Lady Braves fight for the Championship Saturday The Modoc County Vol. 132, No. 49
RECORD Alturas, California
February 27, 2025
$1.00
Serving Modoc Since 1892 14 Pages
Tragic News on the California Oregon Border A 16-year-old, who would have turned 17 this month, was found dead Tuesday on a property in Lakeview, Oregon, leading authorities to charge the teenager’s mother and her boyfriend in connection with the death. According to Oregon State Police, Lake County deputies were assisting the Oregon Department of Human Services and Child Welfare in serving a court-ordered protection order at a home on South G Street when they found the teen’s body. Court documents indicate the death likely occurred on or about Feb. 1, though the victim’s identity has not been released. Amanda Edwards, 38, and her boyfriend, Nathaniel Cullins, 31, were arrested and charged with criminally negligent homicide, first-degree criminal mistreatment, seconddegree abuse of a corpse and tampering with physical evidence. Cullins also faces an unlawful use of a weapon
charge. Both remain lodged in the Lake County Jail. The charges allege the pair knowingly withheld adequate food, physical care or medical attention from the teen. Investigators have not released further details regarding how the child died, but authorities said the death is being treated as a homicide. Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Oregon State Police Southern Command Center at 541-8835711 and reference case number SP25-054507. Child welfare advocates in Modoc County say rural areas near the Oregon-California border face challenges that can allow abuse to go undetected, including limited social services and fewer neighbors to notice signs of trouble. They urge the public to report any concerns to local authorities in hopes of preventing similar tragedies.
Alturas Resident Arrested and Charged with Multiple Felonies Maxwell Reynolds, 23, of Alturas, was arrested on February 21, 2025, and charged with multiple felony offenses, including violations of California Penal Code sections 288.4(b), 311.4(c), 288.2(a)(2), 311.1(a), and 289(i). According to authorities, the charges stem from alleged
offenses involving a minor. The specific violations include: • PC 288.4(b): Arranging a meeting with a minor for lewd or lascivious purposes after traveling to the meeting location. • PC 311.4(c): Using a minor to assist in the distribution of obscene material.
• PC 288.2(a)(2): Sending harmful material to a minor with intent to seduce. • PC 311.1(a): Possession or distribution of child pornography. • PC 289(i): Sexual penetration with a foreign object involving a minor. Reynolds was arraigned
on February 24, 2025, in Modoc County Superior Court, where the defense requested his release on his own recognizance (OR). The Modoc County District Attorney’s Office opposed the request and moved for remand. Judge Linville granted the prosecution’s motion, ordering Reynolds to remain in custody with
bail set at $25,000. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 10, 2025, at Modoc County Superior Court. This is a developing story. The Modoc Record will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Federal Layoffs Effect Modoc County By Shaelene Tims Federal workforce reductions are hitting rural communities hard, and Modoc County is feeling the impact. While recent layoffs have made national headlines, their effects are being felt locally, particularly among U.S. Forest Service employees responsible for managing public lands and wildfires. As of February 2025, approximately 30,000 federal workers have been laid off nationwide. These cuts span multiple agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Department of Defense. While aimed at reducing government spending, they are creating uncertainty in rural counties that depend on federal jobs. Federal positions make up 39% of Modoc County’s workforce, with the Modoc National Forest covering 1.6 million acres. With wildfires becoming an annual threat, reductions in firefighting and land
management staff have raised concerns about preparedness. A Facebook post from Siskiyou County recently warned about similar job losses, stating: “From Siskiyou County,
the Klamath National Forest lost 15 employees over the weekend. Folks, we need to help manage the forest and fight our now near-annual fires. There was no fat to be trimmed. If that bothers
you, give a call or write a letter to Rep. Doug LaMalfa.” In Modoc County, Forest Service employees face similar fears, with reports of layoffs creating unease within the
department. Firefighters and field crews have not been immune to the cuts, and further reductions before fire season could strain already limited resources. Meanwhile, other
Photo provided by Modoc County Sheriffs Office
federal agencies are also seeing layoffs. The Department of Defense recently announced 5,400 job cuts, while the IRS is reducing its workforce by 6-7%, affecting taxpayer services. With Modoc County’s small privatesector job market, the loss of stable federal employment could ripple through our local businesses and essential services. Community leaders are urging residents to contact Rep. Doug LaMalfa and Assembly Member Heather Hadwick to express concerns. Federal cuts may be a national issue, but in counties like Modoc, they threaten jobs, public safety, and economic stability. For now, the future of Modoc County’s federal workforce remains unclear. But as these layoffs spread, one thing is certain…when federal jobs disappear, entire communities feel the loss.