Kern River Courier January 27, 2012

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K K E E R N N

Friday, January 27, 2012

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R II V V E E R R

Serving the Kern River & Isabella Lake Communities

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PRESORTED Kernville Standard U.S. Postage PAID Permit 25

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www.kernrivercourier.com Vol. 8 No. 51

weekend weather Friday high 64° Mostly sunny Friday low 30° Mostly clear Saturday high 63° Sunny Saturday low 30° mostly clear Sunday high 67° Sunny

Goins’on at the flat

Sunday low 30° Partly cloudy

Out

National Weather Service

Inside

By Sandi Johnstone Special to the Kern River Courier Howdy folks! Here’s some news from the campaign trail. The place was sure abuzz last Friday night at Ewing’s in Kernville.

Flower Filly Sue and her fancy ladies showed up in full bloom to engage in a poker game that was bein’ played in the

Courtesy of Flower Filly Sue Mayor Candidate Flower Filly Sue AKA: Sue Rumsower, and her fancy ladies Sheryl Parmelee, Sue Hart, Sally Marqez, Patty Edwards and Carol Painter.

See Flat, Page 4

Forest Service may scale down fee areas?

Local officials get final say on changes Western Slope No-Fee Coalition Special to the Courier The U.S. Forest Service has completed a nationwide inventory and review of recreation fees in what the agency calls “High Impact Recreation Areas,” according to the Kitty Benzar of the Western Slope No-Fee Coalition of Durango, Colorado.

If recommendations from the agency’s Washington Office are implemented, the public could see a substantial reduction in fees required on National Forests. However, the final decisions are being left to local managers, so whether there will be actual change on the ground is uncertain.

In California, 33 HIRA’s, encompassing 390,212 acres may, according to documents obtained by the Coalition from the Forest Service’s Washington D.C. headquarters, be reduced to 13 smaller areas. Numerous stand-alone day-use and campground fee sites would remain but the land between those stand-alone sites would be restored to free access.

Locally, the Lake Isabella HIRA could be eliminated. The $10 day-use fee would be dropped and fees would be charged only for developed campgrounds.

Critics of the Forest Service’s fee program have mixed feelings about the plan.

“Right now these HIRA’s contain hundreds of fee sites that control access to lakes, rivers, and undeveloped backcountry, as well as dispersed camping areas where fees are charged despite a lack of developed facilities," said Benzar, president of the Western Slope No-Fee Coalition. “The Forest Service claims that 95 percent of the land they manage is fee-free, but much of people

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Submitted by Western Slope No-Fee Coalition Isabella Lake HIRA designated fee sign. that cannot be reached except from places where parking fees are charged.

“If, under the new plan the remaining fee areas and stand-alone sites still contain access points like trailheads and dispersed campsites, then there will be no real change.

If the fee areas are tightened up to include only developed facilities and general access returns to being free, then that will be an improvement. We’re watching closely to see how this plays out on the ground” she said.

HIRA’s vary in size from the 40-acre Piper HIRA on the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire to the 191,791acre Mirror Lake Scenic Byway on the Wasatch-Cache National Forest in Utah.

Nationally, HIRA’s encompass over 1.4 million acres of National Forest. Within a HIRA, visitors are charged a Standard Amenity Fee, for all-day use. Those who

See Fee Areas, Page 12

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Ready Kern alerts users to emergencies Have you heard about www.readykern.com?

Ready Kern is an emergency notification system that you can register for to be alerted of any emergency situation in your area - whether it be your home, your family member’s homes, your child’s school, or place of employment - you can register online at www.readykern.com to help safeguard you and your family.

The process begins when Kern County issues a message about a potential safety hazard or concern.

Messages will be sent to all standard voice and text communication devices, including land line phones, cell phones, e-mail, and more. If you don't confirm receipt of the message, the system will try to reach your second contact number or email. The system will continue trying to contact you until it receives a confirmation from you.

Fires, floods, crime suspects on the loose, evacuations and missing persons have all been announced and shared through this emergency notification system.

With this service, Kern County can send personalized voice and e-mail messages to residents and businesses within minutes with specific information about time-sensitive issues such as emergencies and local community matters.

Don’t delay. Add yourself and your loved ones today. Go to www.readykern.com to register up to six locations. Share this with your friends and family too. nature

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Bribe a Whiskey Flat mayor using the Courier Calendar.

If you can count, you can bake Bodfish Bob’s cake for one.

Forest Service presents plans to reconnect Trail of 100 Giants.

Have nothing but Fun & Games.

kern river water data: Wednesday 6 a.m.

Storage, Isabella Reservoir 169,939 acre-feet Reservoir peak 361,709 acre-feet Pool maximum 568,075 acre-feet Pool safety limit 360,000 acre-feet Upper Kern Kern Inflow at Kernville 492 cfs (5-hr avg.)

Lower Kern Outflow 327 cfs Borel Canal Outflow 297 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.

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www.kernrivercourier.com Friday, January 27, 2012

Calendar

The Courier

Courier K E R N R I

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Spotlighting the best of the Kern River Valley Publisher Michael Batelaan Editors, Writers Michael Batelaan, Mike Ludiker, Pam Stewart, Mike Devich Columnists Mike Mencarini Rod Middleworth Matt Freeman Bodfish Bob Ron Bolyard Jack Duitsman California Joe Richard Rowe Clarence Semonious Harry Thal Photographers Michael Batelaan, Mike Ludiker Contributing Photographers Murdoc Douglas, Jack Robson, Frances Bowman Ad Production Michael Batelaan, Mike Ludiker Advertising Sales Valerie Minoux, Sara Wakeman Business Office Sara Wakeman Distribution Ron Benson Advertising policies Publisher reserves the right to reject or cancel any advertising at any time. Cancellations or rejection shall not preclude payment on similar advertising previously run. The Kern River Courier is not liable for errors in copy or an advertisement beyond the cost of the actual space occupied by the error. Publisher reserves the right to place the word “advertisement” on any ad copy that appears to resemble editorial matter.

Submission policies Editorial and photo submissions are welcome and will run at the discretion of the editors. Submissions will only be returned when accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. The editors reserve the right to edit and publish all submissions both in print and Internet online publications. The entire contents of the Kern River Courier are copyright ©2011. Reproduction in whole or in part of print and Internet online publications is prohibited without prior written consent. All rights reserved.

Letters policies Letters to the Editor are run when space permits. They are meant as an open forum for expression. Letters to the editor pertaining to local issues and events or those that affect our area are encouraged. Please include your real name, address and phone number for verification. Pen names or incomplete names are not allowed. The views expressed in the letters to the editor within this paper and Internet online publications are not necessarily the views of this paper, nor those of the staff. The Kern River Courier reserves the right to exclude any letter to the editor, or edit its contents for length and prevention of libel, or for other reasons as seen fit by the editors. Letters should not exceed 200 words.

All submissions Advertising, editorial, letters, photography and the entire content of Kern River Courier publications are subject to publish both in print and Internet online publications.

Kern River Courier

Mailing: P.O. Box 1145 Wofford Heights, CA 93285 Office: 6392B Wofford Blvd.

Wofford Heights (next to Wofford Heights Post Office) Phone: 760-376-2860 FAX: 760-376-2862 Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and by appointment.

E-mail address: office@kernrivercourier.com Website: www.kernrivercourier.com Subscriptions The Kern River Courier is published and mailed weekly for $36 per year.

Send payment to: Kern River Courier P.O. Box 1145 Wofford Heights, CA 93285 Kern River Courier Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper Kern Angler Green Living ©2011 Kern River Courier. All Rights Reserved.

Whiskey Flat Mayor campaign events ‘Calamity’s Jule’ aka: Julie Brueggeman

‘Flower Filly’ Sue aka: Sue Rumsower

supporting Every Teen Counts and Family Preservation Community Services

supporting the Sheriff’s Activities League

Saturday, Jan. 28: Breakfast at Nelda’s Diner, 9 a.m.

Saturday, Jan 28: Poker Tourna-ment 5 p.m., 6505 Wofford Blvd (downstairs).

Friday, Feb 3: Calamity’s bartending at The Lode, 6 p.m. to midnight, Wofford Heights. Order a “Calamity” or a “Jule.”

Call the Kernville Chamber of Commerce, 760-376-2629, for more information.

Friday, Jan. 27:Cheyenne's, River Kern, Auction. $15.95 Rib Dinner at 5 p.m. Auction at 6 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 28: Bake Sale, 9 a.m. to noon Lakeshore Farmer's Market.

Saturday, Jan. 28: Wine Tasting next door to the Kernville Saloon, Kernville, 7 p.m. $20 admission.

Sunday, Jan. 29: Hideaway, Wofford Heights. Horseracing, 2 p.m.

Regular activities

Property Owners, Senior Center, Lake Isabella (760) 760-379-1830.

■ 6:30 p.m., (2nd Tue.) Epilepsy Support Group, Bakersfield. 760-376-1606.

■ 7 p.m., (4th Tue.), KRV Historical Society, Senior Center, Lake Isabella.

Fridays

Wednesdays

■ 6 a.m. - 1 p.m., M - F, Senior Nutrition, Senior Center, Lake Isabella. 760-379-5831.

■ 8:30 - 11:30 a.m., TOPS #2293 weight loss group, Veterans Hall #2, Lake Isabella. 760417-2272.

■ 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Alzheimers Respite Group, Vets Hall, Lake Isabella. 760-379-0848.

■ 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., TOPS weight loss group, Mt.View Church, Lake Isabella. 760-378-3935.

■ 10 - 11 a.m., Hospice Grief Support Group, 6040-D Lake Isabella Blvd. Open to all.

(661) 760-410-1010.

■ 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., AA, 6407 Lake Isabella Blvd., Lake Isabella.

■ 11 a.m.- 3 p.m., Bingo and Lunch at Eagles, open to public, Mt. Mesa. 760-379-3394 ■ 1 p.m., Happy Hookers crochet club, Senior Center, Lake Isabella. 760-379-6335.

■ 5 p.m. (1st Fri.) Kern Valley Cruisers and Hot Rods, Senior Center, Sierra Vista Restaurant, 16575 Hwy 178, Weldon.

■ 6 p.m. (2nd Fri.), Kernville Baptist Church game night. Next to Pizza Barn. 760-223-1036.

■ 7:30 p.m., Al-Anon, 80 Evans Rd., Wofford Hts. 760-379-7318 or 760-379-8985.

Saturdays

■ 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Farmer’s Market, Nuui Cunni Center, French Gulch. 760-549-0800 ■ 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Farmer’s Market, Lakeshore Lodge, Wofford Heights.

■ 5 p.m. (1st Sat.), Havilah Centennial Groupy, schoolhouse. 760-379-2636.

■ 1 p.m. Darts, 3 p.m. Poker Pool 3p.m., Dinner 5-7 p.m. Eagles Lodge, open to public, Mt. Mesa. 760-379-3394 ■ 7 - 10 p.m. (1st Sat.), Dam Dancers square dancing, Senior Center, Lake Isabella.

Sundays

■ 9 a.m. to noon - VFW Breakfast, open to the public. 2811 Nugget, Lake Isabella. 760379-3877.

■ 9 a.m. to noon, Breakfast at Eagles, open to the public. Highway 178, Mt. Mesa. 760-3793394.

■ 10 a.m. - Al Anon, 113 Dawson Dr., Wofford Hts. 760-376-6136.

Mondays

■ 6 a.m. - 1 p.m., M - F, Senior Nutrition, Senior Center, Lake Isabella. 760-379-5831.

■ 10 a.m., Exercise Class, Lakeridge Clubhouse, Lake Isabella. 760-379-3206.

■ 1 p.m. (3rd Mon.), Kern Valley Democratic Club, Senior Center, Lake Isabella.

■ 1 p.m., Line dance classes, Senior Center, Lake Isabella. 760-379-0043.

■ 3 p.m. (2nd Mon., Board; 4th Mon., membership), Kernville Chamber. 760-376-2629.

■ 5 - 7 p.m., Eagles spaghetti dinner, Mt. Mesa, open to public, 1st. Mon. 760-379-3394.

■ 6 - 9 p.m., KRV Community Orchestra, Cerro Coso College, Lake Isabella. 760-3764461.

■ 6:30 - 8 p.m., Boy Scout Troup 690, 1st Baptist Church, Lake Isabella. 760-812-7082.

■ 7 p.m. (3rd Mon.), KRV Art Assoc., Senior Center, Lake Isabella. 760-379-2844.

■ 7 p.m., AA, 113 Dawson Dr., Wofford Hts. 760-376-6136.

■ 7:30 p.m., Al-Anon, Kern Valley Hospital Cafeteria, Mt. Mesa. 760-379-7318 or 760379-8985.

Tuesdays

■ 6 a.m. - 1 p.m., M - F, Senior Nutrition, Senior Center, Lake Isabella. 760-379-5831.

■ 8:30 a.m., Yoga Practice Group, Kernville Methodist Church. 909-753-9043.

■ 9:30 - 11a.m., Me & My Friends children’s playgroup, 1st Baptist Church, Lake Isabella.

760-379-2556.

■ 10 a.m. (2nd Tue.), Kern Valley Garden Group. 760-379-1129.

■ 12:30 p.m., Bridge Club, Rod & Gun Club, E. Evans Rd., Wofford Hts. 760-376-4249.

■ 2 p.m. (2nd Tue.), KRV Cemetery District.

Public invited. 760-376-2189.

■ 6 p.m. (2nd Tue.), Lake Isabella-Bodfish

■ 6 a.m. - 1 p.m., M - F, Senior Nutrition, Senior Center, Lake Isabella. 760-379-5831.

■ 9 -11:30 a.m. (1st & 3rd Wed.), Dam Quilters, senior apts. behind Vons, Lake Isabella. 760-379-9921.

■ 9:30 a.m., TOPS weight loss group, Senior Center, Lake Isabella. 661-867-2579.

■ 9:30 - 11 a.m., Me & My Friends children’s playgroup, Kernville Methodist Church, 760379-2556.

■ Noon (2nd Wed.) KRV Chamber of Commerce meeting, Moose Lodge, Lake Isabella. 760-379-5236.

■ Noon, Eagles Lunch/Shuffleboard, open to public, Mt. Mesa. 760-379-3394.

■ 12:30 p.m., Bridge Club, Eagles Lodge, Mt. Mesa. 760-376-4249.

■ 1:30 - 3 p.m., Grief Support Group, Optimal Hospice, 6504-E Lake Isabella Blvd.

■ 5:30 p.m., Weight Watchers, Weldon Methodist Church. 760-267-4693.

■ 6 p.m. (3rd Wed.), American Legion, Senior Center Veterans Room, Lake Isabella.

760-379-5086.

■ 7 p.m. (3rd Wed.), Fish & Game Habitat Club, 631 E. Evans Rd., Wofford Hts. ■ 7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m., Senior Dance, Senior Center, Lake Isabella. Live band.

■ 7 p.m., Al-Anon, 80 Evans Rd. Wofford Hts., 760-379-7318 or 760-379-8985.

■ 7 p.m., Elks Lodge, Wofford Blvd., Wofford Hts.

Thursdays

■ 6 a.m. - 1 p.m., M - F, Senior Nutrition, Senior Center, Lake Isabella. 760-379-5831.

■ 8:30 a.m., Yoga Practice Group, Kernville Methodist Church. 909-753-9043.

■ 9 a.m. - noon, Thursday Painters, Senior Center, Lake Isabella. 760-379-5329.

■ 9:30 a.m., (3rd Thu.), Fire Safe Council, Supervisor’s office, County Bldg., Lake Isabella.

■ 9:30 a.m. (2nd Thu.), Aglow Int’l, Senior Center, Rm. 1, Lake Isabella. 2nd Thurs. For women.

■ 11:45 a.m. (4th Thu.), KRV Woman’s Club meeting, Elks Lodge.

■ Noon, Exchange Club, Paradise Cove.

■ 1 p.m., (2nd Thu.), Clan Diggers, Lake Isabella Library. 760-379-2303.

■ 5 - 7 p.m., TANF Cultural Night, French Gulch Campground.

■ 3:30 - 5 p.m. (4th Thu.), Kern River Valley Collaborative, Veterans Hall, Rm. 1., Lake Isabella. 760-379-2556, ext. 601.

■ 5 - 7 p.m., VFW Taco Thursday, open to public. 760-379-3877.

■ 5 p.m. (3rd Thu.), Republicans of Kern Valley, Moose Lodge, Lake Isabella. 760-3783602.

■ 6 p.m., Rotary Club, Ewing’s restaurant, Kernville.

■ 6 p.m., Weight Watchers, Lake Ridge Mobile Home Park Club House, Lake Isabella.

Weigh-in 5:30 p.m.

■ 6:30 p.m., Sweet Adelines, Senior Center, Lake Isabella. New members welcome.

■ 7 p.m., (3rd Thu.), Kern Valley Astronomy Club, museum, Kernville. 760-376-1291.

■ 7:30 p.m., Al-Anon Kern Valley Hospital, Mt. Mesa. 760-379-7318 or 760-379-8985.

Bingo Guide

■ Friday, noon, Eagles Lodge, Mt. Mesa ■ Saturday, noon, South Fork Woman’s Club, Fay Ranch Rd., Weldon ■ Sunday, 1 p.m., Moose Lodge, Lake Isabella Blvd., Lake Isabella ■ Wednesday, 1 p.m., Senior Center, Lake Isabella Blvd., Lake Isabella.

■ Thursday, Early Bird 12:15 p.m., Regular 1 p.m., St. Jude Catholic Church, Hwy 155 & Nellie Dent Dr., Wofford Hts. This information is sent to the Courier by the groups listed. It is suggested that groups provide a phone number in case interested individuals need more information, or meeting times have changed. noted.

Lakeshore Farmers Market, January 28 The Lakeshore Farmers Market features locally grown produce from certified growers as well as organic produce and fruit from Fay Organic, Cal-Organic Farms, Deer Creek Heights Ranch and Sunview Vineyards. Shade-grown, fairtraded coffee from Café Mam might be late this week. Abundant Harvest Organics pick up time 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Lakeshore Lodge, 7466 Wofford Heights Blvd. in Wofford Heights from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. We take EBT/SNAP /CalFresh cards. For information call David Dills, 760-812-7833, or email him at OnyxCollector@aol.com. Each week we try to offer music, bake sales and demonstrations.

Whiskey Flat Mayoral Candidate “Flower Filly” Sue is holding a fundraising bake sale. Local musicians are welcome to apply to come play during the Market for tips and to sell CDs. Nuui Cunni Farmers Market, January 28 The Kern River Paiute Council invites you to visit the Nuui Cunni Farmers Market, for your fruit and produce needs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Local honey, fresh eggs, healing native plant salves and teas, plus locally grown produce. There is still a great assortment of native plants that can be planted now. The market is located at 2600 Highway 155 on Isabella Lake, between Lake Isabella and Wofford Heights at the French Gulch Forest Service Recreation Area. For more information please contact the Nuui Cunni Cultural Center, 760-549-0800, or email nuuicunni@earthlink.net.

Veterans of Foreign Wars breakfast, January 29 VFW Hall, 2811 Nugget Ave. (behind McDonald’s), Lake Isabella from 9 a.m. until noon on Sunday, Jan. 29. For more information call 760-379-3877 or email vfw@kernrivervalley. org Fire Fighter Appreciation Night, January 31 The Exchange Club of Kern Valley began this program five years ago under the direction of retired fire fighter and Exchange Club member, Fred Roach. No host cocktails at 6 p.m.; dinner 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 31. Firefighters are chosen to receive the honor by their fellow firefighters and presentations will be made by their superiors at Paradise Cove Restaurant, 10700 Highway 178, Lake Isabella. Dinner is $22 per person (prime rib, shrimp, chicken or scampi). Call Elaine Roach for reservations, 760-3797050, or email esroach@verizon.net by January 23.

KRVR monthly community meeting, February 1 The Kern River Valley Revitalization Community meeting takes place the first Wednesday of every month from 9 to 11:30 a.m. in the Kernville Community Room (next to the Kernville Chamber office), off Sierra Way just west of Kernville Road, Kernville. The public is welcome to attend. For more information call Joe Ciriello, KRVR President at 760-379-2794 or email krv-rev@earthlink.net Meet the Forest Supervisor luncheon, February 1 Following the Kern River Valley Revitalization community meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 1, there will be a luncheon with Kevin Elliott, the new Forest Supervisor for the Sequoia National Forest. Jim Wyly is catering the luncheon which will cost $8. For more information, call Chuck White at 760379-0764 or email revchuckwhite@mchsi. com.

Bob Powers Gateway Preserve, February 1 The public is invited to a review of the draft strategic plan for the Preserve on Wednesday, Feb. 1 in the Kernville Chamber Building Community Room, Kernville from 7 to 9 p.m. Call 760-379-

See Calendar, Page 10

Friday, January 27, 2012 www.kernrivercourier.com

Publisher’s corner

Contest winds up Michael Batelaan Kern River Courier Publisher Along with 2011, the Courier’s string guessing game is all wound up, bundled, rolled and tied.

During 2011, when the Batelaan Courier rolled (behind the off the press ball of string) each week, it was bundled and tied with string. And each week, there would be a big wad of string to throw away.

At that point my imagination kicked in and I asked myself, “If I were to roll 52 weeks worth into a ball just how big a ball of string would I have in a year’s time? What would it weigh? And tied end-to-end how long would it be?”

So throughout the year, we rolled the ties that bind our paper together into a big ball of string.

Multiplied by some 50 bundles, times 52 weeks at almost 500 feet of string each week, it totaled an estimated five miles in length - 26,000 feet of string enough string to fly a kite.

So the numbers are in and they are: height 12 inches; weight, 10 pounds, 10.4 ounces; circumference 38 inches. And what would be the best use for a

giant ball of string? Well, that would be anyone’s best guess.

The guessing game (contest) is now over, and the winners are: • Height - Dave Vradenburg, of Los Osos, had the closest guess of 19 inches. He is the winner of a Silstar® BX-Lite Graphite bass fishing rod, compliments of Bernie Allen of Allen’s Plaza in Wofford Heights.

• Weight - Kernville’s Carla Thorn won for her closest guess of 38 lbs. She is the winner of a certificate for an extra large, extra cheesey and stringy pizza from the Pizza Barn.

• Circumference - Keith Thorn of Kernville won for his closest guess of 114 inches. He is the winner of a Silstar® BX-Lite Graphite bass fishing rod compliments of Bernie Allen of Allen’s Plaza, Wofford Heights.

• Best use - Kacy Vradenburg of Pismo Beach, won for her suggestion to “Get rid of it, toss it!” She is the winner of a certificate for an extra large, extra cheesey and stringy pizza from the Pizza Barn.

Congratulations to all of our winners!

The ball of string will remain on display during office hours in at Kern River Courier, 6392B Wofford Blvd. in Wofford Heights.

Michael Batelaan is publisher of the Kern River Courier. He can be reached at office@kernrivercourier.com

Kern River Courier Page 3

Things I Have Noticed...

Harlan, Kaintucky Rod Middleworth Kern River Courier Columnist

We stayed for a week and every day was an adventure. We got to dig coal from a coal mine on Ferg’s At the end of property. And we got to find and World War II, boil sassafras tea. Mert, Ferg’s wife, when my stepdad, had a butter churn and my brother Ray, finished his and I made butter and butter milk. tour of the Navy as We noticed that Ferg was quite a a chief petty offikidder and once, with a straight cer, he was on the face, he told us that because most of east coast. My his property was hilly that his cows mom, brother and (he had 13) all had legs shorter on I drove across the one side so they could stand straight United States from Middleworth on the hillsides. My brother and I Pico, California to actually went out with a yardstick to Norfolk Virginia so we could make a see if that was true (It wasn’t). slow trip back to California together At night we slept on a feather and visit friends. bed. You could jump on it and sink We checker-boarded our way half way to China. Great sleeping! from old When we left friend to old “We stayed for a week and every day Kentucky we friend, often had four was an adventure.” staying for a quarts of --Rod Middleworth moonshine couple days and then movthat Ferg had ing on. It was a slow, fun way to distilled. cross the U.S., but frankly I don’t Unfortunately, because the corks remember much about the places or popped, we lost two bottles of ‘shine people we saw. just before entering arriving at the We were pulling a trailer with all California border checkpoint. our possessions in it and lunch was Luckily we were waved through always made from a cool box. without stopping. The booze smell Bologna sandwiches, fruit and Kool stayed with the car and was still Aid was pretty much a staple. We there when we sold it six months didn’t eat at many restaurants. It later. It didn’t smell bad, just differalways seemed that a friend or relaent. tive lived nearby and we ate home What a great adventure! cooking all along Route 66.

I do remember, however, one Wofford Heights resident Rod stop we made in Harlan Middleworth, a retired security man“Kaintucky.” Ray’s oldest friend, ager for Pacific Bell, is an instructor Ferg, who served on the same ship for the local AARP Driver Safety as Ray, lived there.

Program.

Announcements

ore Certified Lakesh

FARMERS MARKET

Community

Every Saturday Ke Wofford Heights rn Vall 9am - 1pm ociation ey Growers Ass

Student seeking help to reach European goal Shasta Christensen, sophomore at Kern Valley High School, is currently raising funds to go on a European voyage with People to People, a program that also offers scholarships along with school credit through Eastern Washington University.

Shasta is hosting a spaghetti dinner on January 27 from 5 to 9 p.m. at ETC!, 6930 Wofford Heights Blvd. Wofford Heights. Tickets are $10 at the door, $5 for children 10 and under. Shasta hopes to bring the knowledge, experience, and hope to other low income, underprivileged students that dreams and goals can come true and can be reached. The European trip will be 19 days long and will include sights in Italy, France, Switzerland and Austria and stay with a host family for a closer look at culture, traditions, and personal character.

REVA Calendar available soon Starting Wednesday, February 1, 2012, REVA's 2012 "Pets of The Kern River Valley" 12 month calendar will be available to the public for $15; however, a bulk business discount is available. Included in this professional photographic work of art are local pets' pictures and their stories, along with 12 unique seasonal scenes of The Kern River Valley. This fund raiser is to raise funds to equip a 32' non-profit, low-cost spay and neuter mobile veterinary clinic for the Valley. REVA, Inc. (Responsible, Ethical, Volunteers for Animals, Inc.) is a 501(c)(3) public charity.

Contact Frances at 760-299-3222 or 760-378-3101 or see: revapets.org and facebook.com/revacares.

Whiskey Flat Days Parade applications available Get yer boots on, grab them babies and fill out yer Whiskey Flat Days Parade application. Now on line at: http://kernvillechamber.org/events/whiskey-flatdays.html or call the office to pick one up. There be no charge if’in yer on time, if yer late, ya better have a bag of gold nuggets as there will be a $25 fee. Parade applications are due by Feb. 3.

Fishing Derby applications now available The entry forms for the 2012 Isabella Lake Fishing Derby are online and available for download at: http://www.isabellafishingderby.com/2012_derby_ app.pdf. For more information on the 23rd annual Isabella Lake Fishing Derby or to enter online, please visit: http://www.isabellafishingderby.com.

Bike Plan Survey ends January 31 In preparation for the Kern Bicycle Plan for the unincorporated parts of the County, the Kern County Council of Governments has prepared an online survey to help us better understand bicycling issues and opportunities in Kern

See Announcements, Page 10

Whiskey Flat Mayoral Candidate

Flower Filly Sue Is Baking Goods & Taking Bribes!

Valley Ads to fit Sierra Mortuary any size $595.00 budget from $5.50 aweek

“Advertise where it counts” 760-376-2860

HEALTH INSURANCE We represent most major California insurance companies Since 1982

Harry P. Thal Insurance Agency 760-376-2100 HarryThal@aol.com www.harrythal.com Nationally recognized Medicare authority.

President Kern Association of Heath Underwriters CA Lic.0621106

Now Now offering offering cremations cremations for for

5108 Lake Isabella Blvd., Lake Isabella, CA 93240 (760) 379-2628 FD-2004

celebrity extra

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Entertainment K E R N

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www.kernrivercourier.com Friday, January 27, 2012

Couch Theater

Shakespearian fiction

Courtesy of Flower Filly Sue Valley saloon owners Dylan Fast of Ewings, Jim Gordon of Kernville Saloon, Andy DiAngelo of Shady Lane Saloon and Gary Craig of Sportsmans Inn share some pie with Eric Giddens from the Kern River Brewery. The fundraiser took place at the Sportsman Inn in Kerville

Flat Continued from page 2 back room.

Rumor has it that Flower’s husband, Ol’ 48, that gamblin’ miner she’s got herself hooked up with, was a tryin’ to hide from her. She’s been workin’ like a worm in hot ashes to try and clean up his act since they got run otta Keysville. She had all her gals there to trap him.

Trouble was, her ladies kept runnin’ off to the dance floor to show off their high kicks! Flower was a runnin’ back and forth ‘tween them poker players and those fancy dancers of hers, leavin’ her redder than a tomato in August.

All the meanwhile, her husband was a hunkered down in his chair holdin’ his whiskey-laced breath as the dealer dealt him a dead man’s hand.

Good thing, ol’ Flower had her hands full out on the dance floor as a littler dancer from down in ol’ Whiskey Flat made her appearance and stole the show from those dancin’ ladies. It was none other than 2-yearold Miss Gabby Eastes who put on a show with more high kicks than a Havilah mountain goat. She was as cute as a bug’s ear and her parents, grandparents and great-grandparents couldn’t stop her from performing for all the folks. Ol’ Flower Filly Sue’s motherly instincts kicked in as she tried to steer the little dancer off the floor, but it was of no use as the little girl ran toward the poker game to escape.

In the meantime, ol’ Calamity Jule’s

By Sam Struckhoff PICKS OF THE WEEK “Anonymous” (PG-13) — This Roland Emmerich (director of “2012”) period drama offers a scandalous version of literary history — that William Shakespeare was not the author of the plays and poems attributed to him. The movie weaves historical facts into its dramatic framework to make the case that the Earl of Oxford was the brilliant author and Shakespeare a dim-witted actor all too happy to take credit. Running almost completely parallel to this intrigue is a whole wagon-load of melodramatic plot lines about royal succession, courtly love and tawdry affairs.

Keep in mind that this is a drama, not a documentary, not even a docu-drama. It’s too easy to poke holes in the theories posited by the film, so it’s best to just enjoy this one as a fantastical period piece chock-full of Elizabethan trashy romance and big-budget visuals.

“The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part I” (PG-13) — There’s not a whole lot to say about this here moving picture — fans will see it, and everyone else will loathe it. Yup, this is the one where the vampire, Edward (Robert Pattinson), marries the teen girl, Bella (Kristen Stewart), presumably to break the curse that keeps the poor girl from expressing anything approximating human emotion. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work, and Stewart’s face stays emotively neutral throughout the film.

Vanessa Redgrave There’s a PG-13 sex scene during the stony-faced couple’s honeymoon. However, the really gross stuff comes afterward, when the half-vampire baby goes all “Alien” and starts killing the young mother from the inside. As easy as it is to dog this movie for its flaws, an open mind and sense of humor will get you through if you’re ever forced to watch it.

“Fireflies in the Garden” (R) — This dysfunctional family drama may have pulled in a nice cast, but achieves only moderate success in bringing the story to life. Willem Dafoe plays Charles, an overbearing father who leaves a few psychological bruises on his son, Michael (Ryan Reynolds as an adult.) Julia Roberts plays Lisa, Michael’s lovely mother who is there to pick up the pieces. The parents are killed in a car accident before the family can reconcile, leaving behind a tangled web of guilt and resentment. It’s hard to say just what’s missing, but this story is more mopey than thoughtful, more cliched than tender. © 2011 King Features Synd., Inc.

Courtesy of Calamity”s Jule Calamity’s Jule takes time out at Silver City Ghost Town, Bodfish. and a couple of her spies showed up in disguise to check on the rumor that Flower Filly Sue and her camp was bribin’ up the poker players with all their charming ways.

But tryin’ to win the Whiskey Flat Mayor’s race with charm and manners ain’t gonna cut it folks. They need dollars, so open up your wallets, blow out the dust and help them ladies, Flower Filly Sue and Calamity's Jule, keep the youngin’s on the strait path, else they end up on the dance floor havin' fun. (I mean getting’ in trouble.)

Recipes for Dummies by Bodfish Bob 1 box 1-step angel food cake mix 1 box cake mix, any flavor 2 T water

Bodfish Bob’s 3, 2, 1 Cake Do you want a piece of cake, but don't want to bake an entire big cake? You’re going to love this!

This recipe is called 3, 2, 1 Cake because all you need to remember is “3 tablespoons mix, 2 tablespoons water and 1 minute in the microwave.”

The 3, 2, 1 Cake is perfect for those of us with just one or two in the house these days, hate to make a huge cake, (because I tend to eat it all). This way you can make 3, 2, 1, or as many as you need.

Open both cake mixes into a locking gallon storage bag or a container that seals tightly, shake the two cake mixes to blend and then make the recipe. For each individual cake serving, take out 3 tablespoons of the cake mix combination and mix it with 2 tablespoons of water in a small microwave-safe container.

Microwave on high for 1 minute, and you have your own instant individual little cake. Makes one serving Store the remaining cake mixture stored in the bag and use whenever you feel like a treat.

Helpful Tips: You can top each cake with a dollop of fat free whipped topping and/or some fresh fruit.

Try various flavors of cake mix such as carrot, red velvet, pineapple, lemon, orange and others.

Just remember that one of the mixes has to be the angel food mix; the other is your choice. The flavor possibilities are endless.

Visit Bodfish Bob on the internet at www.bodfishbob.com or write to him at bodfishbob @hotmail.com.

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K E R N

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Mountain 99

Friday, January 27, 2012 www.kernrivercourier.com Legend

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Golf Course

M.L. Ludiker Artwork & Design

Wofford Heights

Kernville

Airport Wofford Heights Park

General Drainage Area 2,093 Square Miles Capacity, Gross Pool 570,000 Acre-Ft. Surface Area, Gross Pool 11,400 Shoreline, Gross Pool 38 miles Length, Gross Pool 9 miles Main Dam Maximum Height 185 Feet Length at Crest 1695 Feet Auxiliary Dam Maximum Height 100 Feet Maximum Length 3,257 Feet Lake Construction Started March 1948 Finished April 1953

County Dump Cyrus Canyon OHV Area Target Range ModelAircraft Controllers Stine Cove Robinson Cove Hanning Flat

Tillie Creek Live Oak

North Fork Marina Camp 9 Boulder Gulch Hungry Gulch Rich Gulch West Side French Gulch

French Gulch Marina Pioneer Point

ield rsf e k a To B

Water Ski Area

Lake Isabella Wildlife Area

South Fork Recreation Area

to Ridgecrest

Old Isabella Rd Auxiliary Dam Engineer Point Paradise Cove LI Visitor Center Kissack Bay Main Dam Hospital

Mountain Mesa

Lake Isabella

South Fork Wildlife Parking Area

Southlake Map courtesy Mike Ludiker www.kernvalley.com

Kern River Valley information Emergencies

call

■ Ambulance ■ Fire ■ Law Enforcement ■ Search & Rescue ■ Lake Patrol ■ Forest Service

9-1-1

Sheriff/CHP Substation 7046 Lake Isabella Blvd.

Lake Isabella Weekdays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. business calls only, 760-549-2100

Kern County Fire Stations Kernville Station 76 11018 Kernville Road Kernville business calls only, 760-376-2219 Lake Isabella Station 72 4500 Lake Isabella Blvd.

Lake Isabella business calls only, 760-379-2626 Southlake Station 71 9000 Navajo Ave. Weldon business calls only, 760-378-3055

>>>

Kern River Courier Page 5

Reconnect for Giant Sequoia trail

STATISTICS

Sierra Way

Boat Launch Ramps Camp Grounds Towns Hospital Other Features

the great outdoors

Kern Valley Hospital Emergency Department McCray & Laurel Mountain Mesa 760-379-2681

U.S. Forest Service Special to the Courier Tricia Christofferson, acting district ranger for the Western Divide Ranger District, decided this week to re-connect the Trail of 100 Giants by constructing a boardwalk alongside the fallen sequoias. Two giant sequoias fell onto the trail last September, blocking it. “The Trail of 100 Giants was refurbished in 1997 to provide increased accessibility for those with disabilities,” Christofferson said. “I would like to see this loop opportunity re-opened to all visitors.”

The Trail of 100 Giants is a popular recreation site in the Giant Sequoia National Monument, Sequoia National Forest. The fallen sequoias, joined together at the base, were estimated at 280 feet tall and 17-feet in diameter.

Currently, this project site is inaccessible due to snow. As soon as the area is open, Forest Service engineers will be working with a contractor to design and construct a boardwalk that fits with the existing trail and blends into the landscape.

Actual construction will begin towards the end of the summer, when wildlife and visitors will be less impacted by equipment and noise.

Forest officials are working with our partners, the Giant Sequoia National Monument Association, Sierra Club, Backcountry Horseman and California Native Plant Society, who have all offered support of the efforts.

During construction, likely August through November 2012, portions of

Recreation information

Kern River Courier Trail of 100 Giants, Giant Sequoia National Forest.

the Trail of 100 Giants will be closed to visitors. Parking may be limited or unavailable due to equipment and supplies. Please plan your travel accordingly to allow the work to be done to reopen the Trail to all users. If you would like the most current information, please call the Western Divide Ranger District at 559-539-2607 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

U.S. Forest Service

Scott Trading Co.

Isabella Lake office: 4875 Ponderosa Drive.

760-379-5646

Antiques•Jewelry Collectables•Estate Sales Tom & Becky Scott 6700 Wofford Blvd. Wofford Heights (760) 376-2700

Kernville office: 105 Whitney Rd. 760-376-3781 (around the corner from the museum) Closed weekends.

General infomation Kern River Valley Chamber of Commerce 6404 Lake Isabella Blvd.

Lake Isabella (across from Senior Center) Local: 760-379-5236 Toll Free: 866-KRV4FUN Kernville Chamber of Commerce 11447 Kernville Rd. Kernville (corner Sierra Way & Kernville Roads) Local: 760-376-2629 Toll Free: 866-KERNVILLE

When in Wofford Heights

STOP & Stay Awhile Traffic!

“Advertise where it counts” 760-376-2860

Kern County Wofford Heights Branch

LIBRARY

Wednesday 10:00 to 6:00pm• Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm 7062 Wofford Blvd. Wofford Heights 760-376-6160

Advertising • Community News & Events Legal Notices • Marketplace • Locally Owned and best of all you can pick us up for free!

6392 B Wofford Blvd., Wofford heights 760-376-2860 “It’s what the community reads”

Page 6 Kern River Courier

www.kernrivercourier.com Friday, January 27, 2012

s Diner Cheryl’ 227th 7th Annversary

Party

FridayNight

Kern River Faith

Not many mighty Cheryl Borthick Voted 2010 Kern County Small Business Person of the Year

Fish Fry February 3rd

Meet Flower Filly Sue Whiskey Flat Days Mayor candidate Karaoke & Door Prizes All-You-Can-Eat Fish, Chips & Slaw, 5:00pm till Closing

“God Bless you for your 27 years of continued support.”

Open 6:00am • Dinner 5:00pm till Close • Breakfast Served all Day

11030 Kernville Road, Kernville 760-376-6131

Come on down to NUUI CUNNI, CHIA

Library

Gift Shop

the coffee pot is always on and don't forget the FARMERS' MARKET every Saturday...

We have CHIA...

The Miracle Seed.

One of the most complete libraires on Native American History in Kern County.

The Gift Shop is always changing with new items handmade by local crafters.

“Nuui Cunni” Native American Cultural Center

2600 Highway 155 French Gulch Campground, Lake Isabella Mailing Address: P.O. Box 3984 Wofford Heights, CA 93285 760-549-0800 Visit us or write us at www.nuuicunni.com or nuuicunni@earthlink.net Sponsored by: Kern River Paiute Council Operating under a Special Use Permit offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture & National Forest Service on a non-discriminartory basis.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me.

Jack Duitsman, Pastor Father’s Heart Foursquare Church, Kernville

For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble;

Duitsman

- 1 Corinthians 1:26 Just about the time a flicker of hope catches fire in our souls that our lives just might actually be a little something, we run into a Scripture like the one above and its back to square zero. Zero as in who we are, or who we think we are. Without reading too much into the above Scripture, it sounds like the Apostle is giving his readers a left-handed compliment at best, or being brutally honest at worst. Given the way we feel about our spirituality most of the time, it is not hard to take it the brutally honest way, and crawl back into our self loathing shell to lick our wounds. And as if we needed any more (dis)encouragement, listen to these words from the base of the Statue of Liberty that a good many of our ancestors walked beneath as they looked for new life in America:

"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she.With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Valley places of worship Kernville Father’s Heart Foursquare Church Kernville Elementary School, Kernville Service Sunday 9:30 a.m.

(760) 223-6704 First Baptist Church of Kernville 46 Valley View Drive, Kernville Sunday Service — 10:45 a.m..

(760) 376-6403 Kernville United Methodist Church 251 Big Blue Rd., Kernville Worship Celebration, 9:30 a.m.

(760) 376-2751 Prince of Peace Lutheran Fellowship Center 44 Big Blue Road, Kernville Sunday School 9 a.m., Sunday Service 10:30 a.m.

(760) 417-2014 St. Peter’s Anglican Church 11900 Sierra Way, Kernville Sunday Service 10:00 a.m.

(760) 376-6362 St. Sherrian’s Episcopal Church Services held at Kernville United Methodist Church Sundays 11 a.m.

Wofford Heights

Providing Seniors with Companionship, Security and Peace of Mind We have two locations in the Kern River Valley. involvement and special monthly events.

Our Kernville location features the Kern River Our staff is dedicated and trained to provide running through the quaint town, and Wofford the very best care for your loved one. Our Heights features close access to Isabella Lake. staff is trained in first aid, dementia, medications and We prohospice, vide many with manways for agement your loved staff one to feel available at home seven with daily days a activities, week. community

Kern Village The Burlington

32 Burlando Rd. PO Box 647 Kernville, CA. 93238 760-376-6733 Paula Baize - Administrator LIC#157200475

13 Sycamore Dr. PO Box 6 Wofford Heights, CA. 93285 760-376-6474 Shirlin Linton - Administrator

Sheryl Parmelee - Owner

LIC#155801223

How’s that for a confidence boost? Seen juxtaposed against Lady Liberty’s inscription, the above Scripture sounds pretty tame, for it is one thing to be “not mighty,” and quite another thing to be part of the “wretched refuse.” Where then is all the wonder of the past couple of weeks where we talked about us being the majestic ones in the earth (Psalm 16:3), and our Father’s description of His spiritual children as mighty people of valor (Judges 6:12).

Difficult as it might be to reconcile these two seemingly conflicting points of view, the truth of the matter lies somewhere in our heart.

One moment we embrace our own “not mighty-ness” as the ultimate praise to the Father from Whom all blessing in our lives flow, and the next we agonize over anything that reminds us of our pitiful state, and rage as though we could actually do something about such a circumstance.

Oh dear hearts, if we could only embrace all that the Father’s love is working within us, and shun the utterly empty and worthless pursuits of the fallen flesh. In so doing, the majestic and mighty touch of the Father’s love is enabled to destroy the worthless within us, while at the same time, working powerfully all the purposes of God. Not many mighty . . . but in Jesus we are all majestic!

Family Life Center Foursquare Church 20 W. Panorama, Wofford Heights Sunday Service 10:30 a.m.

(760) 376-6719 New Life Assembly of God 25 Arden Av., Wofford Heights Sunday Services 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m.

(760) 376-6402 St. Jude Catholic Church 86 Nellie Dent Dr., Wofford Heights Sunday Mass 8 a.m. & 10 a.m., Sat. 4 p.m.

(760) 376-2416 Calvary Chapel 125 Sycamore Drive, Wofford Heights Sunday Service 10 a.m.

(760) 376-8789 Christ Fellowship 80 Evans Road, Wofford Heights Sunday Service 10:30 a.m.

Lake Isabella First 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. (760) 379-5615 Fountain of Christ Church 5101 #A Lake Isabella Blvd, Lake Isabella Sunday Service: 9:45 a.m. Wed. 5:30 p.m.

(760) 417-0793 Landmark Missionary Baptist Church 2741 Mountain View Rd, Lake Isabella Sunday Services 9:45 a.m. & 5:00 p.m.

(760) 379-5640 Mt. View Southern Baptist Church 2959 Erskine Creek Rd, Lake Isabella Sunday Services 8:30, 11:15 a.m. & 6:00 p.m.

(760) 379-4296 Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall 1911 Edith Ave., Lake Isabella (760) 379-8672 Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (LCMS) 377 Highway 155, Lake Isabella Sunday Services 11 a.m.

(760) 379-2343

Kern Valley Bible Church 3920 Golden Spur, Lake Isabella Sunday Services 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

(760) 379-5482 Church of the Nazarene 2931 Erskine Creek Rd., Lake Isabella Sunday Service 10:30 a.m.

(760) 379-2062 Highland Chapel United Methodist 5301 Lake Isabella Bl., Lake Isabella Sunday School & Worship 9:30 a.m.

(760) 379-2120 Lake Isabella Church of Christ 3711 Golden Spur, Lake Isabella Worship Sunday 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., Wed. 6 p.m.

Bible study Sun. 10 a.m.

Kern River Valley Seventh Day Adventist 3801 Golden Spur, Lake Isabella Saturday Service 9:30 a.m.

(760) 379-3206 Kern Valley Pentecostal LightHouse Church 3730 Wagon Wheel Dr., Lake Isabella Sunday School 9:45 Services 10:45 a.m., 5 p.m.

Wed. Service 6 p.m. (760) 379-5819

Mt. Mesa Church of Christ Mt. Mesa 6400 Dogwood Av., Mt. Mesa Sunday Services 9:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.

(760) 379-4792 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 6400 Park Av., Mt. Mesa Sunday Services 10:00 a.m.

(760) 379-2904 Grace Chapel 12312 Mt. Mesa Rd., Mt. Mesa Sunday Services 9:45 a.m.

(760) 379-4093 Christian Assembly 12424 Mountain Mesa Rd., Mt. Mesa Sunday Services 10:30 a.m. & 6:00 p.m.

(760) 379-6377 Victory Tabernacle (United Pentecostal Church) 4324 Birch, Mt. Mesa Sunday Services 4 p.m.

(760) 379-6360

Southlake Weldon Kern Christian Church “The River” 14900 Hwy 178, Southlake Sunday Services 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.

(760) 378-3780 He Cares Fellowship 16475 Hwy 178, Southlake Services Sunday 9:30 a.m., Wednesday 6:30 p.m.

(760) 379-6935 Weldon United Methodist Church 20021 Hwy. 178, Weldon Sunday Services 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

(760) 378-2321 Weldon Baptist Church 20674 Highway 178 Sunday Services 10 a.m. & 6 p.m.

(760) 378-4964 Church listings are free. Please contact the Courier office.

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Friday, January 27, 2012 www.kernrivercourier.com

R I V E R

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Kern River Courier Page 7

Courier chuckle of the week:

“When buying and selling are controlled by legislation, the first things to be bought and sold are legislators.”

-- P. J. O’Rourke

Puzzles Answers Page 10

Salome’s Stars ARIES (Mar. 21 to Apr. 19) Lots of mixed signals can create an unreliable situation in which to make decisions. Best advice: Hold off on making any commitments until you’re sure you know what’s going on.

TAURUS (Apr. 20 to May 20) An apparently friendly offer comes with some strings attached.

Be careful not to get tied into something you don’t really want. Thoroughly examine all your options before making a choice.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) If you’re not careful, distractions can interrupt your best efforts.

Continue to focus on what you need to do. You’ll soon have lots of time to enjoy the rewards of your dedication.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Knowledge replaces suspicion as you begin to learn more about that “act of betrayal.” On a lighter note, someone close to you might be planning a pleasant surprise.

LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22) Control your sometimes-overactive jealousy before you find yourself saying or doing something that you could later regret. Best advice: Stop obsessing and move on.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22) It’s a good time to loosen up and do something wonderful and excit-

www.kernrivercourier.com Friday, January 27, 2012

ing before your more reserved nature resurfaces.

A message brings news of imminent change.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22) Cheer up. Things begin to improve significantly by mid-February.

However, you might still need help to get through the rest of this sometimes-difficult period.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21) Something you learned last week takes on new meaning as you begin to relate it to another situation in your life.

It’s best to keep this matter to yourself for now.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21) Your energy level is climbing, and so is your self-confidence.

Good for you, because you’ll need a good dollop of both to tackle an exciting challenge on the way.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19) A family issue might interrupt a career-linked project. Try to give the matter the attention it needs, but be careful not to jeopardize your workplace situation.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18) Some selfdoubt shows up this week, causing you to question your ability to handle a new challenge. But you know you can do it, and this is your chance to prove it.

PISCES (Feb. 19 to Mar. 20) A personal matter requires you to be clear and forthcoming to avoid misunderstandings. A career move is eased with the emergence of new facts. © 2011 King Features Synd., Inc.

Sports Quiz

By Chris Richcreek

1. In 2010, Texas’ Josh Hamilton became the third Ranger to lead the A.L. in batting average for a season. Name either of the other two.

2. Name the first team to win 15 games in a regular season once the NFL went to a 16-game schedule in 1978.

3. Which was the lowest-seeded men’s basketball team to win a game in the 2011 NCAA Tournament (not counting the First Four games)?

4. When was the last time Canadian-based NHL teams won at least five consecutive Stanley Cups?

5. In 2011, Tony Stewart became the second driver to win the first two races in NASCAR’s Chase playoff format. Who was the first?

Answers:

1. Julio Franco hit .341 in 1991, and Michael Young hit .331 in 2005.

2. San Francisco went 15-1 in 1984.

3. No. 13 Morehead State beat No. 4 Louisville.

4. Canadian-based teams won seven Cups in a row between 1984 and 1990.

5. Greg Biffle, in 2008.

Page 8 Kern River Courier

© 2011 King Features Synd., Inc.

for sale

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! l a n i g i r

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04 nce 20

Courier

find it all here in the Marketplace

Marketplace

There’s no better place than the The alley Kern V

>

KE RN

RI V E R

Call:760-376-2860 to buy, sell & trade

Si Friday, www.kernrivercourier.com Friday, December January 27,23, 2011 2012 www.kernrivercourier.com

Services

Spaces For Rent

LARRY SCHUPPAN'S Garage Doors & Openers. New Sales & Repairs. Handyman Service. House Painting, Decks, Covers, Masonry, Electrical, Plumbing. (760) 379-1430 or 760417-2806 __________________________ MERCER BOOKKEEPING AND TAX SERVICE In Bodfish - Will Travel!

Personal, Business, Corporate (760) 549-0270 / (760) 417-0392 __________________________ LIGHTHOUSE ELECTRIC Quality Work Fair Prices Call Ross (760) 981-3361 License #708148 __________________________ ART'S ELECTRIC Locally owned - Free Estimates Always on Time!

25 years exp. - Lic. #560220

(760) 223-3648

__________________________ ARCHIE LOGSDON CARPENTRY Decks & Remodeling "Craftsmanship and Attention to Detail" (760) 223-6624 losthilz@aol.com _________________________ Chuck Barbee - Still & Video PHOTOGRAPHY Portraits - Family Events Equestrian - Historical Photo Scanning & Restoration Transfers to DVD & CD 760-376-8784

__________________________ Hammer Dulcimer Lessons Don’t have to read notes Learn a song each visit Call Jeannie (661) 536-8414

Motels BAREWOOD INN LAKESHORE LODGE 5 VACATION HOMES 7013 Wofford Boulevard Wofford Heights, CA 93285 (760) 376-1910 GREAT Rooms, Views & Rates

FREE INTERNET SEE US ON FACE BOOK

Storage Secured Fenced Storage for motorhomes, RV’s, trailers, etc.....on Web Ave, 1 block East of Lake Isabella Blvd. Call (760) 417-9441

Wofford Heights - Sites available in quiet park with lake views, laundry facilities & fish house. $250/mo inclds water & trash. Call Jody @ 760-376-3228 ___________________________ QUIET, SHADY RV SPACE Up to 30' with full hookup Weekly/Week-end/Monthly (760) 223-0178 Mobile Homes For Sale Nice 2/bd-2/ba dbl wide mobile home w/carport, patio & deck. $14,995. Quiet 55+ park. (760) 379-2092 ___________________________ MOVING? - Across Town or The Nation - Kernville Moving and Storage (760) 379-2714 or (760) 417-0465 CAL.PU.CT 189998 ___________________________ Kernville - 2+bd/1ba single MH w/expanding porch, No. Fork TP, 11825 Sierra Way, #3. New: carpet, linoleum, roof coating, evap cooler, front porch, ex. paint. Was $12,999/now $11,999 Call Russ (661) 301-6209 ___________________________ Wofford Hts - 1bd MH w/den, Sp#3 in Sportsman TP, 224 Cypress Lane, front row w/view of lake, Must See! to appreciate Only asking $14K. See manager or call owner (424) 772-6594 ___________________________ Mt. Mesa - Two NICE 2 bd mobile homes. Fenced yard, 2 decks, shop or shed. $3,900 & $6,500. Call (760) 549-0173 Rev. Brown.

Commercial Wofford Heights - Perfect professional office space available in Allen’s Plaza (W.H. Post Office) All new interior & carpets. Call 760-376-2733 for details.

Kernville - Hi-Ho 50+ MHP 2 bd / 2 ba Apts. $450/mo + dep & utilities.

760-376-2671 ___________________________ Lake Isabella - 55+ Community, 2bd/2ba dble wide w/patio, completely refurbished. $575 mo + security deposit. (760) 964-2514 __________________________ Kernville - Studio for 1 person $450/mo, includes utilities, no pets, newly remodeled, carpet & paint. (760) 376-2345 ___________________________ Lake Isabella - 2 bd, 1 ba house, $700/mo + sec deposit, fenced yard, 2904 Claire St, Call (562) 441-5181 __________________________ Wofford Heights - 2bd, 2ba mobilehome with laundry room and carport. $650/mo plus deposit and utilities.

NO Pets, (760) 549-3468 ___________________________ So. Lake - 1bd+study/1ba MH on 1/2 acre, clean, well maintained, FP, jacuzzi, built-ins, w/d hookups, incls. water, yard & cooler maint. $550/mo+ dep.

No pets/smoking. 760-549-3373 ___________________________ Bodfish - 3bd/1ba MH, lge fncd yd, lots of trees, patio, storage shed, wood stove, pets on approval, $725/mo + $725 dep.

760-549-3768 or 760-873-0074 ___________________________ Wofford Heights - Trailer in quiet 55+ park, water/trash included, $295/mo. Call Clint 310-489-5990 ___________________________ Wofford Heights - 40’ Trailer w/separate bdrm, deck, storage, handicap ramp, partial lake view, water/trash incl, 55+, $375/mo.

Clint 310-489-5990 ___________________________ Bodfish - 2 bd/1ba mobile home w/bus transportation in front, fenced yd, 1 dog ok, inclds w&d $650/mo, will pay $50 of utilities .

760-812-0841 ___________________________ Wofford Hts - 1 bd apt, walk to stores-park-movie-p.o. Parking for 1 vehicle, wtr/trsh pd, $410/ mo for 1 - $450/mo for 2, $600 dep.

760-376-3358 ___________________________ Mt. Mesa - 2bd/1ba mobile home, lg yard, pets ok, $550/mo + $275 dep. Rob 760-223-0250

Temperature 59º or Lower?

Hot Drinks are 59¢

COCKTAILS AND DANCING 5430 Lake Isabella Blvd.

760-379-8144 Largest pool table in town!

Call Us First!

JIM JONES

Master Card

Visa Check or Money Order

Credit Card Number______________________________________ Name as it appears on card________________________________ Expiration Date_______Signature___________________________

White’s

Cleaning Service Now! Proudly Serving the Valley • Commercial • Residential

New Construction Additions Landscape Design Remodel/Repair Owner Builder Consulting 760-417-1991 818-203-6934

Est.1987

Reliable Service & References

760-376-1765 or 562-400-1911 whites-cleaning.com

jimjonesconstruction2011@yahoo.com

Lake Isabella - 2bd, 1ba duplex $700/mo +sec. dep, wtr/trsh pd, inclds refrig, stove, w&d. Call 760-379-8560 or 760-379-1195 ___________________________ 2bd,1ba in walking distance to bars, stores, theater, lake.

Whiskey Flat Days availability$129. See pics & details: http:// kernvacationhome.blogspot. com or call 619-203-8870. $50 referral

Trailers for Sale Vintage 1977 Coachman - 29’ bumper pull trailer w/original furniture. “Excellent condition” A/C & fridge are in ex. cond. Original owner owned for 30 yrs. $2,750 obo. (760) 376-2345 Camp Kernville ___________________________ 2005 Coachman - 29’ in excel. condition. New elec. fridge, a/c recently serviced, lots of extras. $8,500 obo. Must See! Call 760-376-2345

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Home For Sale Newport Beach???

•Buy w/no down •Pay $729 bi-weekly of pure deduction that cuts your taxes •9.5% fixed APR •Sign $200K fixed buying power loan, all due 35 yrs, no pre-pay penalty, secured by property you buy + ok with us/ lender as temp extra collateral •Get 6.3 acres w/2,100 sf home Not in Newport Beach!

Its at 9750 Sierra, Lake Isabella, Kernville Lender/Owner (661) 330-2222 Agent (661) 330-7360

Truck For Sale 1988 4wd Ford 150 - Good running. Asking $1,800 or will trade for small car. (760) 223-2689

Cabin For Sale Bodfish - 102 Hoebeck Road Beautifully remodeled, 1680 sq ft cabin w/great view! $129,000 (661) 428-1108

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

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Page 10 Kern River Courier

www.kernrivercourier.com Friday, January 27, 2012

Calendar Continued from page 2

Announcements Continued from page 3

3379 for more information.

County. Please take five minutes to complete this survey, your input is very important and it will help make bicycling in Kern County more accessible and safer. Go to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Kernbikeplan or www.kerncountybikeplan.com

KV Indian Community Meeting, February 4 Kern Valley Indian Community quarterly meeting and thanksgiving dinner will be held Saturday, Feb. 4 at 11 a.m. at the Senior Center, 6405 Lake Isabella Blvd. in Lake Isabella. Guests will include Rick Larson, district ranger, Kern River Ranger District, and Dirk Charley, tribal liaison, Sequoia National Forest. Dinner will be provided by the Council. Please bring salad or dessert and a raffle item.

Bring any gently used household items and clothing to share.

Public meeting to discuss OHV grant funding, February 6 On Monday, Feb. 6, at 6 p.m., the Kern County Parks and Recreation Dept. will be conducting a meeting to obtain public input regarding distribution of Kern County’s Off-Highway Vehicle Grant Funding. The meeting will be at the Kern River Valley Veterans/Senior Building, room 1, located at 6405 Lake Isabella Blvd., Lake Isabella. The public is encouraged to attend and provide input.

Optimal Hospice volunteer orientation, February 9 Optimal Hospice Care is serving the hospice care needs of Kern Valley residents who are affected by terminal illness. Optimal Hospice volunteers offer patients and families the gift of time and compassion, which allows the caregivers the opportunity to attend to errands and personal needs. If you have some time to make a difference in these lives, call to reserve your seat at the upcoming new volunteer orientation on Thursday, Feb. 9 at 10 a.m., in the Kern Valley Optimal Hospice offices at 6504 Lake Isabella Blvd., suite E in Lake Isabella. Hairstylists and seamstresses are also encouraged to call.

Volunteer training is free and flexible.

Call today and start your journey to a more fulfilled future. Call 661-716-4000

Operation Christmas Child collection celebration, February 11 Operation Christmas Child collection celebration will be held Saturday, Feb. 11, 10:30 a.m until noon, with lunch provided. The Greater Kern River Valley, which includes Walker Basin, is celebrating the 1,140 shoe boxes we packed.

The KRV and Walker Basin individuals and groups can meet at Family Life Center in Wofford Heights at 9 a.m. or at the Park & Ride in Lake Isabella at 9:15 a.m. to carpool/caravan to the event. Please contact Irene Martinson, 760-417-2279, for reservations.

Pregnancy Center Soup Bar fundraiser, February 11 The Lake Isabella Resource Center will be holding "Soup Bar" on Saturday Feb. 11 from 3 - 5 p.m. at the Senior Center in Lake Isabella. The dinner consists of 5 different soups, salad, bread, dessert and drink. Presale Tickets $5 at the door $6 and children under 8 are $4. Contact Colleen Conner 760-417-2209, Nancy Nelson 714-906-7755 or The Center 760379-8893.

To include your event in our free Courier Calendar, send the information to us by e-mail or on paper, either in person or by mail (our address is on page 2). Must be received Tuesday by 1 p.m. in order to make each Friday’s issue. Events must be open to the public and if there is any cost, it must be listed. Items submitted for our free Calendar listings may be shortened. Listings are printed in chronological order by event date and space available. Submitted items deemed entirely or mostly business advertising will not be accepted. Some event information gathered from the chambers of commerce, KRVR or www.kernvalley. com

Sustainable Architecture

Energy Efficient Design, Materials and Systems • Solar • Strawbale • Adobe • ICF’s • SIP’s • • New Construction • Additions • Remodels • • Design-Build Service Available • Nancy Shebesta Architect License # C27215 760-549-0075 nancyshebesta@verizon.net

Library Activities for February The Kern River Valley Branch of the Kern County Library will continue “Toddler Time” every Thursday at 11:15 a.m., a time of interactive stories designed to help your child succeed in life by providing them with a love for books at an early age.

The KRV branch will hold “Storytime for Children” up to third grade on Thursday, Feb. 16 at 3:30 p.m. February stories will answer the question: “Why do I love my library?” Also theKRV branch will be continuing “Loop Together,” a time of crochet and knitting on Tuesday, Feb. 7 and Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 4 p.m.

Don’t forget the Kernville Branch’s February “Saddle Up and Read” on Friday, February 24 at 10:30 a.m. This fun storytime for children up to third grade with a western twist will be sure to put you in the mood for horses and cowboy boots!

You canlearn how to use computers, by contacting the Isabella Branch for their basic computer classes offered on Thursdays and Saturdays by appointment. Also, by appointment, guitar lessons are available.

Keep up with all the programs, events and news concerning our local library’s by calling the KRV Branch at 760-549-2083 or logging onto the library’s FaceBook page, www.facebook.com/KRVLibraries or at our website, www.kerncountylibrary.org.

GED Test preparation volunteers needed A few more volunteer tutors are needed for the GED test preparation class that meets on Wednesdays, 1-3 p.m., in Room 6 at Cerro Coso College. Persons with at least a bachelor’s degree are preferred. For more information call Al Steuart at 760-376-1546 or 760-812-7559 or email asteuart@hughes.net.

CERT to teach first aid and CPR classes Dean Ott and Tom Klein from the Kern River Valley Community Emergency Response Team will be teaching the Red Cross First Aid and CPR classes on Feb. 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, 3701 Shure Street in Lake Isabella. The cost of these classes is as follows: for only First Aid or CPR the cost is $30 and for both First Aid and CPR the cost is $45. To sign up, contact Klein at 760-379-2797.

Become an AARP Tax-Aide Volunteers are needed for the AARP Tax-Aide - the nation's largest, free, volunteer-run tax counseling and preparation service for middle- and low-income taxpayers. Special attention to those aged 60 and older. Volunteer as a tax assistance counselor or interviewer and/or a tax preparer. To join a great team of volunteers, call Judy Rowley at 760-793-0405 or Roland Danielson at 760-379-8389.

All materials and equipment will be furnished free.

760.376.2860

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Wofford Heights ph.760.376.2860 fx.760.376.2862

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Kern River Courier Legal Notices FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT Fictitious Business Name(s) DBA #1: Outdoor Adornments (2012 - B0048), Street address of principal place of business: 6409 Charwood Place, Bakersfield, CA 93306. Mailing address of business: 6409 Charwood Place, Bakersfield, CA 93306.

REGISTRANT: Sharon Richardson, 6409 Charwood Place, Bakersfield, CA 93306. A - Individual.

Date the business commenced: 11/17/2009. Notice: In accordance with subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a fictitious name statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner.

A new Fictitious Business Name

Puzzle Solutions from pages 6 & 7

Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this State of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State or Common Law (see Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code). Signed: Sharon Richardson. This statement filed on 01/04/2012. Expires 01/04/2017. ANN K. BARNETT, Auditor-Controller-County Clerk. By J. Trujillo. Published by the Kern River Courier January 20, 27, February 3 and 10, 2012.

STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME: Fictitious Business Name being abandoned: ALL KERN APPRAISALS (2007-B5135) Street address of business: 9921 Grey Goose Street, Bakersfield, CA 93311; Mailing address of Business: 9921 Grey Goose Street, Bakersfield, CA

93311. REGISTRANTS WHO WISH TO ABANDON THE BUSINESS NAME: Jenny Recondo, 9921 Grey Goose Street, Bakersfield, CA 93311, Debbie Wood, 15956 Opus One Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93314 and Michael Wood, 15956 Opus One Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93314. Original FBN Statement Filed on: 06/29/2007. This Statement of Abandonment filed on: 01/11/2012. ANN K. BARNETT, Auditor-Controller-County Clerk by M. Dominguez, Deputy Clerk (34993).

Published by the Kern River Courier January 27, February 3, 10 and 17, 2012.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT Fictitious Business Name(s) DBA #1: All Kern Appraisals (2012 - B0239), Street address of principal place of business: 9921 Grey Goose Street, Bakersfield, CA 93311. Mailing address of business: 9921 Grey Goose Street, Bakersfield, CA

93311.

REGISTRANT: Jenny Recondo, 9921 Grey Goose Street, Bakersfield, CA 93311. A - Individual.

Date the business commenced: 06/29/2007. Notice: In accordance with subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a fictitious name statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this State of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State or Common Law (see Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code). Signed: Jenny Recondo. This

statement filed on 01/11/2012. Expires 01/11/2017.

ANN K. BARNETT, Auditor-Controller-County Clerk. By M. Dominguez.

Published by the Kern River Courier January 27, February 3, 10 and 17, 2012.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT Fictitious Business Name(s) DBA #1: Lore's Loft (2012 - B0082), DBA#2: A Unique Boutique (2012) - B0083), Street address of principal place of business: 6 Tobias Street, Kernville, CA 93238. Mailing address of business: P.O. Box 1165, Kernville, CA 93238. REGISTRANTS: Lore Hiney, 2101 Anchorage Avenue, PO Box 39, Wofford Heights, CA 93285 and William Hiney, 2101 Anchorage Avenue, PO Box 39, Wofford Heights, CA 93285. I - Husband and Wife. Date the business commenced: 04/01/2007. Notice: In accordance with subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a ficti-

tious name statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this State of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State or Common Law (see Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code). Signed: Lore Hiney. This statement filed on 01/05/2012. Expires 01/05/2017. ANN K. BARNETT, Auditor-Controller-County Clerk. By M. Dominguez. Published by the Kern River Courier January 27, February 3, 10 and 17, 2012.

Friday, January 27, 2012 www.kernrivercourier.com

Kern River Courier Page 11

Health Insurance Matters

Talking About Real Estate

Prescription confusion

How to sell if in default

Harry P. Thal Kern River Courier Columnist I am receiving calls from people on Medicare confused about their prescription drug plans. Some of the people belong to an HMO which has a built in drug benefit, while oth- Thal ers have a selfstanding Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) to accompany their MedicareMedi-Cal, Private Medicare Supplement or Medicare alone.

Much of the confusion stems from the co-pays at the pharmacy being different in January than they were in December.

I hope this will assist you in a better understanding why plans must be reviewed annually during the Annual Enrollment Period (“AEP,” Nov. 15 to Dec. 7). Any plan changes become effective Jan. 1. While people on Medi-Cal may change plans during the year, most people are locked into their plan from Jan. 1 to Dec.31.

Medicare Part D plans are under contract and close oversight by the Federal Government. They are all on a one-year contract, and plans may change, with government approval each calendar year.

The monthly premium is subject to change annually and the annual deductible is subject to change within government established maxi-

mums ($320 for 2012). Plans may add and delete drugs from their formulary (list of drugs covered) and drugs within the formulary can be of certain classifications called “tiers.”

Each tier has a co-pay. If the cost of a drug within a tier is less than the tier price, you pay the lower price.

Tier structures differ between plans, this is a typical structure: • Preferred generic $4 • Non-preferred generic $7 • Preferred brand $40 • Non-preferred brand $76 • Specialty and injectable drugs 33 percent Insurance companies may move drugs from one tier to another. They may also do this within the year with 30 days written notice.

Some drugs on a formulary may have restrictions. Before a prescription for certain drugs will be covered at the pharmacy, the physician may have to do “Step Therapy.” This means a lower cost drug may have to be tried before the insurance company will authorize the more expensive drug to be covered. If your doctor has previously tried other drugs, and they either didn’t work or had adverse side effects, the physician can complete a form and get approval.

Another restriction is “prior approval.” Here the prescriber must substantiate why this drug is necessary. Typically, these may be drugs that have “off label:” uses, which won’t get approved on the FDA say

See Thal, Page 12

Matt Freeman Kern River Courier Columnist Unfortunately default is a situation that more and more Americans are finding themselves in.

There really are several reasons, fraudulent Freeman loan officers, buyers who constantly re-financed to get as much money out of their home as they could, adjustable-rate mortgages.

No matter what the reasoning for being in default on your mortgage payments, there is a way out that can save your credit.

Consider doing a short-sale.

The last time Real Estate agents were really familiar with shortsales was back in the early 90’s, which was the last time that there was a big turndown of real estate prices. A short-sale is when a seller who is in default asks their lender to take less than what is owed on the home in order to sell the home before it goes to the auction.

If you are a seller in this situation and are interested in selling your house and saving your credit, there are a couple of things to remember.

First, time is of the essence

concerning your bank. You only have so much time before your home goes on the auction block.

Find a real estate agent who is familiar with short-sales and get them to negotiate with your lender as soon as possible. You will have to do an application and provide a valid reason for missing your payments and written permission for your real estate agent to access your account.

And remember, price the listing to sell! If you are missing the payments but still price the listing to make a mega profit that is the same thing as letting the home go to auction, you are wasting everyone’s time, most importantly your own.

Price the listing below market value, if you owe $200,000, price it at $175,000 and advertise it as a short-sale foreclosure. That brings a lot of people in because the perception is there of a good deal. Then upon receipt of an offer, even a low offer let your real estate agent and your bank slug it out.

More often than not the bank will come to terms that are agreeable and save your credit.

Matt Freeman, #01714782, is a Realtor with Freeman’s Lakeside Realty. You can reach him at 760-379-5915 or by cell phone at 760-223-0880. His column is not intended to replace legal advice.

Page 12 Kern River Courier

ww.kernrivercourier.com Friday, January 27, 2012

Thal

Fee Areas

Continued from page 11

Continued from page 1

so. “Non formulary” is just that, the drug isn’t on their list of drugs.

However, the prescriber can request a “formulary exception” and get approval.

If you are still confused, call the customer service number on the back of your ID card. Often your pharmacist can assist in getting you started in the right direction.

camp overnight in developed campgrounds are charged an additional Expanded Amenity Fee. SAF’s are only authorized in places where six specific amenities are provided: a permanent toilet and permanent trash receptacle, picnic table, interpretive signage, developed parking and security services. EAF’s are authorized in campgrounds as long as five of nine amenities are present: tent or trailer spaces, picnic tables, devices for containing campfires, drinking water, toilet facilities, trash receptacles, access roads, reasonable security and collection of the fee by an employee or agent of the federal agency.

The SAF and EAF authority, regardless of amenities, is subject to prohibitions on charging fees solely for park-

Harry P. Thal, MA, is a licensed insurance broker. He is President of the Kern Association of Health Underwriters and on the National Association of Health Underwriters Medicare Advisory Board. He may be reached at 760-376-2100, e-mail harrythal@aol.com or visit him on the web at www.harrythal.com

❤ ® THE LIGHTHART

TLC

CORPORATION

ing, general access, dispersed undeveloped areas, scenic overlooks, and traveling through federal lands without using facilities and services. A 2010 federal court decision in Arizona, U.S. v Smith, said that these prohibitions must be honored even in places where developed facilities are available.

The judge who issued that ruling said, “The FLREA [Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act] is an extremely comprehensive and precise statutory scheme clearly delineating specific instances in which the public may be charged an amenity fee for use of the National Forests, and other public lands, and quite plainly prohibiting the agency from establishing any system which requires the public to pay for parking or simple access to trails or undeveloped camping sites.”

The FLREA replaced the Fee Demo

program that was in effect from 1996 through 2004. Fee Demo gave the Forest Service authority to charge and retain fees without restriction. In late 2004 it was repealed and replaced with the much more specific and restrictive fee authority in the FLREA. “To the extent that the Forest Service is finally, after seven years, trying to conform to the provisions in the FLREA that were designed to protect public access, then I applaud this effort,” said Benzar. “But we are not going to be satisfied until we see real changes on the ground.”

Editors note: When contacted for comment U.S. Forest Service District Ranger Rick Larson athough aware of the story released by the Western Slope No-Fee Coalition said “I have received no direction from Washington and until I do, I can make no comment.” Larson said.

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760-549-0077

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Next to Crossroads Shell Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm

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