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The Modoc County Vol. 132, No. 42
RECORD Alturas, California
January 9, 2025
Serving Modoc Since 1892
$1.00
14 Pages
Federal Offices Closed Thursday for National Day of Mourning Honoring President Jimmy Carter A national day of mourning will be observed Thursday, Jan. 9, to honor former President Jimmy Carter, who died on Dec. 29, 2024, at the age of 100. President Joe Biden issued an executive order declaring all federal offices and agencies closed for the day in remembrance of the 39th president of the United States. Federal offices, including all executive departments and agencies, will be closed Thursday. Essential federal employees may still be required to work to support national security, defense, or other critical operations. The U.S. Postal Service will suspend mail delivery and retail services on Thursday, and post offices will be closed. While some commercial packages will be delivered, regular mail operations will not resume until Friday, Jan. 10. Subscribers to the
Modoc Record within Modoc County will not receive their newspapers via USPS on Thursday. Instead, papers will be mailed on Friday, Jan. 10. Readers are encouraged to plan accordingly. Federal Reserve offices will also be closed in observance of the national day of mourning. Unlike federal holidays, the national day of mourning does not require private businesses to close. Most banks are expected to remain open, though Federal Reserve closures could delay certain transactions. Grocery stores, schools, and other businesses are also likely to operate on their regular schedules. For Modoc County residents, federal offices and post offices in Alturas and the surrounding areas will be closed Thursday. Residents should adjust their schedules for transactions or deliveries
accordingly. A national funeral service for Carter will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Washington National Cathedral, where Biden is scheduled to deliver a eulogy. Flags at public buildings, military installations, and U.S. embassies have been ordered to fly at half-staff for 30 days in Carter’s honor. In California, Gov. Gavin Newsom directed flags at the State Capitol to be flown at half-staff. Carter, who served as president from 1977 to 1981, was known for his humanitarian efforts and commitment to diplomacy. He celebrated his 100th birthday in October, becoming the oldest living U.S. president in history. For more information about closures, residents are encouraged to contact local offices or businesses directly.
The White House Website
Surprise Valley High School Agricultural Education Program Honored with National Award
Castillo Sentenced in Stabbing and Vandalism Cases
From Left to Right: Kyle Stapleton, NAAE, Region I Vice President, Meng Wang, Bayer, Maigen Scritchfield, Surprise Valley High School, California, Britt Lebbing, Bayer, Eric Tilleman, NAAE, 2023-2024 President Surprise Valley High School’s agricultural education program in Cedarville, has been nationally recognized as one of the best programs in the country. The program received the 2024 National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE) Outstanding Middle and Secondary School Agricultural Education Program Award during the annual NAAE Convention held December 3-7 in San Antonio, Texas. This prestigious award celebrates the nation’s top agricultural education programs and educators, recognizing their integration of core academic instruction, use of modern technology, and efforts to meet the specific needs of their students, school, and community. The 2024 award is partially sponsored by Bayer, a global leader in agricultural science. With over 95% of Surprise Valley High School students in grades
8-12 enrolled in the program, its curriculum is comprehensive and impactful. Students have access to required science classes, college preparatory courses, and two distinct career pathways: agribusiness and agriculture mechanics. The program focuses on leadership development and community engagement, preparing students for agricultural careers that are critical to the local economy. Under the leadership of agricultural educator Maigen Scrichfield during the 2023-2024 academic year, the program has grown into a model of excellence. Its mission is to provide students with life skills that extend far beyond the classroom, equipping them for success in a variety of professional and personal endeavors. NAAE, the professional organization representing agricultural educators across
the United States, serves over 9,000 members. The organization supports agricultural education through professional development, advocacy, and recruitment and retention of educators. Headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky, NAAE’s mission is to deliver agricultural education for the global community through visionary leadership and service. The recognition of Surprise Valley High School’s agricultural education program reflects the hard work and dedication of its educators, students, and the Cedarville community. Modoc County is exceptionally grateful for Maigen Scrichfield’s hard work and dedication to her school and students. This honor demonstrates the importance of agricultural education in shaping the next generation of leaders in this vital industry.
California Megan’s Law Website On January 3, 2024, Modoc County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a reported stabbing in Fort Bidwell and arrested 31-year-old Rigoberto Castillo. Already on parole and facing felony vandalism charges from an incident in October 2023, Castillo has remained in custody awaiting the resolution of both cases. On January 2, 2025, Castillo pleaded guilty to a felony charge of assault with a deadly weapon, including an enhancement for great bodily injury, as well as felony vandalism. He also faced an additional
charge for a prior strikeable offense and a parole violation. Mr. Castillo received a sentence of 11 years and 8 months in State Prison and was held in custody pending transfer. During Castillo’s sentencing, the stabbing victim gave a Victim Impact Statement commending the Modoc County Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney’s Office, Victim Services, and Surprise Valley Hospital for their hard work, care and support all the way from the time of his attack to the time of sentencing.