Martin Luther King Day on January 20th The Modoc County Vol. 132, No. 43
RECORD Alturas, California
January 16, 2025
$1.00
Serving Modoc Since 1892 16 Pages
Fatal Single-Vehicle Collision on US-395 A tragic single-vehicle accident on Friday, January 10, 2025, resulted in the death of Jonathan Swift Hurt II, a 62-year-old resident of Reno, Nevada. The fatal collision occurred on US395, north of County Road 53, at approximately 1:08 PM. According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), Mr. Hurt was driving a maroon 1990 Volkswagen Vanagon Multivan southbound in the designated lane. For reasons yet to be determined, the
vehicle veered off the west roadway shoulder. It then reentered the roadway, crossing both southbound and northbound lanes, before leaving the roadway again on the east side. The vehicle overturned, and Mr. Hurt, who was ejected during the rollover, sustained fatal injuries. At this stage of the investigation, authorities do not believe alcohol or drugs played a role in the collision. The weather was reported to be clear and the road surface
dry, eliminating adverse environmental conditions as contributing factors.
However, the exact cause of the accident remains under investigation.
Mr. Hurt was traveling alone at the time of the crash, and no other vehicles or individuals were involved. This incident serves as a solemn reminder of the unpredictability of roadway events and the importance of wearing seat belts at all times. Ejection from a vehicle significantly increases the risk of fatality in a collision. The CHP emphasizes its commitment to promoting road safety and reducing preventable fatalities.
As the community processes this heartbreaking loss, our thoughts and condolences go out to Mr. Hurt’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. Such events highlight the fragility of life and the shared responsibility of ensuring safety on the roads. The CHP, along with local authorities, is committed to determining the circumstances surrounding the accident and providing clarity to those impacted.
Modoc County Supervisor Byrne Installed as Rural County Representatives of California Chair
At the microphone is Samuel Anguiano, 5th grader, addressing the USFS session regarding sacred land authorized as a National monument.
Role Of Native Youth In A National Monument
T
he College of the Siskiyous in Weed, California, hosted a United States Forest Service public listening session on December 7, 2024, regarding ancestral homelands of the Pit River Nation. Illmawi Tribal Citizen of the Pit River Nation and campaign advisor to establish the Sáttítla Highlands as a National Monument, Radley Davis, invited RISE youth of the Water Protectors project to speak. RISE Director, Lisa Craig, transported seven youth to the rally to support the designation of a national monument. The Sáttítla Highlands, located near Mount Shasta, spans 224,000 acres that stretch across the ShastaTrinity, Klamath and Modoc National Forests. Water Protector youth and the Pit River Nation have sought preservation of land, plant, wildlife habitat and critical water resources for decades. Designation of the sacred land as a National monument would safeguard water resources for millions of Californians. RISE youth embarked on an early morning journey to join other supporters in the urgent action of using their voices in a respectful manner to communicate their opinions. Many of the youth were intimidated by the crowd having some voices in opposition of a
monument designation. However, after a lunch break, fifth grade Water Protector Samuel Anguiano accepted a leadership role to explain why the Sáttítla Highlands matter. In a resolute and confident voice, Anguiano expressed what the sacred area means to him and his family. He emphasized the importance of clean water for all, and the ongoing struggle to protect Sáttítla from exploitation of resources for the purpose of profit. His short, direct and impactful message set a high standard for all speakers. On January 7, 2025, the Biden administration officially designated the Sáttítla Highlands as a National Monument. Chairman of the Pit River Nation, Yatch Bamford, stated that the designation preserves factual United States history and is a Tribal and American victory for clean water and healthy lands. MESA Director, Billie Austin congratulated Craig for mentoring RISE-MESA students in a remarkable action that is part of history. “I will congratulate Samuel in person for his courage, and for recognizing when it is important to make your voice is heard, “ beamed Austin. Craig has led RISE youth in their service as Water Protectors. She commented on feeling blessed, fortunate to have a part in the youth
project, and being active in the campaign. Craig remarked, “Being present and working to protect sacred sites, to preserve Mother Earth by honoring Sáttítla brings to mind the tremendous support our youth have received from important trainers in the STEM project of Water Protectors, including Gregory Wolfin, D.J. Vanas, Magdalena and Paul Steele, Leah Mudron, Jen Rovanpera and many more.” “In addition to its tribal cultural significance, Sáttítla is home to the Medicine Lake aquifer, an enormous, pristine hydrological recharge and storage area which nourishes the Fall River Springs system and provides clean water to millions of Californians,” explained Davis. “The vast aquifer system is a reflection of Sáttítla’s unique geology and volcanic activity: The Medicine Lake VolcanoNorth America’s largest shield volcano- provides the foundation for the area’s groundwater stores.” RISE youth Water Protectors will present a workshop on their project and accomplishments at the California Conference on American Indian Education at CSU, Chico in March 2025. They will explore opportunities to further their service following the exciting development of the Sáttítla National Monument.
The Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) is a forty-member county service organization that champions policies on behalf of California’s rural counties. RCRC is dedicated to representing the collective unique interests of its membership, providing legislative and regulatory representation at the State and Federal levels, and providing responsible services for its members to enhance and protect the quality of life in rural California counties. Founded in 1972, RCRC works together with its membership to advocate for rural issues at the state and federal levels. RCRC provides the rural county perspective on a myriad of issues throughout the legislative and regulatory processes, including land use, water and natural resources, housing, transportation, wildfire protection policies, and health and human services. Since its inception, RCRC has fostered policies and programs that reflect the unique rural heritage and the current conditions and needs of our member counties, while also promoting a greater understanding among policymakers about the unique challenges that face California’s small-population counties. On Wednesday, Jan. 8, Congressman Doug LaMalfa administered the official Oath of Office and installed the RCRC 2025 Officers, in addition to presenting its Rural Leadership Awards. Of the officers installed, Modoc County District V Supervisor Geri Byrne was installed as the new Chair. First elected to the Modoc County Board of Supervisors in 2010, Byrne has been active around Northern Calif., serving on the Golden State National Resources Board, the Tulelake Butte Valley Fair Board, served a term on the California Farm Bureau Board, serving on the Modoc Williamson Act Committee, Vice President and Board member of the United States Border Collie Handlers Association, and serving on the Shasta Regional Community Foundation grant committee. When asked about her new appointment, Byrne stated “I am excited to build on the strong foundation laid by past RCRC leadership and work alongside my fellow county leaders to address the unique challenges and opportunities facing rural California. Together, we will advocate for policies that support our communities and ensure a prosperous future for all residents.”
L-R: Chris Lopez, RCRC Immediate Past Chair, Monterey County; Bob Nelson, RCRC Second Vice Chair, Santa Barbara County; Geri Byrne, RCRC Chair, Modoc County; Miles Menetrey, RCRC First Vice Chair, Mariposa County