time for young wrestlers to sign up for the program. Call coach Wood at Modoc High School or show up on Monday for practice and be able to register.

Painful hoop season comes to an end

Modoc High School’s painful basketball season came to an end Thursday, much the way it started -- with a loss.
The Modoc boy’s varsity team finished with a 70-52 loss to the Trinity Wolves. Modoc fell behind 25-8 in the first period and by halftime trailed 45-15. The Braves added 17 points in the third and 12 in the fourth period, while Trinity put up 15 third period points and 10 in the fourth. Jonathan Jones led with 14 points; Brett Boudreaux and Austin Hoy each had 12.
Modoc won just one game all season and finished in the cellar of the Shasta Cascade League. Final league standings are as follows; Weed 9-3 (19-6); Mt. Shasta 9-3 (16-8); Fall River 8-4 (18-6); Trinity 8-4 (17-8); Etna 6-6 (12-14); Burney 1-11 (7-16); Modoc 1-11 (1-20).
Modoc’s varsity girl’s team didn’t win a game all season and lost to Trinity 38-22 Thursday. The Wolves were up 11-2 in the first and 17-8 by half. They led 21-12 after three periods and outscored the Braves 15-10 in the fourth. Rochelle Keller led the scoring with 12.
The final SCL standings for the girls are: Etna 10-2 (20-6); Fall River 10-2 (15-6); Mt. Shasta 10-2 (15-9); Weed 5-7 (6-15); Burney 4-8 (7-13); Trinity 3-9 (3-19); Modoc 0-12 (0-20).
The junior varsity girls finished the season with a strong win against Trinity. They lost by 19 in the first meeting this season.  The score was close the entire game at 26-28 Trinity by half. Modoc outscored the Wolves 15-9 in the forth quarter, with Courtney Knoch setting the pace with three-3's.  She finished with 13 and Monica Eppler led with 14. The girls were 8-4 in league and overall 9-8. 
The junior varsity boys ended the season with a loss to league champion Trinity by a score of 59-34.  The Braves could not buy a basket in the first half and trailed 25-11 at halftime.  Cam Anderson pitched in with 5 points, 7 rebounds and 3 steals for the Braves.
The final league standings are: Trinity 12-0, Fall River 9-3, Mt. Shasta 9-3, Modoc 5-7, Etna 4-8, Weed 2-10, Burney 1-1

March 4 , 2010

News

An agenda item on the Modoc County Board of Supervisors meeting Tuesday from Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Darcy Locken asked to increase the contract amount for Richard Arrow from $60,000 to $135,000.
Arrow, who started his tenure in Modoc as a consultant on budget matters through the County Supervisors Association of California, was later placed under county contract at the $60,000 and then designated recently as the County Chief Financial Officer.
The request on Tuesday met with some disagreement and also, as listed on the agenda would have created a major conflict of interest. Locken indicated that the additional $75,000 would “be budgeted out of due to other funds . . . from revenue/bond proceeds).”
It would not be legal for Arrow to personally gain financially through the bond program since he is the county’s CFO.

Deadline nears for June 8 candidates

The deadline for filing candidate papers for the June 8 election is March 12.
County Superintendent of Schools Gary Jones, District Attorney Gary Woolverton, Treasurer-Tax Collector Cheryl Knoch, Assessor Sherrie Budmark, Auditor/Recorder/Clerk Alice Marrs, Superior Court Judges Francis (Fritz) Barclay and David Mason and Supervisor Dan Macsay of Surprise Valley are all seeking re-election.
District Five County Supervisor David Bradshaw, of Lookout, is not running for re-election and two people, David Porter Misso and Geri Byrne, have entered the race.
Local attorney John Lawson is challenging Woolverton for the DA position. No one else has expressed interest.
Former California Highway Patrol Officer Mike Poindexter, current Undersheriff Gary Palmer and Deputy Stacy Callaghan have announced they’ll run for Modoc County Sheriff. Sheriff Mark Gentry is retiring.
There are also two seats up for election on the Alturas City Council, John Dederick and Keith Jacques, as well as the position of City Treasurer held by Kathie Alves. All are seeking another term. Onalea Sweeney has entered into the City Council race.
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.

Huge Twin Peaks wild horse gathering in the works

The Eagle Lake field office of the Bureau of Land Management is proposing to gather approximately 1,800 wild horses and 180 burros off its 798,000 acre Twin Peaks herd management area.  This area is northeast of Susanville, east of Hwy 395 and in Lassen Co., Calif. and Washoe Co., Nev.
It is currently home to an estimated 2,300 horses and 250 burros. The gather is scheduled to be held in Aug. and Sept. to bring the wild horse herds within BLM’s appropriate management level.
At a recent Resource Advisory Council (RAC) meeting held in Cedarville BLM ecologist Jennifer Mata of the Eagle Lake Field Office presented their assessment team’s findings concerning the need for the upcoming proposed gather. The validity of these findings were questioned by several members of the audience to the extent of possible misrepresentation of the data on which the gather is based.
It was suggested that BLM employees drawing these conclusions be educated in equine behavior or be accompanied in the field by horse experts when doing their studies.
The 30-day public scoping period ends on Friday March 5. Comments or questions concerning this gather may be sent via email to twinpeaks@ca.blm.gov .

Obituaries:

Larry G. Holdaway, Sr.
Larry Glenn Holdaway, Sr., longtime resident of Madeline, went to be with his Lord in the early morning hours of Sunday, February 14, 2010. Larry had only two years ago moved to Hawthorne, Nevada to be near his parents, Glenn and Shirley Holdaway.
. Graveside services were held in Hawthorne NV, at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, February 18, 2010. Arrangements by Gunters Funeral Home, Hawthorne, NV.

Sports

Braves send 3 wrestlers to state

Three Modoc Brave wrestlers qualified last weekend at the Masters Tournament in Redding for the state championships March 5-6 in Bakersfield.
Leading the way is heavyweight Miguel Torres who won the Masters North Section title by pinning his finals opponent in the third round. He and his Pleasant Valley opponent have shared section number one and two rankings all season, with Torres coming out on top Saturday. Both wrestlers will go to state.
Tyler Wood, at 171 pounds, took a second, losing 5-4 in triple overtime, on a questionable call. He also heads to state. Wood’s brothers Josh and Travis were also state qualifiers, with Josh finishing fourth in the state finals last season. Josh is currently wrestling at Utah Valley University. Travis is an assistant coach at Durham High School.
Modoc’s 103-pound Alex Moreo finished in third place, working his way through the tough side of the brackets. Moreo also qualified for state last season and will take that experience with him this year.
Modoc Coach Shaun Wood said he expects the trio to win several matches at the state level and could finish in the medals. Three ties the record for the most Modoc wrestlers ever going to the state finals.
Wood said he was pleased with the Shasta Cascade League’s performance, sending nine wrestlers to state, well more than any other league in the North Section. Trinity, who won the SCL and stopped Modoc’s league championship run at 10 years, will also send three to state, with Fall River, Mt. Shasta and Chester each sending one.
Wood said four other Modoc wrestlers did well at the Masters, but did not place: Tyler Bushey 140 pounds; Tyler Kuhn 154 pounds; Jesse Silva 125 pounds and Benny Bevil 114 pounds.

March 11 , 2010

News

So, what happens if the effort to obtain revenue bonds to cover Modoc Medical Center’s $12 million debt to the county fails?
That’s a question that’s been asked, but not answered several times. On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors did respond to a request from Fix It First’s Doug Knox who put the item on the agenda.
Supervisor Patricia Cantrall said she hadn’t been told what would happen if the bonds don’t materialize, but said she felt the repayment plan payments were “astronomical” and beyond Modoc’s ability to pay.
County Chief Financial Officer Richard Arrow said the county might not be able to get the entire $12 million funded. He said if they got half or $6-7 million in revenue bonds, the county might be able make up the remaining six million by selling revenue bonds to the Modoc Treasury. That, he said, was a “creative” concept and plan.
If those can’t happen, Arrow said they would have to go to the State Controller’s Officer and try to work out a plan for repayment of the debt. He said that might require asking Modoc’s legislative representatives to step in and help with the situation. In essence, Modoc would set up a plan to repay itself.
Interestingly, that was always the plan over the past few years, once the hospital started making money. The hospital has been able to repay part of the loan over the past year and is now operating in the black on a month-to-month basis.

Closing Canby school on MJU agenda

The potential of closing Arlington Elementary School in Canby is on the Modoc Joint Unified School District Board of Trustees agenda March 16, 7:30 p.m.
MJUSD Superintendent Lane Bates said the Board is requesting public input on the issue. There will be ample time for public discussion, and Bates said the Board can take action to either close or keep the facility operating at the meeting. The issue has been under consideration for months.
There are 13 students attending Arlington, but nine of those are from Alturas. Bates said closing the facility will save about $74,000, plus other costs associated with the facility.

Local WASP pilot honored by Congress

Virginia Pierce, 89, of Alturas is one of a very select and dwindling cadre of women in the United States and on Wednesday that group, the Women’s Airforce Service Pilots, WASP, of World War II was finally honored by the U.S. Congress.
Pierce was not able to go to the Washington D.C. ceremony where each of the surviving 300 pilots was presented a Congressional Gold Medal for their service, the highest honor Congress bestows. However, that medal will be presented to her Saturday at the Brass Rail in Alturas, 10 a.m.

Obituaries:

Loren Ambers

Loren Walter Ambers of Alturas, CA, retired U.S. Forest Service career employee and Contracting Officer, passed away in Roseburg, Oregon on March 3, 2010, after contracting a massive heart infection and pneumonia. Mr. Ambers had undergone open heart surgery in September 2009. He had joined his wife in Roseburg, OR, following his surgery.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, March 13 at 2 p.m. at Benny’s in Alturas.
Memorial donations may be made to the High Plateau Humane Society, P.O.Box 1383,
Alturas. 96101

Melanie Widener

Melanie D. (Macut) Widener, 32, passed away on March 1, 2010 in Sherwood, Oregon. Mel was born in California on June 11, 1977, to John and Deborah Macut. She attended Modoc High School in Alturas, CA A Memorial Gathering was held at Sherwood Elks Lodge March 6 at 3 p.m. Online condolences to www.anewtradition.com.

Connie Voth

Connie Frances Voth, 41, of Alturas, passed away on March 4, 2010, at Warnerview Convalescent Hospital, Alturas, CA, where she had been a resident the past few months. She had been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer nine years ago
A graveside memorial service will be held Friday, March 19 at 1:00 p.m. at the Alturas Cemetery. Arrangements by Kerr Mortuary.

Norman Ziemer

Norman David Ziemer, 66, passed away on March 5, 2010 surrounded by his family in the home he built with his wife and family near Lake of the Woods. The home, fondly referred to as “The Mountain House” was a welcoming place for his family to gather and build memories. Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 13, in the chapel at Memory Gardens Mortuary, 1395 Arnold Lane, Medford, OR. Viewing will be from 3-7:30 Friday, March 12, and one hour prior to the services on Saturday.

Sports

No places for wrestlers at state

Modoc’s three wrestlers ran into some tough opponents at the California State Championships last weekend in Bakersfield, but competed well.
Tyler wood, at 171 pounds, went 2-2 in the tourney. He won his first match 16-6 and pinned his next opponent. He lost his next match 6-0 to the kid who placed fourth and his final match 12-1. Wood finished the season at 32-9.
Heavyweight Miguel Torres went 1-2 losing his first match 3-1, won his second 9-3 and lost his third 2-0. Torres final record was 39-11.
Alex Moreo, at 103 pounds went 0-2 in the state finals, losing by pin in the first match and 9-4 in the second. His season record was 40-10.
“Overall, we placed 107 out of 280 teams,” said coach Shaun Wood. “Only six guys from our section placed. I was hoping we could get a sixth or seventh place finisher, but it was tough and part of it depends on the initial seeding.”

Kids hit wrestling mats Saturday

About 300 kids will descend on the Griswold Gym Saturday for the annual Modoc youth wrestling tournament.
Weigh-ins will start at 6:30 a.m. with the under six age wrestlers hitting the mats at 9 a.m. and the older ages starting at 10 a.m. There are divisions for under six, under eight, under 10, under 12 and under 14 age groups.
Wood expects youth wrestlers from throughout northern California, southern Oregon and Nevada to take part Saturday.
According to Wood, he has about 70 youth wrestlers participating in the Modoc Youth wrestling program.
Wrestling will continue throughout the day Saturday with title matches in the afternoon.

Modoc softball starts March 16

Modoc’s softball team will open against Bonanza here March 16 at 1 p.m. under new coach Jodie Larranaga.
The new coach said the team appears to be strong, with good talent and experience.
Returning this year are seniors Kendall Cockrell, Alyssa Axelrod, Amber Randall, Deonna Garcia, and Carly Potter. Juniors are Rochelle Keller, Sarah Mason and Sophie Hamann. Sophomores this year are Ashley Conner, Cheyenne king, Telese Dowdy, Monica Eppler and Dorothy Long. New this year are Olivia Peters, Courtney Knoch, Jodi Boudreaux, Katelyn Dewitt and Rylee Pedotti.