Happy Mothers Day
MODOC FOOTBALL FACES THE WEED COUGARS AT HOMECOMING
Mamas
The Modoc County
RECORD
Vol. 134, 133, No. 7 29
Alturas, California
May 7, October 9, 2026 2025
Serving Modoc Since 1892 16 24 Pages
Restroom Vandalism Students Across Modoc Schools Alturas Elementary Boost Fire Safety Skills withWarning CAL FIRE Prompts District Modoc Joint Unified School At Modoc Middle School, District officials are raising staff documented clogged concerns following a series toilets, students misusing of vandalism incidents and restroom time during inappropriate behavior in class, and damage caused student restrooms across by students standing on multiple campuses. toilets and breaking sensor According to a letter sent equipment. Additional May 1 by Superintendent concerns include outlets Beckie Lewis, incidents being stuffed with items have been reported in recent such as pencils and paper, as weeks at Alturas Elementary well as reports of vaping in School, Modoc Middle School restrooms. and Modoc High School. At Modoc High School, At Alturas Elementary, a toilet was removed and reported issues include damaged, and most recently, flooding caused by paper a restroom door was forcibly Cal Fire Lassen-Modoc towels placed over motion Unit-Facebook removed and its hardware sensors and FIRE drains,Lassen fecal Fire destroyed. Prevention Trailer. The CAL matter Unit, smeared on walls, They Lewis gained described the essential Modoc in collaboration and toilet intentionally behavior as “unacceptable, on battery safety, with the paper Modoc Fire Safe knowledge clogging toilets. District evacuation unsafe, and deeply strategies, and Council and Alturas officials alsoSchool, reported soap overall disrespectful,” noting the fire preparedness, in Elementary recently dispensers beingPrevention removed addition damage is safe to disrupting learning about led a vital Fire and a sink pulled for fromlocal the the and sanitary for dangers conditions of playing Week program wall, followed by repeated students. students. Focusing on this with fire equipment and tampering with plumbing The district is also facing firefighter year’s theme, “Charge into understanding fixtures. financial strain and gear. as a result Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion fitness This community-focused Batteries in Your Home,” students received hands- initiative, shared by the on training inside the CAL FIRE Lassen Modoc
of the incidents. Cleanup and repairs require custodial labor, maintenance work and, in some cases, outside contractors. Officials said those costs are being diverted from funding intended for student programs, staffing and classroom resources. If the behavior continues, the district may consider alternative restroom arrangements, including portable facilities, to maintain access and sanitation. In response, the district plans to increase supervision in restroom Unit, shows areas, the review strong camera coverage in nearby commitment to public safety common ensuring spaces younger where education, permitted, andunderstand enforce residents progressivefire discipline. critical prevention Potential By teaching consequences measures. these for students involved crucial lessons at an early may theinclude age, program suspension, helps build restitution for damages, loss safer communities through of privilegesawareness and possible and law increased preparedness. Residents are encouraged to follow the CAL FIRE Lassen Modoc
Strong Family Health Center hosted a Family Awareness Night on April 22 at its Cultural Hall, bringing together families from across Veterans Day is a time Modoc County to address the for reflection, gratitude and growing concern of youth community. This November, vaping. Modoc Record is to preparing The event, open families a special guide dedicated with students in third to honoring men and through 12th the grade, focused women who have served in on education, prevention and the nation’s armed forces. support for those struggling The guide will feature with nicotine addiction. profiles of local veterans, Organizers emphasized that community events, support vaping is affecting children resources and ways for at increasingly younger ages, residents to get involved. with some cases reported It will be printed and among elementary-aged distributed throughout students. Modoc and Lassen counties. The evening with Stories will began highlight Continue on page 3 resilience, sacrifice and
Submissions can be emailed to info@modocmedia.com. Veterans Day is not only about honoring the past — it’s about recognizing the ongoing contributions of veterans in our neighborhoods, workplaces and families. The guide aims to provide both inspiration and practical resources, ensuring local stories of courage and commitment are remembered and celebrated.
enforcement involvement. District officials are also asking families to discuss appropriate behavior and accountability with their children and to encourage reporting of unsafe or Unit on social media for destructivesafety actions.tips and ongoing “We want to avoid reaching community updates. that point,” Lewis saidannual in the Now a beloved event, the Fire Prevention Week program is something that firefighters, staff,
letter, referring to possible restrictions on restroom access and other operational changes. District leaders emphasized that maintaining safe and and students alike look functional toschool forward each facilities year— depends on cooperation from an opportunity to learn, students, and staff and families. connect, celebrate the shared responsibility of keeping their community safe.
Community Event Raises Awareness of Youth Veterans Day guide to Vaping Risks honor local service members leadership, while event listings will provide information on parades, ceremonies and other gatherings. Readers will also find details on organizations offering assistance with health care, education and employment, as well as volunteer opportunities and donation drives. Community members are invited to help shape the guide. If you or someone you know has served, Modoc Media encourages you to submit a photo, name and years of service.
Images from Strong Family Health Center Facebook