The government has sent aid in many forms to  Klamath Basin farmers.  Twenty million dollars has been made available  to eligible landowners and producers.  These payments by USDA’s Commodity Credit Corporation, are estimated to range from $90 to $110 per eligible acre.

  “In my past experience as a farmer, I understand what it’s like to not be able to grow a crop because of drought,” said Deputy Secretary Jim Moseley.  “While this program will not make producers whole, it is our hope that it signals this administration’s awareness of the plight of producers in the Klamath Basin.” 

 This money will in no way fully compensate for the devastating loss.   The farmers are pretty much united in the statement “We want to work, just give us our fair share of water.”  The majority are holding on to hopes of next year and the return of       promised life giving water.  

 One hundred fifty temporary jobs will be created for a six month period in the Klamath Basin.  The jobs will hopefully be full time and will pay prevailing wages.  

Approximately 122 Klamath Basin farmers are signed up for the labor pool.   Emergency Assistance Center staff have commented that approximately one fourth of the registered workers are Modoc County residents.  The Tulelake Community Partnership has developed employer guidelines for any interested potential employers.   It is hoped the temporary job creation will infuse the suffering economy with much needed local dollars.

    Assembly Bill AB1637  allocates a total of 8 million dollars to the Klamath Basin.  The funding will be used for the Tulelake Irrigation District, temporary job creation, city water improvements, a youth facility, water fowl, weed control and crisis counseling.

Remember, farmers feed America.  We need to support them.      

Gary’s sexual discrimination presentation really gave us something to think about.  But definitely, the activities were the best.  We all learned to barter and trade with Lassen’s gift table.  Yeah , three trades and your out!! It was so much fun.  And  we learned how shapes match personalities with the Plumas staff.   Just as we thought, AFWD had  to many squares, until the Guesstures game!  Wow, you all were GREAT!!  Not a shy one in the bunch, and anything but SQUARE!

The hospitality of the ranch staff was as wonderful as the food, and as beautiful asthe surroundings!  Great place to visit!

Thanks AFWD exec’s, this training was a time to REMEMBER!

 Your surprised?  Well, we have a great group meeting monthly here in our county.  With just about all facets of our community represented, we are pushing  ourselves to create some much needed changes.   Our challenges are great, but the group is greater!! 

     With the presence of the already established Modoc Economic Development Council, we are moving ahead, looking for funding for business creation, retention, and expansion opportunities.

 We can keep each other informed of local opportunities as well as the changing workforce training and development needs.

     There is a very positive attitude from group members.  Those attending are excited to come together in a unified effort.   

          We all love our county, our quality of life, and are anxious to see the positive effects of a healthy economy.  

The Blue Fire Began its run on  August 9, 2001, sparked by lightning.  Under hot, dry August weather conditions, the fire behavior was extreme.  Driven by southwest wind, and singe digit relative humidity, within four days the fire reached approximately 28,000 acres in size.  The fire was contained on August 21 at a size of 34,400 acres, and controlled on September

The existing and active Bald Eagle nest  and campground were spared from the blaze.

Approximately 3,500 firefighters camped at the Junior Livestock Fairgrounds and the Rotary sponsored baseball park.  Numerous local residents were temporarily employed, providing maintenance services, food service, and deliveries.  Firefighters were welcomed by local businesses with signs and displays of “Thank-YOU”.   Modoc County residents were extremely grateful for their hard work and long hours.   The camp even put up their own sign on Main Street, thanking the locals for their hospitality. 

     It was really exciting to see our community come together in a spirit of unity.  The fires were tragic, and the conditions extreme, yet the firefighters were relentless, and our gratitude is heart felt.

Staff members Kelly Gould, and Donna Garcia assist new Computer Lab Coordinator Sherrie Hughes with a great booth at Modoc County’s annual Fandango Days celebration.

Flyers, calendars, brochures, and general information regarding MEC were handed out by this enthusiastic trio.  Some interesting potential clients stopped by for a closer look at the current job listings

Sherrie also spoke one on one with several folks, surveying them about possible future computer class offerings as well as spreading the word about MEC’s open access computer lab policy.

Fandango Days is our Fourth of July celebration, the whole town gathers at the park for a day of visiting, food, entertainment, and just plain old small town fun.        

       "God Bless America"

   Many interesting breakouts were offered at the “Meeting of the Minds ” conference held in  beautiful Monterey.  AFWD’s Community Coordinators Traci Peterson and Kelley Poindexter attended with enthusiasm!  The event provided very useful information in many different aspects.

Meeting new people and exchanging ideas was the best part of the conference, as well as the the daily visit to Starbuck’s

Coffee. (A real treat if you live in  “Upstate California”)  One breakout offered   “how to’s” on the “fee for services concept”  for one stops.  Look out Lassen and Modoc!  Traci and Kelley’s group was in the running for winning the poetry contest about particular counties.  (Ours was Modoc- yes we know– enough said!)

        It was a terrific experience!  A very informative and well designed conference.