Congratulations Class of 2025 The Modoc County Vol. 133, No. 11
RECORD Alturas, California
June 5, 2025
$1.00
Serving Modoc Since 1892 18 Pages
Modoc Family Pharmacy to Replace Rite Aid in Alturas By: Chelsea Bacon The long-standing Rite Aid at 432 North Main Street in Alturas, CA, will soon transition to new ownership and a fresh identity. Although the location will remain open, it will no longer operate under the Rite Aid name. Instead, it will be reborn as Modoc Family Pharmacy (MFP) — a locally inspired pharmacy initiative. The new pharmacy will be operated by Cascadia Pharmacy Group, an independent pharmacy organization with a growing regional presence. This change comes as part of a vision led by Tyler Dearing, brother of Modoc Optometrist Dr. Kyle Dearing. Tyler, who owns two pharmacies in Roseburg, partnered with Jeff Harrell, a pharmacy leader who operates 34 locations across the Pacific Northwest. Recognizing the critical need for accessible pharmacy services in rural communities, Dearing and Harrell are committed to creating a health-focused, community-driven space. “Every town should have more than one pharmacy option,” says Dearing. Their team’s goal is to shape Modoc Family Pharmacy into a trusted health hub, designed with direct input from Modoc County residents — a Modoc Footprint that reflects local values and healthcare needs. Tyler Dearing, a community advocate and part of the local leadership behind MFP, emphasized the mission of the pharmacy: “There is no better pharmacy than an independent pharmacy. We make our own decisions and can customize our pharmacy
to be the footprint of Modoc County. This is more to me than just owning a pharmacy — this is not a financial decision. This is me trying to provide a business to my family’s community and provide jobs.” He added, “In Alturas, it doesn’t work to go and pick up a prescription — some people need it sent to their door.” Dearing also addressed broader healthcare issues, stating, “Insurance companies are monopolies.” He continued, “I have nothing but sincere gratitude to Modoc Medical Center who has been so welcoming. We are both here to work with all medical organizations. If someone can’t find a medication, I want to help find it for them. We are here together — built on local businesses in the community.” Regarding the transition, Dearing reassured the public: “Buying a store is a process; buying a pharmacy is a much larger process. Rite Aid has been confidently working with us through this whole process.” He affirmed, “There will be a Rite Aid, until there is a Modoc Family Pharmacy.” The owners promise the transition from Rite Aid to Modoc Family Pharmacy will be “seamless.” There is no need for customers to switch pharmacies or transfer prescriptions — all existing records and medications will remain in place. “No worries should be had by anyone who seeks prescriptions at the Rite Aid Pharmacy,” Dearing said. To ensure uninterrupted care
and ease of transition, Modoc Family Pharmacy will continue using the same pharmacy benefit manager for insurance billing and claims. This will allow for a smooth and automatic switchover, with no extra steps required for patients or providers. In especially meaningful news for the community, Philip Harvey — beloved pharmacist in Modoc County for over five years — will not only remain at the pharmacy but will also be a partner in Modoc Family Pharmacy. Harvey was initially shocked when offered the opportunity: “I was completely surprised — but incredibly honored,” he shared. This offer and opportunity came without hesitation from either side. According to Dearing, “We always knew we wanted Philip as our partner. It was never a question. The way the community talks about him, the respect they have for his work — we were proud to offer him that role.” Harvey had long dreamed of running an independent pharmacy in a rural community. He had pitched the idea before when Rite Aids began their closures, but said, “No one had ever taken it seriously enough to move forward.” His deep devotion to small-town pharmacy care comes from his roots. Harvey attributes his passion for serving rural communities and helping patients to the way he was raised. From a young age, he watched his father — a pharmacist who owned Family Drug in Tonopah, Nevada, for over 20 years — build trust and care within a tight-knit community. “I remember playing
with packaging peanuts in my dad’s pharmacy,” Harvey recalled. After completing his undergraduate studies at University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) and finishing his Doctorate of Pharmacy and MBA, Harvey knew exactly what he wanted: “Serving a small, rural community was always my goal.” With some friends already living in Susanville, CA, he began exploring the region — and the moment he visited Alturas, he said he just “fell in love with the town.” Harvey is also continuing to expand his clinical capabilities. He is currently completing certification for an Advanced Practice Pharmacist license, which will allow him to collaborate directly with doctors on patient care, including the ability to adjust dosing when needed. This added level of care will further integrate pharmacy services with the broader healthcare system in Modoc County. The team also has every intention to retain the entire current pharmacy staff and strengthen local relationships. “We hope to be more tied to the community than ever before,” Harvey said.
“More opportunities for the community to make them healthier than ever.” Harvey’s heart clearly shines through in how he talks about his customers. “I know them. I know their families. I see that they are in fear,” he said. “I’m a very personal person. I know that choosing your pharmacy is a very personal decision. I, of course, hope that they choose me. If anyone has any fear or worry about the future of their prescriptions, please do not hesitate to call me. I am more than happy to answer any questions anyone may have.” He added: “We want to help them on their journey. We want to help put them at ease and assure them everything is going to be okay.” Leadership has also shared that there are big, big plans to come. They say Modoc Family Pharmacy will be able to provide far more than Rite Aid corporate ever could, thanks to local control, flexibility, and a deep commitment to serving the unique needs of Modoc County residents. As part of those plans, leadership intends to shape the store front
into what the community truly needs. While a wide range of overthe-counter (OTC) medications will still be available, everything else in the retail space is open for discussion. The team plans to actively seek input from the community about what goods, services, and features are most needed, ensuring the space reflects Modoc’s values, lifestyles, and everyday needs. The change also responds to growing concerns about corporate consolidation in healthcare. For example, CVS Health owns its pharmacies outright, along with CVS Caremark (a pharmacy benefit manager) and Aetna (a major insurer). This vertical integration model has drawn scrutiny for reducing competition and patient choice — challenges MFP aims to counter through transparency, personalized service, and a community-first approach. “This pharmacy will be built for the community,” says Philip Harvey. Stay tuned for updates on the transition timeline and opportunities to get involved as Modoc Family Pharmacy takes shape.
Modoc County’s Kids Fish Derby Reels in Another Year By: Shaelene Tims The Rotary Club of Alturas brought families to Pine Creek Reservoir this past weekend for the beloved annual Kids Fish Derby, a Modoc County tradition that has endured for generations. Dozens of children arrived early Saturday morning, fishing poles in hand, eager to land one of the freshly stocked trout. The contest began at 7:30 a.m., and while the fish were elusive, spirits were high as families gathered around the reservoir’s edge. Laughter echoed across the water as kids compared tackle boxes, shared bait, and waited for the tug of a line. The event remains true to its roots. Only children in elementary school or younger from Modoc County are allowed to compete. Adults may help with baiting and casting, but once the line hits the water, it’s all up
to the kids. The tradition emphasizes independence and hands-on experience for young anglers. Holiday Market provided free hot dogs, chips, and bottled water, keeping participants energized and cool under the late spring sun. Local merchants donated prizes, which were awarded to all kids, whether they caught a fish or not. Every child left with something to smile about. Among the standout moments of the day: Paige Mason reeled in the biggest fish of the derby, a 1.6-pound trout. Raiden took top honors in the boys’ division for his catch. Daxton Morris-Wright was one of six lucky anglers to win a new bike, thanks to prize donations from local sponsors. The reservoir was stocked in advance with catchable-sized trout. While state regulations prevent organizers from
closing the reservoir to the public before the event, the derby continues to focus on creating a special experience for young anglers. Historical records show the event has been a local fixture for decades. Even back then, concerns were raised about adults fishing before the derby and possibly reducing the number of trout available to children. But despite state restrictions, the Rotary Club and the community continue to work hard to make the event rewarding for kids. Amber Ander, a former participant who now brings her own children, reflected on how the derby has changed. “The biggest difference is that everyone wins. When I was a kid, only a handful of kids got bikes, and a few more got poles. The Rotary group goes above and beyond to make sure every kid gets some kind of prize. For
my two kiddos who didn’t catch anything this year, that made it special,” she said. “Also, when I was a kid, no one was really allowed to help us. But now, I love looking around and seeing everyone so involved with their own children.” Though only a few fish were caught this year, the memories made along the muddy shoreline will last longer than any fish story. Kids proudly showed off gear nearly as big as they were, and families enjoyed a rare morning away from screens and schedules. The Rotary Club expressed gratitude to all sponsors, volunteers, and community members who helped make the event a success. Plans are already underway for next summer’s derby. Organizers hope for more fish, more prizes, and more memories in the making.
Raiden pictured on left with Kashton MorrisWright , Paige Mason on right
Daxton Morris-Wright with his new bike