Untitled Document

January 2003 February 2003 March 2003 April 2003

May 2003 June 2003 July 2003 August 2003

September 2003 October 2003 November 2003 December 2003

January 2, 2003

NEWS

Vehicle theft, cattle deaths lead to arrest of Ft. Bidwell pair

It may not have been Bonnie and Clyde, but a crime spree ended Monday with the arrest of a man and a woman in connection with several local crimes.

A combination of local law enforcement authorities combined efforts Monday to solve the rather bizarre case.

According to California Highway Patrol/Drug Task Force Officer Mike Poindexter, the events started Monday just before noon when Michael Robinson, age 18, of Ft. Bidwell and Jennifer Trotter, age 24, Ft. Bidwell, allegedly stole a fifth of liquor from The Bottle Shop in Alturas. A camera recorded the pair's activity.

While Alturas Police were investigating that theft and getting the identities of the pair, Robinson and Trotter walked down Main Street just over a block and stole a 1997 Chevy Suburban which belonged to Roy Ferry. The Suburban was parked on 2nd Street next to Ferry's real estate office. According to Poindexter, Alturas Police had identified the pair as being from Ft. Bidwell and were still investigating when Ferry reported his vehicle stolen. Following logical deductions, officers were dispatched to Ft. Bidwell.

Meanwhile, Robinson was driving the Suburban northbound on County Road One north of Lake City when he came upon a cattle drive in the roadway. According to the CHP, he slowed only slightly and then plowed into the cattle drive.

The vehicle struck 11 of the cattle, killing eight. None of the drovers on horseback was hurt. The pair then fled the scene, heading north until the vehicle would go no further.

According to Poindexter, Robinson and Trotter exited the vehicle and milled about for a short time. Trotter then started walking north and Robinson allegedly tried to steal two vehicles from the Hapgood Ranch. He was chased off by the Hapgoods. The pair then got a ride to Ft. Bidwell.

Poindexter said he couldn't figure out why Robinson plowed through the cattle drive because he wasn't being pursued by officers at the time. Officers were heading to Ft. Bidwell, but had not made any contact with the Suburban.

Law enforcement officers including CHP and Modoc Sheriff's Deputies made it to Ft., Bidwell and waited at the pair's apartment. Robinson and Trotter had gotten a ride and showed up as passengers in a pickup. Poindexter said Ferry informed him that a handgun was in the Suburban. When Poindexter checked for that gun in the wrecked Suburban, it was gone, so all officers were alerted.

Robinson and Trotter were taken at gun point from the pickup and arrested without incident. The Ferry firearm was found on the floor of the pickup. Poindexter said the activity of the pair perked some interest in law enforcement of another vehicle theft which occurred in early November. Milt Atkins' pickup, which was taken from behind 4-Corners Market in Alturas November 7 was located in Ft. Bidwell on November 9. Poindexter succeeded in obtaining a search warrant of the Robinson apartment. Atkins accompanied officers to the apartment and located several items belonging to him which were taken from his truck. Atkins had a five-page list of stolen items. Two handguns which were stolen from his pickup are still missing.

In addition, officers also discovered items that were taken in a burglary to the Jane Higgens home in Ft. Bidwell Nov. 6.

"This was a cooperative effort of local law enforcement agencies in the county," said Poindexter. "Everyone did a great job." Those agencies included the Alturas Police Department, CHP, Modoc Sheriff's Office and Modoc County Drug Task Force.

Robinson and Trotter were booked into the Modoc County Jail Monday on a variety of charges including: stolen vehicles, destruction of property, possession of stolen property, burglary, possession of methamphetamines, marijuana and drug paraphernalia and others.

County accepts Thomas Creek road, questions rise in decision

On December 17 the Modoc County Board of Supervisors voted to accept a 1.5 mile portion of Warner Mountain Drive in Thoms Creek Estates into the system, above the objection and report of County Road Commissioner Tom Tracy.

In addition to going against the recommendation of the Road Commissioner, Supervisor Mike Dunn, who lives on the road, probably violated conflict of interest laws by entering into the deliberations on the issue.

Conflict of interest prohibits a supervisor from voting or entering into the decision making process on an issue that can result in a material gain to him. Dunn had properly removed himself from those discussions and deliberations in the past on the same issue, but chose not to this time around.

Modoc County Counsel Vicki Cochran told the Record this week that Dunn could be in conflict and felt the issue may have to be revisited without his input.

Dunn also agreed Monday that the issue may have to come up again and that he will check on his legal issues as well as the issues of accepting the road. He will have to remove himself from the deliberations. In addition to the conflict of interest problem on the issue, the Board accepted the road, which does not meet county road standards for acceptance, and made no specific finding as to why they violated their own ordinance on accepting roads.

Tracy told the Board during an often-heated discussion that the action could leave the county open to legal challenges as well as future liabilities. The decision could also open a floodgate of other requests for private road inclusion into the county system.

The request to take in the road came from the Thoms Creek Homeowners Association. It's Chairperson, Vanston Shaw, told the Board, he felt taking in the road is a public safety issue, would make it easier for the snow plows to plow without having to turn around and made economic sense for the county. He also said the Association did not expect the county to upgrade the road.

Tracy explained that the parts of Warner Mountain Road which were taken into the county in the past had to be brought up to standards. He figures the county has spent $131,000 on those areas. He also calls that funding a subsidy to Thoms Creek Estates landowners. He figures the county would have to spend $170,000 to bring to requested section up to standards, even for snow plowing.

Tracy told the board the road was 14 feet wide in places, nowhere near the required 28-foot width and had areas where curve levels and surface did not meet standards.

Dunn and others took exception to Tracy's report and brought photos which they say showed that in places where the county report states a 14-foot width, they measured closer to 16-18 feet.

The Association said that more people had been moving into Thoms Creek and that public safety, as well as access for emergency and utility vehicles would be enhanced if the county should accept the roads.

Tracy said there were many subdivisions in the county with similar situations and those roads have not been taken into the system. His report also included the county's approved application for Thoms Creek Subdivision from 1971, which states explicitly that road maintenance would be borne by the property owner's association. That is the case with other subdivisions in the county, including Modoc Estates and California Pines. Some roads have been accepted in both those subdivisions.

Tracy said the Association is responsible for the road maintenance, and said the association fees should be increased substantially to cover the cost of upgrading those roads. The current fees are $30 per year, and Tracy suggested $600 per year.

Dunn's conflict of interest violation comes because he owns property on Warner Mountain Drive and that property value would be enhanced if the road is taken into the county road system. During the meeting he and other association members testified that more people have or would move into the area if the roads were county-maintained.

While Dunn and Patricia Cantrall argued that the ordinance affecting roads in the county should not be taken literally in all cases, neither formally offered a finding to exempt Warner Mountain Drive from the ordinance. Other parts of Warner Mountain Drive and roads in Thoms Creek have been accepted into the system in the past few years. The Association argues that accepting this portion would complete the circle on Warner Mountain Drive.

Dunn, when contacted Monday, said he abstained from the vote because he had a conflict, but wasn't aware he could not enter into the discussion and deliberations. Other people have said he was well-informed of the conflict of interest and that he could not participate in the discussion.

Dunn said his removal would have left his Thoms Creek constituents without a representative on the board. Regardless, the law prohibits him from participating in that action. The law is designed so that supervisor, or any elected official, does not have special privileges or actions taken that benefit them directly or unfairly.

Dunn said that taking the portion of Warner Mountain Drive into the system is actually going to cost him money, because he now plows that section of road for $35 per hour.

One of the major problems with the decision to accept the road is that there are hundreds of miles of like roads in the county. The same argument for acceptance can be made for many of them, said Tracy.

In addition to the unfair treatment of one subdivision and its residents over another, Tracy, said the county is also looking at shortfall of about $400,000 in the coming year's road budget.

December doesn't come up to hopes

The month of December will fall well short of hopes for precipitation levels as less than an inch of precipitation has been measured at the U.S. Forest Service office in Alturas.

According to Forest Hydrologist Sue Becker, the final number for December is .86 inches of moisture. That's well below the water year average for the month of 1.36 inches.

Monday night brought a severe winter weather alert to the county, but as with all of those alerts in the month, it turned out to be a bust. Alturas was projected to get five to nine inches of snow by Tuesday morning. However, almost none fell in town.

December did have some abnormalities, however. There were three days where the warmest minimum temperatures were recorded. Those were 39 degrees on Dec. 13, 44 degrees on Dec. 14 and a balmy 45 degrees on Dec. 28. The normal precipitation from October through December is 3.77 inches. This year, only 2.17 has been measured.

Fake $100 bills passed in Alturas

Local business people are warned that two counterfeit $100 bills were passed to local businesses over the Christmas holidays.

Alturas Police report that the size of the bill is smaller than a legitimate $100 bill, the edges are uneven and the paper has a prominent yellow tint. In addition there is no watermark, no safety strip by Ben Franklin's likeness. The back is also printed upside down if compared to a real $100 bill.

Anyone who receives one of these counterfeit bills is asked to contact Police immediately at 233-2011. Please try to remember or be able to describe who passed the $100 bill. Police say the bill is a believable copy, but should be detectable if a person looks carefully.

On December 23, police arrested Leticia Castillo, 20, of Alturas alleging assault with a deadly weapon. Castillo is accused of hitting another woman over the head with a 40-ounce beer bottle. The impact shattered the bottle and left a large knot on the victim's head. She was booked into the Modoc County Jail.

A vandalism was also reported Dec. 27, when someone threw a 10-pound rock through the side window of a Ford Bronco parked in downtown Alturas.

Resource Advisory Committee seeking new members

Modoc National Forest is actively seeking a few new members for the fifteen member Resource Advisory Committee (RAC).

The RAC helps the community work closely with the Forest Service in recommending projects to be conducted on, or that will benefit resources on federal lands. Citizens are invited to attend the January 8 meeting to see how the committee functions.

Some of the committee's duties include receiving proposed forest management projects and making recommendations to the Forest Service, coordinating with land management agency officials, and providing opportunities for interested parties to participate in the project development process.

Committee members are sought who are committed to working cooperatively with other interests for the long-term benefit of national forest system lands. Council members serve a three-year term without compensation, but may be reimbursed for travel and per diem expenses. Meetings are generally held monthly at the Forest Supervisors office in Alturas. Members must reside in California. Prospective members are advised that membership on a RAC calls for a substantial commitment of time and energy.

RAC is balanced according to the following three interest categories identified in the law:

Category One: (five regular members and one replacement) who represent one or more of the following interests:

¥ Organized labor

¥ Developed outdoor recreation, off-highway vehicle users, or commercial recreation

¥ Energy and mineral development

¥ Commercial timber industry

¥ Federal grazing permit holders or land use permit holders within the RAC area

Category Two: (five regular members and one replacement) who represent one or more of the following interests:

¥ Nationally recognized environmental organizations

¥ Regionally or locally recognized environmental organizations

¥ Dispersed recreation activities

¥ Archaeological and historical interests

¥ Nationally or regionally recognized wild horse or burro groups

Category Three: (five regular members and one replacement) who respresent one or more of the following interests:

¥ State-elected office holders or their designee

¥ County or local elected office holders

¥ American Indian tribal representatives from tribes within or adjacent to RAC areas

¥ School officials or teachers

¥ Citizens representing the affected public at large

To obtain an application packet or additional information, please contact: Louis Haynes, Modoc National Forest, 800 West 12th Street, Alturas, CA. 96101. Telephone: (530)233-8846 or e-mail ljhaynes@fs.fed.us .

Citizens are invited to sit in on the next RAC meeting, which will take place on January 8, 2003 at 4 p.m. at the Modoc National Forest Supervisors Office in Alturas.

Obituaries:

Richard David Crabill

A memorial service for Richard David Crabill, 71, of McArthur, will be held Friday, Jan. 3, 2003 at 11 a.m. at Bieber Memorial Hall, Bieber, CA. Pastor Walt Fisher, Leon Engman, Jeff Bidwell and Reader Bob Shaw will conduct the service. A potluck will follow the service, with the main courses provided.

A former Big Valley District teacher, Mr. Crabill passed away of natural causes at his home on December 18, 2002.

Born in Norcatur, Kansas on January 7, 1931, He earned his degrees at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and was a veteran of the U.S. Army. Mr. Crabill was a teacher of agriculture within Big Valley School District for 32 years, until he retired. In 1979 he moved from Lookout to McArthur.

He was active in and honored as a member of the California Agricultural Teachers Association, for which he served as a past President. In 2002, he was inducted into the California Ag Teachers Hall of Fame. Mr. Crabill was a Future Farmers of America Honorary American Farmer and Honorary Chapter Farmer, a member of the California Retired Teachers Association and Lassen Plumas Retired Teachers Association, Cal Poly Alumni Association, Hillside Singers, and a veteran of the U.S. Army, Dog Handler, 34th Infantry Scout Dog Platoon, APO 176 from 1953 to 1955, and served on the Castlemont High School Reunion Committee.

Mr. Crabill is survived by his son Brent Crabill of Lodi, CA. and three grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the California Future Farmers of America Foundation, P.O. Box 1283, Sacramento, CA 95812; Cal Poly Fund, c/o Animal Science Dept., Cal Poly State University, 1 Grand Ave., San Luis Obispo, CA 93407 or to the Christian Science Society, P.O. Box 417, Fall River Mills, CA 96028.

Shaun Camron Marrs

Funeral services for Shaun Camron Marrs will be held at the Kerr Chapel in Alturas on Friday, Jan. 3 at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be at the Alturas Cemetery.

Shaun, 22, died Tuesday, December 24, 2002 at his Klamath Falls, OR. residence.

Born on March 11, 1980 at Rapid City, South Dakota Shaun completed Mazama High School in Klamath Falls, OR. and was studying mechanical engineering at the Oregon Institute of Technology, Klamath Falls, OR. He served as a Seabee and was a veteran of the U.S. Navy until his discharge in February 2000 as an E-4. He had also been a steelworker.

He is survived by his parents Alice and Gordon Marrs of Alturas, CA; brother Steven Marrs of Klamath Falls, OR.; grandparents Larry and Lorena Fenhaus, uncle Lance Fenhaus of San Jacinto, CA.; aunt Holly Greer of Barstow, CA; uncle and aunt Larry and Peggy Fenhaus, Wenatchee, WA; aunts and uncles Judy and Wayne Schlietting, Oakville, MO; Vicki and James Strong, Wilmington, IL; Cynthia and George Self, Mesa, AZ; Wanda and Bill Tomasek, Peoria, AZ; Starla Black, Sedgewick, KS; Connie Marrs, Laverkin, Utah; Sherri Jensen, Rapid City, S.D.; Larry and Mary Marrs, Montana and numerous cousins and friends.

Arrangements by Kerr Mortary of Alturas.

SPORTS

Sports resume next week in league action

Winter sports season will begin again next week in earnest as all area teams start action in the Shasta Cascade and Evergreen Leagues.

For Modoc basketball, the girls have Mazama at home January 3 and then scrimmage Surprise Valley in Cedarville January 4.

Modoc's boys and girls will travel to Mt. Shasta January 10 to open SCL play.

Surprise Valley starts Evergeen League play January 10.

Modoc's wrestling team, which is ranked as number one of the North Section Small Schools by North State Prep Update gets into action again in the big Anderson tournament January 10-11.

Several Modoc wrestlers are ranked individually including: Cory Bell, number two at heavyweight; Robert Flournoy, number two at 140 pounds; JD Monroe, number four at 189 pounds; Matt Maine number four at 152 pounds; Jaafar Mirholi, number five at 130 pounds; Billy Moriarity, number five at 119 pounds; and Travis Wood, number six at 145 pounds.

In basketball, Modoc's Rachel Gover is ranked as the fourth highest scorer in the section with a 23.1 average and Surprise Valley's Camryn Mullen is seventh with a 20.6 average. Downieville's Amanda Desentz leads with a 28.7 average.

For the boys, Modoc's Jack Britton is eighth in scoring with a 21.8 average and Surprise Valley's Ivan Rangel is 15th at 19.6. Williams' Alfonso Velazquez is on top with a 32.8 average.

Cedar Pass Snow Park opens

Cedar Pass Snow Park now has enough snow to open for the Winter season this Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 4 and 5 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Half-day rates start at 1:00 p.m.

By Tuesday, conditions were deemed "pretty good" and the hill will be groomed, according to Snow Park volunteers. Both the T-bar and rope tow will be operating.

A free rental, lesson and lift ticket package will be offered for first time beginners willing to try snowboard or skis.

Plenty of skis, boots, and snowboards will be available to rent on a first-come, first served basis. Rentals are $10.

Also, check out the "no risk punch card" available for sale at the Ski Lodge. It offers savings.

Full day lift tickets are: $15 for adults; $12 for youths under age 19; $5 for children under age six.

"It's a good way for families to play together and to get exercise at the same time," offers Rody Stains, Snow Park volunteer and enthusiast.

The all-volunteer organization is currently in need of volunteers who are willing to trade their volunteer time working at the Park, for lift tickets. If interested in becoming a Snow Park volunteer, please call James Peake at (530) 233-4882.

Check the Modoc Record for weekly updates or phone (530) 233-3323 for Cedar Pass Snow Park's recorded message.

January 9, 2003

NEWS

County affirms need for two local judges

Does Modoc County actually need two Superior Court judges? That's an issue the County Board of Supervisors and Judge Larry Dier answered affirmatively in Tuesday's board meeting.

While no one appears to know for certain, there is a rumor that the state is considering making Modoc a one-judge county. Following the untimely death of Judge John Baker, at least two people have filed application with Governor Gray Davis for appointment to the Modoc bench.

As of this date, that position has not been filled, and Dier told the Board Tuesday, it often takes several months. But, he also said, there was a possible movement in the legislature to change the law and leave Modoc with just one judgeship.

Dier said he feels Modoc needs two judges, and said one could be on cross-assignment if necessary. That would mean one judge would sit in Modoc as well as take regular assignments in other counties.

The Board of Supervisors agreed with Dier, but will take no action at this point, until there is concrete evidence that the state plans on removing one judge position. While there have been rumblings to that effect, a straight answer has not been forthcoming from the state. Dier said he did not want to raise an issue at the state level if none exists.

There is also an understanding that the Governor has been very busy with budget items and the recent election and that his office may have put some of these types of appointments on the back burner.

Dier said he has made it clear that Modoc needs the two judge positions and is not willing to "give away" a judge. He said the county should be willing to accept a judge which could come with considerable travel that could be a more efficient use of resources.

The Board also agreed to reinstate $7,500 in extra help money for the District Attorney's Office. Those funds were set aside from the former DA's budget, so that they would be available with the new DA. Jordan Funk took office this month. Funk will use those funds to pay for a part-time assistant, Larry Barnes, on an as-needed basis. Barnes worked with Funk in Contra Costa County and comes with an impressive resume as a prosecutor. The Board also heard from Office of Emergency Services' Nancy Ballard, who explained that Modoc is going to be the site of a hazardous materials exercise by the National Guard's 95th Terrorist Response team out of Hayward, California the weekend of January 30.

According to Ballard, the 22-member unit will roll into Alturas on the 30th and the training will be in a biological agent terror type incident. Local agencies will be involved in the exercise, including City Police, Sheriff's Office, Fire Departments and the health departments. The training will center around the Alturas Mill site. More information will be made available in the near future.

Supervisors also agreed to advertise the position of Welfare Fraud Investigator, who works for both Social Services and the DA's office. That position has not been filled for the past six months and Social Services Director Pauline Cravens said it is needed.

The Board also commended Kandi Albright for her 20 years of service in the Auditor-Recorder's Office and approved a letter of support for the Hewise Band and Hospital appropriation of funding.

Mike Dunn was elected Chairman of the Board and Patricia Cantrall was named vice-chair for the coming year.

In other news, the Board will reconsider the acceptance of a Thoms Creek Road into the county road system at its next meeting. The acceptance of that road had some legal issues which could have caused some problems for the county.

Public meetings planned on local small pox vaccinations

The Modoc County Health Department will be holding public meetings the end of this month concerning small pox vaccinations.

The places, dates and times of those meetings, which will be held in Alturas, Cedarville and Newell, will be announced in the near future. Linda Doyle, R.N., the Public Health Disaster Service Coordinator, will be explaining the timeline, the potential dangers of the vaccination and who should or should not be vaccinated.

She said the initial phases of vaccination include medical and hospital personnel, following are first responders, law enforcement, fire departments and emergency personnel. The vaccination will done only on a voluntary basis, it is not mandatory. The general public is not included at this time.

According to Doyle, there is a 12-page release people must sign before being vaccinated. It explains the risks and issues surrounding the vaccination. She stressed the probability of an outbreak or attack using small pox in Modoc, is very remote. If someone was diagnosed with small pox, it would also be fairly simple to quarantine the area in Modoc and keep the disease at bay. One of the issues is that America has a mobile society, so if small pox was ever used, it could make its way around the area.

Small pox was eradicated decades ago with the last actual case in Somalia in 1977. However, it remained in clinic laboratories and was not destroyed. Doyle said there is enough small pox vaccine available to vaccinate all of Modoc quickly if necessary.

In next week's newspaper, there will be an in-depth article concerning the vaccination issues, potential risks and dangers of the vaccine and past history of small pox.

Modoc-Washoe Stewardship committee meets January 16-17

A panel featuring charter members of the Modoc-Washoe Experimental Stewardship Program will present viewpoints on the successes and future of the organization when the committee meets January 16 and 17 in Cedarville.

The meeting, open to the public, starts Jan. 16 at 1 p.m. at the Cedarville Community Church Hall, corner of Center and Bonner Streets. The Jan. 17 session begins at 8 a.m. and wraps up at about noon.

On Jan. 16, Rex Cleary, former district manager for the Bureau of Land Management in Susanville, will lead a 3 p.m. presentation focusing on the Stewardship organization. Founding committee members Wes Cook and Joe Harris will join Cleary and current committee members for a panel discussion entitled, "Modoc-Washoe ESP: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow."

Following the presentation, the committee will review an action plan, first developed in 1999, then work on updating the plan to guide the committee's future work.

In other matters, the committee will hear Modoc National Forest reports on the Blue Fire restoration, the Sierra Nevada Framework, and the plan of work for fiscal year 2003. Staff from BLM will report on sage grouse conservation planning, the Mosquito Valley Technical Review Team, an application for wind energy research, recent state management team meeting and priority work for the coming year.

Other agenda topics include reports on activities of the Pit River Watershed Alliance, and agency work on noxious weeds. Representatives of Modoc County, the Nevada Division of Wildlife, California Department of Fish and Game and Natural Resources Conservation Service will also present reports.

The 20-member steering committee advises the BLM's Surprise Field Office and the Modoc National Forest's Warner Mountain Ranger District on a wide array of natural resource and range management issues. The group includes representatives for local grazing permit holders, members of environmental organizations, state wildlife agencies, Modoc County government and federal resource agencies. It was one of three Stewardship groups established by Congress in the Public Rangelands Improvement Act of 1978.

Eat a donut, end polio is Alturas Rotary's goal

The Alturas noontime Rotary Club, as a part of Rotary International, is out to raise funds to end worldwide polio by the year 2005. The local club has a sweet way to help raise money.

Noontime Rotarians are out selling orders for Krispy Kreme glazed donuts, in an "Eat a Donut, End Polio" campaign. The donuts must be ordered by January 28 and are $7 per dozen if you pick them up or $10 per dozen delivered to a location within two miles of Alturas. Pick-up orders will be available Feb. 8, between 8 a.m. and 12 noon at the Alturas Elks Lodge parking lot.

To order a dozen, contact a Rotary member, or call Phil Smith at 233-1940 or Mike Mason at 233-3499.

Smith said Don Young of the Donut Shop locally was contacted to provide the donuts, but said he couldn't provide enough at one time. "Don has been a really good supporter of our programs," said Smith.

In 1985, Rotary launched its first fundraising drive to battle polio with a goal of $120 million. By the end of that campaign, Rotary more than doubled its goal and raised over $240 million and created its PolioPlus program to immunize all the world's children against polio by its 100th anniversary in 2005. By then, Rotary's financial commitment will reach $500 million. These funds are providing much needed polio vaccine, operational support, medical personnel, laboratory equipment, and educational materials for health workers and parents.

All proceeds from the Krispy Kreme donut sales will go to Rotary's Worldwide Polio Eradication effort.

December building falls off

Building in Modoc County fell off dramatically in December as the county issued 13 permits valued at $175,339 and the City of Alturas issued four permits worth $6,675.

Those figures are well down from November's county total of $1,500,187, which was boosted by a $500,000 compression station near Tionesta for Tuscarora Gas Transmission.

For December, one new single family home, one manufactured home and several monitor stove installations made up the bulk of the permit total. In the city, remodeling made up most of the totals. In November, the city issued seven permits worth $30,702.

Walk to focus on resolve to solve Parks' murder

Modoc students, friends of Betty Lou Parks' family and the community are invited to join in a combined candlelight vigil and walk on Main Street, Alturas on Friday, Jan. 17 at 6:30 p.m. Meet under the "Betty Lou Parks" billboard on Main Street to keep focus on the current Dept. of Justice investigation into the unsolved murder.

Friends and family of Parks urge, "Don't let this happen to you or your children. Come together as a community for Betty Lou Parks. Feel free to bring something to voice your opinion.

"Join us at Betty Lou's billboard on Main Street on Friday, Jan. 17 at 6:30 p.m. This walk will be led by Modoc's developing future community on behalf of Betty Lou Parks and friends," say organizers.

Modoc National Forest hosts Open House Tuesday

On Tuesday, Jan. 14, the Modoc National Forest will host an open house to bid farewell to Kathleen A. Jordan, the Acting Forest Supervisor and welcome Stan Sylva, the new Forest Supervisor.

The open house will take place from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. in the Forest Service Headquarters at 800 West 12th St., in Alturas.

Jordan and Sylva will both be on hand to welcome the public.

The employees of the Modoc National Forest would like the assistance of the public in thanking Jordan for all of her hard work as the Acting Forest Supervisor and welcome Sylva as their new Forest Supervisor. Refreshments will be offered at the open house.

Obituaries:

Hazel Flournoy Dorris

Friends and family are invited to attend a service for long-time Modoc resident Hazel Dorris on Saturday, Jan. 25 at the Federated Church in Alturas; time to be announced.

Mrs. Dorris, 93, passed away in Woodland, CA. on January 6, 2003. Born Hazel Flournoy in Likely, CA on Sept. 5, 1909, she moved to Woodland in 1984. Service details and a complete obituary will be published in The Record at a later date.

Helen C. Munroe Morgan

Native Modoc resident Helen Claire Munroe Morgan passed away January 1, 2003 in Sacramento, CA. A resident of West Sacramento for the past 15 years, Mrs. Morgan had continued to keep abreast of life in Modoc County and was 98 at the time of her passing.

She was born Helen Claire Munroe in Fort Bidwell, CA. on November 23, 1904 and graduated from Modoc High School in Alturas and Armstrong Business College in Berkeley. She married Harold G. Morgan in Lakeview, OR in 1926 and the two were divorced in 1954. He passed away in 1965.

Helen owned Faye's Jewelry in Alturas during the 1950s. She later worked for the U.S. Forest Service when the office occupied the Belli Building in Alturas. She retired from the USFS in 1972.

She loved children and animals and enjoyed gardening and being with her family. A member of the Order of Eastern Star, she was a Past Matron of the Alturas Chapter #51, OES; Past President and secretary of Past Matrons and Past Patrons; a past Mother Advisor for Alturas Assembly #53, Order of Rainbow Girls; Past President, Alturas Garden Club and a member of Modoc Side Saddle Club. She was a granddaughter of early (1880s) Fort Bidwell settlers Robert and Metta McConnaughy and Marshall and Martha Munroe. She was pre-deceased by her father Edward Munroe, mother Emma Verling; brother Harold Munroe and nephew Harold E. Munroe.

She is survived by her daughter Mary and husband Guy Fender of Sacramento; granddaughters Kathy Turkaly and Joan (Dale) Hansen, niece Debbie (Herman) Munroe Wendell; great-grandchildren Daniel Van Dyke, John Van Dyke, Kyle Hansen and Brooke Hansen and many wonderful friends.

The Rev. Dr. Ben Zandstra conducted services Monday, Jan. 6 at 11 a.m. at the Kerr Mortuary Chapel in Alturas. Interment was as the Alturas Cemetery. Pallbearers were Guy Fender, Dale Hansen, Daniel and John Van Dyke, Kyle Hansen and Herman Wendell.

Donations in Mrs. Morgan's memory may be directed to the Shriner's Hospital for Children, 2425 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95817 or local SPCA.

Helen Jane Staub

Helen Jane Staub passed away January 5, 2003, at the Skilled Nursing Facility in Alturas, CA, a day shy of her 94th birthday.

Pastor Dewey Potter will conduct services at Church of Christ in Alturas on Saturday, Jan. 11 at 12 noon. The Mennonites will provide a vocal music tribute.

Born Helen Jane Roff in Ft. Ripley, MN, on January 6, 1909, she was married to Walter Frank Staub in CrowWing County, MN on August 29, 1925. The family moved from Minnesota to California in 1943. They lived at the logging camp at White Horse, CA. while Walter worked for the McCloud River Lumber Co. In 1948, they moved to Bieber and in 1952, Helen and Walter purchased the Standard Oil Plant where they worked together until their retirement. In 1976, they relocated to Alturas to be near their children.

In addition to their business, Mrs. Staub was a homemaker, mother, grandmother and great-mother, who enjoyed her home and family and loved to sew, bake and cook. She was a member of the Lookout Grange, and a lifetime Degree of Honor member with Alturas Grange. She was also a member of the Church of Christ. Helen and Walter were married for 58 years, when he passed away Feb. 5, 1983.

Mrs. Staub is survived by her son Edward Staub of Alturas, CA; daughter Laura Squires of Alturas; daughter Karen Lentz and son-in-law Benny Lentz of Anderson; 11 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law Dorothy and Katherine Roff of Burney, CA.

She was preceded in death by her husband Walter and daughter Nellie Mathews; sister Valeria Boulanger and brothers Chester and Walter Roff. The family will hold private interment at Hillside Cemetery in Nubieber. Donations in Mrs. Staub's memory may be directed to the Skilled Nursing Facility "Activities Department," care of Modoc Medical Center, McDowell St., Alturas, CA 96101 or to any charity of choice.

Betty June Donaldson Baird

Former Alturas teacher Betty June Donaldson Baird, 81, of Corvallis, OR. died Nov. 17, 2002 at her home. Born to George and Leta Zenor Donaldson on April 4, 1921 on the Zenor farm near Woolstock, Iowa, she attended Woolstock High school, Eagle Grove Junior College and Drake University, obtaining degrees in music and education.

She taught in Woolstock, Kanawha and Clear Lake, Iowa and was an enthusiastic 4-H member and officer in Hamilton and Wright Counties. She participated in many state programs as a vocalist and was awarded a trip to Chicago International competition. She continued 4-H leadership for 40 years in each community in which she lived. She also directed many choirs, sang for hundreds of funerals and weddings and was a regular soloist for several churches.

When she moved to California, she taught elementary grades in Alturas, Grenada and Gazelle. The family showed many breeds of livestock in the western half of the U.S. Her specialty was horses and ponies, particularly Arabians. She was a board member with the National Shetland Association and a member of two music sororities and PEO.

She is survived by her husband Dr. Charles Allen Baird, Corvallis, OR; daughters Ruth Elizabeth Wurst of Bend, OR, Althea Baird of Klamath Falls, OR; sons Charles Allen Baird, Jr. of Eugene, OR; Ben Lee Baird of North Powder, OR, Andrew Noel Baird of Huntington, OR; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a son, William "Bill" Allen Baird.

A memorial service will be held in Klamath Falls, Or. on April 5, 2003. Inurnment will be a later date at Cass Township Cemetery, near Webster City, Iowa.

'Tom' Franklin Anderson

Thomas "Tom" Franklin Anderson, 68, passed away early on the morning of December 30, 2002 in Alturas, CA.

A memorial of his passing will be held Saturday, January 11 at 1:00 p.m. at Cottonwood Community Center, 20634 First Street, Cottonwood, CA.

Born on November 20, 1934 in Eagle Butte, South Dakota, he left home at the age of 17 to work cattle at the Diamond A in South Dakota; the start of a life time of his traditional cowboy career.

As a young man in the early 1960s, Tom worked for Citizens Utilities in Alturas, CA for a short time, but decided to pursue the cowboy lifestyle and work he loved so much. He followed his heart and worked for many ranches throughout Oregon and California. An excellent cow and horseman, he appreciated and loved a beautiful horse and was known for having the best dogs, he trained himself. Ranch work characterized his life and he loved it. He also loved to laugh and joke and was an affable person. He spent his summers in Lakeview, OR. and winters in Cottonwood, CA. Mr. Anderson is survived by his two sons, Les Anderson and wife Cara of Anderson, CA; Darin Anderson and wife Bobbie of Red Bluff; daughter Tammy Strachanowski and husband Kurt of Red Bluff; five grandchildren: Les' children Aaron and Christopher; Darin's daughter Jessica; Tammy's children Jayd and Jazmin; sisters Virginia Martin and husband Dub of Susanville; Mary Johnston and husband Blackie of Hills, MN; Alice Beauchamp and husband Leon of Falls City, OR; Eva Ward of Beaverton, OR; April Ayela of Florida; Katheryn Carey and husband Larry of Redmond, OR; Lexie Baughman of Redmond, OR; Hope Culp and husband Scott of Monmouth, OR; brothers Cal Anderson and wife Sandy of Newell, S.D.; Jack Anderson and wife Debbie of Alturas, CA; sisters-in-law Joann Anderson of Susanville and Michelle Anderson of Alturas.

He was preceded in death by his parents Gladys and Virgil Anderson, brothers Bill Anderson, Guy Anderson, nephews Tommy Anderson and David Beauchamp. Anyone who ever knew him will be sorrowed by his passing. He leaves behind many friends and loved ones.

Donations will help defray the cost of services and may be sent care of Les Anderson, 5345 Pine Street, Anderson, CA 96007. Kerr Mortuary is handling service arrangements.

Phyllis Elizabeth Knapp

Phyllis Elizabeth Knapp, a California Pines resident for the past 20 years, passed away of natural causes on January 7, 2003 in Alturas, CA. Born Phyllis Fernandez in San Francisco, CA. on August 10, 1922, she graduated from parochial schools in San Francisco.

She was married to Jess Valencia for 27 years and the couple had three children. Jess passed away in December of 1972.

For many years Phyllis was the postmistress in Redwood Estates located in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

When she retired, she relocated to San Jose, CA where she met Manuel Knapp. The two were married November 9, 1982 in Reno, NV. and moved to California Pines to start their new life and home together.

Mrs. Knapp enjoyed lending a hand wherever help was needed and often for the Cal Pines Bingo games. She enjoyed time with her family and friends. The Knapps enjoyed working on their home, which their children affectionately called "Knapp Land," and the Knapps enjoyed fun outings to Reno. Manuel preceded Phyllis in death on January 11, 2001.

Mrs. Knapp is survived by daughters Donna Davis, Alturas, CA; Lynn Bennett and husband Colin, Shasta Lake, CA; step-daughter Doris DeNoon, Cameron Park; son Robert Valencia and wife Sandy, Las Vegas, NV; step-sons Roy Knapp, Bill Knapp and wife Jan; her dear best friend Mary Rojas and her numerous bingo buddies of California Pines; grandchildren: Tracy Boyer, Scott Haney Bennett and wife Lisa of Alturas, Tina Aldama, Stockton, Guy Bennett and wife Laura, Livermore, Mary Martin and husband James, Alturas, Debbie Bagwell and husband Todd, Alturas; Steven Valencia, Michael Valencia and wife MaryAnn, Lorretta Kim and husband Yong, Ray DeNoon, Jr. and wife Jeri, Leslie Fisher and husband Brian, Lisa DeNoon, Curtis Zwart and Gregory Zwart and wife Amanda and 21 great-grandchildren. Her grandson Edward Boyer also preceded her in death.

The Rev. Patrick Henry will hold services at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Saturday, Jan. 11 in Alturas. Please call Kerr Mortuary in Alturas (530) 233-5797 for the time of service. Interment will be at the Alturas, CA Cemetery.

Rose Lea E. Nelson

Lifelong Modoc resident, Rose Lea E. Nelson, 72, builder and owner of Nelson's Frosty in Adin for over 22 years, passed away at her home on January 3, 2003.

Pastor Walt Fisher conducted services at graveside at the Adin Cemetery on Monday, Jan. 6.

Rose Lea Gordon Swain was born in Alturas, CA. on July 1, 1930. She graduated from Adin High School. and married Glenn Nelson in Reno, NV. on Feb. 25 sharing a marriage of 53 years at the time of her passing. A homemaker, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, she was devoted to her family. She was also an avid rubber stamp hobbyist, enjoyed painting and spending time with her many friends. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Adin and an active member of the Adin Chamber of Commerce.

She is survived by her husband Glenn of Adin; daughter Susan Cull and husband Perry; son Alan Nelson and wife Kathie, Adin; daughter Kristine Dodgen and husband Bryon of Adin; father Roy Swain of Adin; eight grandchildren and one great-grandson. She was preceded in death by her mother Edith Swain and brother Bill Gordon.

Donations in her memory may be directed to the Adin Ambulance.

SPORTS

Modoc boys set for Mt. Shasta

It may have been a bit hard to concentrate on basketball for Modoc's boys last week, but they did get in three good games on their Hawaii trip. Modoc coach Mike Martin said the team had a great time and got in the practice games they needed.

Modoc opened with a first game against Assets School, and had a pretty easy time. Modoc led 23-4 after one and 27-7 by half. By the end of three, the Braves led 35-9 and went on for the 43-20 win. Jack Britton had 11 and Michael Bates added nine.

They faced a tough team in their second outing, Mid-Pacific Institution, a private school. Modoc led 10-8 after one and trailed 26-20 at half. Modoc trailed 41-36 after three and a weak fourth period buried them 55-42. Shiloh Pierce had 13 and Britton added nine.

The Braves lost their final game to Hawaii Baptist 48-36, after getting out to a 16-11 first period lead. Modoc only scored two points in the second period while Hawaii Baptist added 17 to lead 28-18. Modoc's third period wasn't all that exciting either and they scored just five and trailed 37-23. Modoc put up 13 to HB's 11 in the fourth. Bates had 13 points, Des Kiesel added eight. "We'd like to thank everyone who helped with the fund-raisers for varsity boys basketball trip to Hawaii," said Martin. "The community support was outstanding and without the help, we wouldn't have been able to go. I believe it was a good experience for the entire team."

Modoc travels to Mt. Shasta Friday night to open Shasta Cascade League play and will be home against Weed Tuesday night.

Martin figures Mt. Shasta will be tough and Weed is coming on strong. He believes the SCL is going to be balanced this season and gives the nod to Trinity and Etna as the teams to beat.

Modoc girls open with Mt. Shasta

Modoc's girls will open against the Mt. Shasta Bears, in Mt. Shasta Friday night and will face Weed Jan. 14 at home.

Modoc is coming off a non-league loss to Mazama, 47-41, Friday in Alturas. The Braves led 6-4 after one and 17-15 at halftime. But Mazama put together two 16-point quarters in the second half for the win. Modoc scored nine in the third and 15 in the fourth.

Rachel Gover put up 28 points to lead the Braves with Liz Younger getting seven.

Modoc met Lassen Tuesday night, losing 46-41 against a very good squad. Modoc led 9-7 in the first and trailed 26-17 at halftime. By the end of three, Lassen led 41-25 and went on for the win.

Gover had 16 points, Davis added 10. Modoc hit only eight of 20 free throws in the game.

Hornets open against McCloud.

On Saturday, Modoc traveled to Cedarville for a scrimmage against the Hornets. Modoc led 18-12 at halftime, and 25-24 after three. The Hornets won the fourth period and the game 42-35.

Cara James led the Hornets with 15, Carpenter added 12, Camryn Mullen had nine. Gover led Modoc with 12.

The Hornet girls will begin Evergreen League play at McCloud January 10 and are home against Dunsmuir January 11.

Local Hoop Shooters move on

The Alturas Elks Hoop Shoot winners will represent the local lodge at the District Hoop Shoot January 18 in Portola.

The local winners are: Sara Montague, girls ages 10-11, Jessie Nosler, girls age 12-13; Zachary Goulden boys age 8-9; Nick Staub, boys age 10-11 and Trenton Schmidt, boys age 12-13.

Modoc wrestlers head to Anderson

Modoc top ranked wrestling team competes in the Anderson Invitational this weekend. Several Braves are expected to do well, including J.D. Monroe, Robert Flournoy, Matt Maine, Luke Hammerness, Billy Moriarity, Jaafar Mirholi, Mike Main, Cory Bell and Travis Wood.

January 16, 2003

NEWS

State budget sure to impact local entities

The projected state budget deficit of about $35 billion dollars is looming as the possible monster that ate local government. While no one entity is sure what the final picture will look like, everyone agrees it may not be pretty. Governor Gray Davis unveiled his budget proposal and this week local governments throughout the state have been trying to predict just what will happen to their programs and budgets.

One of the big worries to all local governments is a switch in the disbursement or backfill of vehicle license fees. There is also a proposal by the state legislature to increase vehicle license fees to their previous levels, which is about double current fees.

If the governor's plan goes through, without the increase in those fees, the City of Alturas could stand to lose about $160,000 annually and the county could lose well into the several hundred thousands when combined with other anticipated cuts.

Another area of major concern to counties is the "realignment" that could have counties take over responsibility for mental health, alcohol and drug programs, health programs, social services programs, child care and court security. While the governor is proposing new revenue sources, including a one cent increase in the state sales tax, higher income brackets for top earners and increasing cigarette taxes by $1.10 per pack, no portion of the new revenues would be required to fund those areas.

County Administrative Officer Mike Maxwell is wrestling with the budget numbers this week and will be presenting his figures to the Board of Supervisors Tuesday.

"My guess is this budget process is going to be long and drawn out," said Maxwell. "The state's said that counties will not go unscathed, but we don't need to be bankrupt by this proposal. I have a feeling the impacts are going to be big and painful."

City Treasurer Kathie Alves said the cuts look like they will be coming in areas when the city pays for services and wages. She believes the city could be looking at major shortfalls if there is no protection left by the state. A loss of the vehicle license fee backfill would amount to about a $160,000 loss to the city, she said.

Schools in the county are assessing impacts on their budgets, and are concerned about the budget for the coming year. For instance, the Modoc Joint Unified School District has already indicated and implemented some cost savings and a cut of about $643,000 would still be needed if the governor's budget proposal is unchanged.

The MJUSD is looking to make those cuts in a number of small areas, maintaining services and curriculum to students. The board is meeting this week on what those cuts will entail.

Some of the other areas where the Governor's budget would impact local government entities include a 50 percent cut in Public Library Foundation funds, elimination of second, third and fourth quarter funds for local street and road maintenance, having counties share in child support penalties, eliminating state reimbursements of booking fees, eliminating subventions to counties for property tax losses incurred by Williamson Act contracts, deferring state reimbursement for some state mandated programs, and other areas yet undetermined.

No truth in rumors of Chief of Police arrest

When Alturas Chief of Police Larry Pickett returned home late Sunday afternoon from a vacation in Arizona, he was greeted with the brunt of Alturas' gossip mill.

An untrue rumor, started over the weekend, that he had been arrested in the 10-year-old murder case of Alturas teenager Betty Lou Parks, had exploded throughout the county and the north state.

When contacted Monday by the Record, Pickett said he didn't want to even comment on the gossip or give it any credibility. He said it was a sad testament of the community.

Modoc County Undersheriff Mark Gentry said there was absolutely no truth in the rumor and that Pickett has never been the subject of an investigation into the murder. Actually, Pickett's office started the investigation into Parks' initial disappearance and the case was moved into the Sheriff's Office because her remains were eventually found in the county.

The case has received more notoriety of late, with a billboard on Main Street offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for the teenager's death. The case has been handed over to the California Department of Justice for further investigation. Gentry said he contacted DOJ officers on Monday and they confirmed there have been no warrants issued and confirmed that Pickett is not a suspect.

Rumors that FBI agents arrested Pickett at the Black Bear Restaurant this weekend are completely absurd, said other law enforcement officials. The FBI is not involved in any part of the investigation.

Alturas Police Sergeant Sid Cullins said his officers received calls all weekend and tried to put the issue to rest, but people were still pushing the issue. He said he'd received phone calls from newspaper and television reporters throughout the north state.

"There is absolutely no truth in the rumor, it's just vicious gossip," said Cullins.

By Tuesday, the rumors had died down as more and more people found out they were not true.

Parks disappeared from Alturas June 25, 1992, at age 14. In May, 1993, her remains were discovered in Modoc Estates by a teenage hiker. The remains had been there about a year, according to law enforcement analysis. Anyone with any credible information, who doesn't want to speak to law enforcement directly on the case, may call the Modoc County Record at 530-233-2632. Ask for Rick or Jane Holloway.

The identities of callers can remain anonymous, and all information will be investigated and, if helpful, turned over to DOJ, the Sheriff or Police Department. Sources of that information can remain confidential. Or, call the Sheriff's Office at 233-4416 or the Police Department at 233-2011.

Alturas trio arrested after bar stabbing, face felony charges

Three Alturas residents were arrested orginally alleging attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon Saturday morning following a stabbing at Benny's Bar on Fourth Street.

Alturas Police report that the suspects in the case, Johnnie Erwin, his wife, Amy Erwin, and Cody Preston attacked Scott Bennett, age 34, in the parking lot of Benny's about 1:50 a.m. Saturday. Bennett was in critical, but stable, condition following surgery at Mercy Hospital in Redding on Monday.

Johnnie Erwin, who remains in Yolo County awaiting transportation to Modoc, will be charged with assault and attempted murder. Amy Irwin and Preston were charged by the District Attorney with misdemeanor battery. An enhancement of child endangerment will be sought against Amy Erwin.

Police state that an argument apparently ensued between Erwin and Bennett outside of Benny's after they had been in the bar. Erwin and Bennett began to fight in the parking lot and Erwin's wife, Amy, and her brother, Preston, both jumped into the fight. Police say Bennett was stabbed seven times during the attack.

Police arrested Amy Erwin and Preston in Alturas that morning and Johnnie Erwin was arrested in Yolo County by California Highway Patrol later that day. The weapons have not yet been found.

Amy Erwin was also charged with child endangerment after police found her young children home alone at 3 a.m. Preston was also charged with cultivating marijuana, which was found at his home during the arrest.

BLM preparing to hire summer fire fighters

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management has begun planning for next summer's wildfire season in Northern California, and is now accepting applications for seasonal and career firefighting positions. The federal agency expects to fill about 45 positions in the north state, and urges anyone interested to submit applications as soon as possible.

"Applications received by January 31, will receive first consideration," said Jim Brown, BLM's regional fire management officer. "We have jobs open on our fire engine crews, on the helitack crew, the Diamond Mountain Hotshots, and on fuels reduction crews."

In addition to seasonal firefighters, Brown said BLM needs experienced firefighters to fill career positions as fire engine captains, assistant captains and operators, and as the assistant manager for helicopter crew. Career positions include health and retirement benefits.

Brown recommends that applicants mail either a resume, federal job application form SF 171 or federal job application form OF 612 to: Bureau of Land Management, California State Office, 2800 Cottage Way, Rm. W1834, Sacramento, CA 95825, Attention: Human Resources.

Applicants can also:

¥ Submit a Quick Hire application that can be found on the Internet at www.fire.blm.gov/recruit.htm

¥ Submit an application through the resume builder application, also found on the Internet at www.usajobs.opm.gov.

BLM's Northern California fire crews work from the fire stations in Susanville, West Valley (south of Alturas), Cedarville, and at the King Range National Conservation Area on the North Coast. Fire crews work in a season that typically runs from June through mid October. They conduct hazardous fuels reduction projects and natural resource improvement work, and respond to wildfires throughout California. They can be called to fires anywhere in the United States if the need arises.

More information is available from BLM offices in Alturas, Arcata, Susanville and Cedarville.

Stewardship committee meets January 16-17 in Cedarville

The Modoc-Washoe Experimental Stewardship Program will present viewpoints on the successes and future of the organization when the committee meets January 16 and 17 in Cedarville.

On Jan. 16, Rex Cleary, former district manager for the Bureau of Land Management in Susanville, will lead a 3 p.m. presentation focusing on the Stewardship organization.

The committee will review an action plan, first developed in 1999, then work on updating the plan to guide the committee's future work.

Pit River Watershed group aims to enhance quality

The Pit River Watershed Alliance is having its first meeting of the year. The meeting date is January 23, 2003 at the Canby Fire Hall in Canby, CA from 1:00-3:30 p.m. All individuals interested in the management activities of the Pit River watershed are encouraged to attend.

The Pit River Watershed Alliance is a community based, non-regulatory effort, which involves the active participation of various social, economic, and environmental interests. Private and public agencies are acting together to enhance the water quality and aquatic habitat of the Pit River Watershed. The California Department of Conservation (DOC) and CALFED provide resources to make the Pit River Watershed Alliance a reality. The DOC provides services and information that promotes environmental health, economic viability, informed land use-decisions, and sound management of our state's natural resources. CALFED is a cooperative effort working with local communities to improve the quality and reliability of California's water supplies.

The meeting agenda includes a presentation of the updated website (www.pitriveralliance.net), a water quality monitoring update, a presentation of the biology of the Modoc Sucker, a Pit River watershed assessment update, general discussion on the Pit 3, 4, and 5 Hydopower Relicensing Project (FERC #233), and a presentation of agricultural discharge waivers by the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board.

For more information about the meeting or the Alliance, contact James Rickert at (530) 524-8166 or Mark Steffek, (530) 233-8869.

Modoc, Napa officers seize Lookout drug lab

Modoc County Drug Task Force agents and investigators from the Napa County Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant at 100 Ranchette Drive in Lookout January 8, discovering stolen property as well as a drug lab. According to the Task Force, Napa officials had recently arrested Richard Allen White, age 35, of American Canyon, Ca. During that investigation, approximately $30,000 worth of stolen property was recovered in the Napa and Solano County areas.

White was out on bail from that arrest and was known to visit and have property in the Lookout areas. Agents observed a new boat located on the Lookout property and had information that a Napa boatÊdealership had reported boat equipment stolen.

During the execution of the warrant in Lookout, the boat was found to be stolen and a shed on the property contained two outboard motors as well as other stolen property. In addition, agents discovered a large drug lab both inside and outside a shed.

The Task Force contacted the California Department of Justice, Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement team to respond to process, dismantle and dispose of the lab.

The stolen property and drug lab information was turned over to the Modoc District Attorney's office with recommended charges of possession of stolen property and manufacturing an illegal controlled substance.

Obituaries:

Hazel Flournoy Dorris

Hazel Flournoy Dorris passed away on January 6, 2003, at Stollwood Convalescent Hospital in Woodland California.

Born on September 5, 1909 to the late Arthur and Lutie Flournoy in Likely, CA, she was the fourth of ten children. Her early years were spent on the family ranch in Likely. When the older children reached high school age, the family purchased a home in Alturas. Thereafter, her school terms were spent in Alturas and summers were spent on the ranch in Likely. Scarlet fever, at age 4, resulted in a severe hearing loss. Hazel learned to read lips while sitting on the lap of her teacher, Miss Dorothy Gloster, during recitation periods. She attended Modoc Union High School, excelling in basketball. She graduated with the class of 1927.

Hazel was married to Robert P. Dorris on June 2, 1930, in Reno, NV. Together they raised five children. Mr. Dorris preceded her in death in 1955. She remained in Modoc County until 1984, when she moved to Woodland, where she spent the remainder of her life. Easy-going and non-critical, Hazel made many friends, regardless of where she happened to be living.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Robert; parents, Arthur and Luthie Flournoy; three brothers, Kenneth Flournoy, John Flournoy, and Harry Flournoy; three sisters Helen Auble, Mabel Mitchell, and Georgie Flournoy; and, grandson, Paul Dorris.

Survivors include five children, Robert and wife, Helene, of Woodland; Daniel and wife Heather, of Chico; Deanne Pearson and husband, Joe, of Colusa; Ronald and wife, Rhonda, of Yreka; and, Roger and wife Connie, of Alturas; three brothers, Donald and wife Shirley, Robert and wife Lizette, Warren and wife Beverly, and sister-in-law, Mary Flournoy, all of Likely; eleven grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Private interment beside her husband in the Alturas Cemetery was held on January 10, 2003. Memorial Services for Hazel Dorris will be held on January 25, 2003, at 2:00 p.m. at the Federated Church in Alturas. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Blue Lake Youth Camp, Alturas, CA, or the Federated Church Scholarship Fund, Alturas CA., or to a charity of the donor's choice.

Amanda A. Hagge

Amanda Auguste Hagge passed away in her sleep at her ranch home outside Alturas, CA on January 14, 2003. Mrs. Hagge was nearing her 82nd birthday and was active and in good health, so her passing came unexpectedly to her friends and family.

Funeral services will be conducted by the Rev. Dr. Ben Zandstra at the Federated Church in Alturas on Friday, Jan. 17 at 1:00 p.m. Kerr Mortuary of Alturas is in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Hagge was born in Richert, Germany on February 27, 1921. The Record will publish a complete obituary next week.

Barbara June Davis-Shofner

Barbara June Davis-Shofner of Alturas passed away January 4, 2003 in Redding, Ca. from complications associated with a stroke.

Born Winifred June Handcock Brann on September 5, 1927 in Pekin, IL., she graduated from Pekin Community High School and went on to become a Registered Nurse, a profession in which she worked for several years until a back injury changed her career course. She worked for several years in medical offices and managed an Alturas office supply business after moving to Modoc County 30 years ago. She married Glenn N. Shofner on December 26, 1975 in Reno, Nv.

She is survived by her husband Glenn N. Shofner of Alturas; four sons, Gary L. Davis and wife Chris of Canoga Park, CA; Erik K. Braunn and wife Gail of Encino, CA.; Geoffrey M. Davis, Alturas, CA.; Ronald A. Davis and wife Tonya of Alturas and their families and brother Richard Bruder of Pekin, IL.

Memorial service will be private with immediate family in attendance.

Joseph H. Dillard

Adin resident, Joseph Dillard, passed away January 14, 2003, at the age of 85. Graveside services will be held at the Adin Community Cemetery, Adin, CA. on Saturday, January 18 at 2:00 p.m.

Mr. Dillard was born January 12, 1918 in Stringtown, Oklahoma. He served with the U.S. Army during World War II from 1942 to 1945. He was retired after 27 years at the Naval Fuel Depot in Pt. Molate, CA.

Mr. Dillard and his wife Jane reared their family and lived in Martinez, CA for 24 years, where he was involved in many community organizations. He and Jane retired to Adin, CA, where they enjoyed many happy years on their ranch.

Mr. Dillard is survived by his wife of 60 years, Jane, now a resident of Concord; a son Joe and daughter-in-law Sue of Susanville; a son Bill and daughter-in-law Cathy of Fairfield and a daughter Mary Jane and son-in-law Mike Byrne of Burlingame. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

A double memorial service was held January 5, 2003 for Alvina Marget Snoddy-White and Virginia Johnson Williams. The Rev. Dr. Ben Zandstra conducted the service at the Christine and William Compton home in Alturas, as the two women were Mrs. Compton's beloved grandmothers, who both passed away in December. Obituaries follow:

Alvina M. Snoddy-White

Mrs. White, 92, of Perryville, MO passed away Dec. 29, 2002.

Born August 29, 1910 to Carrie and Ceciel Heuer, she was a very hard-working farming child and woman who loved to laugh, tell jokes. Happiness flowed from her to others. She had so much "spunk" her granddaughter Christine Compton of Alturas called her "Spunkie."

A member of TOPS for many years, she was known to love her hats and hat pins and was always a lady. She loved church and took good care of her grandson Mark Waynger. She was thrilled in April 2000, when Christine visited for the first time in 30 years and introduced her daughter Brayta. Letters and recipes were shared throughout the years when they were unable to get together. She was also able to see her granddaughter Yvonne Barker of Palmdale in Sept. 2002 after a 42-year lapse and meet her husband Steve for the first time.

She was preceded in death by her two husbands, son Rex Snoddy, Jr., daughter Lavita Waynger, a son-in-law, two grandsons, a sister, three brothers and her parents. She is survived by five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, six great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and in-laws.

Virginia Johnson Williams

Virginia Johnson Williams, 89, of Hawthorne, CA passed away Dec. 22, 2002 in Hawthorne. Born Aug. 27, 1913, she was the only child of Jeremiah Johnson. She loved church, telling Bible stories and spent 40 years grafting and raising beautiful, unique roses in her backyard.

She loved spending quality time with her grand and great-grandchildren and kept a tricycle and red wagon on hand for all young children's visits. She was fond of saying she could live off God, coffee, root beer and ice cream.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 69-1/2 years, Earl Williams; daughter Janet Hass of Oregon, a grandson, three sons-in-law and her parents. She is survived by her daughters Mildred Bailey and Earleen Rhor of California, 7 grandchildren, two sons-in-law, 12 great-grandchildren, six great-great grandchildren numerous nieces, nephews and in-laws.

SPORTS

Modoc's wrestling team fourth at Anderson

Modoc's wrestling team took a respectable fourth place at the huge Anderson tournament over the weekend, but coach Shaun Wood felt they could have won the whole thing.

"We in first place part of the day and things were going very well," said Wood. "We had a few wrestlers who did not wrestle up to their potential, for whatever reason, or we could have won the tourney. Of course, we're very pleased we finished as high as we did, that's a tough tournament."

Modoc travels to Burney this weekend for the Burney Invitational and Wood expects the Braves to win the tourney by about 100 points. "I think we're going to be very focused the rest of the season," said Wood. "We had what I'd call a very good practice Monday."

Leading the Braves in Anderson was Cory Bell who placed second in the heavyweight category. He lost to the top seeded wrestler in the North Section, but Wood figures Bell can beat him before season's end.

Matt Maine also did very well, taking a third place at 152 pounds in a tough weight class. Freshman Travis Wood took a fourth place at 135 pounds. Luke Hammerness took a sixth at 145 pounds.

Billy Moriarity took a seventh at 119 pounds, Robert Flournoy was seventh at 140 pounds, J.D. Monroe was seventh at 189 pounds, and Jeremy Price was eighth at 160 pounds.

The Anderson tourney was won by Willows with 172.5 points, West Valley was second with 150 points, Wooster (Reno) was third with 140 points, Modoc fourth with 139, followed in order by Carson City 133.5,, Shasta-Redding 133, Grants Pass 130, Red Bluff 126, Will C. Wood 113, Bella Vista 108, Foothill 90, Anderson 85, Chico 79, Klamath Union 71, Lassen 69, Rio Linda 68, Reno 67, Central Valley 64, Paradise 61, Galt 42, Orland 41, Ceres 41, South Medford 37, Fall River 34, Kelseyville 32, Enterprise 32, Trinity 23, Burney 15, Ashland 13 and Chester 12.

While Modoc's main team was at Anderson, the remainder went to the Mt. Shasta tournament and did well, placing fifth. Adam Johnson won the 103 pound division, Jason Jones was second at 152 pounds, Ryan Carrithers was third at 135 pounds, Ian Jacques was third at 160 pounds, Mark Main was third at 171 pounds, Brad Bell was third at 189 pounds, Willie Mohr sixth at 130 and Nick Hawes sixth at 125 pounds.

Braves split in league openers

Modoc's Braves split in Shasta Cascade League opening games this last week, losing to Mt. Shasta Friday and then beating Weed Tuesday.

Modoc played a solid game here against the Weed Cougars, winning 59-42. The Braves led 18-12 after the first and used a 16-point second period to lead 34-19 by half. Modoc maintained a good lead 47-30 after three and matched points with 12 in the fourth.

Jack Britton led the scoring with 22 and Michael Bates added 11. Modoc coach Mike Martin was pleased with his defensive play against Weed and hopes to use that solid defense against a very good Trinity team on Saturday in Weaverville. They meet Burney in Alturas Friday.

Martin said the Mt. Shasta game was very physical, with the Bears creating havoc for the Braves in the fourth period. The game was close after one, 15-12, and the Bears still led 24-21 at halftime. Modoc was still in the game after three 40-33, but Mt. Shasta outscored them 27-9 in the fourth for the 67-42 win. Martin said the Bears' physical play and pressure forced Modoc into several turnovers.

Britton led the scoring with 10, Marty Stevens and Brody Thorn each added eight. Modoc was 14-for-17 at the free throw line.

Girls drop two to open SCL play

The Modoc girls varsity team ran into a good shooting Weed Cougar bunch Tuesday night, losing, 62-35, at home after losing to Mt. Shasta there last Friday, 51-41.

Against Weed, the Braves had trouble passing the ball and the Cougars had little trouble putting the ball in the hoop. The Braves started with a 5-4 lead midway through the opening period, but Weed added 10 points in the last three minutes while Modoc only added two. The Cougars blasted the Braves for a 24-7 lead before Modoc hit a bucket at the five minute mark of the second period, Modoc went into the halftime talks, down 31-15.

Weed pushed the score to 39-17 in the third and wound up leading 49-26 when the final period started. Weed won 62-35. Rachel Gover led the Braves with 22 points and Jennifer Davis added seven.

In Mt. Shasta the Braves played close, trailing at halftime, 22-21 and 38-32 in the third. The Bears added 13 points in the final period while Modoc netted nine. Gover led with 19 points and Davis added 16.

Modoc meets Burney here Friday night and travels to Trinity on Saturday.

SV girls win a pair

The Surprise Valley girls varsity team opened Evergreen League play with a 58-43 win at McCloud Friday night.

The Hornets took a 27-16 half-time lead and cruised for the win. They hit 18 of 23 free throws.

Cara James led with 19 points, with Camryn Mullen getting 15.

Saturday the Hornets beat Dunsmuir 43-29 with Mullen's 19 points leading the way. Roxanne Carpenter added 11 and James had nine.

JV boys beat Bears in OT

Modoc's junior varsity boys basketball team survived a hostile environment at Mt. Shasta Friday night and came away with a 62-58 overtime win.

The Braves got a good start, leading 12-6 after one and maintained a 28-19 lead by half. At the end of three the Braves led 40 to 33, but the Bears tied it up at 51 by the end of regulation. In the overtime period, Kyle Madison scored seven of his 27 points to lead the Braves to a 62-58 win. Micah Eppler dropped in 13 and K.C. Kirkreit added nine.

Modoc made it 2-0 to open league with a 48-45 win over Weed in Alturas Tuesday night.

The game was tied at 9-9 in the first and Modoc took a 28-18 lead at halftime. Weed cut into the score 34-29 after three and made it interesting down the stretch, but Modoc held them off. Eppler and Sean Wolfe each had 12 points.

Modoc JV girls split

Modoc's junior varsity girls team lost to Mt. Shasta 45-30 Friday night in Mt. Shasta. They trailed 8-5 after one and 21-8 by half. By the end of three, Mt. Shasta led 35-18.

Emily Pence had 12 for the Braves and Jesse Harden added five.

The girls lost to Mazama 47-29, falling behind at half 27-17. Harden led with 12 and Hannah Hays added none and Pence had eight.

Lassen beat the girls 31-25. Lassen led 22-5 at half-time and Modoc played better in the second half, scoring 20 points to Lassen's nine. Pence had 10, Hays eight, and Harden six.

Tuesday night the Braves beat Weed 44-26. They led 13-8 after one and 28-19 at the half. Harden led the scoring with 15 points, Pence added 13, Hays had eight, and Rachel Crosby had four.

January 23, 2003

NEWS

County told state budget impacts could be severe

Modoc County Chief Administrative Officer Mike Maxwell's budget report to the Board of Supervisors Tuesday was sobering, if not frightening.

"We've never been here before," Maxwell told the Board. "I can tell you this, the impacts of state cuts on local government will be severe and after last year's budget, there's not much left to cut other than services or people." Maxwell reported a nearly $1.2 million loss of county revenues over the next 18 months if the governor's budget proposals go through as presented. He said some of the numbers remain "fuzzy" and are ever-changing at the state level, but the equations will damage local government.

Maxwell said law enforcement came out smelling like a rose in the governor's initial proposals, so that area is not impacted. But he said there is no way counties are going to be able to shoulder the load of this massive budget crisis and still provide services.

Maxwell told the Board it needs to do everything in its power to inform state legislators of the impacts and effects of this budget crisis on counties. "We can hope for some bipartisanship effort at the state level," Maxwell said. "We didn't create the problem."

Senator Rico Oller's representative was in the audience Tuesday but didn't say anything.

Some of the hardest areas hit by the governor's proposal include the hospital, where a reduction in Medi-Cal reimbursement rates could amount to about $700,000 loss over the next 18 months. Those cuts will also impact the Surprise Valley Hospital, said Maxwell.

One area under question still is the state backfill of vehicle license fees, enacted when the license fees were reduced. If that remains a part of the proposal Modoc stands to lose $260,601 for this fiscal year and $487,449 for next fiscal year. In addition, the state is suggesting elimination of the local street and road funding, which would hit Modoc for $407,000 in 2002-03. Also in transportation, the state is suggesting a suspension of general fund transfers of transportation investment funds. That would be a $459,000 loss of revenue in traffic congestion relief funds in 2003-04 and a $130,000 delay in state transportation improvement program funds.

Maxwell said other areas where major cuts are proposed include the elimination of $50,000 in the prosecution of statutory rape program, which would mean the loss of the program and one-and-a-half positions.

One area that is not guesswork on the impact of increases is the county's PERS retirement system. That amounts to a $127,303 increase in the general fund and $121,315 in non-general fund areas over the next 18 months. In addition, there is also a $71,711 increase in Worker's Comp in the general fund and a $29,127 increase in property and liability insurance. In the non-general fund portion of the budget, there is an increase of $39,696 for worker's comp and $38,644 in property and liability insurance. Maxwell also pointed out the county should expect major cuts in state mandated programs involving social services, mental and public health, veteran's services, agriculture, child care, Williamson Act subventions, and others.

One area that could have major impacts will be a proposed "realignment" where the state transfers some services to the counties, but no funding to go along with those services. The last time that happened under Governor Pete Wilson, the counties were hit very hard.

"I'm probably going to be giving one of these reports at every meeting," Maxwell told the board, as numbers and proposals are constantly changing. "It's going to be a long summer."

MJUSD looks at $700,000 shortfall

The Modoc Joint Unified School District could be looking at a $700,000 loss of funds over the next 18 months if the Governor's proposed seven percent reduction in funding is approved.

Monday, the MJUSD Board of Trustees enacted several budget reductions locally which are effective from now until June 20. Those reductions amount to $176,570.

According to Superintendent Dr. Kevin Jolly, the board has three priorities: strong support of student learning, maintaining jobs, and balancing the budget. The 2003-04 budget will be finalized following the state legislature's action on the overall state budget.

Included in the board's approved cuts from now on are: 2.5 percent reduction in operational budgets, saving $20,750; moving unrestricted instructional expenses to restricted lottery carryover at year's end, $40,000; assignment changes (aide/teacher) $17,000; reduced conference costs $9,000; elimination of SIP and Title 1 District support of carryover $60,000; reduction of remaining balance of athletic funds by $5,000; double transportation rates to reflect actual costs $5,000; use leave instead of vacation buy-out for 12-month employees $3,500; eliminate overtime for snow removal $1,500; eliminate 60 percent of cell phones $2,500; charge back electrical costs of soda machines to sites $4,070; charge operational supply budgets for additional staffing breaks, $1,500; and other cuts.

No railroad in Alturas future

The possibility of Alturas acquiring the Union Pacific rail line from Alturas to Wendell disappeared this week when it was sold to another entity. According to Planning Director Scott Kessler, who was authorized by the City Council to look into a possible purchase, said he was advised this week that it was sold. Equipment should be arriving in a few days to begin the dismantling process of the entire line.

County rescinds Thoms Creek road acceptance

Modoc County Supervisors voted to rescind a December 17 action accepting a Thoms Creek Estates road, and then denied a new request to accept the road.

The board is also opting to set up a committee to study the road issue and come back with a recommended policy for accepting roads into the county system. The board voted to rescind the December 17 action because of a variety of legal issues, including the fact that it had made no legally defensible finding to violate one of its own ordinances and a conflict of interest was apparent.

Supervisor Mike Dunn, who lives on the road in question, and who had a conflict last time around, excused himself from the meeting and did not participate in the discussion.

Representatives of the Thoms Creek Homeowners' Association were on hand requesting the board reconsider the issue, which, after a nearly two-hour discussion, they denied.

Vanston Shaw, president of the Association, said the board should reconsider the road and accept it because the situation was unique. He said the road, Warner Mountain Drive, is a loop, and about half of it is already in the system. Accepting the other 1.3 miles would be a logical conclusion to an action taken by an earlier board when they accepted the first half. He also stressed there were safety issues involved, as well as accessibility for fire departments, emergency crews, repair and utility crews.

While those findings may have been important, County Counsel Vicki Cochran explained that they all could be applicable for other subdivisions in the county and, in her opinion, were not legally defensible. She explained that the law on the books is legally binding unless a special finding can be made. She told the board and audience she had not heard such a finding in the discussions.

Supervisor Dan Macsay made the motion, finally, to deny the acceptance of the road. He also said a committee, under the direction of Road Commissioner Tom Tracy should be set up to come up with solid policies on road acceptance. He also stipulated that the committee should have those recommendations back to the board within six months.

Tracy had told the board in the discussion that if it accepted the Thoms Creek road in its present state, it would have no legal grounds to refuse much of the 200 or so miles of non-county roads into the system. He said the cost of accepting roads is prohibitive.

Cochran further explained that following past practices are not a legal de fense. She said that just because county boards had broken its own ordinance in the past was no excuse, under the law, to break it again. Supervisor Dave Bradshaw said he had some concerns about accepting new roads into the system when he sees county roads in his area not getting the maintenance or attention they need now.

Tracy told the board he was recommending, again, against accepting the road into the system and suggested they might take another direction and look at abandoning some of the county roads now in the system. While he said he would like to see all public roads in the county under the system, it's just not financially feasible. In many subdivisions, including Thoms Creek, homeowners associations are set up, under the bylaws, to maintain their roads.

There was little argument that the road in question did not meet minimum standards now set up in county law. Tracy presented a report where a road department technician measured the width of the road at 250 feet intervals. It showed the road being from 14 feet to 18 feet wide, well below the standard of 24 feet for acceptance.

Thoms Creek property owners will have another chance to seek acceptance of Warner Mountain Drive once the new policies are set in place.

Jobless rates keep going higher

Modoc's unemployment rate continues to climb and for December reached a level of 8.32 percent, up from November's revised rate of 7.8 percent and above last December when it stood at 8.0 percent.

The number of people in the workforce dropped from November's 4,460 to December's 4,380, and the number of unemployed went up from 350 to 360 people. In October, the unemployment rate was 5.2 percent and 230 people were listed as unemployed. For December, the state unemployment rate was 6.3 percent and the national rate was 5.7 percent.

Modoc's 8.2 percent jobless rate ranks it 36th highest of the state's 58 counties. Lassen County had a unemployment rate of 6.8 percent ranking it 28th and Siskiyou had a rate of 11.3 percent, ranking it 45th.

The lowest unemployment rate was in Marin at 3.4 percent and the highest was Colusa at 24.9 percent.

Obituaries:

Amanda A. Boyens-Hagge

Modoc rancher Amanda Auguste Boyens-Hagge, 81, passed away at her ranch home outside Alturas, CA. on January 14, 2003. The Rev. Dr. Ben Zandstra conducted services at Federated Church in Alturas on Friday, Jan. 17 at 1 p.m.

Born in Richert, Germany on February 27, 1921 to Julius August and Margareta Boyens, she was reared in a small German village on a dairy. She grew up milking cows, hoeing potatoes and sugar fields, and helping with all the other jobs required on a small dairy.

Amanda was the oldest of four children; she had three younger brothers, Hans Julius, Karl Heinz, and Paul Gerhart.

Her brother Karl Heinz was killed in the war in January, 1944. Her surviving brothers, Hans Julius and Paul, are both dairymen in Germany, and Amanda kept in close contact with them. She traveled back to Germany several times, and last visited her brothers in September, 2001, when she traveled to celebrate her brother Julius' 50th Wedding Anniversary.

Amanda had an independent, pioneer spirit. When she heard of a gentleman traveling back to his home country in order to find a German wife to marry and accompany him back to America, at 27 years old, she was ready for the adventure. Even though it meant leaving her family and many friends, without knowing if she would ever see them again, she married William Hagge on January 15, 1949. It was October, 1949 before she would have all her paper work in order to travel to her new home in America, Modoc County.

Living on a fairly remote ranch, Amanda met the challenges of getting to know her new husband, learning a new language, learning to drive, and just understanding the traditions of a new town known for "Where the West Still Lives," with determination. She did all of this, and in September, 1950, her first child, John Julius, was born, soon to be followed by William Kenneth in February, 1952. In March 1955, Amanda and Bill were further blessed with a daughter, Erika Christina, and then in October, 1966, Mark Christian's arrival was a surprise blessing.

Amanda loved her new country and immersed herself in ranch life. One of her proudest accomplishments was passing her test to become an American citizen. She enjoyed her garden, raising chickens, cooking and canning. She loved to entertain by hosting many dinner parties and enjoyed cooking for the many activities that took place on the ranch. Bill enjoyed hunting and Amanda loved to cook what he hunted. In 1958, Bill built Amanda a beautiful new home on the ranch- -she was especially proud of her modern new ranch house.

Her happy days with Bill came to an abrupt end when Bill unexpectedly passed away in October, 1968. At that time, her children were 18, 16, 13 and almost 2. Amanda had to become a full-time rancher and finished raising her children by herself. Through many tough times, Amanda's strong, pioneer spirit, helped her raise her children to become very independent and successful adults, and, along with her oldest sons, John and Willy, kept the Hagge Ranch running.

Throughout her life, Amanda had many hobbies including golfing, gardening, cooking and sewing. She was actively involved with many organizations; Modoc County CowBelles, Alturas Garden Club, Book Club and was a member of the Federated Church in Alturas.

An avid reader, she kept current on local and world events. She had a great memory, and would amaze her children with her ability to recall events, recipes, birthdates, and anniversaries. She especially enjoyed taking a daily tour of the ranch with her car and would often surprise John and Willy where she was able to get to and where she could get stuck.

Amanda continued to stay active in the ranch and would always inquire as to where the cattle were or how the hay crop looked. She often asked, "Shouldn't you irrigate that field again," or "Why don't you bale the hay?" She enjoyed being involved in all the ranch activities.

Amanda loved her family and enjoyed all of her grandchildren. After eight grandsons and a long wait, Amanda was especially joyed by the birth of her first granddaughter in 2001.

Amanda was an amazingly strong, independent and loving woman. She will be greatly missed by all her family and friends.

She is survived by her son John and wife Robin and their sons, Shawn, Kevin, Ryan, Christian and Landin of Alturas; son Willy and wife Nancy and their son Bryce of Alturas; daughter Erika and husband Daryl Bender and their sons Drew and Shane of Chico; son Mark and wife Carrie and their daughter Andrea of Boise, Idaho. She is also survived by family in Germany: brother Hans Julius and wife Anniemarie Boyens and their children, Karl Heinz and Heidrum; brother Paul and wife Annie Boyens and their children Andreas, Christa, Birte and all her nieces and nephews. Those wishing to make memorial donations may do so to the Federated Community Church, 307 East First St., Alturas, CA 96101, or to a charity of their choice.

Kerr Mortuary in Alturas was in charge of arrangements.

Scott Fitzpatrick

Scott Fitzpatrick passed away at his home in Alturas, CA on January 17, 2003. Graveside services will be held at the Alturas Cemetery on Friday, Jan. 24, at 2:00 p.m.

He was born July 9, 1946 in Portland, OR, and shortly thereafter his family moved to Alturas. Scott was a graduate of Modoc Union High School Class of 1964. Scott attended Santa Rosa Junior College and Oregon Technical Institute in Klamath Falls, OR.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army during which time he served a tour of duty in Vietnam. Scott then settled in Sacramento, CA and started a 25-year career with A. Teichert & Sons Construction Company. During the 1980s, he touched many young lives coaching youth soccer and baseball. After retiring, he returned to live in Alturas.

Scott will be remembered by many for his handle bar mustache, his great sense of humor, and his love of playing practical jokes.

He is survived by his two loving sons Keith and Chris and his former wife Charlene of Sacramento; sisters Penny Keeney and Joanne Smith, brother-in-law Chic Keeney of Alturas and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father and mother Delbert and Lillian Fitzpatrick. Remembrances may be made to either the Alturas Elks Lodge 1756 or the Alturas Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3327.

Mary E. Harris

Mary Ellen Harris passed away Friday, Jan. 17, 2003, in San Francisco, CA, after a long illness.

The Harris family resided in Canby and Alturas, CA, for eight years during late 1970s and early 80s, where they still have friends. Mrs. Harris was a full-time homemaker and mother.

She was born Mary Ellen Vanderlinden on February 17, 1942 in Southgate, CA. Her husband Gary preceded her in death on Jan. 11, 1997 as did her granddaughter Jeannette Parkyn.

She is survived by her sister Shirley Beebe of Norwalk, CA.; brother David Cummings of Hesperia; sons Dennis Harris of Grand Prairie, Texas and Allen Harris of Cathlamet, WA and daughter Dawna Parkyn of Redding, CA. She is also survived by eight grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

Services will be held at McDonald's Chapel in Redding on Saturday, Jan. 25 at 11 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the National Diabetes Association or to the National Kidney Foundation.

SPORTS

Braves pin Burney invite by 100

Modoc coach Shaun Wood, a little less than pleased with his team's overall performance in Anderson last week, told the boys he wanted to win the Burney Invitational by at least 100 points.

Some of his wrestlers said practice this last week was a bit "intense." Must have paid off, as the Braves won the event going away with 278.5 points. Bonanza was second at 151, Middletown third at 124, Corning 106, Quincy 102, Etna 100.5, Modoc B 87, Fall River 85.5, Mt. Shasta 85.5, Burney 71, Chester 71, Hamilton City 65, Los Molinas 43, Cloverdale 36, Bishop Quinn 11, Tulelake 4 and Portola 0.

"We did what I expected us to do this week," said Wood. "It was a good outing for us and I think we put things more into perspective." It's not that Wood wasn't pleased with his team's fourth-place overall finish at the huge Anderson tournament the week before, he just felt they should have won the whole thing.

Modoc heads to the Central Valley Invitational and then to Corning. Modoc won six individual titles in Burney and had 10 wrestlers in the final 14 matches. Bill Moriarity won the 119-pound division. Moriarity was named the Outstanding Lightweight in the tournament.

Robert Flournoy rebounded from Anderson by winning the Burney Invite, beating Bonanza's Robert Callaghan at 140 pounds. Luke Hammerness won the 145-pound division over Fall River's Greg Handa. Jason Jones beat 160-pound teammate Ian Jacques to win the division.

J.D. Monroe won the 189-pound division. Monroe won the most falls in the least time award, pinning four opponents in 3:31 total.

Cory Bell beat Bonanza's Zach Thomas to win the heavyweight division. He also had the fastest pin in the event at nine seconds.

At 135 pounds, Modoc's Travis Wood placed second to Fall River's Bobby Main, one of the top ranked wrestlers in the section. Brian Weed took a second at 112 pounds and Matt Maine was second at 152 pounds. Mike Main took a third at 215 pounds, Brad Bell was third at 189, Joey Catania third at 171, Nick Hawes was third at 119. Scott Buchanan was third at 112. Adam Johnson was fourth at 103.

Braves split in SCL, at home this week

The Modoc Braves varsity boys team beat Burney, 62-43, Friday night and lost to Trinity there, 60-50, Saturday.

This week the Braves have Fall River at home Friday night and Etna comes to town Saturday. Game times Saturday are: JV girls, 2 p.m., JV boys, 3:30 p.m., varsity girls, 5 p.m., and varsity boys, 6:30 p.m.

Against Burney, Modoc took a 12-10 first period lead and posted a 27-19 lead by half. By the end of three, Modoc led 41-27 and outscored Burney 21-16 in the fourth. Jack Britton led with 22 points, Michael Bates added 11 and Cam Jeffers had 11.

Modoc let Trinity get out to a 10-1 lead in the first period Saturday and then played solidly the rest of the way, but weren't able to get the win. Trinity ended the first period up 13-5 and led 28-19 at halftime. The Wolves led 45-29 after three. Modoc outscored Trinity 21-15 in the final eight minutes.

Britton led the scoring with 20, Bates added 12 and Shiloh Pierce had eight.

Modoc Girls topple Burney in comeback

Modoc's girl's varsity beat the Burney Raiders 46-42 Friday night in Alturas, but it took a big fourth period to get it done.

Modoc played to a 7-6 lead after one, but Burney took a 18 point second period and led 24-17 at the horn. The Braves cut the lead to 30-27 at the end of three and then outscored the Raiders 19-12 in the final eight minutes for the win.

Leading the charge was Rachel Gover, who finished the night with 30 points and 12 rebounds. Coach Kenny Demick said Gover had an excellent game and also felt that Jamie Kuhn was a key on defense and sophomore Brittany Berchtold gobbled up the rebounds. Liz Younger had six points for Modoc, hitting two threes.

The Braves lost to Trinity in Weaverville Saturday, 42-31. Demick said the girls can beat Trinity next time around. They got into a hole early, trailing 13-7 after one and 27-13 at halftime. Trinity maintained a big lead 35-19 at the end of three. Modoc came back to cut the lead to nine in the fourth, but couldn't get any closer.

Jennifer Davis had 13 points and Danielle Reyes had seven. The Braves have a home weekend, with Fall River here Friday night and Etna coming to town on Saturday.

Brave JV boys split

Modoc's junior varsity basketball team lost its first league game this year at Trinity 52-28, in a game coach Bunk Richardson said was as ugly as the score.

Modoc beat Burney, 53-37, Friday night at home, playing a solid game. They led 12-9 in the first and 22-19 at halftime. They pulled out to a 42-31 lead after three and added nine points in the final period to Burney's seven. Micah Eppler led with 16 points and Kyle Madison added 12.

The trip to Trinity was a little different. Modoc opened up well, leading 12-11 at the end of one. Then the wheels fell off. By halftime, Trinity led 30-14 and by the end of the third period, the Wolves led 42-18. The final was 52-28. Cory Funk led the scoring with 10 and Sean Wolfe added eight.

The Braves meet Fall River here Friday and Etna comes to Alturas on Saturday.

Hornets hoopsters celebrate Homecoming

The Surprise Valley Hornets will celebrate Homecoming 2003 when they meet Butte Valley January 24 in Cedarville. The Homecoming royalty will be crowned that evening.

The Hornets are coming off a win against Happy Camp January 17, 36-32. The Hornets led at half-time 19-14, but Happy Camp tied the game at 27-all to end the third quarter. With 3:46 left in the game, Hornets' leading scorer, Camryn Mullen was fouled on a lay-up and injured her knee. She had to leave the game. Walgenbach came in and made one of two free throws to give the Hornets the win as neither team scored again. Cara James led the scoring with 16 and Mullen added nine.

The Hornets lost to a strong Tulelake Honker team, Jan. 14, 77-55. The key was the Honkers' 22 steals, stopping Surprise Valley in its sneakers. Tulelake led 36-30 by halftime and went on to outscore the Hornets 41-25 in the second half. James led the scoring with 19 and Mullen added 17.

Show students support via Booster membership

Modoc High Boosters have always been financially supportive of the student athletic programs at Modoc High. With budget cuts at the state level affecting programs this year, Boosters' financial help is needed now more than ever says Shaun Wood, Modoc High Athletic Director.

The Boosters are making it their goal to help as much as possible now and encourage community residents and past alumni to take up membership in Modoc High Boosters. Patti Wood, President of Modoc High Boosters, welcomes all interested to join the organization which benefits Modoc High School Sports Programs.

Membership is $10 per year or $25 for three years and membership cards will be assigned. Booster members have their names printed on home game programs; receive a dollar off when they show their cards for game admission and are afforded other benefits.

Monthly meetings are open to all members and are held the first Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Teacher's Lounge at Modoc High. Members are encouraged to attend to vote on issues affecting finances and purchases.

For more information regarding Boosters, please contact Patti Wood at (530) 233-4649. Membership dues may be made payable to: Modoc High Boosters and mail to 805 Park St., Alturas, CA 96101.

January 30, 2003

NEWS

1st casualty of health care budget crisis: MMC dental clinic

The first casualty locally of the state's budget crisis will be Modoc Medical Center's Dental Health Clinic, which will close March 28.

Hospital Administrator Teresa Jacques was saddened to release the news this week that a cut in the clinic's Medi-Cal reimbursement rate, which amounts to about $66,000, makes it impossible financially to keep the clinic open.

She said it was a very difficult decision for the Board of Trustees and her to make. But, she said, they were forced into the position and had no other choice.

The dental clinic is seeing about 250 patients per month, according to Jacques, and its closing will be a major impact on those people. The Canby Clinic will still see MediCal patients.

"There was just no way we could keep the dental clinic open," said Jacques this week. "We are having to look at every service we're providing and look at every dime we're spending. There may be other changes."

Closing the clinic will also lead to the loss of jobs: one dentist, two dental assistants, one receptionist and two part-time dental hygienists. Jacques is also concerned about future cuts in reimbursement rates proposed in the Governor's state budget. Those impacts could hit the long term care facility to the tune of up to a $500,000 loss.

Modoc Chief Administrative Officer Mike Maxwell, shared Jacques' despair in closing the clinic. He said the state budget has not yet been firmed up, but there could be serious other cuts coming down the line. In the hospital's case, Maxwell said the cuts come at a time when the facility had turned the corner financially and was beginning to operate at break-even or in the black. The reimbursement cuts could have negative impacts on all rural hospitals in the state, he said.

Maxwell said the budget picture has not cleared up at the state level yet, where the Governor and legislature are jockeying for positions and priorities. All counties and cities are forecasting some major reductions in their funding, if some changes aren't made in the Governor's original proposal.

County tells new Forest Super that juniper program a high priority

Modoc's County Supervisors had a warm welcome for new Modoc National Forest Supervisor Stan Sylva Tuesday morning and expressed support for the agency and continued cooperation.

The county did stress the importance of the juniper management program that is ongoing, and understudy, in the county. They asked that Sylva remain committed to the project, both from an economic and environmental perspective.

Sylva, who has now been on the job just over two weeks, coming from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, explained to the board that he was raised near Montague (Yreka area) and actually got his start working for the forest service on the Devil's Garden and Double Head Ranger districts. "We feel like we're coming home" said Sylva, whose wife LuRena, grew up in Alturas and graduated from Modoc High School.

"We're now formalizing the forest's work plan for the year," said Sylva, who said the task is made a bit more daunting since his budget has not been passed at the federal level. "We've focused on identifying an achievable plan for the year."

Sylva said he understood the cooperative nature of the Modoc County-Modoc National Forest relationship and pledged to continue along that route. He said some of the areas of concern include the National Fire Plan, Big Valley Sustained Yield Unit, an Integrated Resource Assessment, the Modoc Resource Advisory Committee activities, Medicine Lake Highlands and overall activity on the forest.

The board also approved a request from the Newell Renewal Committee for that group to build a soccer field behind the Newell Fire Station. The funding and equipment for the facility is coming from that organization. Supervisors felt it was a positive move by the community and agreed to allow the soccer field. According to organizer Daleen McElmurry, a basketball court is planned for the future and she will submit those plans to the county. No county funds are involved in the project.

The board also moved to insure its opposition is noted to a planned California Wildlife Conservation Board acquisition of 2,000 acres on Fitzhugh Creek south of Alturas.

The WCB is supposed to meet on the issue at its Feb. 11 meeting in Sacramento. While much of Fitzhugh Creek is now owned by the state, the last portion is apparently now under a purchase agreement. It is private land sold to the state for conservation reasons.

Modoc Resource Analyst Sean Curtis told the board that Modoc thought the issue was dead two years ago and hadn't heard about it until last week. He said the state is obligated, under a memorandum of understanding with Modoc, to notify the county well in advance of any action.

The issue will come back to the next meeting and a letter to the WCB will be drafted and sent, detailing Modoc's opposition to the sale as well as its disgust that the county was not notified, as is required.

Some objections aired on West Valley hydro plant project

By Anthony E. Larson

Special to The Record

The lengthy review process began last week for the proposed project to put two modest-sized power plants on the South Fork of the Pit River. In a meeting held last Thursday at the Modoc County Planning Department, the first in a series of public review meetings to obtain input from the public, approximately 30 people attended to voice their opinion to the Modoc County Environmental Review Committee on the project.

At issue is the proposed construction of two, small hydroelectric power plants at West Valley with a combined output of about 2600 kilowatts, enough to power about 2,000 average homes. Water to turn the turbines would be taken from the river and then returned to its natural watercourse, bypassing about 3 miles of streambed.

In the course of the meeting, Dave Alvord, associate planner for the county, reviewed an environmental checklist required by law, which was provided by the developer, and accepted all comments, taking notes on concerns. Several Likely residents raised objections, concerned primarily about the project's potential impact on property values, stream flows, fish habitat, stream turbidity and noise. Some expressed concern that Nick Josten, project developer and engineer, had done all the research and study himself for the proposed project rather than relying on independent, third party companies. Alvord agreed, noting that during the licensing and permitting process, his department would require that independent firms verify all data and conclusions.

Ken McGarva, chairman of the South Fork Irrigation District, who felt there would be "very little negative impact" from implementation of the project, explained the water users' position to all present, since the use of water for power generation is at their discretion. He explained that keeping the river "alive" is in everyone's best interest, which is why the district maintains certain minimum water flows.

Questions regarding the point at which a lack of stream flows would drop below levels needed for power generation, information vital to understanding the potential impact of stream integrity and fish habitat, went unanswered. Alvord expressed dismay that Josten was not present to answer such engineering questions. "If it turns out that there are hazards that they (the developer) need to mitigate, then we will recommend that they go to the other site or find another site altogether," explained Alvord, who went on to say that all the public's concerns would be fully addressed as the review process moves forward.

McGarva attempted to allay fears of "stealing" water to generate power by emphasizing that use of the water for power generation is "non-consumptive." That is, all the water taken out of the stream to turn turbines is ultimately returned to the stream, resulting in no loss of water to downstream users. Chiding those who seemed fearful about the water use aspects of the project, McGarva commented, "You need to study the water flow chart that's involved before you get too upset about the whole situation."

Representatives from the BLM and the Forest Service who attended the meeting pointed out that much of the research used by Josten to support the proposal was outdated, some as much as 20 years, since it was done by the South Fork Irrigation District in the early 1980s when a similar project was proposed. Present standards and practices would require a more thorough review for such a project, they added. In any case, the BLM review process cannot begin until the applicant provides funding for such work, which has not yet happened.

Noting his dismay at the applicant's lack of recent research and data, Alvord said to those in attendance, "I'll admit to you that some of the information is pretty thin."

The developer, Josten, indicates in the information and documentation he provided, that any extraordinary turbidity (clouding) of the water would end after construction. Residents seem to feel that it will be an ongoing problem as long as the plants are in operation, affecting not only stream quality and fish habitat but property values as well.

The members of the irrigation district would benefit financially somewhat from the operation of the proposed power plants, receiving about $20,000 annually, McGarva admitted. He also added that this was not their primary motivation for supporting the project. Rather, the fact that most of the elements needed to put the project in operation, the dam, ditches, etc., were already in place made this project very workable. That fact, taken together with a proper understanding of water use and the low impact on the stream and the environment, make this a desirable project. Since the meeting, Alvord reports, Annie Manji of the California Department of Fish and Game contacted him to recommend that the proposal be tabled pending a thorough review of the project by DFG.

Long day for officers in Goose Lake incident

For local law enforcement, Tuesday was a very long day, but the end result turned out to be good.

Modoc County Sheriff Bruce Mix said he was called to Davis Creek Tuesday morning concerning a man who had run though a stop sign at the intersection of U.S. 395 at a high rate of speed, had driven out to the causeway over Goose Lake and set his vehicle on fire.

The Davis Creek Fire Department responded to the vehicle fire and encountered Gary Hatfield, 33, of Olivehurst, Ca., who faced them with a knife in each hand. Firemen called for law enforcement help.

When Mix got to the scene, Hatfield had gone into a field still holding onto the knives and had a dog with him. His vehicle was destroyed by the fire. Mix, deputies and officers from the California Highway Patrol and Alturas Police Department tried to corral the man in the field with their vehicles, but he kept avoiding them. Mix said it appeared he wanted to commit "cop assisted suicide" but that wasn't going to happen. Mix said he had been reported missing by his wife two days earlier in the Olivehurst area. Why he chose to come to Modoc was not known.

Mix said Hatfield finally went to the edge of Goose Lake, stripped to just his underwear and walked out into the lake about a half mile. The water was only about six inches deep, but the lake bottom is very soft and muddy. Mix said Hatfield sat down in the water and as officers watched, cut his neck and wrists. None of the cuts appeared life threatening, said Mix, but the cold weather may have had something to do with keeping the blood flow slow.

Mix said the officers decided to wait until they could capture Hatfield cal