Have a Beautiful
Memorial Day
MODOC FOOTBALL FACES THE WEED COUGARS AT HOMECOMING The Modoc County
RECORD
Vol. 134, 133, No. 9 29
Alturas, California
May 21, 2026 October 9, 2025
Serving Modoc Since 1892 20 24 Pages
Lassen County Sheriff DeclaresBoost Mountain Alturas Elementary Students Fire Lions an Imminent Threat in Gold Run Area Safety Skills with CAL FIRE Residents reported multiple incidents reported repeated mountain lion throughout the area. sightings near homes in the On Oct. 14, 2025, the Gold Run area, prompting Sheriff’s Office received a public safety declaration a report from a Gold Run from Lassen County officials. resident who said he According to Lassen County encountered a mountain Sheriff John McGarva, the lion while outside with his Lassen County Sheriff’s two dogs the previous day. Office has received increasing The resident said the lion reports of mountain lion emerged from beneath a activity in the Gold Run area tree about 15 feet away and since the summer of 2025, appeared to approach him with residents expressing aggressively. He returned concerns about public safety inside with the dogs and near Gold Run, Amesbury retrieved a shotgun because Drive and Hill Creek Road. he feared for the safety of his Residents said the lions family and animals. By the Cal Fire Lassen-Modoc Unit-Facebook have become increasingly time he returned outside, Trailer. The CAL around FIRE Lassen comfortable homes Fire the lionPrevention had moved toward a gained Modoc in collaboration and noUnit, longer respond to They nearby creek bed. essential with the Modoc Safe knowledge traditional hazingFireefforts. Additionalon battery reports safety, were and Council and Alturas evacuation One resident reported received Maystrategies, 11, 2026, after fire preparedness, in Elementary recently finding a School, mountain lion overall residents submitted five to learning about led a vital beneath hisFire deckPrevention that had addition videos showing as many as dangers lions of crossing playing Week program for away, local the previously been scared five mountain equipment and students. Focusing on this with but repeated encounters privatefire property and moving year’s “Charge into understanding have theme, made the animals within feet of firefighter homes, and gear. Fire more Safety: difficult Lithium-Ion to deter. fitness including near entrances and This community-focused Batteries Yourthe Home,” Authoritiesinbelieve same beneath decks. Residents shared the students received handslions may be responsible for initiative, told authorities theybyfeared on training inside the CAL FIRE Lassen Modoc
for the safety of children and pets because the lions appeared unconcerned by human presence. The Sheriff’s Office said deputies observed tracks and trails close to residences during a canvass of the neighborhood. Officials reported the lions appeared habituated to humans and were moving freely through residential areas despite the presence of lights, cameras and fencing intended to deter wildlife. Residents contacted during the canvass said they had also seen black bears in the Unit, showsmany theexpressed strong area, though commitment public safety concern abouttothe increasing education, ensuring younger frequency of mountain lion residents sightings. Oneunderstand resident critical reported fire findingprevention a deer measures. By teaching carcass about 20 yards these from crucial at an early a fence lessons line, while another age, the programcaring helps build acknowledged for safer communities through abandoned feral cats that increased awareness and could attract predators. preparedness. Residents Some residents said they are to follow the had encouraged removed orchards or CAL FIRE Lassen Modoc
installed fencing in attempts to reduce wildlife activity. Authorities said traditional hazing methods, including yelling, loud noises and chasing the animals away, have been ineffective for several months. The Sheriff’s Office said evidence suggests the lions have remained in the area through the winter and spring months. Unit on social for Mountain lions media are native ongoing safety tips and to California, though wildlife community updates. animals officials warn Nowbecome a beloved annual that habituated to event, humansthe canFire posePrevention increased Week is something risks inprogram residential areas. that firefighters, staff,
On May 13, 2026, McGarva issued a declaration stating the mountain lions pose an imminent threat to public safety. The Sheriff’s Office said it is continuing to work with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to address the situation. Anyone who has and students alike lions look encountered mountain forward to iseach year— in the area encouraged an opportunity to learn, to contact the Lassen connect, and celebrate the County Sheriff’s Office nonshared of emergencyresponsibility line at 530-257keeping their community 6121. safe.
Modoc Joint Unified Veterans Day is aSchool time District teachers voiced for reflection, gratitude and concerns over rising health community. This November, insurance costs, teacher Modoc Record is preparing retention and dedicated financial a special guide stability during Mayand 13 to honoring thethemen school womenboard who meeting. have served in According to theforces. Modoc the nation’s armed Teachers Association, the The guide will feature district’s health insurance profiles of local veterans, cap for teachers has increased community events, support just 0.9% over the ways past eight resources and for years, while costs residents to insurance get involved. have risenbe25% in the and last It will printed two years. distributed throughout Association Modoc and Lassen President counties. Katie Coppwill said highlight teachers Stories believe the district’s resilience, sacrificecurrent and
within the district. Several Submissions can be emailed said new teachers cannot to info@modocmedia.com. afford to work in Modoc Veterans Day is not only County under current about honoring past conditions, whilethe others — it’s about recognizing noted that when teachers the contributions leaveongoing the district, families of veterans in our often leave the community as well. neighborhoods, workplaces Teachers also stressed the and families. importance of staff stability The guide aims to in supporting student success provide both inspiration and maintaining consistency and practical resources, in classrooms. ensuring local stories of Copp said it was courage and commitment encouraging to see teachers are remembered unite in support of and one another during the meeting. celebrated.
Despite the discussion, teachers said the meeting did not produce a resolution to concerns surrounding rising insurance costs and their impact on take-home pay. According to Copp, the school board does not plan to adjust the budget at this time and intends to continue with the current proposal. Negotiations between the district and the Modoc Teachers Association are scheduled to continue May 20. Copp said approximately 15 teachers are either retiring
or seeking employment in other districts. She added that the association appreciates the support of the community in helping teachers continue providing education for local students. “We couldn’t do it without their help,” Copp said. Community members with questions are encouraged to contact the Modoc Teachers Association. The Modoc County Record will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
Lassen County Sheriff Declares Mountain Lions an Imminent Threat Near Gold Run
Modoc Teachers Raise Concerns Veterans Day guide to Over Costs, Retention at honorInsurance local service MJUSD Board Meeting members proposal would effectively leadership, while event result in a pay cut year listings will next provide because employees would information on parades, be responsible and for covering ceremonies other a larger share of insurance gatherings. Readers will also expenses. find details on organizations The meeting drew strong offering assistance with attendance teachers health care, from education and and community employment, as members. well as Copp estimated that aboutand 20 volunteer opportunities teachers drives. and five residents donation attended the members session, with Community are three teachers and one invited to help shape the community member guide. If you or speaking someone duringknow public comment. you has served, Speakers highlighted Modoc Media encourages concerns about a teacher you to submit photo, affordability and ofretention name and years service.