SixMODOC more FOOTBALL weeks of FACES winter… orCOUGARS spring ahead? THE WEED AT HOMECOMING
Groundhogs Day on February 2nd
The Modoc County
RECORD
Vol. 133, No. 45 29
Alturas, California
January9,29, 2026 October 2025
Serving Modoc Since 1892 16 24 Pages
Alturas Elementary Students Boost Fire Ormat Evaluating Geothermal Potential In Safety Skills with CAL FIRE Surprise Valley, Says Project Is In Early Stages Ormat Technologies Inc., a Reno, Nevada-based geothermal company, has begun early-stage work to evaluate whether Surprise Valley could support a future geothermal energy project. The company said it is in the first phase of exploration, gathering data to determine whether a viable and sustainable geothermal resource exists. Ormat emphasized the work is preliminary and that any geothermal power plants decision to move forward in more than 30 countries, would require additional said it is assessing the area’s Cal Fire Lassen-Modoc Unit-Facebook studies, a full environmental potential. Ormat said its facilities use Prevention Trailer. The and CALopportunities FIRE Lassen review for Fire binary technology intended gained essential Modoc Unit, in collaboration They public input. to minimize environmental on battery safety, with the Modocdevelopment Fire Safe knowledge “Geothermal impacts. The approach and Council and multi-year Alturas evacuation strategies, relies is a careful, on a closed-loop process in fire preparedness, Elementary recently process,” the School, company said in overall which geothermal fluids are to learning about led a vital Fire Prevention a statement, noting timelines addition cycleddangers through of the playing system Week program for local from early exploration to the and returned underground. fire equipment and students. Focusing on this with a potential commercial The company said understanding firefighter year’s theme, “Charge into facility often span five to it understands water and gear. Fire Safety:depending Lithium-Ion 10 years on fitness This community-focused Batteries Your Home,” is a top concern findings, in permitting and protection shared by the students received hands- initiative, for residents and ranching environmental requirements. FIRE Lassen onSurprise training the CAL operations. Ormat Modoc said Valleyinside and Modoc wells target County have a long history geothermal of geothermal activity, with deep hot zones far below exploration efforts dating domestic and agricultural back decades. Ormat, which aquifers and that state and says it has more than 60 federal regulations require years of experience exploring, protections for groundwater building and operating zones during drilling.
Unit, shows the strong commitment to public safety education, ensuring younger residents understand critical fire prevention measures. By teaching these Steamboat operation Sunrise Unit on social media for crucial lessons at an at early age, the program helps build ongoing safety tips and The company also through said its community activities toupdates. be interrupted. safer communities facilities are air-cooled and For lighting, the company Now a beloved annual increased awareness and do not rely on groundwater said facilities designed preparedness. Residents event, the FirearePrevention to generate power. to be program night-skyis something compliant, are encouraged to follow the Week Ormat addressed using down-shielded CAL FIREalso Lassen Modoc that firefighters, lighting staff, quality-of-life concerns, to protect the region’s darksaying modern geothermal sky character. plants are designed to Ormat said a project would operate quietly and that not require Modoc County to exploration and potential provide financial support or development would not infrastructure upgrades. The require farm or ranch company said geothermal
Veterans Day guide to honor local service members
Alturas Road Repairs Limited During Winter Months Veterans Day is a time for reflection, gratitude and community. This November, Modoc Record is preparing a special guide dedicated Staff Writer toBy: honoring the men and “Road who repairs women haveduring servedthe in winter months areforces. limited the nation’s armed byThe materials guide and will weather feature conditions,” according to profiles of local veterans, City of Alturas Publicsupport Works community events, Director resourcesWarren and Farnam. ways for Alturas toCity Council residents get involved. members met printed last Tuesday It will be and to discuss severalthroughout important distributed issues, including Modoc and Lassendangerous counties. potholes Stories will throughout highlight the Alturassacrifice community. resilience, and
leadership, while event listings will provide information on parades, ceremonies and other gatherings. Readers will also According there find detailstoonFarnam, organizations have beenassistance recent pothole offering with repairs. care, education and health Farnam said crews employment, as well as currently use a winter-mix volunteer opportunities and asphalt that is softer and donation drives. less durable, making repairs Community members are temporary. Whileshape potholes invited to help the are stillIfrepaired needed, guide. you orassomeone large-scale you know paving has projects served, are notMedia scheduled until Modoc encourages warmer you to months. submit a photo, A more detailed paving name and years of service.
Submissions can be emailed to info@modocmedia.com. Veterans Day is not only about honoring the past — recognizing planit’s will about be developed closer the ongoing contributions to spring, Farnam said, when weather conditionsinimprove. of veterans our Funding levels, crew neighborhoods, workplaces availability and the supply of and families. asphalt will determine The guide aims how to much work can be completed provide both inspiration and when. and practicalpaving resources, The primary season ensuring local stories of is expected to begin in the courage and commitment summer, when longerare and lasting remembered asphalt can be used for permanent repairs. celebrated.
and students alike look forward to each year— facilities contributetolocal tax an opportunity learn, revenue depending on size connect, and celebrate the and that responsibility a typical facility shared of supports five 20 longkeeping their tocommunity term operations jobs. Ormat safe. said it aims to hire locally when possible and plans to share information as the evaluation progresses about job timelines, training needs and opportunities for local Continue on page 7