BBQ & FIREWORK SHOW AT CAL PINES LODGE ON JUNE 28TH The Modoc County Vol. 132, No. 13
RECORD Alturas, California
June 27, 2024
Serving Modoc Since 1892
$1.00
16 Pages
Young Man Critically Injured After Jumping Off Cliff Near Alturas
A 19-year-old man suffered life-threatening injuries after jumping off a cliff into a canyon at Pine Creek Reservoir, southwest of Alturas, early Saturday morning, authorities said. The initial alert call came from an individual who seeked medical attention for unrelated injuries who informed emergency personnel about Hunter, said Modoc County Sheriff Tex Dowdy. The Modoc County Sheriff’s Department received a call at approximately 4 a.m. reporting that Steven Hunter had jumped from a cliff into the canyon. Deputies arrived at the scene at 4:41 a.m. and began searching for Hunter with assistance from the Alturas Rural Fire Department and Cal Fire. Some witnesses had come forward with additional information about where Hunter may be and this helped in the search for finding Hunter. Witnesses reported that Hunter made statements about harming himself before jumping. Around 7:05 a.m., Cal Fire firefighters located Hunter at the bottom of the canyon with life-threatening injuries. “The victim was located in a steep, rocky drainage area,” Cal Fire stated. Authorities confirmed the jump was around 180 feet. Once lifted, Hunter was transferred to an idling ambulance, which then transported him to an air ambulance. He was flown to Mercy Medical Center in Redding, where he is being treated for critical injuries. Hunter is currently in critical condition. The case is under investigation. Authorities are asking anyone with additional information to contact the Modoc County Sheriff’s Office at 530-233-4416
Photos provided by Modoc County Sheriff’s Office
Junior Livestock Auctions a Lamb for Frank Estill Scholarship
Junior Livestock Sale and BBQ took place last Friday. It was a night of fun, donations, and laughter. The highlight for many was the first annual auction of a lamb for the Frank Estill Scholarship at the end of the night.For those who attended, you know what that moment was like for all who were present. Many of Franks Estills loved ones and friends gathered around as one friend of his from Surprise Valley FFA showed a lamb and the auction began. Before it even had started, people started to weep hearing the auctioneer talk about the impact and love everyone shared for Frank Estill. The first bidding war was so special seeing when the price per lb grew higher and higher. The really moving moment was how many times the lamb would be resold and the bidding we started again. The lamb kept getting resold and resold again and again. Each resell of the lamb just brought on more and more tears from the FFA and 4H members, attendees and the auctioneer. After 9 resells and 10 purchases of this lamb, the Junior Livestock Show was able to raise $37,520 for the Frank Estill Scholarship. The night was so moving and there was not a dry eye in the room. The whole environment was so moving for so many. A big thank you to Patriot Restoration, Sheeprock Ranch, Cherokee Express, K & K Distributing, Cal Creek Meat, Anklin Ranch, Alturas Ranches, Alturas Les Schwab Tire Center, and Pacific Crest Federal Credit Union for their generous contribution, you made the first auction for the Frank Estill Scholarship a massive success.
Rainbow Gathering Relocates to Plumas County for 2024 Event
Photo by Forest Service
The 2024 Rainbow Gathering, originally expected to take place in Modoc National Forest, has been relocated to Plumas County. The decision was finalized after the Susanville Indian Rancheria (SIR) expressed strong concerns about the potential impact on their ancestral lands. In a press release on June 14th, SIR emphasized the importance of several protective laws, including the Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA), the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), and the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act
(NAGPRA). They highlighted the risk of “egregious damage and irreparable harm” to sites of cultural and religious significance if the gathering were held in Modoc County, Plumas, or Lassen County. SIR recommended that the 2024 Rainbow Gathering be relocated and not approved without a thorough environmental review. This recommendation played a role in the event’s relocation to Plumas County.5 miles north of Antelope Lake in Plumas County, just west of Janesville. The Plumas County Sheriff’s Office has issued
a statement warning attendees of a significant law enforcement presence at the gathering. They plan to enforce a zerotolerance policy toward any illegal activities or behaviors that threaten public safety or natural resources. The event, which promotes peace, love, and tranquility, is expected to draw between 2,000 and 8,000 participants from July 1-7. While the move aims to protect vital cultural and environmental resources, organizers and law enforcement are working together to ensure a safe and harmonious event for all attendees.