ROTARY DUCK SEASON HAS BEGUN.
The Modoc County Vol. 133, No. 6
RECORD Alturas, California
May 1, 2025
Serving Modoc Since 1892
$1.00
16 Pages
Step Up for Justice: Why You Should Serve on Modoc’s Civil Grand Jury By Scott Swasey 2024-2025 Grand Jury Foreperson for Modoc County In every California county, there exists a powerful yet often underrecognized force for justice and accountability: the civil grand jury. Composed of everyday citizens, this independent body plays a crucial role in ensuring our local governments remain transparent, efficient, and responsive to the needs of the people. Now more than ever, Modoc County needs thoughtful, civicminded individuals to step forward and serve. Have you ever thought you’d like to serve on the Modoc County Civil Grand Jury? Now is your chance. What is a Civil Grand Jury? Unlike a trial jury, a civil grand jury does not determine guilt or innocence. Instead, it acts as a watchdog, investigating local government operations, public agencies, and officials. From reviewing city budgets to inspecting detention facilities, grand jurors dig deep to uncover inefficiencies, expose waste, and recommend improvements that
directly affect our communities. Each year, the seated jury chooses where and what they will investigate. Modoc County impanels a new civil grand jury every year in July, composed of 11 members who serve for a term of one year. These jurors research, interview, and deliberate on a wide range of civic issues—then issue public reports that can spark real change. Five Reasons Why You Should Serve 1. Be a Voice for Your Community Serving on a civil grand jury is one of the most direct ways to influence how Modoc County functions. You’ll examine how taxpayer dollars are spent and help ensure public officials are held to high standards of performance and integrity. 2. Promote G o v e r n m e n t Accountability Many reforms and policy changes across Modoc County have stemmed from grand jury reports. From improved jail conditions to more transparent budgeting practices, Modoc’s Civil Grand Jury is a vital tool for public oversight in
our county. 3. Gain a Unique Civic Experience As a grand juror for Modoc County, you’ll gain hands-on experience in law, policy, and investigative research. It’s a rare opportunity to engage with your local government from the inside out—and it looks great on a résumé, too. 4. Work With LikeMinded Citizens You’ll collaborate with a diverse group of fellow citizens, united by a shared commitment to public service. Together, you’ll work toward creating a better, more accountable local government for everyone. Read these quotes from some of this year’s grand jury members: “Wow!” What an awesome experience being a part of the Modoc County Civil Grand Jury. To be honest, serving on the grand jury was not on my bucket list. I must thank Judge Wendy Dier for encouraging my grand jury participation as my experience has been a blessing. In addition to my civic duty, I consider in an honor and a privilege to service citizens of Modoc County. It was a positive and educational experience.”
“I found my experience to be interesting and educational. The time I spent on the grand jury has been rewarding and an enjoyable experience.” “This is my second year serving on the Modoc County Civil Grand Jury and I am inspired. When I volunteered two years ago, Judge Dier called me personally, and asked me to serve. It was an honor. This has been an awesome opportunity to meet other civic-minded individuals. Yes, it is a year commitment, but the year goes by fast, and we learn so much about how the services in our community work. I highly recommend this experience to anyone who wants to give back to Alturas and Modoc County.” “It’s been an honor for me to have been the Grand Jury Foreperson this year. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with a great group of people who have been quite keen to learn about our local government functions. The interaction I’ve had with several of the County department leaders has really opened my eyes to the challenges we face in Modoc County.” 5. Leave a Lasting Impact
Photo by Janice Betian The findings and recommendations made by civil grand juries can lead to lasting changes in how local agencies operate. Your work can benefit your neighbors and community members for years to come. How to Apply Serving on a Modoc’s civil grand jury is open to all Modoc residents aged 18 and over who have lived in the county for at least one year, are of good character, and possess sufficient knowledge of the English language. Applications are typically accepted at the Modoc Superior Courthouse business office. Answer the Call In an age when trust
in government is more important than ever, Modoc’s Civil Grand Jury offers a meaningful way to contribute to the health of our county and our democracy. It’s not just an opportunity to serve — It’s an opportunity to make a difference. The Grand Jury will be holding an Open House at the Court House on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., in the upstairs court room. Join us as we answer questions and share our experience. Are you already ready to volunteer to serve on the 2025-2026 Modoc County Grand Jury? Contact Bekki at the Modoc Superior Courthouse, 530-233-6516, ext. 1208.
By Chelsea Bacon The Rotary Clubs of Alturas are reviving the beloved Great Rotary Duck Race on Saturday, July 5, following the Fandango Days Fourth of July parade. The duck race, once a signature event from 1996 to 2002, will be held at Main Street and Dorris Bridge, where up to 2,500 rubber ducks will race toward the finish line — and into the hearts of locals once again. Organizers aim to raise at least $40,000 for causes ranging from nursing scholarships and youth sports to senior initiatives and community development. The effort is personal for some, including Rotarian Joe Catania, who proposed the race’s return in honor of his mother through the Dragon Lady Nursing Scholarship. “The reason we wanted to bring it back was because Joe brought the idea up to the club,” said one Rotary member. “We unanimously voted yes.’” How to Participate Tickets are $25 per duck, and each entry includes a coupon book valued at over $200. Corporate sponsors or individuals can also purchase 10 ducks for $250, which comes with a uniquely numbered blue duck eligible for a separate
prize category. Tickets are available from Rotarians and at: Alturas Plumas Bank (Duck Central) Madison Insurance Dolby Insurance Alturas Tire Center Ace Hardware Each duck is assigned a number corresponding to its sponsor, and the first to cross the finish line will win big. Prizes and Sponsors $10,000 grand prize (yellow duck) — Sponsored by ORMAT, a geothermal energy leader $2,500 second prize (yellow duck) — Sponsored by Alturas Tire Center & Automotive Repair $5,000 blue duck prize — Sponsored by Desert Rose Casino More than $28,000 in prizes will be awarded, including: An on-demand water heater installation-from Ed Staub & Sons A four-tire gift certificatefrom Alturas Les Schwab Tire Center An EM 140 Rouge Welder with hood- from Modoc Steel A Yeti prize package-from Holiday Market A Traeger Pro 34 pellet grill- from Four Seasons Half a hog, cut and wrapped-from Hart T Hogs A $600 construction credit-from Hat Creek
Construction A 2026 golf membership-from Arrowhead Golf Course A one-year gym membership-from D o u b l e - A - G y m $500 in cash-from Cal Pines Lodge A snowboard-from Pepsi Oakley sunglasses-from Modoc Family Optometry A steak knife and fork set-from Dick Read Multiple gift cards and gift baskets ranging from $100 to $500- From Holiday Market, Grocery Outlet, Frank’s Carpet, Reuck & Co, Napa Sierra Alturas, Horst Farm Supply Winners do not need to be present in order to win. The event is made possible through the support of ORMAT, Desert Rose Casino, Alturas Tire Center, Ed Staubs, Les Schwab Tire Center of Alturas, and many other local businesses and donors. A Tradition with Deep Roots Originally created to help build and upgrade local Little League fields, the Duck Race began in 1996, led by Billie Madison and the Alturas Rotary Club. As the event grew, so did the team — eventually leading to the formation of a second club to help organize the large-scale effort. “We had several needs
in the community then, and we still do,” a longtime Rotarian said. “After six years, we had accomplished what we set out to do so we stopped. But now, we’ve found a new purpose.” “This year, we brought it back with the idea that we will continue to do this for years to come,” said Rotarian Mike Mason. “Each year, we’ll identify new needs in our community and work together to solve them.” Even if the total raised doesn’t match the impact the event had in its original run, organizers insist that raising even just $30,000 or more today still makes a real difference, especially in a rural area where modest
contributions go a long way. The scholarship fund currently supported three students this year in their pursuit of a nursing degree. Rotarian Mike Mason hopes to get the community and surrounding areas psyched for this fun opportunity to say: “Without a duck, you have no luck.” A Note of Gratitude Organizers offered heartfelt thanks to the many businesses and individuals who contributed prizes, coupon offers, and financial support. “Thank you so much to everyone who has supported us — whether in coupons, prizes, or donations,” Mason said.
“We couldn’t do this without you. We hope it inspires others to continue to support our Modoc community.” A Community Celebration Come July 5, the community of Alturas will once again gather to celebrate tradition, charity, and a whole lot of floating fun — proof that even after 23 years, the Great Rotary Duck Race is just as lively, spirited, and meaningful as ever. For more information or to schedule a duck delivery, contact Joe Catania at (530) 356-3927 or Mike Mason at (530) 640-1316
Alturas Rotary brings back Great Duck Race after 23 years to float fun and fund community causes