IS
WATCH THE ROADS! The Modoc County
RECORD
Vol. 133, No. 24
Alturas, California
September 4, 2025
! Serving Modoc Since 1892 28 Pages
Modoc County deputies recover more than 100 firearms, narcotics in Surprise Valley operation The Modoc County Sheriff’s Office says deputies recovered more than 100 firearms, stolen property and narcotics during a sweep of four locations in Surprise Valley. Deputies served the warrants on Aug. 25, seizing thousands of rounds of ammunition, a suspected stolen vehicle, methamphetamine, a suspected honey oil lab and assorted drug paraphernalia. Three of the four locations contained stolen firearms, ammunition, drugs and other stolen property, according to the Modoc County Sheriff’s Office. Officials said the weapons and ammunition are tied to a burglary reported in June in Cedarville. Five people were arrested in connection with the investigation: • Michael Bernie Sweeney, 37 • Bryce William Lemonds, 29
• Connie Lynne Sweeney, 57 • Rocky William Lemonds, 61 • Robbie Ann Barnes, 51 The Sheriff’s Office said Michael Sweeney and Bryce Lemonds remain in custody at the Modoc County Jail without bail. The other three suspects were released on their own recognizance pending court proceedings. Sheriff William “Tex” Dowdy said the case remains under investigation and more arrests are possible.
“This operation demonstrates our commitment to protecting the citizens of Modoc County by removing dangerous weapons, narcotics and stolen property from our communities,” Dowdy said in a press release. “I want to thank the deputies for their dedication and hard work in this ongoing investigation.” The Sheriff’s Office urged anyone with information about the case to call (530) 233-4416. Tipsters may remain anonymous.
2025 NATIONAL SHEEPDOG FINALS By: Geri Byrne, Chair 2025 National Sheepdog Finals From September 30th to October 5th, 2025, Alturas, California, will host the National Sheepdog Finals, where top Border Collies from the United States and Canada compete for the prestigious title of National Sheepdog Champion. Organized by the United States Border Collie Handlers Association (USBCHA) and the American Border Collie Association (ABCA), this premier event also includes a National Nursery Championship for dogs three years and under. Handlers and their dogs travel nationwide all year, earning points to qualify as one of the top 150 teams for the Finals, which rotate
annually across the U.S. Hosting this event is an honor for Alturas, showcasing the world’s finest stock dogs. Border Collies, renowned for their intelligence and herding instincts, are tested in sheepdog trials that mimic real-world tasks. The trial involves an Outrun (gathering sheep from 400 yards), a Fetch (bringing sheep to the handler), a Drive (guiding sheep through obstacles), a Shed (separating groups of sheep), and a Pen (herding sheep into a pen). Commands are given via whistle and voice, following standards set by the International Sheep Dog Society. Many competitors, including past USBCHA National Champions and participants in the World
Sheepdog Championship, will showcase their skills. The Finals run from September 30 to October 5, 2025, at Lazy Spade Ranch, 12 miles west of Alturas off Highway 299. Four judges will oversee the event: two for Open runs, two for Nursery runs, and all four for the Saturday Finals. The schedule includes Preliminary Open and Nursery runs (Tuesday– Friday), Open SemiFinals for the top 40 dogs (Saturday), and the Double Lift Championship for the top 17 dogs (Sunday). The Sunday Finals feature an International Course with a longer 800-yard outrun, gathering 20 sheep in two groups, and a complex sequence of driving,
shedding, and penning. Judges from around the globe will evaluate this event, including Dean McCauley from Larne, Northern Ireland; Mosse Magnusson from Valdemarsvik, Sweden; Linda Tesdahl from Mount Airy, Maryland; and Robin Dean from Lancashire,
England. Set against scenic alfalfa fields, the event includes a trade show with local artisans, food concessions, and family activities. Sponsorship opportunities offer benefits like VIP access, program Continue on page 7