April 25, 2002

NEWS

County hears about city annexation plans

Modoc County Planner Scott Kessler informed the Board of Supervisors Tuesday that the City of Alturas will be making application to annex city-owned land at the Alturas Airport and the mill site, where the Railroad Museum is located.

The City is also looking to increase its Sphere of Influence to incorporate more of an area outside the city limits. Kessler explained to supervisors that the Sphere of Influence has nothing to do with extending the city limits, but shows an area in the General Plan where the city feels it impacts property.

Both the annexation and the Sphere of Influence will be taken by application through the Local Agency Formation Commission, LAFCO, for review and decision.

According to Kessler, the City wants to tidy things up on property it owns, especially in the economic and grant writing arenas. He explained that the city could seek grant funding on the Railroad site, for instance, but the permitting process would have to go through the county as the land is now in the county. Placing it within the city's boundaries makes the process much less cumbersome.

The City will have to negotiate with the county as far as any lost revenues in property taxes once the property goes inside the city limits. According to Modoc Assessor Josie Johnson, the property taxes on the land in question don't amount to much.

One of the county's concerns down the line is that if the city annexes the land, the county would have little say over projects proposed by the city on that land once it's within the city limits. Both entities are hoping a cooperative effort can be undertaken.

The annexation and Sphere of Influence will be the first major test for LAFCO, since the state ordered the commission separated from county control. It is supposed to act as an independent body, without undue political influence. The City and County each are funding the LAFCO budget to the tune of $17,325.

According to Kessler, the City will make application within the next month and the hearings on the issue may takes a few months.

Fat Boy offered by Niles Theater

So you think you're bad? Alturas Community Theater, ACT, in Alturas is giving bad boys a chance to prove it by offering a 2002 Harley Davidson Fat Boy as the prize in a raffle started this week.

Tickets are $25 each and a limit of 1,500 will be sold, so the odds on winning are pretty good. The drawing will be held when the tickets are sold, and the Alturas Community Theater is tentatively targeting Fandango Days to get the job done and give the bike away. At the moment the Fat Boy is on display at Plumas Bank in Alturas.

If the winner doesn't want the Harley, he can take $15,000 in cash. Registration and sales tax is paid on the Harley.

Proceeds from this raffle are going to replace the damaged and dangerous roof at ACT's Niles Theater in Alturas. ACT directors know the community supports the theater operation all year with donations and by buying tickets, but the roof was becoming a serious problem and ACT felt a special fundraiser for the roof was warranted.

Tickets, with initial sales being brisk, are available from Antonio's, Tulelake Auto Parts, ACT, Inc. at the Niles Theater, Seab's True Value, Napa Auto Parts, Bethel's Propane, Dolby Insurance, Plumas Bank, Modoc Insurance, Pioneer Auto Body, Karen Hays, Duanna Knighton, Modoc Engines, Alturas Tire, Les Schwab Tire and Fritz Barclay.

No injuries in roll-over

Alturas businessman Bill Hamby, age 63, escaped injury April 18, 8:20 a.m. when he lost control of his 1998 Ford Explorer on Highway 299, just east of County Road 75

According to the California Highway Patrol, Hamby was westbound when he encountered ice on the roadway. The vehicle lost traction and started to rotate. He attempted to stop the rotation, but the vehicle left the road, entered a ditch on the north and overturned

Hamby was wearing his seatbelt and the airbags deployed, keeping him from injury. The vehicle was heavily damaged

A Fernley, Nevada woman was arrested alleging driving under the influence after damaging the canopy at the Termo Store April 17, 5:50 p.m. According to the CHP, Antoinette Dragmire, age 59, drove her 1992 Honda under the wood canopy at the store on U.S. 395, stopped about halfway under and then attempted to make a left turn, ramming and breaking the canopy support post. She then backed up and drove out from under the canopy. When a store employee started to approach the vehicle, she drove off, heading south. She was stopped a short time later by the Susanville CHP and arrested on DUI charges

There were no injuries in an accident April 18, 6:50 a.m. on U.S. 395 south of Glen Street

The CHP reports Chavez Munguia, age 26, was driving a 1972 Ford Pickup southbound at about 30-35 m.p.h. and began to accelerate. He lost control of the vehicle on the snow-covered roadway. It slid across the northbound lanes and off the east shoulder. The vehicle rolled and sustained minor damage

There were minor injuries in a Honda Quad mishap at 775 Westside Road near Termo April 22, 6:30 p.m

The CHP reports Tammy Cole, age 43, of Termo was returning from a ride on a Honda Quad at about 6:30 p.m. As she neared her home, she hit a rock and was thrown from the Honda. She was transported to Likely by a friend, where they met the ambulance. She was then transported to Modoc Medical Center by ambulance, treated and released with minor injuries. .

Christensen goes pro

Former Modoc High School star Kayte Christensen has been drafted by the Women's National Basketball Association's Phoenix Mercury. She was drafted number 40 in the third of four rounds.

Christensen started four years for the U.C. Santa Barbara Gauchos, where she led in all-time field goal percentage at 54.9 percent, ranked 11th in scoring and sixth in rebounds. She also earned Big West Conference Player of the Year honors as well as Kodak District VIII All America Honors. Her team was ousted in the second round of the NCAA Division I tourney. "I'm relieved that I finally know where I'm headed," said Christensen. "I'm just glad I got drafted, because the team tryouts will give me a good opportunity to show the Mercury what I can do to help their team."

Student Art Show in May

The 18th annual Spring Juried Modoc Student Art Show is scheduled to run May 3-31 at The Art Center in downtown Alturas.

The student artist reception will be held May 3, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at The Art Center. The show exhibits the work of Modoc and Surprise Valley High School students and is always well attended. The public is invited.

Ribbons will be awarded for first through fourth, and honorable mentions in each category. There will also be three "Best of Show" awards presented. The art show is sponsored by The Art Center, Modoc County Arts Council, California Arts Council, Modoc and Surprise Valley Joint Unified School Districts and the Modoc County Office of Education.

Hint of Africa new to county museum for May 1 opening

Many of the artifacts showcased at the Modoc County Museum this season are literrts of an elephant -- including a foot, a tooth and a pair of exquisitely-carved ivory tusks -- an ostrich egg, a large lizard and the skins of a zebra, a lion and a 15-foot python.

"It's absolutely amazing," curator Paula Murphy says of the python skin, which was carefully laid in a display case for preservation, instead of being hung on a wall.

Most of the African items are on temporary loan from a Dr. Nelson of Redding and Steen Hendriksen, nephew of curator assistant Dixie Server. "I thought it was too nice to pass up," says Murphy of the African objects. She thought school-aged children would enjoy learning about another culture.

Other additions include a touch display of elk, skunk, coyote, rabbit, badger, wolverine, fox, buffalo, and raccoon furs; a walking spinning wheel from the 1800s donated by the Lyman Weaver family; and obsidian and sunstone necklaces. "We get so many people in who like to do rock hounding. I thought it would be fun to show the end results," Murphy explained. A border made of scrapers, knives and spears now accentuates the Native American exhibits.

And, Kurt Aarstad of the Bureau of Land Management will showcase western juniper in Modoc County.

Lastly, the commercial book section has expanded to include a larger selection of activity, coloring and educational children's books.

The museum, located at 600 S. Main St., Alturas, will open next Wednesday, May 1. Days and hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Burn permits required May 1

Burn Permits will be required starting on Wednesday, May 1 within the Alturas city limits, according to City of Alturas Fire Marshal Joe Watters. The permits are required prior to using burn barrels, for any wood or paper burning, on the ground burning or vegetation burning. The permit season is from May 1, 2002 to December 1, 2002.

The free permits may be obtained by calling (530) 233-4500 or stop by the Alturas City Fire Department at 103 South Howard St., Alturas.

Cowboy Action Shoot offers twist

The fast growing shooting sport of Cowboy Action Shooting is starting to take hold in Alturas as the past-time continues to grow throughout the United States.

Looking like a scene from the Old West, participants are encouraged to dress the part, recreating period clothing in vintage costumes, be they men, women or children. Elsewhere there are costume contests, which may someday be found at the local shooting range. But for now, single action shotguns with actions designed before 1890 and .44 or .45 caliber rifles and pistols, replicas from those used in the old west days, are required to participate, says local organizer Bob Houghtby.

The use of single-action revolvers, pistols, caliber lever-action rifles and either double-barrel or exposed hammer pump shotguns help recreate the days of old. Shooting scenarios are designed either to be a representation of a historical event or may be drawn from a western movie, with many elaborate scenarios staged in Southern California CAS shoots and across the country. Targets tend to be big and close.

"The main purpose is to have fun," explains Houghtby, who encourages spectators to come see the shooting show or don their wild west look and bring their weapon. Competitors must dress in costumes. No tennis shoes, baseball caps. Jeans, boots and a cowboy hat are the minimum. In other communities, most participants go to great lengths to acquire an authentic outfit and "alias." Event winners are recognized with pins locally, but as the event grows, they may be taking home other prizes or awards.

The idea began growing back in 1979 and by 1988 the sport began establishing guidelines to ensure continuity of the sport. The Single Action Shooting Society which started in 1989, is an organization developed to promote the interest in and growth of Cowboy Action Shooting. SASS has grown over the years and become the parent organization with over 20,000 individual members. Cowboy shooting clubs, following SASS guidelines, have been started in all 50 states and in five foreign countries. Black powder was added in 1987.

Many categories are now offered for participants who shoot for time at metal targets.

For those curious, interested in spectating or participating, stop by the next monthly Cowboy Action Shoot on Saturday, April 27 at 9:00 a.m. at the Alturas Rifle and Pistol Range. Spectating is free. Participation fee is $3. For further information call Bob Houghtby at (530) 233-6674.

Obituaries:

Donald Hardin Smith

Jess Valley resident Donald Hardin Smith, a lifetime resident of Modoc County passed away of heart failure at his home April 13, 2002 in Likely, CA.

Mr. Smith was born in Likely, CA on August 16, 1928. He graduated from Modoc Union High School with the class of 1948 and served with the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict as a Private First Class until his discharge on July 2, 1956.

Mr. Smith worked as a ranch hand in the Likely area during his adult years and enjoyed past times of fishing and hunting. He lived in Modoc County for 73 years and shared his home with his many cats.

Kerr Mortuary, Alturas is taking charge of arrangements. Services will be held at graveside at the Likely Cemetery, with the date and time pending at presstime.

Mr. Smith is survived by his sisters Elsie Cantrall, Fay Chapman and brother Marion Smith, all of Alturas; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Willard Smith, mother Leona Roys Smith Clark; twin brother Ron Smith; sisters Willetta Blevins and Irma Linville.

Evelyn D. Frease-Guevara

Services for Evelyn Darlene Frease-Guevara, 47, will be held Friday, April 26 at 11:00 a.m. at Kerr Mortuary Chapel in Alturas, CA. Burial will follow at the Alturas Cemetery.

Mrs. Guevara passed away April 21, 2002 in Seattle, Washington.

She was born in Lakeport, CA on June 23, 1954.

She is survived by husband Ronald Guevara and her children Claudina, Sandra, David and Erro and six grandchildren; her father Cardinos Frease of Brooks, CA; mother Claudina Shockley of Alturas, CA; uncles Jim Frease, Ted Lampla; brothers Cardinos, Jr., David, Richard and Allen and sisters Cynthia, Yvonne, Marie, Larena, Linda; step-brothers David and Gordon, and step-sisters Shirley and Lynn. She had many nieces and nephews and many friends who will also miss her.

SPORTS

Modoc boys sweep Bonanza, Burney

Modoc's Braves swept Bonanza 9-1 and 8-2 Saturday in a pair of non-league contests in Alturas.

In the opening game, Jered Pierce and Adam Fitzpatrick each homered for the Braves, while Robert Flournoy and Jared McGarva each doubled. Pierce had three hits in the game, Blake Thorn got the win for Modoc, allowing four hits, while Modoc batters collected nine hits.

In the second game, Pierce got the win allowing two runs on three hits. Thorn hit a pair of home runs in the second game, Rick Wildtraut had a double and Christian Hagge added a pair of hits.

Tuesday the Braves beat up on a sloppy Burney team, winning the double bill 12-4 and 12-2. That sets up a tough double-header against Mt. Shasta at home Friday. A Modoc sweep would put the Braves in the Shasta Cascade League driver's seat.

Against Burney in the opening game, Chris Ridgway got the win allowing Burney just four runs on seven scattered hits. Burney's defense made five errors in the game while Modoc committed just one.

The Braves scored their 12 runs in 10 hits. Leading hitters were Jered Pierce, 3-4, with two doubles, Blake Thorn 2-3, one triple, Tim Lauppe 2-4, one triple.

In the second game, Robert Flournoy got the win allowing just two runs on four hits. Modoc's Wildtraut led the hitting with a 3-4 effort and Logan Wilson was 2-2.

Modoc is now 11-2 on the season and 7-1 in Shasta Cascade League play. Coach Brad Server said the team is playing better than anticipated and the pitching staff has been the biggest, and best surprise.

Modoc girls split in Burney

M0Burney Tuesday, 9-8 and 7-6, as the teams battled in tight quarters. Modoc meets Mt. Shasta here Friday and needs to win that set and another set against Weed.

In the opening game against Burney, Modoc scored four runs in the third, one in the fourth and three in the sixth. Burney scored one in the first, one in the third, four in the fifth and two in the seventh.

Breanna Berchtold got the win allowing seven runs on 13 hits, striking out six and walking one.

Stephanie Parnow had four singles, Kristin Clough and Kristen Taylor each had three singles for the Braves, Andrea Harris and Jilene Mastagni added two hits each.

The second game went into extra innings, where coach Bernie Banister said a questionable call hurt Modoc in the final innings.

Berchtold got the loss, allowing 12 hits, struck out four and walked three. Modoc hitters also had 12 hits, scoring four runs in the fourth, one in the fifth and one in the eighth. Burney scored one in the first, one in the second, one in the third, two in the seventh to tie and two in the bottom of the eighth for the win.

Charlie Stevens and Berchtold led the hitting with three each. Stevens had two doubles, Shay Farmer had two hits, a double and a triple.

Braves pull away in golf

Modoc's golf team pulled away from the rest of the pack by winning two matches in McCloud last week. Today, the Braves play a home match at Arrowhead.

In McCloud, Modoc colored the awards stand purple as Jake Aaron, was first with a 76, Jack Britton was second with a 78, Blake Thorn and Michael Bates third with a 79. D.J. Northrup fired a 106 and Charles Knox had a 108.

Next Tuesday the team plays at Plumas Pines against Portola in a non-league match and has its final league match at Fall River May 1.

League standings as of this date are: Modoc 54, Mt. Shasta 44, Bishop Quinn 38, Fall River 28, Trinity 25, McCloud 25, Burney 8 and Etna 1.

Anglers all set for trout stream opener

Anglers are set for Saturday's trout stream opener in Modoc County, at least part of Modoc County, and conditions are generally good.

Streams in the county are running well but not muddy and should be clear and cold for this weekend.

It's important to note that streams in the Warner Mountains do not open until May 25. The May 25 opener applies to all streams in Lassen and Modoc counties east of Highway 395 and north of Clark's Valley Road. The daily limit is five trout and a possession limit of 10. Fishing hours are from an hour before sunrise and an hour after sunset. A 2002 fishing license costs residents $30.45. That license must be in an angler's possession. While most lakes and reservoirs in the area are open year-round, popular Eagle Lake does not open for fishing until May 25.

Rummage sale for boys basketball trip

Modoc High School's boys basketball team is raising funds for a trip to Hawaii during Christmas break to play games against Hawaii schools. A major part of that fund raising effort is a big Rummage Sale this Saturday on the lawn adjacent to the Griswold Gym. The sale will start at 8 a.m. and run through 12 noon.

Modoc Basketball coach Mike Martin said the boys have collected plenty of stuff for the sale, including Play-stations, a treadmill, bicycles and loads of other cool stuff. Buyers are advised to get there early, but not before 8 a.m. The boys are trying to raise enough funds from between now and December to make the holiday trip. They'll be doing concession sales at events and Fandango days, plus car washes, and other events.

According to Martin, the boys' team will travel to Hawaii and play three games during the Christmas break.

 

May 2, 2002

NEWS

Late April snow at the higher elevations in the Warner Mountains

Late April snow at the higher elevations in the Warner Mountains continues to hamper efforts to recover three bodies in a plane crash which occurred Nov. 21, 2001, near Eagle Peak.

Five people died in the crash of the private plane heading back to Wenatchee, Wa., from Reno. Two of the bodies were recovered initially and three were too difficult to remove at that time.

According to Modoc County Sheriff Bruce Mix, about 12 to 14 feet of snow now covers the plane, at about the 10,000 foot elevation. This week, more snow hit the high country.

Mix said a recovery crew from Siskiyou County, which works search and rescue on Mt. Shasta, has been contracted and will be involved in the recovery effort once the weather breaks. Team members have been into the site, but the snow is too deep for them to work. Mix said they can work in a snow depth of six feet or under.

"This team does a lot of rescue work on Mt. Shasta, so they know what they're doing," said Mix. "We're also waiting to find out for sure just what the insurance company will cover. Hopefully, we'll be able to remove the plane intact by helicopter."

Mix issued death certificates for the remaining three people in February, allowing their families to take care of insurance and financial matters. Normally death certificates cannot be issued without bodies.

According to reports, the plane was owned by Commander Northwest, Ltd., of Wenatchee, a company that provides planes and pilots for hire. It had left Reno with another company plane piloted by chief pilot Dave Winetraub. Winetraub's plane made it safely to Wenatchee.

The victims in the downed plane include: Tom Blaesing, owner of Commander Northwest; Brian White, the company's director of maintenance; White's wife, Jody White; John Peters, co-owner of a Wenatchee restaurant; and John Topkok, a Commander Northwest pilot. The bodies of Brian White and Peters were recovered.

According to Mix, the cause of the crash remains under investigation, but it appears the plane hit the east side of Eagle Peak about 100 yards south and 100 feet below the 9,980 foot mountain. After impact it slid about 100 feet down the slope.

Mix said it appeared the pilot tried to bank out of the course he was on, but "pancaked" into the mountain slope, belly side of the high-wing plane first. The plane was last tracked by radar about 100 miles south of the Oregon border at 11:11 a.m. Nov. 21, when it disappeared. The pilot made no contact indicating any trouble and an emergency transmitter was never activated. There are no roads anywhere near the crash site, and the only viable means of getting people in and out of the area is by helicopter.

Mix said his office is anxious to retrieve the final bodies and provide some closure for the families in Washington. He said they will recover the bodies as soon as safely possible.

Sheriff's assistant dies in wreck

The Administrative Assistant to Modoc County Sheriff Bruce Mix was killed in a single vehicle rollover on Centerville Road just east of County Road 75 Tuesday, 7:21 a.m.

According to the California Highway Patrol, Martha Lengfelder, age 54, of Alturas was driving her 1994 Isuzu Rodeo eastbound on her way to work at about 55 m.p.h. Just east of CR 75, the vehicle drifted off the south pavement. She attempted to regain control by turning to the left, but lost control of the vehicle. The Rodeo swerved back and forth and then overturned. As the vehicle overturned, Lengfelder was ejected.

She was transported to Modoc Medical Center in Alturas by ambulance and preliminary treatment was performed. She was then airlifted to Washoe Medical Center in Reno, but she died en route.

According to the CHP, Lengfelder was not wearing her seatbelt. "Her death was a real blow to us," Mix said Tuesday afternoon. "She was a big part of our operation and a very good person. It really hit this office hard."

In addition to the administrative position, Lengfelder was also the main 9-1-1 dispatch trainer.

A man inspecting damage to his vehicle was struck by another vehicle on Highway 299, west of Cedar Pass, April 29, 11:45 a.m.

According to the California Highway Patrol, Arthur Green, age 75, Cedarville, was westbound in his Ford Ranger when he slid off the road and into a snow bank. He got out of the pickup to inspect for damage. A Honda sedan driven by Marisha Noneo, 28, Cedarville, was westbound at about 25 m.p.h. approaching the Green vehicle when she began braking and lost control. The car struck Green in his left hip and ran into the rear of the pickup. The Honda sustained minor damage to its front and the pickup had moderate rear-end damage. Green sought medical help for a painful hip.

Economic summit set for May 15

Interested in making a difference, or at least learning about the factions, issues and plans on Modoc County's economic condition.

An all day Modoc Economic Summit is scheduled for May 15, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Veterans' Hall in Alturas. The public is invited.

The summit will begin with a presentation of Modoc's economic profile, by Dan Ripke, Director for the Center for Economic Development, Cal State, Chico. Mary Wollesen, from the Sierra Small Business Development Center will lead a panel of experts in a financial field discussion.

Wayne Schell, of the California Association for Economic Development, will share his latest information and Susan Guyette, who excels in downtown revitalization and tourism planning, will air her views. Lakeview Mayor Arlene Clark and Chamber President Deanna Johnston will relate some of the trials, tribulations and triumphs of their recent and ongoing downtown revitalization efforts.

The summit, organized by the Modoc Economic Vitality Workgroup, is designed so people will better understand where Modoc fits into the regional economy, learn how to put a strategic plan in action and position business for success.

For registration or more information contact Carol Sharp at the Modoc Employment Center, 233-4161. The summit is sponsored by: Modoc Economic Vitality Workgroup, Modoc Economic Development Corp-oration, Alliance for Workforce Development, Inc., Center for Economic Development-CSU, Superior California Economic Development, and the Sierra College Small Business Development Center.

Harley motorcyle offered in roof raffle by Niles Theater

The roof at the Niles Theater in Alturas doesn't keep all the water out when it rains. It needs repaired.

Alturas Community Theater, Inc. works very hard to keep the theater open and operating as a non-profit. There just isn't enough money left for a major repair like the roof. So, ACT is trying to raise the money to repair the roof.

ACT is offering a 2002 Harley Davidson Fat Boy as the prize in a raffle started last week. The motorcycle will be on display at Seab's True Value. Tickets are $25 each and a limit of 1,500 will be sold -- not bad odds. The drawing will be held when the tickets are sold, and the Alturas Community Theater is targeting Fandango Days to get the job done and give the bike away.

If the winner doesn't want the Harley, he can take $15,000 in cash. Registration and sales tax is paid on the Harley.

ACT directors know the community supports the theater operation all year with donations and by buying tickets, but the roof was becoming a serious problem and ACT felt a special fundraiser for the roof was needed. Tickets are available from Antonio's, Tulelake Auto Parts, ACT, Inc. at the Niles Theater, Seab's True Value, Napa Auto Parts, Bethel's Propane, Dolby Insurance, Plumas Bank, Modoc Insurance, Pioneer Auto Body, Karen Hays, Duanna Knighton, Modoc Engines, Alturas Tire, Les Schwab Tire and Fritz Barclay.

Elk hunt zone huge for 15 tags

Hunters lucky enough to draw one of 15 tags this year will be able to roam over eight million acres of Northeastern California habitat in pursuit of an elk, according to mammal hunting regulations approved by the state Fish and Game Commission.

By far the geographically-largest elk hunting zone in the state, the new territory for the Northeastern California elk hunt -- generally between the Oregon state line and Burney and between Nevada and Interstate 5 -- will mark the first time in state history that legal elk hunting will take place in the northeastern corner of California.

The Department of Fish and Game's Region 1 office said approval of the new hunt was voted Thursday by the state Fish and Game Commission during adoption, via telephone conference call, of new mammal hunting regulations for the coming two hunt seasons.

The new rules will be effective from July 1, 2002 through June 30, 2004, the DFG said. Fish and Game offices and license agent outlets are now equipped with new hunting licenses, with applications for bear, deer, elk, antelope and bighorn sheep hunting and with direct-buy deer tags.

Resident costs this year are $31 for a hunting license, $19.95 for a one-deer tag application and $25.20 for a second-deer application. Deadline for reaching the DFG's Sacramento license office with applications for high-demand deer hunts and for antelope, elk and bighorn hunts is June 3. The DFG's Region 1 office said the Northeastern California elk hunt, a greatly-expanded version of the former Shasta elk hunt, will be one of seven individual elk hunts within the eight-county region scheduled during August and September. Commissioners also expanded the territory and tag numbers of the Marble Mountains elk hunt, one of the seven, the DFG said. Approved for the northeastern elk hunt are 10 either-sex rifle tags for a September 18-29 hunt and five either-sex archery tags for a September 4-15 hunt. The Marble Mountains hunt tag quota will be bumped from 30 to 40 either-sex permits.

Fish and Game said the large Northeastern California hunt area contains about 750 elk, including both Rocky Mountain and Roosevelt subspecies. Although not uniformly distributed over the hunt zone, the animals have been expanding their northeastern range in recent years, biologists report. The DFG's Region 1 office said commission action Thursday night resulted in slight modifications in tag quotas for region deer zones, with cuts in zones X3a through X6b in the northeast and increases in X1 and X2.

Three Modoc National Forest engines fight fires in the southwest

The Modoc National Forest is contributing to national fire control efforts by providing three fire engines and 13 fire fighters to the southwest. Two engines are in Arizona and one engine is in New Mexico to assist with extreme fire danger from lightning and person-caused fires.

The Modoc National Forest received early severity funding. This funding trained 24 people and outfitted the three engines to assist agencies in the southwest.

The fire fighters will be serving 21-day details while working with different agencies in the southwest.

Engine 35, with three fire fighters, stationed in Cedarville is working at the Crown King Fire Station in a remote part of the Prescott National Forest in Arizona. Engine 44, with five fire fighters, stationed in Adin is working out of "Station 71" with municipal fire engines dealing with urban interface fires along the edges and within the city limits of Prescott, AZ. Engine 54 is in New Mexico with five fire fighters to assist the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Mescalero Agency on the Apache Summit Complex near Ruidoso, NM. To meet individual and service needs, fire fighters are often rotated off the engines and replaced by other fire fighters. Randy Scheer, Captain 34 (Buck Creek), will replace Mitch Wilson in Prescott, and Terry Warlick from Adin will replace Jason Oney. Jason is an apprentice, and was called to duty for one season of experience with the El Dorado Hot Shots.

If you are interested in following the National Fire Incident situation, you can reach it online at www.nifc.gov/information.html.

Obituaries:

Guy Wayne McTimmonds

Guy Wayne McTimmonds, 75, a respected and well liked school teacher and coach for many years, known as "Mr. Mac" to his students, passed away on April 17, 2002 at Redding Medical Center, Redding, CA. He had retired from teaching.

A memorial service for Mr. McTimmonds was conducted by the Rev. Jack Snell at the Grace Community Church in Whitmore, CA on Saturday, April 20 at 2:00 p.m. Mr. McTimmonds and his wife Patricia were instrumental in starting the church, informally hosting services in members' homes before the church could be built.

He was also asked to pastor the congregation on many occasions. He was born on September 20,1926 in Susanville, CA. In his senior year at Modoc Union High, during World War II, he enlisted with the U.S. Army. During his class graduation from MUHS, his mother received his high school diploma while Guy was away serving his country.

Following his discharge, he entered college in Sacramento where he earned his teaching credential. While working on the Cedar Pass Ski Hill project, he and former classmate Patricia Hood of Canby kindled a romance. They were married September 1949 in Canby, CA.

During the years which followed, the McTimmonds and their two sons lived in Weaverville, where they co-owned H & M Market. Guy was a member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce. He loved kids and was a favorite teacher at Anderson Elementary School for many years until health issues caused him to retire early. He coached basketball and track and served as a N.E.E.D. counselor for the Shasta Ecology Camp at Whiskeytown Lake. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post in Anderson and enjoyed returning to Modoc County to hunt and visit his many relatives. He was also an avid skier.

The McTimmonds "Cedarcroft Ranch" in Whitmore was a place of solitude and beauty and Guy's final home. He served on the Whitmore School District Board of Trustees and was a member of the Grace Community Church, which he helped found.

He was presented with a plaque of appreciation on the 50th anniversary of the Cedar Pass Ski Hill, for overcoming many obstacles in creating the ski run. Guy was a person who worked to make improvements in each community in which he lived. He was the son of Floyd and Dorothy McTimmonds.

He is survived by his wife Patricia McTimmonds of Whitmore, CA; two sons, Dan McTimmonds and partner Diane of Redding; Tim and wife Kelley McTimmonds of Forest Grove, Ore.; sisters Erma Hickerson of Alturas and the late Myrnie Baldwin of Alturas; grandchildren Courtney and Gene McTimmonds of Forest Grove, OR; nieces Bonnie Slinkard of Alturas; nephew Barry Hickerson of Reno, NV; nieces Mickey Baldwin, Jackie Turpin and Michelle Anderson, all of Alturas.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Grace Community Church, 30637 Whitmore Rd., Whitmore, CA 96096.

Martha E. Lengfelder

A memorial service for Martha Emily Lengfelder, 54, wife of Heinz Lengfelder of California Pines, will be held Monday, May 6 at 2:00 p.m. at the Veterans' Memorial Hall, So. Main St., Alturas.

Mrs. Lengfelder died from injuries following a single vehicle accident on Tuesday, April 30 while driving to her work as Administrative Assistant for the Modoc County Sheriff's Office. She had been employed the past five years at the local Sheriff's office. Martha was born in Nevada on August 23, 1947.

Kerr Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Helen Inez Weisman

Helen Inez Weisman, 85, of Adin passed away April 28, 2002 at Surprise Valley Long-term Care Hospital in Cedarville, CA. Services for Mrs. Weisman will be held today, May 2, at 12:00 noon at the Standish Bible Church, with burial to follow at Diamond Crest Cemetery in Johnstonville, CA.

Born April 21, 1917 in Colorado, Mrs. Weisman had lived in Alturas and Adin, CA.

Kerr Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

SPORTS

Modoc pitchers no-hit Bears, Weed next

Modoc pitchers Friday tossed two no-hit shut-outs against the Mt. Shasta Bears and face Weed in the last regular season game Friday at Weed. Breanna Berchtold pitched all but two innings in both games and was dominating. Charlie Stevens relieved Berchtold in the fourth in the first game, which only went five innings.

Modoc won the first game 13-0. The Braves struck out 11 Bears in five innings. Stevens also had a double and a single, while Kristen Clough had two singles.

The Braves won the second game, 17-0, with Berchtold fanning four in three innings before the game was called. She and Stevens doubled, while Berchtold, Stephanie Parnow and Amy Ridgway each had a pair of hits. Modoc is 7-3 in the Shasta Cascade League and 11-4 overall.

Coach Dennis Banister said the final game Friday against Weed should not be tough, and the Braves should make the playoffs in the top half of the seeding bracket.

Modoc boys split pair with Bears

Modoc's boys split a double-bill with the Mt. Shasta Bears Friday, losing the opener 7-6 and coming back to win 7-6 in the nightcap. The win gives the Braves a share of the Shasta Cascade League title with Etna, with only Weed remaining on the schedule

In the opening game, Modoc led 4-1 in the third and 6-1 in the fourth. But the Bears scored five runs in the top half of the fifth to tie and added the winning run in the seventh

Blake Thorn got the loss for Modoc, giving up five hits and Modoc committed four errors while the Bears were flawless

Robert Flournoy homered in the opening game, and also had a double. Thorn, and Adam Fitzpatrick also doubled

In the second game, Modoc trailed 3-1 in the third and 6-1 in the fourth, They the came back to score one in the fifth, three in the sixth, one in the seventh and one in the eighth for the win. Jered Pierce got the win for the Braves, giving up eight hits

Thorn and Tim Lauppe hit home runs for the Braves, while Thorn, Lauppe and Eric Miller each had two hits for Modoc

Coach Brad Server said errors cost the Braves in both games and had they won both, they would have won league outright

Modoc sits at 8-2 in SCL play, with Etna at 10-2. Modoc is 12-3 on the season while Etna finishes with four losses. The Braves should have no trouble with 0-10 Weed Friday and will await what should be a home playoff game seed. The Braves are ranked second in Division III.

Golf team finishes SCL

Modoc's golf team should win the Shasta Cascade League championship when it plays its final league match at the Fall River Golf Course today. The Braves played a home match last Thursday at Arrowhead in Alturas

At Arrowhead, the Braves placed first on the front nine and fourth on the back nine

Modoc's Jake Aaron led all golfers when he fired an even par round of 72. Blake Thorn had an 80, Michael Bates an 89, Ross Montague a season low of 105, and DJ Northrup a 111

The SCL standings are as follows: Modoc 65, Mt. Shasta 57, Bishop Quinn 48, Trinity 35.5, Fall River 34.5, McCloud 25, Burney 8, and Etna 5. "We need to place at least higher than fourth in each nine-hole round to secure the league championship," said coach Harold Montague. "The players are playing well and I expect us to do well in Fall River."

Modoc played Portola High at Plumas Pines in Graeagle April 30. The Braves got a chance to play the course prior to playing it during the section tournament. Modoc beat Portola by firing a 318 to Portola's 356. Aaron, Jack Britton, and Thorn all ported scores in the 70s, while Bates fired an 84 and Northup had a 97.

Modoc girls second at Burney Invitational

The Modoc varsity girls track team placed second to Trinity in the Burney Invitational last weekend. Trinity scored 80 points and Modoc scored 74. Modoc is preparing for the Shasta Cascade League meet May 10th in Weed. Leading the Braves was Colleen McElwain, who won the 200 meters in 27.53, was second in the 100 meters at 13.18 and fourth in the long jump at 13-3 1/4

Kayla Harness won the 1,600 meters in 6:18.72, placed second in the 800 at 2:53.23 and fourth in the 440 at 73.02. Amy Gentry was second in the 100 hurdles at 20.0 and in the 330 hurdles at 57.85. Vanessa Thomason was second in the 3,200 meters in 15:22.68 and fifth in the 1,600 at 6:57. Jamie Kuhn was fourth in the shot put at 29-0

Clint Tate led the Modoc boys varsity in Burney, placing third in the discus at 121-6 and fourth in the shot put at 39-2. Luke Hughes placed fourth in the 1,600 meters at 5:06.78. Jon Richert was fourth in the discus at 113-5. Tyler Belarde took a fourth in the 800 at 2:22.25 and a sixth in the 1,600 at 5:12.08. Modoc's junior varsity boys placed third behind Trinity and Weed. Scott Joyce won the 1,600 in 5:16.55 and was second in the 3,200 at 11:27.31. Scott McMaster won the shot put at 44-9 and was third in the discus at 95-8. Max Wise placed third in the high jump at 5-6. Jacob Hughes was fifth in the 800 at 2:52.95. Luke Hammerness was fourth in the long jump at 15-5 and sixth in the 200 at 26.42

Caitlin Cook won the shot put at 27-0 for the junior varsity girls and was third in the discus at 68-7. Ada Sanchez was fourth in the shot at 25-5 and fifth in the discus at 60-10

At the tough John Frank meet earlier this month, McElwain placed second in the 200 at 27.62 and third in the 100 meters at 13.48

For the junior varsity boys, McMaster won the shot put at 46-1 1/2. Wise placed fourth in the high jump at 5-4 and Joyce was fourth in the 3,200 at 11:09.81.

Locals do well in Cal Hi rodeo

Bieber's Luena Harbert earned Reserve All-Around Cowgirl honors and Alturas' Victor Madrigal was third runner-up for the All-Around Cowboy at the District 1 California High School Rodeo finals at Yreka, April 27-28. Individually, Harbert placed second in breakaway roping while Madrigal won the bull riding event and was second in saddle bronc riding. Jackson Nay of Alturas placed second in bareback riding and Michael Sphar of Alturas was second in bull riding. Jeremy Price, Cedarville, was third in bareback riding

The State Finals will be held June 17-23 in Quincy.

May 9, 2002

NEWS

State gives Hot Springs deadline on information

Things are getting hotter in the Hot Springs Irrigation District and could come to a head in the near future.

Last week, members of the District presented a 21-signature petition (representing nearly half) to the Board of Directors demanding the termination of the district's watermaster, Joe Battram. The Board voted not to terminate Battram.

According to some of those members, the Board's action will probably mean the start of a recall election in the district. The Board consists of Chairman Willy Hagge, John Picotte, Larry McCulley, Sid Cullins and Paul Dolby. According to at least six unhappy members of the district, most of the consternation and controversy centers around Hagge and Battram. In addition, the State Water Resources Control Board has set a firm deadline of May 24 for district documentation to be forwarded to it in an investigation of a water rights complaint filed last year, by district members Lawrence and Sandi Ray.

While the state has been patient, it had hoped to have the complaint cleared up before the start of irrigation season this year. The District's slowness in providing the documents will now make that impossible.

Part of the problem, according to the district, is a lawsuit involving the Rays and the District over control and ownership of a Rattlesnake Creek dam on the Ray's property and the bypass canal, also on the Ray's property. The Rays' contend they own both and the district is claiming title, although has produced no real documentation to prove that claim. The issue is in court for resolution.

According to David LaBrie and Charles Rich of the State Water Resources Control Board, the documentation requested should be easily obtained. They understand some of the documentation may be held back under attorney-client privilege. The latest April letter to one of the district's attorneys, Alan Lilly of Sacramento, follows a February 25 letter requesting the documents. The state wrote, "During a meeting March 4, 2002, between you, (Lilly) Joe Battram and Division staff, you explained that one of the documents requested is protected by attorney-client privilege and that another relates to issues that are the subjects on ongoing civil litigation. However, you and Mr. Battram indicated that the District would soon provide the rest of the requested material and that the material subject to ongoing litigation would likely become available as the litigation proceeds. You expressed your intent to provide additional comments, arguments or theories as they may relate to the water rights complaint."

The State believes the information will help resolve the issues involved and said most of the material should have been readily available and was expected to be received much sooner.

"None of the documents and information that we requested has been provided," the State asserts. "You (Lilly) had not forgotten about your commitment to provide these materials and reassured they would be forthcoming. "The Division is now requesting that you provide the documents and information that were previously requested no later than May 24, 2002 . . . If the requested materials are not received by the specified date, the Division may proceed to take action to resolve the complaint based on the available evidence. At this time, the evidence consists of information provided and statements made by the complainants, District representatives and interested parties during the field investigation conducted February 5, as well as any other information already in our files including the terms and conditions of the District's licensed water rights."

What the State wants from the district is as follows; • A map with district boundaries depicting the irrigated acreage serviced by the district.

• A report prepared by MBK Engineers pursuant to the hydrologic study they conducted for the district.

• Agreements between Malacha Hydro Limited Partnership and Big Valley Ranches regarding compensation to the District for releases to satisfy PG&E's prior rights.

• A letter of agreement from the District to Wes Armstrong (the previous owner of the Ray ranch) regarding the operation of Rattlesnake Creek Dam and the use of the Bypass Canal, as well as the minutes from any board meeting in which this issue was discussed.

• Annual records that specify the quantity and timing of all releases made from Big Sage reservoir since 1990, including those made pursuant to the settlement agreement between the District and PG&E since 1998.

• A list of all parties outside the District boundaries that have received water from the District along with the name, address and phone number of the person to contact.

• Copies of any agreements for the sale of water to parties outside the District Boundary. (If a formal agreement does not exist, provide an explanation of the terms of any informal or verbal agreements for such sales.

• Record of the total quantity of water sold to each party for each year and the season in which it was delivered, and an explanation of how the release or delivery of that amount was measured or determined. There are several issues regarding the sale of water by the District, including the fact that the District's water rights license does not permit delivering water for power generation. The District water rights allow for irrigation, stock water and recreation.

A bone of contention is that after the irrigation season in 2000, Battram negotiated a sale of water to Malacha Power and had dam owners on the Pit River in the District pull their boards at the same time to release water for sale to the power company as well as meet the district's purported agreement with PG&E. According to Ray and others, water was released from Big Sage for part of that deal. He contends that the funds should have gone to the district, not individual dam owners. That is a question still up in the air, and Hagge has defended the deal as being outside the irrigation season, thus outside district control. If Big Sage water was used to supplant river water, the State may have a different opinion. There are many areas within that argument under investigation, since Hagge reportedly was paid the most for the sale of that water.

The Ray's Ranch is north of the Pit River and when water is released from Big Sage Reservoir it passes through their ranch first. So in the fall of 2000, they personally witnessed the water flowing through for 15 days after the irrigation season ended.

The Rays and the District fight really got started following an incident just after Thanksgiving in 2000. According to Ray, Battram came through his ranch, as the district watermaster, to inspect his Rattlesnake Creek Dam. According to Ray, Battram pulled the boards from the dam, which stopped stock water from going through one of his diversions. But Battram, said Ray, did not tell him he'd pulled the board. Ray has a priority water right for stock water out of Rattlesnake Creek dam.

The next day, said Ray, he found two of his cows stuck in the mud where water should have been. One of the cows got out, but the other pregnant cow had problems and he was forced to euthanize her. He then went to the district to ask for compensation for the lost cow, since he believed Battram's actions were the cause. The District refused to pay. Ray does have a year-round stock water right out of the Rattlesnake Dam.

On another occasion, Hagge went through the Ray ranch and went up to the dam and pulled a board. Hagge didn't tell Ray he pulled the board either. Hagge and Battram argue the district has the right to regulate the dam, Ray contends the control is his as long as he isn't violating water rights.

The above activity is what caused the district to file a lawsuit against the Rays asking for a judicial order giving the district control and ownership of the facilities.

Ray did sign a legal stipulation coming before the first trial that he would allow the watermaster to come up and inspect or monitor the dam. He said he agreed to that during the irrigation season.

In January, the District laid the last straw in the camel's back when Battram went to winterize the Rattlesnake Dam, with escort by law enforcement, since he contends Ray is a physical threat to him. What he did, since the dam was frozen solid at the time, was cut out some of the dam supports with a chain saw. A friend of Ray's came back in and fixed the dam.

The district contends that Ray was sent a letter asking him to winterize the dam, and Ray did not do as the district had asked. Ray said the dam was in place to provide stock water, as was not in need of any adjustment. Ray was fined $500 in Modoc Courts for being in contempt of the court order allowing Battram access to the dam.

Battram's activity caused the Rays to file a cross-complaint against the District in February, alleging trespass, inverse condemnation, asking for reimbursement to the district of funds paid by Malacha for water sales, as well as for conflict of interest, a violation of the Political Reform Act, by directors not reporting income from water sales, and civil conspiracy to intentionally inflict emotional damage.

That court case is pending and both siedes are now gathering evidence.

Wet April improves year's water picture

A wet April improved the water picture in Modoc, especially in the high Warner Mountains where pretty heavy snowfall was reported.

The average precipitation for April in Alturas is 1.06 inches, and in April 2002, 1.25 inches was measured. That brought the water year to just above average for this time, with 8.69 inches since October, 2001, compared to an average of 8.67 inches.( The water year is October through September.)

Last year at this time, during a serious drought, Modoc had measured just 5.55 inches through April, and at the end of the year had recorded only 6.89 inches. The average yearly precipitation is 12.01 inches.

The average for the remaining months are as follows: May, 1.16 inches; June, .90 inches; July, .23 inches; August, .48 inches; and September, .57 inches.

No plan for wolves, but people wary

There is currently no federal agency plan to reintroduce the wolf to this part of the world, but there is mild pressure coming that way from several environmental groups.

The Sierra Club and Defenders of Wildlife have issued several statements indicating that many biologists believe suitable habitat for wolves remains in northern California, in the Klamath Siskiyou regions and on the Modoc Plateau.

U.S. Forest Service Biologist Tom Ratcliff said he knows of no plan or proposal by a federal or state agency to reintroduce the wolf to these parts. It would have to have a lot of public input if it was ever proposed.

Just last week, Klamath County Commissioners voted to draft an ordinance prohibiting the introduction of wolves within Klamath County. They'll be hearing public opinion on the issue.

Modoc Supervisors have discussed the issue, and would probably stand firmly against any wolf reintroduction plan.

According to Defenders of Wildlife, gray wolves historically inhabited this area. The last known natural-occurring wild wolf was trapped and killed in California in 1924. Wolves were placed on the Endangered Species list in 1974.

The Conservation Biology Institute conducted a feasibility study for potential restoration of the wolf and other large carnivores in the area. The study, released in 2001, says suitable habitat exists here.

In 1995-96 the wolf was reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park and central Idaho and have established packs. Their offspring are beginning to disperse, according the Defenders of Wildlife, seeking mates and territories of their own.

In the winter of 1999-2000 a young female wolf wandered into Oregon from neighboring Idaho, crossing the Snake River and traveling well over 300 miles in the process. But that was the last wolf seen in southern Oregon.

Is there a cure for Modoc's economy?

Is there a cure, or at least any hope, of getting Modoc County out of its economic swamp and moving into an era of opportunity?

That's at least one issue which will be addressed during an all day Modoc Economic Summit scheduled for May 15, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Veterans' Hall in Alturas. The public is invited and encouraged to attend.

The summit will begin with a presentation of Modoc's economic profile, by Dan Ripke, Director for the Center for Economic Development, Cal State, Chico. Mary Wollesen, from the Sierra Small Business Development Center will lead a panel of experts in a financial field discussion.

Wayne Schell, of the California Association for Economic Development, will share his latest information and Susan Guyette, who excels in downtown revitalization and tourism planning, will air her views. Lakeview Mayor Arlene Clark and Chamber President Deanna Johnston will relate some of the trials, tribulations and triumphs of their recent and ongoing downtown revitalization efforts.

The summit, organized by the Modoc Economic Vitality Workgroup, is designed so people will gain an understanding as to where Modoc fits into the regional economy, learn how to put a strategic plan in action and position businesses for success.

If people can't attend the all day event, they may be able to attend some of the sessions. The schedule is as follows; 8:30-to 9 a.m., registration; 9 a.m.- 9:15 a.m., Merle Anderson; 9:15-10:15 a.m., Dan Ripke, economic development; 10:15-11:45 a.m., Small Business Panel; 12 noon-1:45 p.m. lunch, and Wayne Schell, Director CALED; 1:45-2 p.m., break; 2-3:15 p.m., Downtown Revitalization and Tourism Panel; 3:15-4 p.m. wrap up. For registration or more information contact Carol Sharp at the Modoc Employment Center, 233-4161. The summit is sponsored by: Modoc Economic Vitality Workgroup, Modoc Economic Development Corp-oration, Alliance for Workforce Development, Inc., Center for Economic Development-CSU, Superior California Economic Development, and the Sierra College Small Business Development Center.

Children's Fair excitement knows no age boundaries for May 18 opener

Excitement is high in anticipation of the 2002 Children's Fair among committee members and Chairwoman Barb Weed who have been working toward final plans for the Children's Fair opener on Saturday, May 18. Opening ceremonies will begin at 9:00 a.m. on the stage behind the Griswold Gym. The patriotic theme "The Best America Has to Offer," will bring out local uniformed officers and Alturas Police Officer Ed Glenn to sing the "Star Spangled Banner." The "9-11" display created by the I'SOT community of Canby will be moved onto the campus. Booths and entertainment will open following the Opening Ceremonies. The popular Fair will run from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. on the Modoc High School campus in Alturas.

The 2002 Fair is the result of hard work and volunteer collaborative efforts by individuals, agencies and schools. Even Chairwoman Barb Weed is donating her time, point out committee members.

"This event reminds us how good Community can be," reflected Barb Weed while talking with the Record on Monday. "It really takes everybody to make it the success that it is. We're all excited and really looking forward to it." New entertainment, an art room full of hands-on "Discoveries," demonstrations and low to no-cost activities and food booths are lined up for the one-day extravaganza for all ages.

Condensed to the one main campus, and held largely outdoors, everything will be within a short walk.

Featured entertainment will include new arrival, the Swan Brothers Circus, with performances throughout the day. Wild Things will return after a year's absence, bringing live alligators, snakes and endangered animals and an informative show. The inflatable "Fun Land" games will feature a slide and boxing ring. Camel rides return from Nevada, along with Belles and Beaus dancers from Klamath Falls, Ore. to perform inside Griswold Gym. The gym will also be filled with collections and demonstration booths.

Outdoors, Jim Rollins' band "Heartless" and Robin Brush's "Rogue Radio" will offer Karoake fans a good time. Bingo and Dime Toss games will be available outdoors, this year. Community groups and organizations will host numerous booths offering learning fun, snacks and lunch.

Nice pay-offs

Half of the proceeds from this year's 50/50 cash drawing will help fund next year's fair. Last year's 50/50 winner took home $1,100 in cash. 50/50 tickets will be available at the Children's Fair "sales booth" for $1 each or a book of six tickets for $5.

Prize giveaways will also include a night's stay at Surprise Valley Hot Springs. A ticket holder also has the chance to win attractive, decorated pots and plants, given away each hour during the fair.

"None of the booths are meant to make a big profit," explained Weed. Proceeds from the new t-shirt sales for 2002 Children's Fair and prize drawings, go back into next year's fair and paying for this year's operating costs, notes Weed.

She and the committee have nothing but praise for Modoc High maintenance staff for providing the "walkie talkies" to committee members to keep communication flowing during the fair, locating and moving bleachers, setting out trash receptacles, preparing the grounds, restrooms, help in coordinating sites that need electrical outlets.

"We and the community can thank the school and District for allowing the Children's Fair to take place each year on the campus," added Weed. "The Mormon Church folks in Alturas are helping us tear down and clean-up after fair this year and the I'SOT's help set up and tear down the booths. They have all shown their continued support and we appreciate them all," said Weed.

"When it comes to the day of the fair, we can't have enough volunteers," said Weed. "We like to make it so no one has to work all day, but in a shift. We're always looking for volunteers." If willing to be a volunteer, contact Barb Weed at 233-5556 or Lynn Buffington, 233-6360.

This year, TUPE has donated funds which have been added to a donation from Alturas Casino to help make the 2002 fair special. In addition, Modoc Resource and Referral, Mental Health, Modoc Public Health, Modoc Drug and Alcohol Prevention and Families Matter co-sponsor the event, along with in-kind services, personal donations and fund-raisers along the way. The philosophy of the Modoc County Children's Fair has remained unchanged over the past 15 years, since its inception. The special event is to provide a low cost/no cost day for families to be together in an alcohol-free, drug-free and child abuse free environment and to promote unity and interaction among community members.

There will be no "Fun Run" for 2002.

CWA hosts Tule dinner

On Saturday, May 11, the California Waterfowl Association (CWA) will host a dinner at the Tulelake-Butte Valley Fairgrounds, the grand finale of the Tulelake Waterfowl Festival

The CWA, whose mission is conserving California's waterfowl, wetlands, and outdoor heritage, was a solid supporter of agriculture during the Klamath Basin water crisis. Agriculture and the CWA have been working together for 99 years to protect the areas in which waterfowl depend on for feed

Cowboy Cuisine in Merrill will cater the dinner. The menu will consist of tri-tip, chicken, baked potato and beans, as well as salad, a roll and dessert. The social hour will begin at 5:00 p.m., and dinner will be served at 6:00 p.m. There will be a silent auction, as well as a raffle. Seating is limited, so get tickets early. Most local businesses in Tulelake, Malin, Merrill and Klamath Falls have flyers with ticket information available, or you may call (541) 667-5657 or (541) 667-2775 for more information or to make a donation to the silent auction or to the raffle.

Billingsley new manager for BLM Surprise Field Office

Owen Billingsley was sworn in May 1 as the new field manager for the Bureau of Land Management's Surprise Field Office, based in Cedarville. BLM State Director, Mike Pool, administered the oath of office.

Billingsley, a natural resources manager with more than 20 years' experience, was formerly the Bureau of Land Management assistant field manager in Northern Montana. He will oversee management of more than a million acres of BLM-administered public lands in Eastern Modoc County, California, and Northwest Nevada.

"I'm enjoying this new position very much," Billingsley said. "We moved from a small community in Montana to rural California, and the same positive values abound in Modoc County. The most rewarding times in my career have been when a wide variety of interests have been able to come together to arrive at resource management agreements, and I look forward to similar achievements in the Surprise Field Office."

BLM California State Director, Mike Pool, said Billingsley brings a wealth of experience to the job.

"Owen has worked in areas including range management, minerals, energy development, and recreation. He has solid management experience. He will be an excellent leader for the Surprise Field Office staff, and a partnership builder in the community," Pool said.

Billingsley has been a manager in the Havre field station since 1994. He has also worked as an assistant BLM district manager in Lewistown, Montana, and as a BLM geologist in Utah. He also spent time as a geologist and chief of a solid minerals group for the U.S. Geological Survey/Minerals Management Service. He holds a degree in geology from Humboldt State University in Arcata, and completed graduate work in geology at the University of Montana.

Billingsley replaces Susie Stokke, who left the Surprise Field Office last year to take a position on the natural resources staff in the BLM Nevada State Office in Reno.

Obituaries:

Dr. George J. Laird

Dr. George J. Laird, a prominent surgeon on the San Francisco Peninsula for 30 years, who served twice as chief of staff at Peninsula Hospital in Burlingame, died Saturday in Portola Valley, CA. He was 87.

He passed away at The Sequoias retirement facility, where he had lived in recent years.

Dr. Laird was born in Alturas, CA on November 2, 1914, the son of J. Ralph and Irma Laird. He graduated from Modoc County High School in 1932, and received a bachelor's degree from Stanford University in 1936 and a medical degree in 1940. He did his residency at the Stanford Hospital from 1940 to 1942, then served in the U.S. Air Force from 1942 to 1946, discharged with the rank of Major.

He was senior partner in a surgical practice that also included Eldred Barnes, James Hansen and Duane Collier in Millbrae and Burlingame from 1947 to 1976. During that period, he also served as the first chief of surgery at Peninsula Hospital, Burlingame, from 1954 to 1956, and he served as the hospital's second chief of staff from 1956 to 1958, serving again as chief of staff from 1972 to 1974.

Dr. Laird served as a surgery instructor at the Stanford Medical School from 1948 to 1958, and as a medical consultant to Bethlehem Steel Corp. from 1948 to 1976.

After retiring from active medical practice in 1976, he served as medical advisor to the Argonaut Insurance Co., of San Francisco, and as a physician for the Peninsula Memorial Blood Bank, Burlingame. He also served briefly as a physician for the Ford Motor Company plant in San Jose in 1980.

Dr. Laird was named a diplomat of the American Board of Surgery and a fellow of the American College of Surgery in 1949. He was a member of the Pan Pacific Surgical Association and the Pan American Surgical Association.

From 1972 to 1973, he served as president of the Stanford Medical School Alumni Association. He was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association and other medical journals.

Dr. Laird was a former member of the Burlingame Rotary Club, Sharon Heights Golf & Country Club, Stanford Golf Club, International Hospitality Center, World Affairs Council of Northern California and the Stanford Alumni Association.

Dr. Laird was married to Jane Porter on November 11, 1939. They were married for 53 years, until her death in 1993.

He is survived by a son, James P. Laird of San Mateo, CA; two daughters, Carolyn Hennion of Jacksonville, OR and Janet Cantor of Ketchum, Idaho; two grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

No service is planned. The family asks that memorial donations be made to Crystal Springs Uplands School, 400 Uplands Dr., Hillsborough, CA 94010, or to the Stanford University Medical School, 326 Galvez St., Stanford, CA 94305.

Hattie Geneva Edith McClellan

Hattie Geneva Edith McClellan, 86, died Thursday evening, April 25, 2002, at Redding Medical Center in Redding.

She was born in Alta Vista, Iowa, on June 8, 1915. She had been a resident of Greenville since 1961, moving there from Pleasant Valley, Minn. McClellan had been employed as a cook at the Pleasant Valley School in Minnesota, Greenville School Cafeteria, Indian Valley Hospital and Forest Lodge of Greenville.

She was a member of the Lutheran Church and Ladies Aide, both in Minnesota and Greenville; the Minnesota Farmers Union, AARP and the Mt. Jura Gem and Mineral Society.

She enjoyed gardening, crafts, quilting and playing games of all kinds, especially cards. She greatly enjoyed her children and grandchildren and was notorious for baking a special cake for everyone's birthday. She never forgot a special day or special moment.

She was preceded in death by her children, Arnold in 1936, Alvin in 1963, Edith Green in 1982, Erma Humphrey in 1984, four brothers and two sisters.

Survivors include her husband of 68 years, Philip of Greenville; sons, Gary and wife Lynn of Alturas, CA, Bill of West, Texas, Bob of Quincy, Durane of Oakland; daughters, Barbara Quam of Crescent Mills, Evelyn Clark of Greenville, Beverly Poulton of Salinas; sisters, Rose, Lena, Clara and Ida; 21 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.

A celebration of her life was held Sunday, April 28, at the First Lutheran Church in Greenville, followed by burial in the Greenville Cemetery. The family requests any donations in her memory be made to the Indian Valley Healthcare District Long Term Care Unit, c/o Fehrman Mortuary, P.O. Box 803, Greenville, CA 95947. An opportunity to leave a memorial tribute is available online at www.fehrmanmortuary.com.

Robert (Bob) Leo Porter, Sr.

The family of Robert Leo Porter, Sr. conducted services at Kerr Mortuary Chapel in Alturas on May 7, with private inurnment.

Mr. Porter, Sr., 64, a resident of Lookout for the past five years, passed away May 1, 2002 in Ashland, Ore. He was a long-haul truck driver and a member of the Lookout Volunteer Fire Department. He loved fishing and was good at mechanics.

He was born March 28, 1938 in French Camp, CA. and received his formal education in Stockton, CA.

He is survived by two sons, Robert and Randy of Turlock, CA; daughter Rhonda Harris of Palo Cedro; 13 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, two brothers, three sisters and friend Sandi Basinger of Lookout.

Donald Hardin Smith

Services for Jess Valley resident Donald Hardin Smith, a lifetime resident of Modoc County, will be held Saturday, May 11 at 10:00 a.m. at the Likely Cemetery. Mr. Smith passed away of heart failure at his home April 13, 2002 in Likely, CA.

Born in Likely, CA on August 16, 1928, he graduated from Modoc Union High School with the class of 1948 and served with the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict as a Private First Class until his discharge on July 2, 1956.

Mr. Smith worked as a ranch hand in the Likely area during his adult years and enjoyed past times of fishing and hunting. He lived in Modoc County for 73 years and shared his home with his many cats.

Mr. Smith is survived by his sisters Elsie Cantrall, Fay Chapman and brother Marion Smith, all of Alturas; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Willard Smith, mother Leona Roys Smith Clark; twin brother Ron Smith; sisters Willetta Blevins and Irma Linville.

Kerr Mortuary, Alturas is in charge of arrangements.

Alfred Carl Veges, Jr.

A Rosary for Alfred Carl Veges, Jr. will be recited by Father Patrick Henry at Kerr Mortuary Chapel in Alturas this evening, May 9, at 7:00 p.m. A service will also be held at Kerr Chapel on Friday, May 10 at 11:00 a.m., with burial to follow at the Alturas Cemetery.

Mr. Veges, 71, a resident of Modoc County since 1993, passed away May 5, 2002 at Modoc Medical Center, Alturas, CA. He was born March 11, 1931 and worked for 35 years in a garlic processing and packaging plant in California. He leaves many nieces, nephews and friends who will miss him

SPORTS

Golf team wins SCL

Modoc High Snt year and capped it off last week at Fall River by winning the Shasta Cascade League title. They won the final league match in fine fashion, winning the first nine with a team score of 162 and the back nine with a tam total of 157.

Jake Aaron, who was named the league Most Valuable Player, and Jack Britton, named All-league, each fired a 76 in Fall River. Blake Thorn, who also made All-league, shot an 80, Michael Bates came in with an 87, D.J. Northrup fired a 97 and Charles Knox shot a 102.

Final League standing were: 1st, Modoc; 2nd, Mt. Shasta; 3rd, Bishop Quinn; 4th, Fall River, 5th, Trinity; 6th, McCloud; 7th, Burney; and 8th, Etna.

On Tuesday, the Braves competed in the North Section Small Schools Championship at Plumas Pines Golf Course, where they placed second with a team score of 336, behind Colusa's team which shot a 317.

Britton shot a 77, and Aaron shot 78, to both qualify to move on to the Large School finals at Lake Shastina Tuesday. The individual winning score was 76. Bates shot an 83, just missing the cut to move on to large schools, and Thorn shot 98.

Coach Harold Montague feels both Aaron and Britton have a good shot at moving on the to the next tourney. They have been playing consistently all year and need to fire in the low 70s.

Braves get share of baseball crown

The Modoc Braves earned a share of the Shasta Cascade League baseball title Friday by beating Weed, 14-2 and 7-0. Modoc shares the title with Etna with 10-2 records. Next on the Braves' agenda will the North Section playoffs.

Coach Brad Server expects a playoff game at home against either Rio Vista or Quincy Friday with game time at 3 p.m. The Braves got the number two seed.

In Weed Friday, Modoc got four runs in the second inning of the first game and added six in the fourth and four in the fifth. Weed scored its only two runs of the day in the bottom of the fourth. Modoc collected 13 hits in the first game and allowed Weed just two.

Tim Lauppe had a pair of doubles in the opener, with Matt Krauel and Rick Wildtraut each getting a pair of singles.

In the second game, Modoc scored one in the first, two in the third, two in the sixth and two in the seventh, while blanking Weed the entire day.

Krauel, Blake Thorn, and Jered Pierce each had two hits for the Braves.

Weed upsets Modoc in SCL final game

Modoc Braves won the opening part of a double header against Weed Friday 13-2, but were upset by the Cougars in the nightcap, 7-6. The loss was unexpected and will drop them down in the playoff seeding brackets.

Modoc had an easy time of it in the opener and scored one in the first, seven in the second, and five in the fifth for the 10-run win. Weed scored their only runs in the bottom of the fifth.

Brianna Berchtold got the win, fanning three, walking none and allowing nine hits. Berchtold and Andrea Harris each had three hits in the opener, with Charlie Stevens, Kayla Cruse and Kristin Clough hitting doubles. Roseanna Ginochio, Clough and Cruse each had a pair of hits.

Modoc opened the second game with a one-run lead but Weed took the lead 4-1 in the second. Modoc cut the lead to 4-2 in the third, tied it at 4-4 in the fourth, before Weed added two to take a 6-4 lead. Modoc tied the game at 6-6 in the seventh, but Weed came back to score the winning run in the bottom of the seventh.

Kristen Taylor had three hits in the game, with Cruse and Berchtold each having a pair. Berchtold and Charlie Stevens were on the mound for Modoc, and Stevens got the loss.

Modoc finished the regular season with an 8-4 SCL mark and 11-5 overall.

Modoc heads to SCL track championships

Colleen McElwain will lead the Modoc Braves into the Shasta Cascade League track and field finals in Weed Friday.

McElwain is coming off a very strong performance at the Gottshalks-Mazama Invitational meet in Klamath Falls last weekend.

She won the 200 meters in 27.18 and placed second in the 100 meters at 13.16. She was also third in the long jump with a leap of 14-4 1/2.

Kayla Harness took eighth place in the 800 meters at Klamath Falls. For the boys, Jon Richert placed sixth in the discus at 121-11, Scott McMaster was sixth in the shot at 42-5 and Clint Tate was eighth at 40-8 3/4, and Scott Joyce was eighth in the 1500 meters at 4:33.73.

The Braves should be very competitive in the girls division and will come away with some good performances in the boys division.

Team wins Cinco de Mayo tourney

The team of Hugh and Sheila McKenzie and Art Sevilla won the Likely Links Cinco de Mayo Golf tournament.

In second place was the team of Dave Peek, Dewayne Matthews, Jose Madrigal and Marvin Conner. Stan Chase, Lesley Chase and Ramiro Correa teamed up for third place.

Closest to the Pin winner was John Wall and Jose Madrigal had the longest drive.

May 16, 2002

NEWS

Mother of murdered teen still cries out for answers, help

Just because so much time has gone by, it doesn't really change anything for the family of Betty Lou Parks. It's not an anniversary that will ever be forgotten for them.

Today, May 16, marks nine years since the remains of the 14-year-old Modoc High teen were uncovered in a shallow grave in Modoc Estates. Her family waited another five months before DNA tests could determine it was their Betty Lou for certain.

It's an unsolved mystery to this day and Betty's family continues to bear the emotional wounds that started 10 years ago on June 25, 1992, when Betty left home for a sleepover at a friend's house in Alturas. Their questions remain unanswered.

Evidence has led local authorities to believe foul play was involved. Betty's mother, Bonnie Dukes holds hope and is vigilant in her belief that whoever was responsible for her daughter's death, will be found and prosecuted. Bonnie Dukes would like to see the investigation reopened.

Feeling the sad anniversary approaching and finding it difficult to cope, Bonnie said "something hit me to try something new." Bright and worded small posters are hung on her fence at 508 East A Street in Alturas, to remind people that her daughter's murder goes unsolved.

"I don't want to see anyone go through this and I can't let go until this is resolved and the person who killed Betty is prosecuted," says Bonnie. She is willing to help others cope with such heartache or a missing child, to offer whatever help she can in filling out the piles of paperwork to making meals to keep a family eating right or sitting with someone all night, if needed. Since her daughter has been missing, she still doesn't sleep much. She credits her supportive husband, Betty's stepfather with keeping her "sane."

"Even the neighbor kids have been raising money through lemonade sales, to add to the existing $1000 reward already being offered," said Bonnie.

The laminated posters tell a story of her daughter's dreams, goals, and likes, and all the things she never had a chance to realize. It's a way for Bonnie to express her feelings and remind her community that the person(s) responsible for her daughter's untimely death is (are) still at large. She asks those with information which can lead to the arrest and conviction of her daughter's murderer to call Modoc County Sheriff's office (530) 233-4416.

On June 25, in memory of her daughter, Bonnie asks people to place a red rose or ribbon on their door for Betty, and to join the family in a candlelight vigil at 9 p.m., outside their 508 East A Street home.

RAC open to ideas, proposals for funding

Anyone who has an idea that will benefit economic and environmental conditions in Modoc, that can be addressed on Modoc National Forest lands or adjacent to MNF lands, should present those ideas to the Modoc Resource Advisory Committee, RAC, no later than this summer.

The 15-member committee is established as part of the Secure Rural Communities and Schools Act, that replaces the National Forest Receipts program, on a six year trial basis. This is the second year. According to Sean Curtis, the RAC has access to real money, about $600,000 per year, that can be used to fund local projects.

In the past, forest receipts went to roads and schools on a 50-50 percent split. Those funds were generated through forest receipts, primarily timber production. With the death of the timber industry in the west, counties and agencies got together to find a solution to the loss of funding. That solution was this act. Basically, counties were funded the average of their highest three years of forest receipts. Modoc did well in that category. Of those funds, county supervisors are allowed to secure 15 to 20 percent for local projects. The remainder is split evenly between roads and schools. Modoc Supervisors chose to allocate 20 percent of the total.

The projects are first presented to the RAC, and if approved, they go through the Modoc Land Use Committee to the County Board of Supervisors for their stamp of approval. The final project approval comes from the Modoc Forest Supervisor.

Curtis stressed this week that because of scheduling and formation issues, the RAC is trying to get all projects for 2003 done by September. That means they are on a fast track and need ideas and projects to consider.

"This is a very good program and the projects can be generated and approved at the local level," said Curtis. "The money is real and we are seeking ideas and projects that will have long term and solid benefits for the county and forest. It's important that people know they don't have to have a complete project to present, we will be happy to accept an idea that can be worked up. Anyone can present a project."

Curtis said the criteria to approve projects revolves around an economic and environmental benefit to forest lands, or a project adjacent to forest lands, that will benefit forest lands.

Some of the projects already approved by the RAC include water guzzlers for wildlife on Devil's Garden, wetland maintenance, funding to help do grazing Allotment Management Plans on the Warner Mountains, repair of drift fences in the Blue Fire, assistance with the juniper management plan and a hang gliding project on Sugar Hill. They need new projects to consider.

The hang gliding project is one of special interest because it is multi-year and has a variety of issues the RAC liked, said Curtis. What's planned is to build a hang gliding launch ramp, improve the access road to the Lookout area, add restrooms, and improve the actual Lookout structure for rent to the public.

According to Curtis, the project has the potential to bring tourism, outside of hang gliders, to the area and would be an excellent day-trip destination. Sugar Hill is noted by area hang gliders as one of the top spots for launching.

Curtis said there are other facilities and areas on the forest that could be used for tourist, educational, or improvement projects that would fit the RAC criteria.

In addition, the RAC and county has approved about $100,000 per year for local fire departments and more funding for Search and Rescue operations at the Sheriff's Office.

"What we need is some imaginative projects that we can look into," said Curtis. ""We are in need of them as soon as possible. All ideas will be given fair consideration. Those which show a long term vision for economic and environmental health will be looked upon most favorably."

To present an idea or project, contact the RAC through either Carol Harbaugh, Modoc Superintendent of Schools at 233-7101 or Modoc National Forest Information Nancy Gardner at 233-8713.

The next RAC meeting is scheduled for June 12, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Modoc National Forest Supervisors Office. The July meeting is scheduled for July 10, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the same location.

Ray, Hot Springs court case set for October 1

The bitter lawsuit between Hot Springs Irrigation District and Lawrence and Sandi Ray, plus a cross complaint, is set for a five-day trial before Judge Larry Dier starting October 1. A settlement conference is scheduled for August 15.

In essence, the District is claiming ownership and control of the Rattlesnake Creek dam and the bypass canal, both on the Ray's ranch property. The Rays are claiming ownership to both, and denying the district has either control or ownership and that, also, the district has violated the Ray's water rights.

While the District's initial suit is aimed primarily at getting a judgment in its favor over the dam and canal, a cross complaint filed by the Rays accuses district directors and its Watermaster, Joe Battram, of a variety of illegal activities.

The original suit filed by the district claims that in 1919 the district completed the construction of the dam at Big Sage reservoir and in 1921 completed construction of a canal, referred to as the "bypass canal" to move water from Big Sage to members of the district.

The district claims: "The construction, maintenance and use of the bypass canal by the district since 1921 for conveyance and distribution of district water establishes an easement in favor of the district for said conveyance either by agreement or by prescription, and that the district, through its appointed water master has the exclusive control of all operation for the distribution of district water, including all dams, head gates, diversions and measuring devices and that the district water master has the right to freely enter upon land of district members and any points of diversion and diversion works, to measure, check or otherwise determine and regulate by decreasing or increasing as the case may require, the proper and equitable amount of water according to each district member's water rights."

The Rays are claiming the canal and dam were owned and constructed by the Spicer Corporation, one time owner of the Ray Ranch. They also point out that they feel the dam was constructed prior to 1914, while the district was not organized until 1919.

They steadfastly object to the district's stance that it can control the level of the board in that dam, citing a water right of the ranch. They point further to the Settlement Agreement executed in 1934 by the district and the Spicer Corporation and other landowners which states the Spicer Corporation: "Shall at all times be entitled as a first and superior right to impound waters flowing the Pit River and its tributaries in the respective amounts that are necessary and adequate to fill the channel storage above the respective river diversion dams. . ." and "the Spicer Corporation shall at all times under said first and superior right be entitled to divert from Rattlesnake Creek by means of its Rattlesnake diversions, two cubic feet per second of the water hereinbefore allotted to said first and superior right, or its equivalent if rotated, or as much thereof as is necessary to provide stock water upon the lands of said Spicer Corporation. . ."

The Rays agree there is a controversy involving the District and Battram, but state that Battram does not have the right to lower their Rattlesnake dam, as he did more than once, and interrupt their stock water rights, which they believe are stated clearly.

The district's arguing in court that the Rays have "threatened and continue to threaten to interfere with the district water master in the performance of his duties." The Rays argue that Battram has no business at their Rattlesnake Creek dam outside of the district's irrigation season and certainly has no right to interfere with their year-round stock water diversion.

They argue his action in January, when he used a chainsaw to cut out some dam supports, was not a part of necessary winterization of the dam, and that it violated their year-round water right and was harassment. The Rays have recently added to the suit, a statement that Battram is not a state certified water master, and that the State Watermaster Service has discovered an order dissolving the Watermaster Service Area for the Hot Spring Valley Irrigation District. In that case, they say Battram has never served as a Watermaster under state guidelines.

The Rays argue that the district has "failed and continues to fail to distinguish between the rights to riparian and pre-1914 appropriative right water allotted between parties and lands described in the settlement Agreement, and the water appropriated by the District and stored and regulated by means of Big Sage Reservoir, which appropriated water of the district is required to be proportionately distributed to all lands located within the boundaries of the district, including the Ray's lands.

The Rays are asking for a judicial declaration defining them as the sole owners of the dam and canal, that the district has no right to use the facilities, that the district has no easement on their land and district employees are not allowed on the land without prior verbal or written notice. In the cross complaint field in February, the Rays are suing the district, and individual directors Willy Hagge, John Picotte, Joe Battram, Larry Cullins, Larry McCulley, and Paul Dolby.

The first cause of action is for Inverse Condemnation, alleging the district is trying to take ownership of the dam and canal, without reasonable compensation, without eminent domain proceedings or due process.

The second action claims a trespass by the directors when accessing and then damaging the Rattlesnake Creek dam in January and interrupting stock water supply.

The third cause of action alleges a conflict violation where directors were financially rewarded by contracts under their control. The Rays contend that John Picotte, as a director, "routinely caused the district to pay himself," including two checks, one in the amount of $3,000 and another for $20,000, written in September 1999 and negotiated and signed by Picotte himself on behalf of the district. They contend further, that Picotte was paid additional funds in September of 2001. Picotte does construction work for the district. He serves as a director, but the projects do not go to bid.

The district argues state law allows it to use in house maintenance crews, but have not addressed fully the conflict of interest charge. The Modoc Grand Jury has called the conflict into question.

The Rays also allege that Hagge and other directors received payments (in the tens of thousands of dollars) from Malacha Power or Big Valley Ranches for sales of district water. The Rays contend those funds should have come to the district, not to individual dam owners on the river. Hagge has argued the water was not district water since it was sold outside of the irrigation season, but Ray argues water was released from Big Sage after the irrigation season to satisfy the sale. Ray's attorney has subpoenaed information concerning the amounts of payments from both Big Valley Ranches and Malacha.

The cross complaint alleges the directors knew they would benefit from the sales of water and other contracts, in violation of state law. The Rays are also asking for a temporary restraining order and injunction to stop any future sales of water pending the trial. No ruling has been issued on that request.

Another cause is a violation of the Political Reform Act of 1974, where the Rays are alleging the directors did not properly report income of water sales on Fair Political Practices statements.

The Rays further contend that district funds were being used to construct private dams on the Pit River for the purposes of allowing storage of district water and then the release for that water for sale to Malacha and Big Valley Water Users. The funds received from the sale of that water would go to private dam holders, not the district, they say. Additionally, they claim Battram was being paid by the district and by Malacha and Big Valley Water Users to negotiate the sales, but the amounts are not claimed by the district.

The sales of water, say the Rays, exceeded the capacity of the canal and also depleted Big Sage Reservoir storage.

The Rays also contend the district is trying to gain ownership of their property in retaliation for the Ray's reporting the sales of water to the Grand Jury and to the State Department of Water Resources. The district, said the Rays, want to silence their complaints.

The Rays are also alleging the district acted in a civil conspiracy to inflict emotional distress upon them and conspiracy to violate conflict of interest laws.

Between now and October, the Rays complaint to the state should be decided as well as other internal issues facing the directors. Some of the issues which could be interesting include a contract with PG&E that may not hold up at the state level, whether the district sales of water outside its boundaries is legal, whether storage of riparian water is legal and whether the district is properly monitoring water use.

Alturas Sewer issue coming to a head

The years of waiting for the good fairy to come and solve the Alturas Sewer problem have come to an end, and the city is now looking for ways to pay the piper

According to the City Council at Tuesday night's meeting, the price tag on the initial fix will be about $500,000. They council is holding a special meeting May 28, 7 p.m. to discuss and come to terms on a program to repair the sewer and bring it up to state requirements. The sewer plant has been sent violation notices at least three times this year

Past council's haven't completely ignored the sewer issue, but have looked for ways to decrease the costs to the rate payers through grants or loan programs. A latest effort using an income study probably won't help much, since the study indicates Alturas doesn't have a high enough level of poverty. That news was greeted with some skepticism by members of the council

In addition, past economic development projects, such as a private prison, would have infused funding to upgrade the sewer system and not burdened the ratepayers as highly

According to the council, a study by Ron Young, an engineer contracted by the city to work up a plan, indicates a possible $5 to $6 per month increase in the sewer portion of the water and sewer bill per household. That level of increase may be palatable to the council, but there could be other options that would make the increase much higher. The council is now studying the available options and hopes to come up with a plan with the least amount of impact to ratepayers, but that will still take care of the problem

The council also heard from City Attorney Fritz Barclay that its insurance carrier, PARSAC, has rewritten specifications for concrete and wooden skate parks. It appears the wooden Alturas park may fit into the new specifications and be insurable. That would be a major benefit, said Barclay, allowing the city to open the park on a regular basis. He said he should have a firm reading on the issue within the next 60 days

The park has been open sporadically because after it was built, PARSAC choose not to insure it without a hefty deductible put up by local government. The skate park is at the corner of Fourth and West C Streets.

Father saves son's life by performing CPR

It's part of Larry Cole's job as a physical therapy assistant to be certified in CPR -- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). Just months after his last certification, his skills were put to the test in saving the life of one of his own children.

Larry's last CPR course, under the instruction of coordinator CeCe Toaetolu, was in November of 2001. The father of four consistently asked Toaetolu questions about child CPR, partly because it's more complicated and delicate to him than adult CPR. Plus, he wanted to know in case an emergency arose where he or his wife, Mickey, needed to perform it. The couple and their children, Alex, 6, Madison, 5, Jackson, 2, and Kennedy, 10 months, live in the remote area of Willow Ranch, 20 miles south of Lakeview.

Larry was with the children on the afternoon of April 22, while his wife was at work. She's a dental hygienist, employed at the clinic in Alturas. Madison and Jackson had wandered off down the pasture, which is roughly 500-700 feet from the house. Jackson had never seen the pond before, Larry says, since he and his wife considered it a danger zone for the toddler.

At one point, he came out of the house to check on the kids. Alex was upset because he had run into the satellite dish while riding a four-wheel motorcycle. While he was tending to Alex, Madison approached him and patiently waited to interject. She politely excused herself, and then told her dad that she needed to tell him something: "Jackson drowned," she said, calmly. He didn't notice it at the time, but she was wet up to her chest. He thought perhaps his five-year-old meant that her younger brother was once again stuck in the mud. He clarified what Madison meant and became alarmed. "I started to be frantic," he remembers. "I started saying, 'Where is he?', 'Where is he?" in a raised voice, which made her nervous and quiet.

While holding the baby, he ran across the driveway, went through the fence and to the pasture. He turned and yelled, "Where is he?" He looked over to the spot where Jackson got stuck in the mud before, but didn't see him. Searching further, he came to the pond, and saw "the most horrible sight," -- Jackson's toy tractor on shore..... Drawing closer, he saw Jackson's lifeless little body floating in the water. Carefully setting down the baby, he ran in the water, and dove toward his son. The heavy hiking boots he wore made it especially difficult to move. He attempted to pick up Jackson, but kept sinking himself, so he drug the boy instead.

"I was exhausted by the time I got to shore," Larry recalls, relieved when he managed to get a foothold. Then, he prayed confidently and loudly. "I've never had a prayer like that before," he says, describing it as a plea of desperation, demanding an answer. "I didn't think CPR was going to do anything." The child's belly was distended, his skin was pasty white, he was cold and, at that point, not breathing. Larry remembers Jackson looked as though he was sleeping -- although obviously not a healthy sleep. After his prayer, he told Alex that he thought Jackson was dead. Then, he noticed a tiny bubble coming out of the toddler's nose, which cued him to begin CPR.

He tilted the child's head back, pinched his tiny nose and gave two breaths. Jackson exhaled. "So I knew his airway was clear," he says, which prompted him to administer five quick compressions on his small chest. Larry repeated the steps, and his son responded with a dim moan. "I was extremely relieved when I noticed him moaning," he says. "I told Alex, 'I think he's alive.'"

Larry gathered Jackson in his arms, told Alex to carry the baby, and they began the two-minute walk up to the house -- only Larry ran.

Once they reached the house, he laid Jackson on a pillow in the living room. "I almost called CeCe directly," he says. Instead, he called 9-1-1. The EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) on the phone instructed him to take off the child's clothes, warm him up and lay him on his side. Larry then gave directions to the residence.

While he was still on the phone, his wife walked through the door, and the other children told her what had happened. During the course of the conversation, the EMT told Larry to meet the ambulance half-way.

Jackson was wrapped up in a towel, and all family members piled in their Ford Expedition. Larry was still on the line with the hospital, but lost contact on the cordless phone as the vehicle raced down the driveway. "Mickey drove like you wouldn't believe," he relays. The ambulance met them at Stringer's Winery, just four miles north of the ranch.

Larry and Jackson were transported in the ambulance. Another crew member took over for Mickey in the driver's seat, speeding faster and harden than she had.

When they arrived, there were four or five doctors waiting for them. "They were really impressive," Larry said, speaking of all the medical staff. They gave Jackson oxygen and began to warm up his core temperature, which had dropped to 90 percent. "He looked terrible," remembers Larry, wondering at this point if his son had cerebral palsy.

The attending hospital staff kept asking Larry if he was cold, but he replied that he didn't know. They sent him to change into scrubs, and continued to pump water out of Jackson's stomach and lungs. He prayed again, "pleading with God to restore (Jackson) neurologically."

Larry returned to Jackson and soothed him with a question. He was amazed when the child answered. "He was Jackson again," says Larry, believing his response was a good sign. The boy repeated a pattern of being calm, to crying, to throwing up. But once subsided, he was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit.

"The next morning, he looked completely 100 percent," says Larry, adding that Jackson devoured his breakfast and ate a large portion of his dad's. The doctors were surprised at the toddler's full recovery, deeming it miraculous. The father and son went home that day.

From what Madison told her parents, she and Jackson discovered the pond and were playing in it, only he went out too far. She took the long way back to the house to tell her father about her brother's condition. "She is so very distractible," he said, amazed that she focused long enough to remember the task at hand. His wife pictures a guardian angel telling Madison, 'Go tell Daddy' and ushering her back to the house. They figure he was in the water 10 to 15 minutes.

Toaetolu urges anybody who's around children to learn CPR. The next class will be held in the Skills Laboratory at Modoc Medical Center on Wednesday, May 22 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Cost is $25 for new certification and $15 for recertification. Toaetolu says participants may make payments if necessary. For a summer schedule, call 233-7055. "I felt like I did a pretty good job for being panicked," Larry says in retrospect. He praises his two oldest children for their help during the ordeal, and is quick to credit God, who he says regularly performs miracles in his family's lives. However, they're usually on a smaller scale than this most recent incident. "We trust God," he shares. "He gets us out of jams all the time."

And, as for the still body of water that sits a hefty stone's throw from their home? "We're staying far away from that pond," he assures.

Obituaries:

Jennie Mary McDonald

Memorial services for Likely resident, Jennie Mary McDonald, owner and operator of the Likely Saloon, will be held Saturday, May 25 at 3:00 p.m. at the Likely Fire Hall in Likely, CA. Mrs. McDonald, 80, passed away April 28, 2002 at Washoe Medical Center, Reno, Nev.

She was born in Bristol, Connecticut on September 16, 1921, one of six children of the Warzecho family. She graduated from Bristol Central High School.

Jennie had determination and worked hard to accomplish her goals. She worked days and attended college classes at night in New York, until she earned her nursing degree. After graduation she became a Nursing Cadet.

She worked as a Registered Nurse from 1946 until 1985, at Metropolitan Hospital, New York; Veterans' Hospital on Staten Island; St. Rose Hospital in Hayward, CA. She retired as Director of Nurses from Washington Hospital in Fremont, CA.

In 1981, she purchased the Likely Saloon and moved to Likely in 1984. She continued to keep abreast of the latest information in the medical world if it could be of help to her friends or someone she knew. She also loved to keep up with world current events and enjoyed working in her garden.

A very caring and loving person and mother, she cared very much about everyone around her. She will be missed by her many friends and family. She is survived by her two sons, Thomas McDonald of Likely, CA and Brian McDonald of Alturas,CA; three sisters Judy, Rose and Alice. She was preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Mary Warzecho, brothers Frank and Joe Warzecho and husband Donald Thomas McDonald and numerous family members who reside in Connecticut. She will be laid to rest in her hometown of Bristol, Connecticut.

Carol Diane Lewis

Services for Davis Creek resident Carol Diane Lewis will be held Friday, May 17 at 1:00 p.m. graveside at the Davis Creek Cemetery. Mrs. Lewis passed away unexpectedly on May 13, 2002 in Davis Creek, CA. She was 58. She was born January 19, 1944 at Modoc Medical Center in Alturas, CA. to Mary Luvene Renner Grubb and Harold Ernest Grubb.

She was descended from a long line of Modoc families as her great-grandfather Theodor Henry Renner of Switzerland settled in Stone Coal Valley, between Adin and Canby, CA in 1870. Her great-grandmother was Laura Jane Essex of Cloverswale, near Canby, CA.

Carol attended Alturas Elementary School and Modoc Union High School until she married John "Coop" Lewis of Canby, CA on December 25, 1960 at her parents' home in Alturas.

She and John moved to Modesto about 1970, where Carol was an antique dealer and collector, in addition to being a homemaker and mother. She had a passion for collecting antiques and owned a large collection of Modoc County antiques.

Last year, the Lewis family had returned to live in Davis Creek. Carol was enjoying making many new friends and loved Modoc County and her view of Sugar Hill and Buck Mountain. She loved gardening, was an avid reader and traveler. She and John had traveled throughout the United States. She was a member of the Modoc County Historical Society.

She will be missed by her many relatives and dear friends in Modoc County and Modesto. She is survived by her husband John "Coop" Lewis of Davis Creek; sons John Cory Lewis and Terry Lewis of Modesto and Shan Alan Lewis of Davis Creek; her parents Mary Luvene Renner Grubb and Harold Ernest Grubb of Modesto and five grandchildren, Heather, Brooke, Shawnee, John-Paul and Jack all of Modesto. She was preceded in death by one son, Shawn Gary Lewis.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

George Morley

Alturas resident George Morley, 84, passed away in Klamath Falls, Ore. on May 5, 2002.

Mr. Morley was born July 13, 1917 in Alturas, CA. to William and Louisa (Sharp) Morley. He left school when he was 13 years old to help his family, after the death of his father.

He worked for 30 years as a carpenter and for 15 years in a creamery. He married his wife, Letha, in 1942 in Reno, Nev.

Among his interests were dancing, fishing, hunting and fly tying. He is survived by his wife Letha Morley of Alturas, numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grand-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his four sisters, brother and son, Rodney Allen.

Eternal Hills Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Interment was at Eternal Hills Memorial Gardens in Klamath Falls, Ore.

Leona Rose McKoen

Leona Rose McKoen, a resident of Modoc County for the past 20 years, passed away April 30, 2002 of natural causes at her home in Alturas, CA. She was 77.

Services were held May 2 at the Malin Cemetery in Malin, Oregon. Leona was a native of Malin, born March 7, 1925. She loved being with children and helping anyone she could. She enjoyed gardening and being outside. She also loved to play bingo and visit with all the players and callers. Collecting Ty Beanie Babies and trading cards were her passions. She is survived by her sister Ruby O'Neil of Merrill, OR; brothers and sisters-in-law, Clifford and Bertha McKoen of Malin, OR and Jess and Freddie (Dot) McKoen of Merrill; and numerous nieces and nephews. She also leaves her special friends, Don and Cindy Deiter and Family of Alturas, CA.

Victoria Ina G. Dickens

Victoria Ina G. Dickens, 72, passed away May 11, 2002 in Chiloquin, Oregon. Services were held at Eternal Hills in Klamath Falls, Ore. on May 14.

Born Victoria George on December 3, 1929 in Beatty, Oregon, she graduated from Franklin High and Girls' Polytechnic in Portland, Ore. She then attended secretarial school in Portland and married James Woodrow Dickens in Vancouver, Washington on December 7, 1948.

She was a homemaker and a loving mother to her four daughters. She enjoyed her family and gardening.

Mrs. Dickens lived in Modoc County for nine years. She was preceded in death by her daughter Elaine Clausen and her husband James on November 27, 2000.

She is survived by her daughters Valerie Chaney and husband Dallas of Redding, CA; Victoria Dickens of Portland, OR; Karen Wiley and husband Durel of Alturas, CA.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Klamath Hospice, Klamath Falls, OR. Burial was in Beatty, Ore., the town of her birth.

SPORTS

Modoc girls second in SCL track

Modoc's girls track team placed second in the Shasta Cascade League Championships at Weed last week. Trinity won the meet with 173 points and Modoc finished with 121.

Colleen McElwain won the 100 meters in a clocking of 13.1 , while Jamie Kuhn won the shot put at 28-10 and Kayla Harness won the 80 meters in 2:44.4.

Amy Gentry took a second in the 300 meters low hurdles at 56.5, Kuhn was second in the discus at 78-1/2 and McElwain placed second in the 200 meters at 27.3. Modoc's 4x100 meters relay team of McElwain, Harness, Christina Nardoni and Gentry also placed second..

Caitlin Cook took a third place in the shot put at 26-8, McElwain was third in the long jump at 14-9, Harness third in the 400 meters at 1:11.4, Vanessa Thomason, third in the 3200 meters at 14:59.3, and Modoc's 4x400 meter relay team of Gentry, Cook, Aliess Kingsley and Kuhn was third at 5:27.3. Gentry took a fourth in the 100 meter hurdles at 20.0, Nardoni was fourth in the 400 meters at 1:19.4, Kingsley was fourth in the discus at 71-10, and Nardoni was fourth in the 200 at 33.8. Cook took a sixth in the discus at 68-3. Modoc's boys varsity finished fourth in the meet with Trinity also getting the title.

Tyler Belarde took a second in the 800 meters with a 2:13.3