Kern River WaterData: Wed. 6 a.m.

Storage, IsabellaReservoir124, 284 acre-ft.(Pool capacity is568,075 ac.-ft. at thespillway. Current limit360,000 ac.-ft.)Peaked at 258,239ac-ft. June 16.

Inflow, North Fork ofKern at Kernville277 cfs (5-hr avg.)

Outflow, Lower Kern 277 cfs

Borel Canal flow247 cfs

Data from U.S. Army

Corps of Engineers

cfs=cubic feet per second

1 cu.ft. = 7.48 U.S. gallons

1 ac.ft.= 325,851 U.S. gal.

CarlGorham

caught somebeauties in thelake.

MRSA isa superg-

erm, but it canbe managed,according to Dr.Donahue.

See theWhiskey

Flat Days hon-orary mayorcandidateschedule.

FREE

Spotlighting thebest of the Kern River Valley

4

6

8

Friday, January 30, 2009 A Community Partner and Award-Winning Newspaper Vol. 5 No. 52

Valley weekendweather forecast

Fri.: Sunny, eastwind. High 67.

Fri. night: Clear,east wind. Low 39.

Sat.: Sunny, high 65.

Sat. night:Mostlyclear, low 37.

Sun.: Sunny, high66.

Sun. night: Clear,low 36.

National Weather Service

Michael Batelaan/Kern River Courier

The old-time festival Whiskey Flat Days is coming to Kernville Feb. 12-16! The annual Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper, your guide to the festivi-ties with a complete event schedule, will be inserted in local copies ofnext week’s Kern River Courier. Be sure to pick up your free copy.

Little red boxes showing up all over valleyMike DevichKern River Courier

Puzzled about those locked red boxeson poles labeled “Fire Department” thatare turning up like mushrooms all overthe valley?

What’s in the boxes was explained bythe local Kern County Fire DepartmentBattalion Chief Ken Stevens during aninterview with the Courier Tuesday after-noon.

They don’t have anything like toolsinside that might be tempting to a van-

dal. They’re full of informational mapsand paperwork that may help firefighterssave your home one day.

Stevens explained that during thePiute Fire last summer, there were 30strike teams with more than 150 enginesworking on the fire. Many of those fire-fighters came in from out of the area.Stevens came up with an idea, he said,that he wanted to implement locally.Stevens knows the area, being a KernValley High School student at one time.

The fire department is developingmaps for all the far-flung and rural

locales here in the Kern River Valley area.The maps show roads and driveways andwhat sizes of fire equipment can fit inthere; names of roads; where lockedgates are located; close water sources;and more – everything the visiting (andlocal) firefighter needs to know to battlewildfires in the Kern River Valley.

Twelve boxes have already beeninstalled around the valley, and there willbe 50 eventually. They are usually located

Kern River Courier

Two of the Kern River Valley’sfinest were honored by the KernRiver Valley of Commerce Mondaynight at Paradise Cove.

In alphabetical order, they areDr. Holly Spohn-Gross (the

Chamber’s Woman of the Year) andthe Rev. Dr. Charles White (Man ofthe Year).

The two were selected for spot-lighting by the Chamber after nom-inations were received from the

KRV Chamber presents honorsto two of valley’s achievers

The Rev. Dr.Charles White, right,reads a plaquegiven to him by theKRV Chamber ofCommerce as itsMan of the Year, astheir Woman of theYear, Dr. HollySpohn-Gross, lookson.Val Minoux/Kern River

Courier

See FIRE, Page 9

BLM schedulestravel meeting Kern River Courier

The Bureau of Land Management'sBakersfield Field Office is planning a publicworkshop in Lake Isabella on Feb. 25 todiscuss management of travel over theirland.

The workshop will be held from 6 to 8p.m. at the Moose Lodge, 6732 LakeIsabella Blvd.

Another meeting will be held in Taft.“We're asking the public to comment on

the route inventory,” said Peter DeWitt,BLM recreation planner.

DeWitt said, “The workshop and associ-ated Travel Management Plan are part ofthe (BLM’s) Resource Management Planrevision. They will comprehensively planfor all types of travel (recreational, casual,agricultural, industrial, and administrative,etc.) and accompanying modes and condi-tions of travel, including motorized, mech-anized, and non-mechanized uses.

“That covers everything from dirt bikes,to oil and gas exploration equipment,” headded.

Water towerremoval dueover winterMike DevichKern River Courier

The water tower that has stood like asentinel near the Forest Service headquar-ters in Lake Isabella for many years isabout to become a victim of age.

The Kern River Ranger Districtannounced Jan. 21 that the water systemthere would be replaced over the winterbecause of leaks and poor water quality.

According to District Ranger RickLarson, the water system is close to 60years old and has numerous water qualityissues. The State Health Department hasrecommended that parts of the water sys-tem be repaired or replaced to correct con-tinuing bacteriological problems.

Leaks, water quality issues

See HONORS Page 9See BLM, Page 9

See TANK, Page 9

Courier CalendarFree meal Saturday, Jan. 31sponsored by KV Churchesof Christ

The Kern Valley Churches ofChrist will be sponsoring anannual dinner Saturday, Jan. 31from 1 to 3 p.m. at the SeniorCenter in Lake Isabella. Times aretough. Need a hot free meal?Come join us and eat some goodhome cooking. No tickets needed;just come join us. For more infor-mation call Richard at 379-4884or Glenn at 379-4792.

Requiem for Ace on Sunday,Feb. 1 at Riverside Park

Archie’s Hardware’s belovedmascot, Ace the dog, 1996-2009,passed away last week. There willbe a celebration of his life atRiverside Park in Kernville onSunday, Feb. 1 from 2-4 p.m.,weather permitting. Everyone isinvited to pay tribute to Ace. ElRio Restaurant is having an “AceSpecial” that day from 2-4 p.m.

Forest Recreation Fee meet-ing set for Feb. 2

The Sequoia National Forestand Giant Sequoia NationalMonument will be hosting a pub-lic workshop on Monday, Feb. 2in Kernville from 5:30 to 8 p.m. toprovide information on theSequoia National Forest’s recre-ation fee program. The meetingwill be at the KernvilleOddfellows Hall. (This is a newlocation from the originallyscheduled place, the SeniorCenter.) For further informationplease contact Mary Cole at 559-784-1500 (mcole@fs.fed.us).

Whiskey Flat Days CowboyAuction at Ewing’s Feb. 12

A part of the KernvilleChamber of Commerce’sWhiskey Flat Days celebration(coming up President’s Day week-end, Feb. 13-16) is the CowboyAuction on Thursday, Feb. 12 atEwing’s On the Kern in Kernville(this is a change from the ElksLodge in Wofford Heights). Forinformation about this event, callthe Kernville Chamber office at(760) 376-2629.

Page 2 Kern River Courier Friday, January 30, 2009

Regular meetings andactivitiesFridays• 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.- TOPS weight loss group,Mt.View Baptist Church, 2959 Erskine CreekRd., Lake Isabella. 378-3935.•10-11 a.m.- Grief Support Group, HoffmanHospice, 6048 Lake Isabella Blvd. 1st and 3rdFridays. (661) 410-1010.• 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. - AA, 6407 Lake IsabellaBlvd., Lake Isabella.• 5 p.m. - Kern River Hot Rodders CruiseNight, Circle Park, Kernville, 3rd Fri.• 8 p.m.- Al-Anon, 80 Evans Rd, Wofford Hts.For families of alcoholics. 376-2410 or 376-2066.

Saturdays• 9:30 a.m. Sequoia Amateur Radio Group,Youth Center, Lake Isabella. Second Sat.• 3 p.m., KRV CB’ers dinner, Sr Ctr., LakeIsabella, 2nd and 4th Saturdays.• 7-10 p.m.- Dam Dancers square dancing,1st Saturday, Senior Center, Lake Isabella.

Sundays• 9 a.m. to noon - VFW Breakfast, open to thepublic. 2811 Nugget, Lake Isabella. 379-3877.

Mondays• 6 a.m. - 1 p.m., M - F, Senior Nutrition, SeniorCenter, 6407 Lake Isabella Blvd., 379-5831.• 1 p.m. - Kern Valley Democratic Club, SeniorCenter, third Monday.• 1 p.m.-2 p.m., Line dance beginner classes,intermediate and advanced follow at the SeniorCenter. 379-0043.• 3 p.m. - Kernville Chamber of Commercemeets, board 2nd Mon., general membership 4thMon. 376-2629.• 3:30-5 p.m.- Substance Abuse FamilySupport & Community Education, CollegeCommunity Services, 2731 Nugget Ave., LakeIsabella. 379-3412.• 6-9 p.m. KRV Community Orchestra meets atCerro Coso College, Lake Isabella, Rm G. 376-4461.• 7 p.m. KRV Art Association meets, 3rd Mon.,Senior Center. 379-2844.• 7 p.m. Havilah Centennial Group meets 1stMon. at schoolhouse. 379-2636.• 7:30 p.m.Al-Anon, KRV Hosp Cafe. Help forfamilies & friends of alcoholics. 376-2410 or 376-2066.

Tuesdays• KRV Garden Group, 2nd Tues. 379-6162.• 6 a.m. - 1 p.m., M - F, Senior Nutrition,Senior Center, 6407 Lake Isabella Blvd., 379-5831.• 9:30-11a.m.- Me & My Friends children’splaygroup, First Baptist Church, Lake Isabella.379-2556.• 2 p.m. - KRV Cemetery District meeting atcemtery. 2nd Tuesday. Public invited. 376-2189.• 7 p.m. - KRV Historical Society meets,Senior Center, Lake Isabella, 4th Tues.

Wednesdays• 6 a.m. - 1 p.m., M - F, Senior Nutrition,Senior Center, 6407 Lake Isabella Blvd.,379-5831.• 9:30-11 a.m.- Me & My Friends children’splaygroup, United Methodist Church,Kernville, 379-2556.• Noon- KRV Chamber of Commerce meet-ing, Paradise Cove, quarterly. 379-5236.• 1:30 p.m.- Clan Diggers meeting 2ndWed. at Highland Chapel Methodist Church,Lake Isabella. 3rd Wed. - Workshop samelocation.• 3 p.m. - Crystal Meth Anonymous meetsat Fountain of Christ Church. 223-0074.• 6 p.m. - Fish & Game Habitat Clubmeets, 631 E. Evans Rd, Wofford Hts, thirdWed.• 6:00 p.m. American Legion, Lake IsabellaSr. Ctr. Veterans Rm., third Wed. 379-5488.• 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m.- Senior Dance, SeniorCenter, Lake Isabella dining rm., live band.• 7 p.m. Al-Anon, 80 Evans Rd. Wofford Hts,376-2410. For families of alcoholics. 376-2410 or 376-2066.• 7 p.m. - Elks meet, Wofford Heights Blvd.

Thursdays• 9 a.m. to noon - Thursday Painters,Community Room, Senior Center, 379-5329.• 9:30 a.m. - Fire Safe Council, SupervisorMcQuiston’s office, Lake Isabella. Third Thurs.• 9:30 a.m. - Aglow Int’l, Senior Center,Room 1. 2nd Thurs. For women.• 11:45 a.m. - KRV Woman’s Club meets,Elks Lodge 4th Thurs. (some exceptions).• Noon, Exchange Club meets, ParadiseCove.• 3 p.m.- Republicans of Kern Valley meet3rd Thurs. at Odd Fellows Hall. 549-3033.• 5 -7 p.m. - TANF Cultural Night - NativeYouth & Community Cultural Ctr French GulchCampground.• 5-7 p.m. VFW Taco Thursday, open to public.379-3877.• 6 p.m. - Rotary Club meets - Golf Course,Kernville.• 6 p.m. - Wofford Height CommunityAssoc. meets at Family Life Center, WoffordHeights. 2nd Thurs. 223-1058.• 7 p.m.-Sweet Adelines meet-Senior Center,Lake Isabella. Prospective members welcome.• 7 p.m.- Kern Valley Astronomy Club,museum, Kernville. 3rd Thurs. 376-1291

Bingo GuideFriday, 12:30 p.m. - Eagles Bingo,

Eagles Hall, Mt. MesaSaturday, 12 p.m., South Fork

Woman’s Club Bingo, 6488 Fay RanchRoad.

Sunday, 1 p.m. Moose Lodge Bingo,Lake Isabella Blvd.

Wednesday, 1 p.m - Senior CenterBingo, Lake Isabella.

Thursday, Early Bird 12:15-Regular 1p.m. St. Jude Bingo, Hwy 155 & NellieDent Dr., Wofford Hts.

This information is sent to the Courier by thegroups listed. It is suggested that groups providea phone number in case interested individu-als need more information.

Published Fridays by KRV Publishing

Spotlighting the best of the Kern River Valley

Owners/Editors/Publishers Michael Batelaan Mike DevichContributing Editor Mike LudikerContributors/ColumnistsJack Bustamante Rod Middleworth Matt Freeman Bodfish BobSally Thornburg Debra RundellRon Bolyard Donna FitchCalifornia Joe Harry ThalClarence Semonious Marya MillerRichard Rowe Dona AndersonPhotographersMichael Batelaan, Mike Devich, MikeLudikerContributing PhotographerMurdoc DouglasAd ProductionMichael Batelaan, Mike LudikerAdvertising SalesValerie MinouxBusiness OfficeSara WakemanSubscription InformationThe Kern River Courier is publishedand mailed weekly for $35 per year.Send payment to:

Kern River CourierP.O. Box 1145Wofford Heights, CA 93285

Advertising policiesPublisher reserves the right to reject or cancelany advertising at any time. Cancellations orrejection shall not preclude payment on similaradvertising previously run. KRV Publishingand the Kern River Courier are not liable forerrors in copy or an advertisement beyond thecost of the actual space occupied by the error.Publisher reserves the right to place the word“advertisement” on any ad copy that appearsto resemble editorial matter.

Submission policiesEditorial and photo submissions are wel-come and will run at the discretion of theeditors. Submissions will only be returnedwhen accompanied by a self-addressedstamped envelope. The editors reserve theright to edit all submissions. The entire con-tents of the Kern River Courier are copy-right ©2008 KRV Publishing. Reproductionin whole or in part is prohibited without priorwritten consent. All rights reserved.

Letters policiesLetters to the Editor are run when space per-mits. They are meant as an open forum forexpression. The views expressed in the lettersto the editor within this paper are not necessar-ily the views of this paper, nor those of the staff.Letters to the editor pertaining to local issuesand events or those that affect our area areencouraged. Please include your real name,address and phone number for verification.Pen names or incomplete names are notallowed. The Kern River Courier reserves theright to exclude any letter to the editor, or editits contents for length and prevention of libel,or for other reasons as seen fit by the editors.Letters should not exceed 200 words.

KRV PublishingMailing: P.O. Box 1145Wofford Heights, CA 93285

Office: 6392B Wofford Blvd.Wofford Heights(next to WH Post Office)

Phone: 760-376-2860FAX: 760-376-2862

Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and byappointment.

E-mail address:office@kernrivercourier.comWebsite: www.kernrivercourier.com

The Kern River Courier is adivision of KRV Publishing

Kern River CourierWhiskey Flat Claim Jumper Kern Angler

©2009 KRV Publishing. All Rights Reserved.

Kern River Valley – the place for fun

Whiskey Flat Days is a-comin’ Feb. 13-16

Whiskey Flat Days takes place in Kernville everyPresident’s Day Weekend. It’s the annual festival duringwhich Kernville returns to its original 1860-64 name,Whiskey Flat, and invites everyone to come and cele-brate the Gold Rush days with them. The festival is puton by the Kernville Chamber of Commerce.

Kernville has held Whiskey Flat Days every year

since the late 1950s. The celebration was started by theKernville Business Association as a way to bring in vis-tors during the off-season, and has flourished ever since.Then-local real estate salesperson Lloree Knowles cameup with the idea and was the first chairman of theWhiskey Flat Days committee. (Knowles started anewspaper called the Kern Valley News, the first locally-owned newspaper, in 1958.) The late valley historian andwell-known author Ardis Manly Walker came up withthe name Whiskey Flat Days.

A highlight of the celebration is the race for HonoraryMayor of Whiskey Flat. Each year two or more candi-dates vie for the coveted position. They visit valley estab-lishments just about every day for over a month, selling“bribes.” The one who gets the most bribes and bringsin the most money gets to claim the title of honorarymayor.

This year, the parade’s Grand Marshals are Jim Scottand Robin Mangarin, news anchors on Bakersfield’sKGET-TV. There will be a carnival, recreations of OldWest life with reenactors, shootouts in the streets (notreal ones, hopefully), frog jumps, costume contests, mus-tache and beard contests, lots of wonderful food, andmuch more. All this takes place in the bracing winteratmosphere of the Kern River Valley. It’s a treat!

For more information, call the Kernville Chamber ofCommerce at (760) 376-2629, or visit the Chamber’s Website at www.kernvillechamber.org.

See CALENDAR, Page 3

Friday, January 30, 2009 Kern River Courier Page 3

Rod MiddleworthKern River Courier Columnist

As a youngster my brother andI would save our pennies until wehad enough to go to the Pike inLong Beach. Ifyou lived nearthere you wouldknow that thePike was one ofthe biggest andfinest (to a kid),amusementparks on theWest Coast. Itwas Disneylandwithout MickeyMouse. To get there fromMonterey Park we would ride thered bus and then take the J street-car to Long Beach and then walkseveral blocks to the Pike. With $3each we could spend the wholeday and still be home by 9 p.m.(our curfew). We were only 11 and12 years old, but no one worriedabout us and in those days wewere never bothered by crazies.

At the Pike we noticed that thebiggest and best ride was theroller coaster called the Cyclone. Itwas a wooden structure with rick-ety tracks and a ride that wouldscare the bedickens out us. Lastingthree minutes and at about 70mph, you could see all of LongBeach, up down and around.What a rush!

For a dime we went into a tentwhere a guy kept trained fleas. Iremember two fleas that had little

carts glued to them. They wouldrace around a little track, as I recalltheir names were Ben and Her. Wewere fascinated.

A ride we really loved was theGolden Hammer. A huge club-shaped ride, it would revolve like ahuge sledge, hesitating at the topof the arc, then flashing down withincredible speed, the centrifugalforce dumping money and what-ever out of our trousers.

The merry-go-round was greatand nabbing the brass ring a chal-lenge. Eating was cheap – hotdogs and Cokes were a nickel eachand cotton candy was a dime.

For a break we would walk overto Rainbow Pier and listen to oldgeezers make speeches at the “Spitand Argue Club,” which was asmall stage where they got fiveminutes each to talk about any-thing from asparagus to zebras. Itwas great fun and an education fora couple of boys as we listenedand ate sno-cones. When the daywas over we would retrace ourtrip home, asking the bus driveron the final leg to wake us whenhe reached our stop...and hewould.

Those were golden days and atime when it was fun to be a kid.

Wofford Heights resident RodMiddleworth, a retired securitymanager for Pacific Bell, is aninstructor for the local AARPDriver Safety Program and coordi-nator for the Lake Patrol volun-teers.

Middleworth

Tykes loved the PikeThings I Have Noticed...

Whiskey Flat Melodrama starts Feb. 12The Whiskey Flat Melodrama "The Masked Canary" will be presented

Thursday through Saturday Feb. 12-14, 7 p.m. at Kernville ElementerySchool. Stars Jessie Campbell, Chuck Smith, Allison Stutsman, ValerieCassity, Tony Cassity. Directed by Mary Hanawalt, Helen Smoot at thepiano. Tickets are $7.00 for adults and kids 12 and under free. Presented bySierra Performing Arts.

Whiskey Flat Days luncheon by KRV Woman’s Club Feb. 13The Kern River Valley Woman’s Club will be hosting a special luncheon

to celebrate the opening of Whiskey Flat Days on Friday, Feb. 13 at the ElksLodge in Wofford Heights at 10 a.m. For more information, call Marian at(760) 376-4578.

Whiskey Flat Days Festival President’s Day Weekend Feb. 13-16Whiskey Flat Days is Kernville’s annual Old West celebration, during

which the picturesque mountain town returns to the years of the early1860s when it was called Whiskey Flat. Visitors from all over flock toKernville on President’s Day Weekend (this year Feb. 13-16) to see theGrand Parade and take part in the many activities. There are old-time con-tests, tours, costumes, a carnival, music, dancing, crafts, and much more,all in the bracing mountain air in Kernville. Sometimes there is rain orsnow, but that just adds to the winter mountain experience. The HonoraryMayor’s contest is just one of the many highlights of the event. For moreinformation, call the Kernville Chamber of Commerce at (760) 376-2629, orvisit the Chamber’s Web site at www.kernvillechamber.org.

REVA Co-op to put on Sock Hop Feb. 14 at Senior CenterThere will be a Sock Hop on Feb. 14 at the Senior Center in Lake Isabella

from 6 to 10 p.m. to benefit a low cost spay/neuter clinic in the valley, beingorganized by Jesse Martinez of the REVA Co-op. This will be a non-alcoholevent. It’s a ‘50s/’60s Sock Hop Dance, with a live band. It’s a family affairfor ages 14 and up. Relive the past as the Kern Valley Hot Rod Assoc. putson a display of vintage cars. There will be prizes for hula hoop, limbo,dance contest and best era outfit. Get tickets by Feb. 10 for $8 or they are$10 at the door. Call 378-3101.

Kern Valley Hospital Foundation’s Heart Walk February 28The Kern Valley Hospital Foundation will hold a Heart Walk event on

Feb. 28 as a fund-raising event and a heart-healthy experience as well.Individuals or teams are encouraged find a sponsor and get out in the freshair and participate. Awards will be given. For more information, callJeanette Rogers at (760) 376-4419.

Parenting classes begin on March 12 at Family Resource CenterParenting classes begin on Thursday, March 12. Classes will be two

hours in length, 10 a.m. to noon, and run weekly for 10 weeks ending on

CALENDAR continued from page 2

See HAPPENINGS, Page 15

Mike DevichKern River Courier

The State of the County addressthis year emphasized the deep finan-cial bind we Californians are are allin. However, it ended on a hopefulnote for Kern County.

The address was given this yearby Supervisor Jon McQuiston(whose territory includes the KernRiver Valley). McQuiston wasrecently chosen Chair of the KernCounty Board of Supervisors.

It was held at the BakersfieldMarriott Hotel on Truxtun Ave. (theformer Holiday Inn Select) on Jan.21 before a crowd of 350 people. Itwas broadcast on KGOV-TV andover the Internet.

It is probably no surprise thatMcQuiston spoke first about the direfinancial situation California hasfound itself in. He likened it to a“perfect fiscal storm.”

It is not completely known yet theeffect the state’s financial troubleswill have on it, but the county isworking on dealing with it.

“Our greatest challenge will beproviding mandated health andhuman service programs, meeting agreater demand for job training andre-training, and providing essentialsafety net services where demandwill grow as revenues decline,”McQuiston said in the address.

McQuiston said that the countyhas prepared for a downturn byhaving a contingency fund, whichshould help the county weather thestorm. He alsosaid the coun-ty is cuttingcosts where itcan.

“ O n l yessential per-sonnel will beh i r e d , ” h esaid, “and anye q u i p m e n tpurchase or capital expense that isnot essential will be deferred.”

On a more hopeful note, he men-tioned the federal government’s pro-posed multi-billion dollar stimulousprogram.

“With Congress poised to appro-priate several hundred billions ineconomic stimulus funds for infra-structure projects, the county hasdeveloped and submitted a list ofinfrastructure projects includingroads, fire stations, wastewater sys-tems, and other projects on whichconstruction could start in a matterof months.”

McQuiston then switched gearsand mentioned the county’s substan-tial achievements during 2008,including opening a new EmergencyCommunications Center and pur-chasing a UH-1 helicopter for theSheriff's Department.

He also reported that, despiteGoogle, the county’s libraries con-tinue to be well-used.

“Our libraries checked out 10%more books,library card reg-istrations wentup 11%, andlibrary computeruse went up 8%.So even in anInternet world,libraries remainessential.”

He said thatthe film industry continues to show-er Kern County with film shoots.

“I'm also pleased to report thatKern County enjoyed more than $20million in economic benefits fromfilm projects last year, a newrecord.”

The address ended on a hopefulnote.

“Kern County is still today theland of opportunity. Kern County‘Feeds the Nation, Fuels theNation, Powers the Nation, andDefends the Nation.’ And we'regoing to keep doing all of thosethings in 2009.”

State fiscal woes topannual county address

Kern County Board of Trade

Supervisor Jon McQuiston deliversthe State of the County address.

WildlifeGallery& StudioThe Rich Pelletreau

6700 Wofford Heights Blvd. Wofford Heightsph:760-376-1403 e-mail: rpgallery@msn.com

Mon., & Wed. thru Sat. 10am to 5pm Closed Sun. & Tue

See us for thatspecial artists gift• Custom Framing

(PPFA Member)

• Full Service Art &Crafts Store

• Studio Space Rental(Private & Long term)

• Art for Sale or Rent

Highlightingthe works

ofJill Iverson

Painter

“Kern County is stilltoday the land of oppor-tunity.”

--Jon McQuiston, State of CountyAddress

Jack BustamanteKern River Courier Columnist

Trout fishing on the upperKern continues to slow down.Checking out six of my favoritehot spots last week, I had onebite and onetrout. I have toadmit, though,he was worththe hunt.Caught andreleased at thelast bendbeforeLimestone, heweighed in ata little overtwo pounds. Ifyou are willingto do the hunt,there are stillsome nicetrout to becaught. Surehope stockingof the river resumes soon!

Trout on the lake are still bit-ing steadily. All your favorite hotspots are producing some beau-ties. More and more fishermenare showing up at the flume, too.They must be catching fish.

Carl Gorham caught a coupleof nice ones on the North Shore.Not bad for an hour of fishing

before he had to get to his lodgemeeting. Where on the NorthShore? “In the lake,” he said, “onrainbow.” (Power Bait.)

Pick up some rainbow, andlet’s go fishing.

Photos courtesy E&J’s Tackleand General Store. For braggingrights, bring your catch to E&J’s,6498 Wofford Blvd, WoffordHeights, near the WoffordHeights Post Office.

Page 4 Friday, January 30, 2009AdventuresK E R N R I V E R

LegendBoat Launch Ramps Camp Grounds Towns Hospital + Other Features

STATISTICSGeneral

Drainage Area 2,093 Square MilesCapacity, Gross Pool 570,000 Acre-Ft.Surface Area, Gross Pool 11,400Shoreline, Gross Pool 38 milesLength, Gross Pool 9 miles

Main DamMaximum Height 185 FeetLength at Crest 1695 Feet

Auxiliary DamMaximum Height 100 FeetMaximum Length 3,257 Feet

Lake ConstructionStarted March 1948Finished April 1953

WoffordHeights

Tillie CreekLive Oak

North Fork Marina

Boulder Gulch

Rich GulchHungry Gulch

West SideFrench Gulch

French Gulch MarinaPioneer Point

WoffordHeights

Park

LakeIsabella

to Ridgecrest

MountainMesa

Kernville

Southlake

M.L. Ludiker Artwork & Design

Lake Isabella

South Fork Recreation Area

South Fork Wildlife ParkingArea

ModelAircraftControllers

Robinson Cove

County Dump

Airport

Golf Course

Cyrus Canyon OHV AreaTarget Range

Hospital

ParadiseCove

Main DamKissack BayLI Visitor Center

Old Isabella RdAuxiliary DamEngineer Point

Wildlife Area

StineCoveCamp

9

Sierr

a Way

Moun

tain 9

9

To Baker

sfield

WaterSkiArea

Hanning Flat

Map courtesyMike Ludiker

www.kernvalley.com

Recreation InfoU.S. Forest Service

Lake Isabella office:4875 Ponderosa Dr. (enter from Hwy.

155 just over the hill from Hwy. 178)(760) 379-5646

Kernville Office:105 Whitney Rd. (around the corner

from the museum)(760) 376-3781(760) 379-5236

General KRV Info

Kernville Chamber of Commerce11447 Kernville Rd. KernvilleCorner Sierra Way & Kernville Road Toll Free: 866-KERNVILLELocal: (760) 376-2629

Kern River Valley Chamber ofCommerce

6404 Lake Isabella Blvd. Across from Senior Center

Emergencies - call 911Kern Valley Hospital

McCray and Laurel, Mt. Mesa(760) 379-2681

Kern Valley SubstationSheriff’s Department and CHP7050 Lake Isabella Blvd.(760) 549-2100Weekdays only, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sponsored by the Airport Cafe at Kern Valley Airport

Sierra Way, 4 mi. south of Kernville Rd.Breakfast & Lunch, 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. Great food 7 days a week

Kern River Valley information

River fishing takes a dive

Carl Gorham caught somebeauties in the lake, somewhereon the north shore.

Let’s Go Fishing

“Pickup some

rain-bow,

and let’sgo fish-

ing.”--Jack

Bustamante

Must See: Silver City Ghost TownSilver City Ghost Town in Bodfish is another one of our must-sees in

the Kern River Valley. Many of our historic buildings have been movedthere from other locations around the area to be preserved and enjoyedfor years to come, rather than being torn down and lost forever.

Ghost Town owner and operator J.C. Corlew works to preserve thebuildings and keep them for all to enjoy. He also sometimes rents theproperty out to film crews to provide authentic “Old West” backdrops forcommercials, videos and TV and film scenes.

"We are always grateful for the location fees, as these proceeds arewhat enable us to improve the Ghost Town’s museum displays, keepadmission fees for the public low and make repairs to the historic struc-tures on site," said Corlew.

Silver City Ghost Town also houses an antique shop, in which you canfind other treasures from the past.

Silver City is located at 3829 Lake Isabella Blvd. in Bodfish and is opento the public seven days a week in the summer, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and onweekends or by appointment in the winter months.

For more information on Silver City Ghost Town call 760-379-5146 oremail ghosttown@verizon.net or visit them on the web at: http://lakeis-abella.net/silvercity/

– Kern River Courier

Mike Devich/Kern River Courier

Silver City Ghost Town contains many Valley relics.

• Full Hookups • Modern Restrooms • Hot Showers • Shady Campsites • Tent Sites • Fishing • Free Cable

• 3 Dump Stations • 30/50 Amps •Pull Thrus•Daily & Weekly Rates

Rivernook Campground

14001 Sierra Way, Box 8, Kernville, CA 760-376-2705

Year-round fishing, whitewater rafting, & kayaking nearby on the Wild & Scenic Kern River

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By Cindy Elavsky

Q: It seems like ages agothat the brass at NBCannounced that ConanO'Brien would be takingover "The Tonight Show."When is that supposed tohappen? -- Brandon W.,Charleston,S.C.

A: ConanO'Brien is setto take over"The TonightShow" host-ing duties inJune. Lastmonth headdressed theTelevisionCriticsAssociation about how "TheTonight Show" will change whenhe comes aboard. He explained:"I want to make sure I don'toverthink it. Television is chang-ing drastically. I want to makesure my show isn't too buttonedup."

***Q: I heard that Robert Carlyle

is going to head up the latestincarnation of "Stargate." Doyou have any more "Stargate"news to share? -- James J.,Springfield, Ohio

A: "Stargate Universe," whichis scheduled to debut in July onthe Sci-Fi network with a two-hour movie, has recruited "UglyBetty" actor David Blue to playEli Wallace. Eli is aslacker/genius who will bring anacerbic wit to a group of sol-diers, scientists and civilians who

have been stranded on anancient ship in the far reaches ofspace.

***Q: Last year I saw a movie on

the Hallmark Channel withGenie Francis and Ted McGinleycalled "The Note." My daughtertold me they recently aired asequel to the movie. Please tellme it will be on again. I am reallysad that I missed it! -- Gladys J.,via e-mail

A: The Hallmark Channel pre-miered "The Note II: Taking aChance on Love" at the end ofJanuary. However, the movie willbe re-aired throughout themonth of February, with its nextshowing on Sunday, Feb. 15(check local listings for times). Inthe sequel, Peyton (Genie) andKing (Ted) are in love and tryingto figure out what the futureholds for them.

I can say, however, that thefuture for Ted does not featuredancing. As you will recall, Tedwas voted off rather early in themost recent season of ABC's"Dancing With the Stars." Genietold me recently, "No, Ted didnot teach me any dance moves,"adding with a laugh, "there wasNO dancing on the set."

***Have a question for Cindy? E-

mail her atletters@cindyelavsky.com, orwrite to her in care of KingFeatures Weekly Service, P.O.Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475.

(c) 2009 King Features Synd., Inc.

Friday, January 30, 2009 Page 5EntertainmentK E R N R I V E R

Previews of new DVDsBy DNA Smith

PICK OF THE WEEK"The Back to the Future

Trilogy" -- One of the biggestblockbusters of the mid-'80s isbeing re-released this week.Michael J. Fox plays Marty McFly,a high-school student who usesDoc Brown's (Christopher Lloyd)time-traveling DeLorean to travelback and forth in time -- from the1980s to the 1880s to 2015. If youdon't already have the trilogy inyour col-lection,this is asgood atime asany to buy,since thediscs arebeing soldindividual-ly at areducedprice. Don't expect any new spe-cial features or anything. It's just abare-bones repackaging of each ofthe three films.

DOG OF THE WEEK"W." -- Regardless of your polit-

ical bent, Oliver Stone's biopic ofGeorge W. Bush is a ponderousmish-mash of a film. The allegedcomedic bits play like a stale SNLskit that's gone on for too long,and any attempts at gravitas fallflat or are unintentionally funny.That said there are good perform-ances by Elizabeth Banks (asLaura Bush), James Cromwell (asBush Sr.) and Richard Dreyfus (asDick Cheney), but they get lost inthe constant jumping back-and-forth between vignettes of Bush'spast and the lead-up the invasionof Iraq.

Also, "W." doesn't have thesame depth of character asStone's other presidential biopic,"Nixon," which was an incrediblepiece of cinema and a balanced,sympathetic insight into one of themost controversial and despisedpresidents in history. Maybe ifStone had spent more time gettingthe script in shape, "W." mighthave been a better film.

KIDS & FAMILY"Wallace and Gromit: A Grand

Day Out""Wallace and Gromit:

The Wrong Trousers""Wallace and Gromit: A

Close Shave"The first three Wallace

and Gromit films are beingre-released this week (forless than 10 bucks apiece),and I couldn't be happier, asI am a huge fan. Wallace isa likable yet hapless inven-tor whose creations always

seem to go awry. Gromit is hisdevoted beagle companion whothankfully has the intelligence andresourcefulness to get his masterout of whatever jam he's gottenhimself into. These short films arehilarious, good clean fun for audi-ences of all ages. I highly recom-mend them.

TV SERIES"Tim and Eric Awesome Show,

Great Job!" Season 2 "Dragon Ball Z" Season Eight"Naruto" Uncut Box Set, Vol. 12"Melrose Place" The Fifth

Season Vol. 1"Friday the 13th the Series" The

Second Season "Simon and Simon" Season

Two(c) 2009 King Features Synd., Inc.

Couch Theater‘Back to Future’ set re-released

Conan O’Brien

Christopher Lloyd

Conan debuts in JuneCelebrity Extra

Downtown Kernville 760-376-2556

Sportsman’s InnFriday- Karaoke with Tina & Jessie

7:00pm - 1:30am

Tuesday- Ladies Night • Drink SpecialsKaraoke with Tina & Jessie

7:00pm - 1:30am

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cocktails • dancing • darts • pool�

KK EERRNN RRIIVVEERRSALSALOONOON

20 TOBIAS ROAD, KERNVILLE (760) 376-4786Drink Responsibly . . . Please Don’t Drink & Drive.

Come in for our daily drink specials!

Thursday- Karaoke Party 7:00pm • Free Pool All DaySaturday- DJ/Karaoke with Red House Productions

8:30pm - 12:30amGrumpy Hour 4-6 pm Mon.- Fri. • Only Shuffleboard in Kernville

Saturday February 1st

Our Annual Super Bowl PartyMexican Pot-Luck • Prize Giveaways • 50c Off Draft Beer

3:00pm Kick-Off - Come early for the best seats

Reel Cinema6742 Wofford Heights Blvd.

Showtime Info: 760-376-3030

JA N U A RY 23 R D T H R U JA N U A RY 29 T H

TT H EH E CC U R I O U SU R I O U S CC A S EA S E O FO FBB E N J A M I NE N J A M I N BB U T T O NU T T O N

Rated PG-13 • Comedy/RomanceSTA R I N G

BR A D PI T T & CAT E BL A N C H E T TBEGINNING JANUARY 30TH

HOHOTEL FOR DOGSTEL FOR DOGSRATED PG/COMEDY

• SHOWTIMES UPDATED DAILY •PLEASE CALL 376-3030

The KernRiverCourier isthe best useof youradvertisingdollar. Weget read!

This week’s top DVD rentals1. Eagle Eye (PG-13) Shia LaBeouf(DreamWorks SKG)2. Burn After Reading (R) GeorgeClooney (Universal)3. Mamma Mia! (PG-13) Meryl Streep(Universal)4. The Dark Knight (PG-13) ChristianBale (Warner)5. Death Race (R) Jason Statham(Universal)

6. Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor(PG-13) Brendan Fraser (Universal)7. Traitor (PG-13) Don Cheadle (OvertureFilms)8. Wanted (R) James McAvoy (Universal)9. Step Brothers (R) Will Ferrell (Sony)10. Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who! (G)animated (20th Century Fox)

(c) 2009 King Features Synd., Inc.

ellnessWK E R N R I V E R

Page 6 Friday, January 30, 2009

Harry P. Thal, M.A.Kern River Courier Columnist

The NationalAssociation ofHealthUnderwriterstoday releasednew recom-mendations tohelp unem-ployed individ-uals obtain andafford healthinsurance cov-erage.

"Hard economic times havehit our nation and a record num-ber of Americans are losingtheir jobs and their employer-provided and subsidized healthinsurance coverage," said JanetTrautwein, CEO of NAHU."Members of Congress andPresident-Elect Obama haveindicated that they will providehealth insurance coverage assis-tance to the unemployedthrough the economic stimuluspackage.

"One of NAHU's recommen-dations includes providing fed-eral funding for COBRA subsi-dies to be administered by theemployer. COBRA paymentsmay be too expensive for unem-ployed workers so NAHU sug-gests a temporary premium sub-sidy to help individuals who losetheir jobs maintain access toemployer-sponsored healthinsurance under COBRA. NAHU

does not support extending theduration of COBRA benefitsbeyond the statutory 18-36month coverage window andsuggests that employees beallowed to switch to a cheaperemployer-sponsored plan, ifavailable, when they becomeCOBRA eligible rather than hav-ing to wait until the next openenrollment window.

If the employee and/ordependents are in good health,they may find that an individual-ly written policy with a highdeductible may provide lowermonthly premiums with protec-tion against a catastrophic ill-ness or injury. With the State ofCalifornia in its financial crisis,depending on Medi-Cal may notbe a very prudent course to take.

As I am president of the KernCounty Chapter of NAHU, I amready and willing to assist fami-lies looking for adequate cover-age. With the bread winner outof work, there are some pro-grams available for the children,providing coverage for very littlemoney.

Harry P. Thal, MA, is alicensed insurance broker. He isa member of the Kern ValleyHospital Advisory Board, andPresident of the Kern Associationof Health Underwriters. He maybe reached at 760-376-2100, e-mail harrythal@ aol.com or visithim on the web at www.harry-thal.com

Health Insurance Matters

Harry Thal

Health insurance options for jobless

Supergerms demand respect, but not fearDEAR DR. DONOHUE: I have

heard a lot about MRSA. Canyou give me some more infor-mation about it? What can wedo to prevent getting it? I am astudent at San Jacinto HighSchool in California. -- J.R.

ANSWER: "MRSA" is short for"methicillin-resistant Staphylococcusaureus," a common bacterium foundall over the place and a commoninhabitant of the skin. "MRSA" ispronounced "mersa," as though itwere a word.

In the early days of penicillin, itcould kill many germs, including thestaph germ. That germ is a wilycreature. It soon learned how tododge the killing power of penicillin.Clever scientists came up with a newmodel of penicillin called methicillin.It was effective against those resist-ant staph germs. This happy situa-

tion came to an end when staphlearned how to evade methicillin.These are the MRSA bacteria.

We do have antibiotics that candeal with MRSA bacteria. However,the lesson is that antibiotics must berestricted only to infections by bacte-ria that respond to them. Usingantibiotics indiscriminately paves theway for the development of resist-ance.

MRSA can cause all kinds ofinfections, but the most common areskin and soft-tissue infections. Softtissues are the tissues just below theskin, the subcutaneous tissues.Outbreaks of MRSA infections arecommon in high-school footballplayers and wrestlers because of theskin-to-skin contact that occurs inthose sports. Anyone, athlete or not,can come down with this infection.

Frequent hand-washing is thebest defense against MRSA. All skin

wounds should be covered with abandage of sterile, dry gauze andinspected daily to see if they arebecoming infected. Athletes shouldlaunder their playing clothes aftereach use and should not store dirtyclothes in a locker. They shouldshower immediately after a practice.No one should share towels, brushesor combs.

***

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Mymother's neighbor "candles"her ears when they fill withwax. I am not acquainted withthis procedure. My motherbelieves it is an excellent treat-ment, and she won't discuss itwith me. What is your opinion?-- H.M.

ANSWER: My opinion on can-dling gets me in trouble with afi-

cionados of the practice. It involvesinserting the narrow end of a cone-shaped device into the ear canal. Theother end is lit. Heat is supposed tosoften the wax and create a vacuumthat draws it out of the ear.

I think it is dangerous. The FDAdoesn't approve of it.

***Dr. Donohue regrets that he is

unable to answer individual letters,but he will incorporate them in hiscolumn whenever possible. Readersmay write him or request an orderform of available health newsletters atP.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Readers may also order healthnewsletters fromwww.rbmamall.com.

(c) 2009 North AmericanSyndicate Inc. All RightsReserved

HEALTH INSURANCEWe represent most major California insurance companies

Since 1982

Harry P. Thal Insurance Agency760-376-2100

HarryThal@aol.com www.harrythal.com

Nationally recognized Medicare authority.President Kern Association of Heath Underwriters CA Lic.0621106

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Bodfish Bob's BuffaloChicken Strips with

Blue Cheese Dip

Blue Cheese Dip ingredients2/3 cup plain yogurt 2 tablespoons mayonnaise 2 ounces crumbled blue cheese 3 tablespoons finely chopped scallions 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground blackpepper

Chicken Strips 1 teaspoon vegetable oil 1/2 pound skinless boneless chickenbreasts, cut crosswise into 1/4-inchstrips 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons butter 1 tablespoon Frank's original hotsauce

5 celery stalks, cut into three-inchstrips

In a small bowl, whisk togeth-er the yogurt, mayonnaise andblue cheese. Stir in the scallionsand pepper and set aside while

preparing the chicken. Coverand refrigerate. Heat the oil ina large, preferably nonstick skil-let. Season the chicken with thesalt. Cook the chicken overmedium-high heat, stirring fre-quently, until lightly brownedand cooked through, 3 to 4 min-utes. Remove the skillet from theheat. Add the butter and hotsauce to the pan and swirl untilthe butter barely melts and thesauce coats the chicken. Servethe chicken along with the bluecheese dip and the celery.Provide toothpicks for spearingthe chicken and dipping it in thesauce.

Bodfish Bob's Alpine Meatballs

1 lb. Frozen fully cooked meatballs10-oz. Can cream of mushroom soupwith roasted garlic3/4 cup milk3 cloves garlic, minced1-1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese3 cups cooked rice1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degreesF. Bake frozen precooked meat-balls according to packagedirections. Combine cookedmeatballs with soup, milk, gar-lic, Swiss cheese, and cookedrice in 3 quart baking dish andmix gently. Sprinkle casserolewith Parmesan cheese. Bakecasserole at 325 degrees F for25-35 minutes, until sauce isbubbly and lightly browned ontop. Serves 8.

Visit Bodfish Bob on the Webat www.bodfishbob.com.

Recipes for Dummies by Bodfish Bob

Country Living

Friday, January 30, 2009 Kern River Courier Page 7

California JoeKern River Courier Columnist

Once upon atime I was 35and sleeping onVenice Beach(after dashinginto the trucu-lent tide to res-cue my damp-ish blue sleep-ing bag.)

A Venicebeach gangfound me therewhile doingtheir nightly roaming thing andpromptly suggested I and my oldfunky guitar and sleeping bagfollow them back to their hal-lowed haven, an abandoned cof-fee house called The Gas House.

Andthere onfollowingSundayafternoons,I could befound play-ing to abeach-boundaudience of hippies and touristswanting to see how runawaykids were living.

Then I was spotted by arecord company and subse-quently cut a record album,which led to a nationwide TVshow (“Camera Three,” a Sundaymorning show on CBS devotedto the arts) and some collegetouring.

Sundays at the Gas Housecame to an untimely end when-

the place was raided on aSaturday night by the SantaMonica police and partly burneddown. It closed after that.

It’s been many long yearssince then. I still play my guitarand I still sing my songs. I got awife and three kids and we allget along.

Later on I went back to VeniceBeach, to the sand and the sun.Back to my beatnik roots whereI’d had all that fun.

But the times they hadchanged and it seems so had I.The only things that hadn’t werethe surf and the sky.

Hey, I’m still making rhymes. Back to the hills and the riverBack to the lake and the skyBack where I could breathe‘Cause down below I might

die!But down

below it wasgettingworse.

Peoplewere afteryour wallet oryour purse.

Carsslammed

around without any care,Get in their way you’ld have

reason to despair!I went to writing a column,

now I do it all the time.I still got to figure how to

make this rhyme.

California Joe is the storytellerpersona of Stevenson Phillips, anactor and singer living inKernville. You may reach him atsscaljoe@aol.com.

Former beatnik reveals all

California Joe

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Page 8 Kern River Courier Friday, January 30, 2009

Matt FreemanKern River Courier Columnist

In this changing real estateclimate, sellers have been hitparticularly hard. Property val-ues havebeen goingdown andbuyers seemto be fewand farbetween.Banks aretighteningthe reins oncredit andthere is allkinds ofinventory onthe market. Stocked shelveswith nobody in the store, basi-cally. So here are five tips forsellers to set their listings apartand get real estate agents toshow their properties first.

1: Make sure your house iseasily accessible for showing.In this market with so muchinventory, real estate agentswill pass right on by if theyhave to call first or schedule anappointment. It is unfortunatethis is true because it is sheerlaziness, but it is human natureto go down the quickest andeasiest road. Have your realestate agent put a lockbox onthe house and offer access atall times.

2: Have a large Internetpresence. Make buyers seeyour house first so they tell

their real estate agent about itfirst. When choosing a realestate agent, make sure to askabout their Internet program.

3: Offer to assist with closingcosts. This is something thatdraws people to see your homebecause legally, depending onthe loan product,the seller cancontribute between 3% and 6%of the home purchase pricetowards the buyer's closingcosts. Makes a buyer veryinterested, especially if theyhave little or no money to putdown.

4: Put a great sign out front.I make it a point to have a real-ly nice sign in the front yard ona post, not just a cheap signthat falls over in the wind. Itmakes your listing stand out toanyone driving by and saysthat you are serious about sell-ing your home. Seems insignifi-cant, but it really does work.

5: Offer increased commis-sion. In this market, the waythings are with fewer buyersand too many listings this is agood way to set yours apart.What is an extra 1% above thecompetition if it gets yourhouse looked at and sold? Askyour agency to make sure itgoes toward the selling agent'spocket.

Matt Freeman is a Realtorwith Freeman’s Lakeside Realty(760) 379-5915 or cell 223-0880.His column is not intended toreplace legal advice.

Talking About Real EstateFive good ways to sell your home

Matt Freeman

Whiskey Flat Mayor candidates

Bronco Bob (Bob Van Helden)

Friday, January 30: Wallace School, Lake Isabella. Spaghetti dinner, $6 at door.50/50 drawing, raffle. Fun for the whole family.

Saturday, January 31: Kernville School, Kernville. Spaghetti dinner, $6 at door.50/50 drawing, raffle. Fun for the whole family.

Sunday, February 1: Paradise Cove for breakfast 7:30-10:30 a.m.Thursday, February 5: Burger King, Lake Isabella, 4-7 p.m.

Gentleman Jim Dandy (James Crawford)

Schedule not received by press time. Send in your events, Jim!

Straight Shootin’ Carter Cash (Carter Pope)Saturday, January 31 - Dam Corner, Lake Isabella, 7 to 11a.m.Saturday, January 31- Dave's Sports Bar, Lake Isabella, 7 p.m.Wednesday, February 4 - Paradise Cove, 5-9 p.m.Thursday, February 5 - Reel Cinema, Wofford Heights - Special showing of “The

Never Ending Story,” doors open at 4:30, movie starts at 5p.m. $5.00 donation at thedoor.

Friday, February 6- Moose Lodge, Lake Isabella. Dinner/auction. No timesreceived.

Thursday, February 12- McNally's at Fairview, 5:30-9pm.Friday, February 13- Ewings on the Kern, Kernville, 5:30 - 10 p.m.

Attend these fundraising events and be prepared to buy lots of $1 bribes (votes)for the Honorary Whiskey Flat Mayoral candidate of your choice. Schedules will be runeach week until Whiskey Flat Days (Feb. 13-16) for the candidates at no charge.Candidates, e-mail your updates to office@kernrivercourier.com each week byTuesday night. For information about Whiskey Flat Days, call (760) 376-2629.

Schedule of Events

Mike DevichKern River Courier

The government food commodi-ties distribution point has been theEagles lodge for a long time, but anew location will have to be foundsoon.

Ann Simpson received a letterMonday from the Eagles Aerie inMt. Mesa saying that a new locationwould be necessary.

“The Aerie has always takenpride in the support they have giventhe many worthy charities theyhave donated to over the years, butat the present time it is impossibleto continue in the same manner asin past years,” said the letter, whichwas signed by the president of thelodge, Mike Wallace, and all the

officers and board of trustees. “We have been forced to cut back

on some of the fund raiser functionsdue to the costs involved.”

The letter went on the say that itwould probably take some time forSimpson to find a new location, sothe distribution on Feb. 24 will stillbe held at the Eagles lodge at 12251Highway 178 in Mt. Mesa.

Simpson, a volunteer with theKRV CB’ers club, had anotherchange in her life recently. She hasrisen at 3 a.m. every Saturday formany years to prepare the tradi-tional breakfasts for the club at theSenior Center. Due to decliningattendance, the breakfasts havebeen changed to a dinner twice amonth, on the second and fourthSaturdays in the afternoon.

Commodities distributionpoint in Mt. Mesa to change

Thisphoto,taken nearLimestoneon theupperriver,showswhat kindof sunny,clearweatherwe havebeen hav-ing lately.

MurdocDouglas/KernRiver Courier

Donna FitchKern River Courier Columnist

Catching attention may be eas-ier than you think.

“Designing with Color,” aninformative design book editedby SusanBerry andJudy Martin,presentscolor’s impactas versatileand manipula-tive, providingan enormousinfluence overso many ofour daily actions and decisions.

Attraction is color’s first serv-ice. Though our eyes observevast areas at once, our actualfocal pointis extreme-ly limited,and isdescribedas roughlythe area ofa largecoin heldat arm’slength. Even if we think we areseeing everything in focus con-tinuously and simultaneously, thisis an illusion created by themobility of the eye. What thismeans is that color can captureawareness and sensationthroughout the area of vision,whereas only at the center of agaze can read a word or form a

symbol, and therefore color isoften the primary snare to theeye. Color reads instantly, in awider visual area than a shape,word, or pattern.

Commercial design notes that,on average, a color image moti-vates 40 percent more interestthan a similar black and white ormonochromatic version. We stopand look. Research shows that ifwe cannot find what we are look-ing for in five to six seconds, it islikely we will turn to anotherproduct. Color unlocks instantrecognition and memorization foridentifying anything from prod-ucts to organization and location.

In daytime, yellow light offersthe greatest visibility especiallywhen combined with black, yet atdawn and dusk, when visibility is

greatlyreduced,orange isthe colorwe turn tofor warn-ings andcaution.We thinkof color

when we consider art, and deco-rating, but it just seems to grabthe spotlight with whatever itmeets.

Donna Fitch is a local artist.For questions or comments youcan reach her through theCourier,office@kernrivercourier.com.

Color is attractingCreative Connection

Fitch

“Color unlocks instantrecognition and memoriza-tion.”

--Donna Fitch

Friday, January 30, 2009 Kern River Courier Page 9

*Rates (U.S. dollars) are per person, based on double occupancy. Government fees/taxes and optional airtransportation are additional for all guests. Rates are subject to availability and may change without priornotice. Restrictions apply.

DAY PORT ARRIVE DEPARTFri. SEATTLE WASHINGTON 4:00pm

Scenic cruising Puget SoundSat. At seaSun. Scenic cruising Stephens Passage

Juneau Alaska Noon 10:30pmMon. Scenic cruising 7:00am 4:00pm

Glacier Bay National ParkTue. Sitka Alaska 8:00am 5:00pmWed. Ketchikan Alaska 7:00am 1:00pmThu. Victoria, British Columbia 6:00pm MidnightFri. SEATTLE WASHINGTON 7:00am

Cruise Alaska’sInside PassageEnjoy a 7 Day Majestic Scenic & WildlifeCruise On Holland America’s “Zaandam”September 18, 2009.Sailing Round Trip from SeattleStarting from $649*. per person

based on double occupancy

We’ve

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We’re now next to

the

Kernville Fire

StationAll About Travel& Fine Art Gallery

11006 #1 Kernville Road P.O. Box 69 Kernville, CA 93238760-376-6006 or 800-882-5652allinfo@lightspeed.net Sot 201802040

at entrances to the more difficult-to-get-to roads in the valley, such asin Fay Canyon or on Wagy Flat.

In addition to the maps, there arebinders packed with informationimportant to firefighters such asroad types, elevations, major prob-lems,fuel types and anything elsethat might be important to fireresources unfamiliar with the area.

Also covered are things like anevacuation plan that describes howto evacuate the area, recognizingone-way roads, residents that willrequire help, traffic flow and coor-dination, and shelter locations.

A Communications Plan insideincludes the frequencies and tonesgenerally used in the area, andphone numbers for the commandcenter, law enforcement,Community Emergency ResponseTeam members and other agen-cies.

“This project has taken a lot ofwork and has been supported bythe Kern River Valley Fire SafeCouncil, The Bureau of LandManagement and the U.S. ForestService, said Stevens.

“This should make firefighting alittle safer.”

Kern County Fire Department

Lockboxes like this one have been placed around the valley by thefire department to hold documents for visiting firefighters.

FIRE continued from page 1

BLM continued from page 1

TANK continued from page 9

HONORS continued from page 1

public last month. Spohn-Gross, a doctor of podi-

atry, was nominated because sheis involved in many charitableorganizations and community out-reach programs in the valley, aswell as being a “Flying Doctor ofMercy,” traveling to Third Worldcountries to minister medicalhelp.

White was nominated becausehe is involved in many localgroups, such as Kern River ValleyRevitalization and the Kern ValleyHospital Association, among oth-ers, and he is president of theKern River Educational andCultural Foundation.

The Chamber’s quarterly meet-ing preceded the awards ceremo-ny, during which the officers for

2009 were installed. They are: RayThurm, president; Jim Malouf,president elect; Sue Weis, secre-tary; Faith Morrison, treasurer;and Barrie Mann, immediate pastpresident. Directors were RitaD’Angelo, Martin Howard, ArleneJones, Tom McKinney, RonMontague, Carter Pope, JeanetteRogers and Marsha Smith.

Dinner and the awards ceremo-ny for Man of the Year andWoman of the Year followed.

Certificates from U.S.Congressman Kevin McCarthy,State Senator Roy Ashburn andState Assemblymember JeanFuller were awarded by their fieldrepresentatives, and SupervisorJon McQuiston added his fromKern County.

Larson said, "Over the last year,the water system was out of serv-ice for over five weeks due to badwater samples and ongoing leaksin the water lines and elevatedwater tank. This not only impact-ed the operation of the ForestService and Army Corps businessoffices, but also the public whouse the Forest Service restroomlocated at the popular launcharea."

A new 30,000-gallon ground-mounted steel water tank will

replace the old tower with a10,000-gallon tank on the samesite. Other work scheduled to bedone includes refitting the pumphouse with new pressure pumpsand pressure tanks, installing anew submersible pump in theexisting well, and patching theasphalt road to the office onEngineers Point.

For more information on theproject, contact the Kern RiverRanger District Office at LakeIsabella at (760) 379-5646.

“Obviously of specific interest tothe (general) public will be thoseroutes that have recreational uses,by OHVs, mountain bikes, horse-back riders and hikers. But we'llalso be addressing those neededfor administrative purposes andauthorized uses (grazing leases,etc.)

Route inventory maps will beavailable for the public to review atthe meetings. After a short presen-tation about the travel manage-ment process, the public will begiven time to study these maps andprovide written comments. BLMstaff will be on hand to help inter-pret the maps. BLM also will accept

written comments by mail to allowinterested parties more time tolook over the inventory maps.

All written comments on theroute inventory will need to bereceived by March 13 to be incor-porated into the comment data-base.

For further information on trav-el management within theBakersfield Field Office and thepublic workshops, or the resourcemanagement planning process,contact DeWitt at (661) 391-6120peter_dewitt@ca.blm.gov at theBakersfield Field Office, Bureau ofLand Management, 3801 PegasusDrive, Bakersfield CA 93308.

Enter a float in the 2009Whiskey Flat Days paradeMike DevichKern River Courier

Editor’s note: This story ran lastweek with the wrong sponsor informa-tion. The correct information appearsbelow.

Join into the festivities for WhiskeyFlat Days and be in the Grand Parade.It’s free if you send your entry inbefore Jan. 30; $25 for late entries. Youmust fill out an application either way.

Applications are now available forthe parade from the KernvilleChamber of Commerce office at thecorner of Kernville Road and SierraWay.

The theme for Whiskey Flat Days2009 (to take place President’s Dayweekend Feb. 13-16) is “EverythingOld is News Again” -- with a logodrawn by Jeanette Rogers of an old-time newspaper vendor with the latestedition for sale.

If you become a sponsor of theparade, the Chamber will send a“shout out” to the Courier that we willprint in the valley’s free local paper.

Being a sponsor helps with theexpenses of the parade: the awards,trophies, insurance etc.

For $25 you can become a “GoldDust” sponsor; for $50 a “GoldNugget” sponsor; and for $100, a“Mother Lode” sponsor.

Mail your checks and completedparade forms to the KernvilleChamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 397,Kernville CA 93238.

Quite a few sponsors have alreadysigned up--

Gold Dust sponsors• Old West Kettle Korn• Kern Valley Sun• Nuui Cunni Farmer’s Market• Mike Morgan WeldingGold Nugget sponsors

• Elks Lodge #1735 • Beach Cities Shrine Club• L&M Lumber• Scotty’s TexacoMother Lode sponsors• The Lodge at Painted Rock• Rivernook Campground Inc.• Kernville Inn• United States Marshals Posse

Page 10 Kern River Courier Friday, January 30, 2009

Archie Logsdon CarpentryDecks & Remodeling.

"Craftsmanship and Attentionto Detail." (760) 223-6624

losthills@communitymail.net

LARRY SCHUPPAN'SGarage Doors & Openers.New Sales & Repairs.Handyman Service. Decks,Covers, Masonry, Electrical,Plumbing. (760) 379-1430License #CL492150

VALENTINE SWEETHEARTSCKC Registered Chihuahuapuppies. Females: 1 Teacupblue fawn. 1 Tiny Toy goldfawn. Current shots. Padtrained $250-$350 Senior dis-count 379-1403

"FIREWOOD"Camping•Cooking•Home Heat

THE FIREWOOD GUY6400 Lake Isabella Blvd, #CLake Isabella, 760-379-8087

POOL/SPAREPAIR SPECIALIST20+ Years ExperienceCA. License #647258

(760) 376-4384 / (909) 210-3971__________________________

Transmission Service SpecialFEBRUARY ONLY

$69.00 + Parts (most cars)@ South Fork Transmission

For appointment. Call 379-8578

SPACES FOR RENTWofford Heights Mobile/RVPark Great Location! Quiet,mature trees, walk to lake, mar-ket, medical, park & theater.Free rent on the 6th month.Call Able 760-379-5479. After3pm & weekends, call Ralph @310-387-7136

DRESS ME UP6437 Lake Isabella Blvd. in thePost Office Shopping Center.

Mon-Fri 10-5, Sat 9-12. 379-8927Children's Clothing and More_________________________

NEED INSTANT CASH?We buy gold & diamonds

JEWELRY MART - 379-6340Located next to ValleyOffice Lake Isabella

Onyx Apartment - for rent in quietneighborhood. 2 bd, 1 ba. Close topark & store. $550/mo incls. water& trash.References required (661)477-7091__________________________Rent to Own - Nice 2bd/2badbl wide Mobile Home w/patio& deck + 2 car carport in quiet55+ park.$595/mo.Includes spacerent. + deposit. 760-379-2092_________________________

Southlake - 2 Bedroom Duplexw/garage, laundry room, fire-place, dishwasher, $600/mo +$600 security deposit. 378-3374_________________________

Wofford Heights - 2Bd, 1 Bamobile.A real doll house! Clean,newly renovated. Ready now! 1shed, water & trash paid.$650/mo, $300 deposit. Call376-6578_________________________

South Lake - You will not findanything that compares to thiscustom home perched on a hilltop w/beautiful views in alldirections. 2,200 sq ft 3bd/2ba,w/300 sq ft 1 bd/1ba guest house.Tile floors, stainless appliances,ceiling fans, granite, attached 2car garage & detached 4 cargarage/ workshop. $1,600 mo.(760) 223-1434

Want to say it in print? TheKern River Courier wants tohelp you reach out to that spe-cial someone. During Februarywe’ll print your "PERSONAL"ad - up to five lines - forFREE! Just submit it to us(contact information is on page2) and we'll run it for 2 weeksin February for you. Somerestrictions may apply.

CAMPER SHELL - Withcarpet kit. Light blue, cameoff a 1991 GMC Sierra 8 footbed truck. Pass thru window.$175.00 661-378-1858 / 661-392-7220

Cabin For Sale - Cabin on 1/3acre lot at 102 Hoebeck Bodfish.Cross street of Columbus, fixerupper for $80,000. 661-428-1108__________________________Lake Isabella - Nice 2bd/2badbl wide Mobile Home w/patio& deck + 2 car carport in quiet55+ park, $25,000 or financingavailable. 760-379-2092__________________________

Southlake Area - 3 BR, 13/4BATH View of lake $220,000(760) 378-3535

Residential Lot on AspenDrive in Bodfish. $30,000OBO, Call (661) 428-1108__________________________40 Acres Flat NevadaRanchland. 200 mi NE ofReno. Buildable horse proper-ty.Walk to river & store @ I-80.$399 down, $399/mo, $39,900sale price. Owner financing.No qualifying. 775-453-3724

PERSON wearing clothing instyle approx two years ago.Located in remote desert area!Continues to ask if we haveaccess to a gun, but while sit-ting in backseat of car, refusesto say a word.

WANTED: Bartender atDave's Sports Bar. Experiencepreferred. Will train if neces-sary. Apply in person @ 4108Lake Isabella Blvd. Bodfish.379-5384__________________________

F U L L T I M EC A R E G I V E R

N E E D E D40 hours a week in the

Kernville area. 6 months to1 year of experience needed.Call to apply at 661-862-5792

Always buying antiques & col-lectibles, 19th year in the KernRiver Valley. Highest pricespaid, one piece or a house full.Don't give it away at a yardsale! Ghost Town Relics @Silver City. (760) 379-5146

Make sure you advertise in the

“ORIGINAL MARKETPLACE”(760) 376-2860

The Kern River Courier Marketplace~ Since 2004 ~

Jerry’sAPPLIANCE SERVICE

Washers • Dryers • Refrigerators

Stoves • Dishwashers

379-2199

Explore the Kern Valley––Shopping, Dining, Lodging––

Lah-De-Dah-Gifts, Collectables,Antiques. “If it’s not here, wedon’t have it.” Sewing Center forSewing Needs. 41 Big Blue Rd.Kernville. Call 376-6704.

Services

Ads - 5 Lines - $5.50

1. Write your message on the form.Please be neat. Ads start at 5 linesfor $5.50 and only $1.00 for eachadditional line.

2. Total first five lines and $1.00 foreach additional line. Multiply thetotal by the number of weeks youwish your ad to run. Fill in theblanks below. Payment must bewith order.

3. Enter credit card #, or makecheck, money order payable to:

Kern River CourierP.O. Box 1145Wofford Heights, Ca 93285-1145

6392 B Wofford Blvd.Wofford Heights, Ca 93285

Mail or deliver to above address.

Ad must reach us by Tuesday 12noon of the week it is to run.

Place yourMarketplacead in 3 easy

steps:

5 lines = $5.50Each line equals 27 spaces

or characters approx)

Add a line $1.00 ea.

Photos add $5.00 ea.

Frame add $1.00

Number of weeks ad is

to run______ X your

ad total = $__________

Amount due.

Name_________________________________________________

Mailing Address_________________________________________

Daytime Phone Number___________________________________

Master Card Visa Check or Money Order

Credit Card Number______________________________________

Name as it appears on card________________________________

Expiration Date_______Signature___________________________

Each line equals 27 spaces or characters. Actual length of published ad may varydepending on combination of letters, spaces and words. Please read your ad as soon asit is published. If you do find an error, notify us immediately. The Kern River Courier willtake responsibility for only one incorrect insertion and will not be responsible for morethan the cost of one insertion. No further liability shall apply. The Kern River Courierreserves the right to reject any ad and may edit ads as needed.

Payment is required prior to run. Phone orders are accepted with credit card only.

For Rent

COCKTAILS AND DANCING5430 Lake Isabella Blvd.

379-8144Largest pool table in town!

*bounce houses*water slides

*sno cones & cotton candymachines

*party supplies & moreWE DELIVER!

760-376-4KIDS(4543)www.kernkidspartyrentals.com

Pets

Ray's Painting & DecoratingInterior & Exterior Painting

Wall Covering

Installed and Removed

760-417-9797

Specialty Shops

Firewood For Sale

Homes For Sale

SUBSCRIBE TTOTHE

KERNRIVER

COURIER

Land For Sale

Help Wanted

For Sale

Spaces for Rent

Personals Offer Wanted to Buy

Found

ABRAHAM’SAPPLIANCE RREPAIR

SERVICEWASHERS-DRYERS • REFRIGERATORS

STOVES • DISHWASHERS • ICEMAKERS ETC.

379-44707

Your SpecialtyCould Have BeenAdvertised Here!

Clarence Semonious, pastorPrince of Peace Lutheran Fellowship,Kernville

Have you looked forhelp in the Bible? Maybeyou do not need help – butI doubt that for no otherreason than the currentevents reported on thenews. The KJ version ofthe scriptures has thephrase “help me” 23 times.The first time was an invi-tation spoken was byAdonizedek, king ofJerusalem. His request resulted in a coali-tion of 10 kings. Their objective was toattack the city of Gibeon because it hadmade peace with Joshua after Jericho fell.When the coalition attacked the city, andJoshua got word of it, the LORD toldJoshua that he had already delivered theminto Joshua’s hand.

Within this account in Joshua 10:1-11 is atruth; a human coalition is no match for theLORD. A small coalition that included obe-dience to the LORD won overwhelmingly,as in 2 Samuel 10:1-19. It was true then; it istrue today. According to God’s wisdom, thefaithful will be delivered from, deliveredthrough or delivered by the trials of thislife.

Being delivered from a ordeal – onemight use the expression, “dodged the bul-let” is a blessing to the faithful. Those whodo not seek help from God are often quotedas having luck. Many are delivered through

an ordeal because God arranged for theright person to be in the right place. It isnot wrong to refer to the miracle of modernmedicine, unless one forgets him fromwhom the miracle comes. Possibly the mostdifficult of the deliverances is to be deliv-ered by the ordeal into the arms of theAlmighty God. Those left behind mourn,Doctors think they failed and friends are leftspeechless. It is the shortsightedness ofmankind that allows us to see as defeat theentrance of a loved one into an eternal lifewith no sadness and no tears.

All this is possible because God prom-ised, “I will raise up for them a prophet likeyou from among their brothers. And I willput my words in his mouth, and he shallspeak to them all that I command him.”Deuteronomy 18:18. He whom God raisedup in answer to that promise later said, “MyGod, my God, why have you forsaken me?”Psalm 22:1. Jesus said those words so thatyou and I do not have to say them. Davidwas inspired to give those who trust Godwords to say, “Make haste, O God, to deliv-er me! O LORD, make haste to help me!”Psalm 70:1. And again, “Help me, O LORDmy God! Save me according to your stead-fast love!” Psalm 109:26.

God’s help is available to those whodeclare, according to Psalm 23:1-6:

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall notwant. He makes me lie down in green pas-tures. He leads me beside still waters. Herestores my soul. He leads me in paths ofrighteousness for his name's sake. Eventhough I walk through the valley of theshadow of death, I will fear no evil.

Friday, January 30, 2009 Page 11

KernvilleFirst Baptist Church of Kernville46 Valley View Drive, KernvilleSunday Services — 11 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. 376-6403Prince of Peace Lutheran Fellowship Center44 Big Blue Road, KernvilleSunday School 9 a.m.Sunday Service 10:30 a.m. 417-2014Kernville Foursquare ChurchKernville Chamber of Commerce11447 Kernville Road Sunday Services 9:30 a.m.223-6704Kernville United Methodist Church251 Big Blue Rd., Kernville Sunday Services 8:30 & 10:30 a.m.376-2751St. Peter’s Anglican Church11900 Sierra Way, KernvilleSunday Service 10:00 a.m. 376-6362St. Sherrian Episcopal ChurchOdd Fellows Hall, KernvilleSundays 10 a.m.

Lake IsabellaFirst Baptist Church of Lake Isabella 3701 Suhre, Lake Isabella Sunday Services 8:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m. Sunday School 9:45 a.m. 379-5615Fountain of Christ Church 5101 #A Lake Isabella Blvd, Lake IsabellaSunday Service: 9:45 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Wed. 6 p.m.417-0793 Landmark Missionary Baptist Church2741 Mountain View Rd, Lake Isabella Sunday Services 9:45 a.m. & 5:00 p.m.379-5640Mt. View Southern Baptist Church2959 Erskine Creek Rd, Lake Isabella Sunday Services 8:30, 11:15 a.m. & 6:00 p.m. 379-4296Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (LCMS)377 Highway 155, Lake Isabella Sunday Services 12:00 p.m. 379-2343Kern Valley Bible Church3920 Golden Spur, Lake Isabella Sunday Services 9:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.379-5482 Church of the Nazarene2931 Erskine Creek Rd., Lake IsabellaSunday Service 10:30 a.m. 379-2062Highland Chapel United Methodist 5301 LakeIsabella Bl., Lake Isabella Sunday School & Worship 9:30 a.m. 379-2120Lake Isabella Church of Christ3711 Golden Spur, Lake IsabellaSunday worship 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.Bible study Sun. 10 a.m., Thurs. 6 p.m.Kern River Valley Seventh Day Adventist 3801 Golden Spur, Lake Isabella Saturday Service 9:30 a.m. 379-3206Kern Valley Pentecostal LightHouse Church3730 Wagon Wheel Dr., Lake Isabella Sunday School 9:45 Services 10:45 a.m. Eve. 5 p.m. Wed. Service 6 p.m. 379-5819

Mt. MesaChurch of Christ Mt. Mesa6400 Dogwood Av., Mt. MesaSunday Services 9:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.379-4792Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints6400 Park Av., Mt. Mesa Sunday Services 10:00 a.m. 379-2904Grace Chapel12312 Mt. Mesa Rd., Mt. Mesa Sunday Services 9:45 a.m. 379-4093Christian Assembly12424 Mountain Mesa Rd., Mt. Mesa Sunday Services 10:30 a.m. & 6:00 p.m. 379-6377Victory Tabernacle (United Pentecostal Church)4324 Birch, Mt. Mesa Sunday Services 4 p.m. 379-6360

Southlake/WeldonKern Christian Church “The River”14900 Hwy 178, Southlake Sunday Services 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. 378-3780Weldon Baptist Church20674 Highway 178 Sunday Services 10 a.m. & 6 p.m.378-4964Weldon United Methodist Church20021 Hwy. 178, WeldonSunday Services 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.378-2321

Wofford HeightsFamily Life Center Foursquare Church 20 W.Panorama, Wofford Heights Sunday Service 10:30 a.m. 376-6719New Life Assembly of God25 Arden Av., Wofford Heights Sunday Services 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m.376-6402St. Jude Catholic Church86 Nellie Dent Dr., Wofford Heights Sunday Mass 7:00 a.m. & 9:00 a.m376-2416Calvary Chapel125 Sycamore Drive, Wofford HeightsSunday Services 9 & 11 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. 376-8789Christ Fellowship80 Evans Road, Wofford HeightsSunday Service 10:30 a.m.

MiscellaneousSGI - USA Buddhist Discussion Meetings - call 379-6162 for dates and times.Based on the Lotus Sutra.Salvation ArmyMon. 9 am — 1 pm. Service and applications at 6105 LakeIsabella Blvd., Lake Isabella. TSA feeds the hungry lunchMonday through Friday. Assistance is offered to personsor families who are having difficulties paying utility bills, inneed of food, clothing, spiritual and other counseling. 760-379-5100.

Churches of the Valley

Semonious

Voices of FaithBible offers you help

aithFK E R N R I V E R

Bible Trivia by Wilson Casey1. Is the book of Shimeah in the Old orNew Testament or neither?2. From Genesis 2, what phrasedescribes the marriage of a man and awoman? Holy matrimony, God's reward,One flesh, Today forever3. In Joshua 10, what people were killedby great stones cast down from heaven?Amorites, Samarians, Canaanites,Nazarenes

4. Which insect is mentioned in the bookof James as an eater of garments? Gnat,Hornet, Ant, Moth5. What king of Bashan had an iron bed13 1/2 feet long? Edrei, Og, Argob, Senir6. On which day was the sun created?First, Second, Third, Fourth

ANSWERS: 1) Neither; 2) One flesh; 3)Amorites; 4) Moth; 5) Og; 6) Fourth(c) 2009 King Features Synd., Inc.

For God Himself

works in our

souls, in the

deepest depths,

taking increasing

control as we are

progressively

willing to be pre-

pared for His

wonder.

–Thomas R. Kelly

Lenten season arrives onAsh Wednesday, Feb. 25Pastor Jim BeilsteinShepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church

Author Harold Buetow tellsabout a pastor who was comingback to his church one darkevening when he was accosted bya robber who pulled a gun anddemanded, "Your money or yourlife!"

As the pastor reached his handinto his coat pocket, the robbersaw his clerical collar and said: "Isee you are a pastor. Never mind,you can go."

The pastor, surprised at thisunexpected show of concern,tried to reciprocate by offeringthe robber a candy bar that heremembered was in his pocket.The robber replied, "No thankyou, I don’t eat candy duringLent."

Maybe some of you rememberas a child giving up candy forLent. But in your adult life youmay not even remember themeaning of Lent. Lent is the timebefore Easter when followers of

Jesus Christ reflect on their lives. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday,

which is so named because of theashes sometimes placed on theforehead as an outward sign ofour inward desire to be forgivenfor the things we do wrong. AshWednesday this year is February25. The Lenten season ends onEaster, which this year is April 12,as followers of Christ celebratethe Sunday when Christ overcamespiritual death for us. I ask you tojoin me this year during this timeof reflection since we know thateven in difficult times Jesus isthere for you and me. As wereflect during Lent, we can be joy-ful because we know how the sea-son ends. Jesus wins on Eastermorning and He wins for us.Jesus overcomes all that is bad inthe world and gives the only truehope, that assurance of bountifullife on earth and life for eternitywith Him.

May God bless you as youreflect on your life and the life ofyour loved ones.

Page 12 Friday, January 30, 2009

See Page 14 foranswers to puzzles

Courier chuckle of the week:

“I don’t have a fear of heights. I do, how-ever, have a fear of falling from heights. ”

George CarlinGeorge Carlin

Friday, January 30, 2009 Kern River Courier Page 13

Trivia TestBy Fifi Rodriguez

1. TELEVISION: What was the name ofthe robot in the comedy series "GetSmart"?

2. MEDICINE: Who is credited with dis-covering a vaccine for measles?

3. LITERATURE: What famous authoralso wrote under the pseudonym of TexBurns?

4. HISTORY: Who was the United States'first chief justice of the Supreme Court?

5. BUSINESS: What is AT&T's stock tick-er symbol?

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Doing somethingnice for others is typical of the generous Arian. But beprepared for some jealous types who might try toquestion one of your more recent acts of kindness.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) You're eager to takeon new responsibilities. But before you do, you mightwant to check out exactly what would be required ofyou so that you don't face any "surprises" later.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) It might be best to putoff an important decision until a fluctuating situationbecomes more stable. Recently received news couldhelp resolve a long-standing family matter.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) If you still have aproblem getting that information gap closed, youmight consider asking a higher authority to resolvethe matter, leaving you free to move on to anotherproject.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) A family matter needsto be dealt with at the start of the week. Once it'sresolved, the Big Cat can devote more attention to thatnew opportunity that seems to hold so much poten-tial.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Pay attentionto those niggling doubts. They could be warning younot to make any major decisions until you've checkedthem out -- especially where money matters might beinvolved.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) A businessventure might need more of your attention than youare able to provide. Consider asking a trusted friendor family member to help you work through this timecrunch.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) A morepositive aspect helps you get a clearer focus on howto handle your time so that you can deal with severalresponsibilities that are just now showing up on yourschedule.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Avery close friend (you know who that is!) has advicethat could help you work through a confusing situa-tion. So put your pride aside and ask for it. You'll beglad you did.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Aworkplace situation could turn a bit tense. The bestway to handle it is to confront it and deal with it open-ly. Doing so can help reveal the underlying reasons forthe problem.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) A col-league's remarks appear to be especially cutting. Butdon't waste your time or your energy trying to dealwith the situation. You have more important things todo.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Support foryour work comes as a surprise from someone youthought was critical or, at least, indifferent. Yourspouse or partner has big plans for the weekend.

(c) 2009 King Features Synd., Inc.

Salome’s Stars

1. Hymie2. John F. Enders and Thomas Peebles3. Louis L'Amour4. John Jay5. T

Answers:

(c) 2009 King Features Synd., Inc.

Page 14 Kern River Courier Friday, January 30, 2009

Ron BolyardKern River Courier Columnist

For the past three weeks of articles, I have been focused upon the mostingenious theory of Continental Drift or Plate Tectonics, as it is knowntoday. This discussion was very enjoyable for me. Why?

I was working in the oil and gas industry, in 1966, when the publication"Continents Adrift" was released to the public. I recall the sales of thismanual were phenomenal and everyone in the petroleum industry owned

a copy and was focusing upon the ramifications ofhow oil and gas exploration could be "re-tooled" tomaximize the focus upon those global areas that hadmore potential for reserves than others. The competi-tion became very competitive! (Note: J. Tuzo Wilsonof the University of Toronto, wrote about PlateTectonics in "Nature" magazine, in 1965).

As promised, I will now begin to fill in the confus-ing blanks that the reader is probably perplexedabout.

I will begin my analysis with the graphic presentedwith my Jan. 9 column. This diagram has been used

before, about three years ago. Some of you may remember it and othersmay not. But review is always good to strengthen one’s knowledge base!

The diagram is a cross-sectional display showing the various aspects ofPlate Tectonics. A brief study of the diagram will put into the readers mindthe complete dynamics that govern the "creation" (or upwelling of mantlematerial at the oceanic ridges) causing the seafloor spreading, to the"destruction" of the seafloor material at the oceanic trenches by subduc-tion of those oceanic materials beneath the continents. This whole mecha-nism works because of the mantles "convective" heat currents that areestablished within the mantle. Upon that conveyer belt, the attachedearth's crust moves and the blocks drift away from the ridges and towardthe trenches. This constant, but yet very slow process ultimately replenish-es the mantle material at the ridges and destroys it at the subductionzones. Thus we have Continents Adrift.

However, skepticism was still present in the scientific community. Thosewere the last stubborn holdouts that still embraced the older traditionalideas and resisted endorsing this new theory. So they now setout seekingevidence to discount the new theory. In their many independent studiesand experiments examining the global geological evidence, they discov-ered that they were proving the validity of the new theory! What betterway to enlighten a skeptic!

Until Next Week...Ron Bolyard is a retired geologist and has developed an “acute interest”

in the geology of the southern Sierra Nevada since he moved here in 1999.

Our Valley, Our Earth

Plate tectonics a recent theory

Bolyard

Death noticesRosie DremeRosie Dreme, 81, of Lake Isabella, passed away on Jan. 24, 2009 at her

residence. No services scheduled. Arrangements by Lake Isabella FuneralHome, 6048-A Lake Isabella Blvd. Lake Isabella, CA 93240. (760) 379-5006.

Nan CrandllNan Crandll, 78, of Weldon, passed away Jan. 24, 2009 at her residence.

No services scheduled. Arrangements by Lake Isabella Funeral Home,6048-A Lake Isabella Blvd. Lake Isabella, CA 93240. (760) 379-5006.

Thomas D. AtkinsThomas D. Atkins, 78, of Wofford Heights, passed away Jan 28, 2009 in

Bakersfield. No services scheduled. Arrangements by Lake Isabella FuneralHome, 6048-A Lake Isabella Blvd. Lake Isabella, CA 93240. (760) 379-5006.

Sheriff’s Department:January 2: A 27 year old

Wofford Heights male, wasarrested in the 7500 block ofWofford Heights Blvd.,Wofford Heights on suspicionof public intoxication.

January 4: Two males werearrested in the 5600 block ofLake Isabella Blvd., LakeIsabella. One, a Lake Isabella

20 year old, on suspicion of being in possession of a controlled substance,resisting arrest, and violating parole. The other a 28 year old Mtn. Mesa male, ona parole violation warrant.

January 5: A Ridgecrest 50 year old male was arrested in the 5500 block ofLake Isabella Blvd., Lake Isabella on suspicion of grand theft auto.

A 34 year old female from Lake Isabella was arrested in the 2500 block ofCrestview Ave., Lake Isabella on a warrant charging her with possession of mari-juana and resisting arrest.

January 6: A Bakersfield male, 26 years old, was arrested in the 4500 blockof Lake Isabella Blvd., Lake Isabella on suspicion of being in possession of acontrolled substance, being under the influence of a controlled substance, pos-session of stolen property, possession of burglary tools, and possession of ille-gal drug paraphernalia.

January 8: A 57 year old Lake Isabella female was arrested in the 2700 blockof Audrey Ave., Lake Isabella on suspicion of public intoxication and battery.

January 9: A Bakersfield male, 28 years of age, was arrested in 6200 block ofLake Isabella, Blvd., Lake Isabella on suspicion of public intoxication.

A 45 year old Lake Isabella male was arrested in 40000 block of Hwy 155,Lake Isabella on suspicion of public intoxication.

A Lake Isabella 67 year old male, was arrested in 2600 block of Warren Way,Lake Isabella on suspicion of spousal battery..

A 29 year old Weldon male was arrested in the 14100 block of Polaris Street,Weldon on a warrant charging him with possession of illegal controlled sub-stance, under the influence of a controlled substance, and possession of an ille-gal weapon.

January 10: A Lake Isabella 55 year old male was arrested in the 2500 blockof Pinon Street, Lake Isabella on suspicion of possessing marijuana, possessionof illegal drug paraphernalia and possession of an illegal controlled substance.

January 11: A male from Lake Isabella, 25 years of age, was arrested in the4200 block of Lake Isabella Blvd., Lake Isabella on suspicion of being under theinfluence of a controlled substance, possession of stolen property and posses-sion of an illegal knife.

January 12: A 20 year old Lake Isabella male was arrested in the 400 block ofKelso Creek Rd., Weldon on warrants charging him with resisting arrest.

A Weldon male, 54 years of age, was arrested in the 8000 block of LakeIsabella Blvd., Lake Isabella on a warrant charging him with spousal battery.

January 14, 2009:A Weldon 28 year old female was arrested in the 9700 block of Glacier Gulch

Rd., Weldon on suspicion of illegal drug paraphernalia and grand theft auto.January 18: A Bakersfield 25 year old male was arrested in the 200 block of

Burlando Rd., Kernville on suspicion of public intoxication.January 20: A 22 year old male from Lake Isabella was arrested in the 2400

block of Crestview Ave., Lake Isabella on suspicion of battery upon medical per-sonnel and public intoxication.

January 21: A female, 26 year old from Lake Isabella was arrested in the7040 block of Lake Isabella Blvd., Lake Isabella on suspicion of possessing pre-scription medication without a prescription.

A Lake Isabella male, 56 years of age was arrested in the 2900 block ofClaire St., Lake Isabella on suspicion of spousal battery.

January 24: A 25 year old male from Weldon was arrested in the 8000 blockof Harmony Ln., Onyx on suspicion of public intoxication and brandishing aweapon.

California Highway Patrol January 21: A Kern Valley man was headed to a doctor appointment at

around 6 a.m. The man never made it to his appointment and his wife contactedthe Kern County Sheriff's Department. A deputy requested that a helicoptersearch the route that would have been taken through the canyon, along Hwy178. AIR 5 responded and located the individual's vehicle approximately 200 feetdown a mountain embankment along Hwy 178, just east of Borel Rd. Air 5 land-ed close to the vehicle and located the man laying in the brush, halfway up themountain embankment from where his vehicle was located. The man related thathe swerved to miss a deer in the roadway and his car ran off the roadway. Theindividual received minor injuries in the collision and was transported to KernMedical Center by Care Ambulance.

January 24: A 23-year-old male from Havilah was observed driving his vehiclenorth bound on Cal-Bodfish Rd. and the vehicle drifted across double yellowlines as it proceeded through a curve in the roadway. An enforcement stop wasmade and the subsequent investigation led to the subject's arrest for drivingunder the influence of an alcoholic beverage.

Arrest reportsA digest of arrest reports from

various public safety agencies in theKern River Valley area

Super Crossword answers

Answers to puzzles on pages 12-13:

The Kern River Courier is the only locally-owned valley newspaper.

Friday, January 30, 2009 Kern River Courier Page 15

FICTITIOUS BUSINESSNAME STATEMENT

Fictitious Business Name(s)DBA #1: PLN FINANCIAL(2008-B8212), Street addressof principal place of business:358 Burlando Road, KernvilleCA 92338. REGISTRANTS:Patricia Nash, 358 BurlandoRoad, Kernville CA 93238 andLauren Nash, 358 BurlandoRoad, Kernville CA 93238:H, Co-partners. The date thebusiness commenced:12/03/2008. The filing of thisstatement does not of itselfauthorize the use in this stateof a fictitious business name inviolation of the rights of anoth-er under federal, state, or com-mon law (Bus & Prof 14400 etseq. This Fictitious BusinessName Statement expires fiveyears from the date it was filedin the County Clerk's Office.(12/16/2013) A new fictitiousbusiness name statement mustbe filed before that time. PLNFINANCIAL. This statementfiled on 12/16/2008. ANN K.BARNETT, Auditor-Controller-County Clerk ByM. Rodriguez. (34993)-Published by the Kern RiverCourier January 9, 16, 23 and30, 2009.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESSNAME STATEMENT

Fictitious Business Name(s)DBA #1: SOUTH FORKENTERPRISES (2009-B0279)Street address of principalplace of business: 4586 KelsoCreek Road, Weldon CA93283. REGISTRANTS: TedD. Scott, 4586 Kelso CreekRoad, Weldon CA 93283 andPatricia A. Scott, 4586 KelsoCreek Road, Weldon CA93283: I, Husband and Wife.The date the business com-menced: 12/01/1998. The fil-ing of this statement does notof itself authorize the use inthis state of a fictitious busi-ness name in violation of therights of another under federal,state, or common law (Bus &Prof 14400 et seq. ThisFictitious Business NameStatement expires five yearsfrom the date it was filed in theCounty Clerk's Office.(01/13/2014) A new fictitiousbusiness name statement mustbe filed before that time.SOUTH FORK ENTERPRIS-ES. This statement filed on01/13/2009. ANN K. BAR-NETT, Auditor-Controller-County Clerk By G. Durward(34993)-Published by the KernRiver Courier January 23, 30and Feb. 6, 13, 2009.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESSNAME STATEMENT

Fictitious Business Name(s)DBA #1: Piute Pump Co.(2009-B0488) Street addressof principal place of business:4571 Lake Isabella Boulevard,Lake Isabella, CA 93240.REGISTRANT: RichardGonzalez: A, Individual. Thedate the business commenced:03/14/2004. The filing of thisstatement does not of itself

authorize the use in this stateof a fictitious business name inviolation of the rights of anoth-er under federal, state, or com-mon law (Bus & Prof 14400 etseq. This Fictitious BusinessName Statement expires fiveyears from the date it was filedin the County Clerk's Office.(01/22/2014) A new fictitiousbusiness name statement mustbe filed before that time.PIUTE PUMP CO. This state-ment filed on 01/22/2009.ANN K. BARNETT, Auditor-Controller-County Clerk ByM. Rodriquez. (34993)-Published by the Kern RiverCourier January 30, February6, 13 and 20, 2009.

NOTICE OF PETITION TOADMINISTER ESTATE OF

PAUL A. MULDERS-1500-PB-58626

To all heirs, beneficiaries, credi-tors, contingent creditors, andpersons who may otherwise beinterested in the will or estate,or both, of PAUL A. MUL-DER.

A PETITION for Probate hasbeen filed by: FRED T. MUL-DER in the Superior Court ofCalifornia, County of KERN.

THE PETITION for Probaterequests that FRED T. MUL-DER be appointed as personalrepresentative to administerthe estate of the decedent.

THE PETITION requestsauthority to administer theestate under the IndependentAdministration of Estates Act.(This authority will allow thepersonal representative to takemany actions without obtain-ing court approval. Before tak-ing certain very importantactions, however, the personalrepresentative will be requiredto give notice to interested per-sons unless they have waivednotice or consented to the pro-posed action.) The independ-ent administration authoritywill be granted unless an inter-ested person files an objectionto the petition and shows goodcause why the court should notgrant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition willbe held on: February 26, 2009at 9:00 A.M. in Dept. E, locat-ed at 1215 Truxtun Avenue,Bakersfield, CA 93301.

IF YOU OBJECT to the grantingof the petition, you shouldappear at the hearing and stateyour objections or file writtenobjections with the courtbefore the hearing. Yourappearance may be in personor by your attorney.

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR ora contingent creditor of thedeceased, you must file yourclaim with the court and mail acopy to the personal represen-tative appointed by the courtwithin four months from thedate of first issuance of lettersas provided in section 9100 ofthe California Probate Code.The time for filing claims willnot expire before four monthsfrom the hearing date noticedabove.

YOU MAY EXAMINE the file

kept by the court. If you are aperson interested in the estate,you may file with the court aformal Request for SpecialNotice of the filing of aninventory and appraisal ofestate assets or of any petitionor account as provided in sec-tion 1250 of the CaliforniaProbate Code. A Request forSpecial Notice form is avail-able from the court clerk.

Attorney for petitioner:BRIAN L. FOX, Atty.290 Maple Court, Suite 206Ventura, CA 93003(805) 658-9204(Published: Kern River Courier:

January 30, February 6 and 13,2009)

FICTITIOUS BUSINESSNAME STATEMENT

Fictitious Business Name(s)DBA #1: RedMountainTradingPost.com (2009-B0401), DBA#2: RedMountain Trading Post (2009-B0402), Street address of prin-cipal place of business: 405North Ranch Road, Havilah,CA 93518. REGISTRANT:Susan Reinke, 405 NorthRanch Road, Havilah, CA93518: A, Individual. The datethe business commenced:00/00/0000. The filing of thisstatement does not of itselfauthorize the use in this stateof a fictitious business name inviolation of the rights of anoth-er under federal, state, or com-mon law (Bus & Prof 14400 etseq. This Fictitious BusinessName Statement expires fiveyears from the date it was filedin the County Clerk's Office.(01/20/2014) A new fictitiousbusiness name statement mustbe filed before that time. RED-M O U N TA I N T R A D I N G -POST.COM, RED MOUN-TAIN TRADING POST. Thisstatement filed on 01/20/2009.ANN K. BARNETT, Auditor-Controller-County Clerk By G.Durward. (34993)-Publishedby the Kern River CourierJanuary 30, February 6, 13 and20, 2009.

STATEMENT OF ABAN-DONMENT OF USE OFFICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENTFictitious Business Name being

abandoned: America Lives,NUMBER 2004-B5997; Streetaddress of business: 120Dodger Street, Bodfish CA93205; Mailing address ofBusiness; P.O. Box 2, BodfishCA 93205; REGISTRANT(S)WHO WISH TO ABANDONBUSINESS NAME: EugeneVerbeet, P.O. Box 2, BodfishCa 93205; Original FBNStatement Filed on:09/13/2004. The Statement ofAbandonment filed on:01/23/2009. ANN K. BAR-NETT, Auditor-Controller-County Clerk by G.Durward,Deputy Clerk (34993).Published Kern River CourierJanuary 30, February 6, 13,and 20, 2009.

Legal NoticesMay 21 (there will be no class during the week of Spring Break; April 6-10). All classes will be held at the KRV Family Resource Center in LakeIsabella. Participants will learn about controlling anger, seeking newbehavior methods, talking to your children about problems, and how toprovide a safe and loving home. Charge is $55 for ten two-hour classes.Course is limited to first seven people to enroll. Weekly parenting classesmeet court and CPS requirements.

Keyesville Classic for mountain bikers on weekend of March 15The annual Keyesville Classic is a mountain bike race put on each year

by the Southern Sierra Fat Tire Association in the beautiful hills of theKeyesville Recreation Area. For more information, see http://ssfta.com/

Sweet Adelines Friends & Family Night March 19The Kern Valley Sweet Adelines female barbershop harmony singing

group will be having their Friends and Family Night on March 19 at 7:30p.m. at the Senior Center in Lake Isabella. For more information, callCheryl at (760) 376-4124.

“Living Green in the KRV” event coming March 27-30Want to know how to reduce your “footprint” on the world? Learn about

living responsibly, protecting our environment and conserving ourresources at a new festival in the valley, “Living Green in the KRV.” This“expo”-like festival will have many booths and lots of information about liv-ing green. The location will be the Family Life Center in Wofford Heights.For more information, call Richard at (760) 333-4561 or go towww.krvr.org.

5K Run to be part of Living Green event March 28The 5K run will begin at 8 a.m., right after a kids 1K fun Run. Wofford

Heights Park, end of Williams St. at E Evans Road, Wofford Heights. The5K course adjacent to Lake Isabella is flat and entirely on dirt with twosmall stream crossings. In addition to the usual gender and age splits therewill also be a "Mom & Stroller" Class, as well as a Clydesdale Class for the225lb+ runners. Entry fee: $25 (includes a eco-friendly stainless steel waterbottle & race T-shirt). Online Registration. Sponsored the Wofford HeightsCommunity Association & by Run-4-A-Way, a non-profit organization ded-icated to promoting health, fitness & wellness in the Kern Valley communi-ty. INFO: Darby (760) 376-1067 cptdarbo@lightspeed.net or Mike (760) 376-4405 mikelanephoto@mac.com.

Geneaology seminar to take place March 28The ClanDiggers Genealogical Society is sponsoring a seminar on

Saturday, March 28 at the Kern Valley Bible Church in Lake Isabella. Thespeaker will be Certified Genealogist Nancy Ellen Carlberg, who hasworked in the field since 1979 . She began her career assisting Alex Haleyas he prepared his television docudrama “Roots.” She also worked on theTV show “Queen” and on a mini-series called “Palmerstown, USA.” Shethen began to write books on the subject of genealogy and history and nowhas produced an impressive library. Carlberg is coming prepared toanswer all of your questions about researching and about availablesources. The seminar will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and lunch will be pro-vided. Tickets at $20 per person are available from Marian DeMars at 3764578 or Don Keiffer at 379 8152.

Isabella Lake Fishing Derby to be held April 4-6The Isabella Lake Fishing Derby attracts thousands of anglers from all

over to try to catch the tagged trout worth $10,000. This year, however,there will be ten $10,000 trout! And, in addition, to celebrate the 20thanniversary of the derby, there will be a $20,000 trout! And there aremultitudes of other prizes, including cash awards for 1,000 other taggedfish. You must be pre-registered to be able to win. The derby is put on bythe Kern River Valley Chamber of Commerce with major help from theKern River Valley Fish and Habitat Club and many national sponsors.Also, new this year is a 50/50 raffle to benefit the Kern River Valley YouthCenter. Call Dave at 376-4430 about the raffle. For derby information, goto http://derby.kernrivervalley.com/ or call the chamber at (760) 379-5236.

Kern River Festival whitewater races put on April 18-19The Kern River Festival has been going on since the 1960s and features

races by kayaks and rafts on the mighty Kern River in Kernville. It’s fun towatch, but you can participate as well. It is put on by the Kern Valley RiverCouncil. For more information, visit http://www.kernfestival.org/ or call(818) 340-3083.

Information for most items from the Kernville Chamber of Commerce. Toinclude your event in the Kern River Courier Calendar, just submit the infor-mation to the Courier (our addresses are on page 2) by Tuesday for Friday’sissue. Events must be open to the public and admission price, if any, must belisted.

HAPPENINGS continued from page 3

Mercer Tax ServicesBusiness & Personal

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Payroll & Sales TaxMonthly & Quarterly Reports

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Free pickup & delivery in the Kern River Valley

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Phone (661) 410-1010 • Fax (661) 410-1110

Toll Free (888) 833-3900 • www.hoffmannhospice.org

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Gerald A. BrownManager / Director

FD1731

Page 16 Kern River Courier Friday, January 30, 2009

Bob BarnesKern River Courier Columnist

This is the fifth in a series onKern River Valley's seven wrenspecies.

The MARSH WREN is a birdof cattail and reed marshes. It isfound all across the lower 48United States and southernCanada. In winter, MarshWrens from the northern half ofthe rangemove southas far as cen-tral Mexico.

At an aver-age length offive inches,the MarshWren is amid-sizedwren. BobSteele'sphoto showstwo commonfield marks ofa this wren.The MarshWren has a bold, white eyebrowline and black and white stripesin the middle of its upper back.The latter field mark definitivelyseparates the Marsh Wren fromthe Bewick's Wren.

The Marsh Wren's song isvery bubbly. Dozens of MarshWrens will be heard from deepwithin marsh vegetation foreach one seen and identifiedusing key field marks.

In the Kern River Valley, theMarsh Wren is a very rare nest-

ing species, perhaps not evenevery year. In winter, it isuncommon to common in itsmarsh-restricted habitat with100 or more individuals in theKRV some winters. Look for thisspecies in winter in marsh vege-tation anywhere in the valleyincluding along water con-veyance ditches, at ponds, andat springs.

Three publicly accessiblemarsh areas tolook for thisspecies are atHanning Flatoff Sierra Way,the CanebrakeEcologicalReserve fivemiles east ofOnyx, and themarsh behindKern ValleyPlaza as viewedthrough thechain link fencefrom the side-walk alongside

Erskine Creek Road. Remember, listen for the very

bubbly song, then begin thetreasure hunt with your eyes orwith binoculars.

#5 RECOMMENDED bird IDguide: "A Golden Guide to FieldIdentification: Birds of NorthAmerica" by Robbins, Bruun,and Zim, 2001.

Until next week, happy andproductive birding.

Reprinted from the Kern RiverCourier, Feb. 3, 2006. Bob

Barnes, a well-known expert onbirding (and former president ofthe Kern River Valley Chamberof Commerce) now lives inRidgecrest and can be reachedat bbarnes@lightspeed.net

Our thanks to renownednature photographer Bob Steelefor allowing us to use his stun-ning photos. Visit his Web site atwww.bobsteelephoto.com.

The Kern River Valley’s Bird World

Bob Steele/Special to the Kern River Courier

The marsh wren is very rare in the Kern River Valley. Only 100individuals are seen in the valley some winters.

“The MarshWren's song isvery bubbly. ”

– Bob Barnes

Marsh Wren a very rare visitor

Get with the programThe official guide to the LivingGreen Festival, Expo, Workshops and activities.Call the Kern River Courier at 760-376-2860 to talk withsomeone about program advertising opportunities.Advertising deadline February 27. LivingGreen sponsor

* Free personal ads are limited to one 5-line Marketplace ad per person, a resident of the Kern RiverValley, contain contact information and must be from a legitimate source.

The Kern River Courier reserves the right to refuse any advertising that it deems fraudulent, inap-propriate or offensive in nature. Offer ends February 24, 2009. Good Luck!

❤Lovelorn?

Looking for thatspecial someone?Love, marriage,companionship,or friendship?

Place a Valentine personal ad inCourier Marketplace for freeduring the month of February.

Just submit your personal ad to us!(contact information is on page 2)