The Modoc County Vol. 132, No. 40
RECORD Alturas, California
December 26, 2024
$1.00
Serving Modoc Since 1892 16 Pages
BLM Seeks Input on Sage Hen Spring Fence Project The Bureau of Land Management’s Applegate Field Office is seeking public input on a proposed 102-acre fence enclosure aimed at protecting the Sage Hen Spring area, its riparian habitat, and archaeological resources. The BLM has prepared a preliminary Environmental Assessment (EA) analyzing the potential impacts of the project, designated DOI-BLM-CA-N020-
2024-0003-EA. The goal of the project is to minimize disturbances to the area while enhancing wildlife values and preserving cultural resources. The preliminary EA is available for review on the BLM’s ePlanning website at https://eplanning.blm.gov/ eplanning-ui/project/2030409/510. The agency is accepting public comments through Jan. 11, 2025, via the ePlanning website. For questions, requests for
hard copies of the EA, or to submit written responses, contact Megan Banwarth at the BLM Surprise Field Station by email at mbanwarth@blm.gov or by mail at P.O. Box 460, Cedarville, CA 96104. The BLM encourages public participation in the decision-making process to help ensure the project meets conservation goals while respecting the needs of the area’s natural and cultural resources.
Modoc County’s Shop with a Cop
BREAKING NEWS Santa Claus is Coming to Town
The history of Santa Claus can be traced back to the fourth-century Christian Bishop St. Nicholas. Much admired for his piety and kindness, St. Nicholas became the subject of many legends. It is said that he gave away all his inherited wealth traveling the countryside helping the poor and sick. Over many years, Nicholas’s popularity spread, and he became known as the protector of children and sailors. St. Nicholas entered American popular culture towards the end of the 18th century. In December 1773, and again in 1774, a New York newspaper reported that groups of Dutch families had gathered to honor the anniversary of his death. The name Santa Claus evolved from Nick’s Dutch nickname, Sinter Klaas, a shortened form of Sint Nikolaas (Dutch for Saint Nicholas). In 1804, John Pintard, a member of the New York Historical Society, distributed woodcuts of St. Nicholas at the society’s annual meeting, with the background of the engraving containing now-familiar images including
stockings filled with toys and fruit hung over a fireplace. Stores began to advertise Christmas shopping in 1820, and by the 1840s, newspapers were creating separate sections for holiday advertisements, which often featured images of the newly popular Santa Claus. In 1822, Clement Clarke Moore, an Episcopal minister, wrote a long Christmas poem for his three daughters entitled “An Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas,” more popularly known as “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Moore’s poem is responsible for our modern image of Santa Claus as a “right jolly old elf” with a portly figure and the supernatural ability to ascend a chimney. The poem is said to have popularized the nowfamiliar image of a Santa Claus who flew from house to house on Christmas Eve in “a miniature sleigh” led by eight flying reindeer to leave presents for deserving children. In 1881, political cartoonist Thomas Nast drew on Moore’s poem to create the first likeness of Santa. His cartoon depicted Santa
as a rotund, cheerful man with a white beard, holding a sack of toys for lucky children while wearing his bright red suit at his North Pole workshop with his elves, and his wife, Mrs. Claus. In the United States, Santa Claus is depicted as flying from home to home on Christmas Eve to deliver toys to children. He flies on his magic sleigh led by his reindeer Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, and of course, Rudolph. Santa enters each home through the chimney, which is why Christmas stockings are “hung by the Chimney with care.” Every year, children write letters to Santa and track Santa’s progress around the world on Christmas Eve leaving him cookies, milk, and carrots for his reindeer. Parents can help their children track Santa’s flight pattern and location on the night of Christmas Eve using the Official NORAD Tracks Santa site at https://www. noradsanta.org.
The annual “Shop with a Cop” event brought holiday cheer to 11 local children—five boys and six girls—on December 18th. This beloved community event pairs law enforcement officers with children for a special day of gift shopping, laughter, and holiday spirit. Participants included two families from Cedarville and several families from Alturas and surrounding areas. Each child was accompanied by an officer who helped them pick out gifts for their family using donated funds. Every officer received $100 to spend on their child, thanks to the generosity of local donors. Three officers had an additional $30 per child, and would use that to purchase something that the child had shown interest in. Law enforcement agencies involved in the event included the Modoc County Sheriff’s Office, Alturas Police Department, the California Highway Patrol (CHP), Modoc County Probation, and California Department of Fish & Game Wildlife. Santa Claus made a special appearance, spreading joy and excitement among the children. The Modoc County District Attorney’s Office and Victim Witness Services also joined the festivities, showing their support for the community. The Modoc County Deputy Sheriff’s Association donates at least $300 each year to help fund the event. Additionally, administrative staff contribute in-house donations to ensure the event’s success. After shopping, everyone enjoyed pizza, cookies, and hot chocolate. Law Enforcement and Volunteers helped the children wrap their presents they had chosen, adding an extra touch of care and warmth to the day. Each child received a teddy bear, a folded Christmas card, scissors, tape, a cookie with their name on it, and a cup of hot chocolate. The joy and excitement were palpable as some children received a ride home from officers, smiling ear to ear. “As soon as these deputies are united with these children, they just melt,” Tex Dowdy shared. Sierra, the office financial coordinator, and other administrative staff went above and beyond to ensure every detail was perfect for the children. The “Shop with a Cop” event continues to demonstrate the power of community support and the dedication of local law enforcement in Modoc County. Each year, this event not only provides gifts but creates cherished memories for children and officers alike. The Modoc County Sheriffs Office wants to send its sincerest gratitude to all the volunteers and sponsors who helped make this event possible every year.