Kern River Courier January 6, 2017 by Kern River Courier

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www.kernrivercourier.com Vol. 13 No. 47

Weekend

Weather

White washed

Baby it's cold outside:

New Year, new snow blankets the shoreline of Isabella Lake after a winter storm passes through the Kern River Valley New Years Eve Saturday night.

So cuddle up! Friday, January 6 is National Cuddle Up Day! Winter has the coldest days of the year so there's many ways to stay warm. One of the best ways to stay warm is a three-dog night, a night so cold it takes cuddling up to three dogs to stay warm. There are multiple benefits to cuddling with people, canines, and other pets. Let's find out what those are in the history of Cuddle Up Day! The warm history of Cuddle Up Day: Cuddling releases oxytocin. This hormone alone has huge health benefits. Besides giving us warm and fuzzy feelings, oxytocin reduces pain. So when the cold has made those muscles and joints ache, cuddling can help reduce those aches and pains. Oxytocin also helps reduce heart disease, reduces blood pressure, stress, and anxiety. If it weren't free, cuddling would probably be covered by health insurance because it's such a huge health benefit! Communication is more than just emails, texts, or conversations. Physical touch can communicate trust, commitment, safety, and reassurance. This goes for human to human contact as well has human to pet contact. Cuddling communicates all these things which are vital to a strong relationship. Cuddling can also boost sexual desire. Dopamine is released stimulating the brain to seek pleasure. But dopamine also can improve memory

See Cuddle, page 12

people

dining

Friday low 37° Increasing clouds Saturday high 51° Some rain Saturday low 48° Raining Sunday high 63° Periods of rain Sunday low 51° Passing showers

Megan Chapman Special to the Courier

daysoftheyear.com Courier Along side

Friday high 52° Cool and cloudy

Accuweather.com

Out Inside

Erskine Fire

Investigation ruled electrical Michael Batelaan Courier Update On December 22, Kern County Fire Chief Brian Marshall announced that the Erskine Fire started as a result of a faulty electrical line in a tree. Marshall said the hot molten material from the private line dropped in some grass and started the fire. He said the six-month investigation into the cause of the fire was "exhaustive." They ruled out other common causes, such as lightning strikes or vehicle malfunctions. Fire officials declined to say if anyone would face criminal charges or be

ordered to reimburse firefighting costs. Marshall also stated the investigation will be handed over to the Bureau of Land Management be-cause the land the fire started on is leased by the Bureau of Land Management. The BLM will review the documents over the next several weeks to determine if any legal action will be taken. The Kern River Archers confirmed that it operates on the property where the fire started. Kern River Archers subleases the property from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The

On December 23, David Christy, BLM Central California Public Affairs, issued the following statement: "The Bureau of Land Management expresses condolences to the families and communities affected by the Erskine Fire. After a comprehensive investigation, Kern County Fire

See Cause, page 12

See BLM, page 12

BLM issues Statement on Erskine Fire BLM Public Affairs Courier Extra

Probation to monitor high-risk DUI offenders Scott Royer, County Probation Courier FYI Felony and 'repeat' misdemeanor DUI offenders are over represented in traffic crashes involving alcohol and other drugs, often with tragic results. A $143,500.00 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety to the Kern County Probation Department will be making sure that these worst-of-the-worst offenders are complying with all court orders. "The potential for serious harm that repeat felony driving under the influence (DUI) offenders present is of the utmost concern to the Kern County Probation Department. The DUI Offender Grant will allow the Probation Department to continue to intensely supervise such offenders on smaller, targeted case-

lodging

loads. Without this grant the strategies and activities aimed at reducing reoffending and increasing compliance with probation terms would not be possible," said Chief Probation Officer TR Merickel. The grant will fund Probation Department officials to intensely monitor drivers on probation for felony DUI or multiple misdemeanor DUI convictions. Supervision for high-risk offenders includes: ■ Developing and/or maintaining a "Hot

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land is owned by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. Kern River Archers said in a statement that it has fully cooperated with the investigation. The group said it operates as a nonprofit and has been part of the community for more than 30 years. Kern River Archers' statement, which was issued through law firm Clifford & Brown, reads, in part: "Our hearts go out to the people and families of the Kern River Valley who have been impacted by the Erskine Fire." Meanwhile, Friday

Sheet" program to notify patrol and traffic officers to be on the lookout for repeat DUI offenders with a suspended or revoked license as a result of DUI convictions ■ Increasing the percentage of DUI probationers in compliance with court-ordered probation. ■ Conducting unannounced home searches ■ Conducting random alcohol and drug testing ■ Using special monitoring to ensure compliance with court-ordered DUI education and treatment programs ■ Sending two law enforcement personnel to the NHTSA Standardized Field Sobriety Testing POST-certified training. This grant puts special focus on high-risk repeat DUI offender and is aimed at reducing the

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number of persons killed and injured in alcohol and other drug related collisions in the county, especially by DUI probationers. In 2013, 53 people were killed and 612 people injured in such crashes in Kern County. "Complying with probation orders is the first and most necessary step to keep these offenders from being a danger to themselves or others in the future," said OTS Director Rhonda Craft. "The Office of Traffic Safety and the Kern County Probation Department will be working together to help keep the streets and highways safe across the state." Funding for the grant is from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

fun & games

Plan for the week ahead using the Courier Calendar. Pastor Schlensker shares The God who wants to be known

Bodfish Bob has wing recipes that fly off the plate.

Fun & games begin on the Courier puzzle pages.

Buy, sell & trade in the Courier Marketplace.

kern river

water data: Wednesday, 6 p.m. Storage, Isabella Reservoir 93,962 acre-feet 2016 Reservoir peak 153,102 acre-feet Pool maximum 568,075 acre-feet Pool safety limit 360,000 acre-feet Upper Kern Inflow 1860 cfs* Lower Kern Outflow 300 cfs Borel Canal Outflow 0 cfs (stopped) 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. *(5-hr average Kernville)

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January

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“It’s what the valley reads”

Published Fridays Spotlighting the best of the Kern River Valley Publisher Michael Batelaan Editors, Writers Michael Batelaan Columnists Bodfish Bob Matt Freeman Rod Middleworth Dave Ramsey

Ben Richey Dan Schlensker Harry Thal Chris Wenzel

Photographers Michael Batelaan Ad Production Michael Batelaan Advertising Representatives Gloria Longo Your Name Here Ridgecrest

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Jeanne Miller Marketplace

Business Office Jennie Cox

Jeanne Miller

Distribution Ron Benson Webmaster Mike Ludiker Advertising policies Publisher reserves the right to reject or cancel any advertising at any time without cause. Cancellations or rejection shall not preclude payment on similar advertising previously run. The Kern River Courier is not liable for errors or omissions in copy or an advertisement beyond the cost of the actual space occupied by the error. Publisher reserves the right to place the words “advertisement” or “paid content” on any advertisement or 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 © 2013. 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 that are original, not previously published, 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 publisher. Letters should not exceed 250 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. Subscriptions The Kern River Courier is published and mailed weekly for $65 per year (52 issues) or 2 years (104 issues) for $120. Mail is only received at the P.O. Box address.

Mailing address: P.O. Box 1145 Wofford Heights, CA 93285 Street address: 6392-B Wofford Blvd. Wofford Heights (next to Wofford Heights Post Office) Phone: 760-376-2860 FAX: 760-376-2862 Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or appointment.

Email address: office@kernrivercourier.com Website: www.kernrivercourier.com The Kern River Courier also publishes: Whiskey Flat Claim Jumper Kern Angler Green Living © 2017 Kern River Courier. All Rights Reserved.

■ Ghost Town lantern history tour January 7 Be part of a paranormal investigation or learn the fascinating history of the Kern River Valley. $15 advance tickets (all ages) available by credit card purchase at 760-379-5146 prior to event. Also 8 p.m. the night of the event (cash only) at the gate. The tour will be from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. Under 16 must be accompanied by a paid adult. All updates announced on Facebook. 3829 Lake Isabella Blvd., Bodfish. ■ Man and Woman of the Year installation dinner, January 9 Honor our 2017 Man and Woman of the Year and install the KRV Chamber 2017-2018 Board of Directors at the Paradise Cove Lodge, 10700 Hwy 178, Lake Isabella. $35 Dinner. Call the KRV Chamber to reserve at 760-379-5236.

■ Library book sale January 9 and 10 The Friends of the Library will be holding book sales once a month on the first Tuesday of each month until further notice. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sneak previews on Mondays from 4 to 6 p.m. in the community room at the main library 7054 Lake Isabella Blvd. ■ Drought Emergency Food Assistance January 14 Community Action Partnership of Kern Food Bank (CAPK Food Bank) is continuing to dis-

Regular activities Fridays

■ Noon - 1 p.m., M - F, Senior Nutrition, Senior Center, Lake Isabella. 760-379-5831. ■ 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Alzheimers Respite Group, Veterans Hall, Lake Isabella. 661-393-8871. ■ 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., TOPS weight loss group, Mt.View Church, Lake Isabella. 760-378-3935. ■ 1 p.m., Happy Hookers crochet club, Senior Center, Lake Isabella. 760-379-6335. ■ 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (3rd Fri.) Valley Caregiver Resource Center caregiver support at CCS, 2731 Nugget Ave. Lake Isabella. 661-821-1626.

Saturdays

■ 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Farmer’s Market, Lakeshore Lodge, Wofford Heights. ■ 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Kern River Hatchery Free. 14415 Sierra Way Kernville. 760-376-2846 ■ 3 p.m. (1st Sat.), Havilah Historical Society, Havilah Schoolhouse. 760-379-2636. ■ 5-7 p.m. Dinner. (2nd & 4th Sat. - Karaoke @ 7 p.m.) Eagles Lodge, open to public, Mt. Mesa. 760379-3394 ■ 7 - 10 p.m. (1st Sat.), Dam Dancers square dancing, Senior Center, Lake Isabella. ■ 6:30 p.m. (1st Sat.) KV Rockhound Club, MGM Jewelry & Loan, 6749 Wofford Blvd.,, Wofford Heights. 760-376-3600or www.kernriverrockhoundclub.com.

Sundays

■ 9 a.m. to noon - VFW Breakfast, public welcome. 2811 Nugget, Lake Isabella. 760-379-3877. ■ 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Kern River Hatchery Free. 14415 Sierra Way Kernville. 760-376-2846.

Mondays

■ Noon - 1 p.m., M - F, Senior Nutrition, Senior Center, Lake Isabella. 760-379-583. ■ 1 p.m. (3rd Mon.), Kern Valley Democratic Club, Lakeridge Mobile Home Pk. Clubhouse, Lake Isabella. ■ 1 p.m., Line dance classes, Senior Center, Lake Isabella. 760-379-0043. ■ 3 p.m. (2nd Mon.-Board/4th Mon.-Member ship), Kernville Chamber. 760-376-2629. ■ 6 - 9 p.m., KRV Community Orchestra, Cerro Coso College, Lake Isabella. 760-376-4461. ■ 6:30 - 8 p.m., Boy Scout Troup 690, 1st Baptist Church, Lake Isabella. 760-812-7082. ■ 6 p.m. (3rd Mon.), KRV Art Assoc., Senior Center, Lake Isabella. 760-379-2844. Dark July/August.

Tuesdays

■ Noon - 1 p.m., M - F, Senior Nutrition, Senior Center, Lake Isabella. 760-379-5831. ■ 9 a.m., Yoga Practice Group, Kernville Methodist Church. 909-753-9043. ■ 10 a.m. (2nd Tue.), Kern Valley Garden Group. 760-379-1129. ■ 10 a.m. - noon; 1p.m.- 3 p.m. Kern County ■ 10:30a.m., Armour of God Narcotics Anonymous, College Community Services, 2731 Nuggett Ave., L.I. ■ Noon to 2 p.m. No cost craft class, Faith Community Church. Call 760-812-0755. ■ 2 p.m. KRV Cemetery District. (2nd Tue. every other month). Public invited. 760-376-2189. ■ 6 p.m. (2nd Tue.), Lake Isabella-Bodfish Property Owners, Senior Center, Lake Isabella 760-379-5552. ■ 6:30 p.m., (2nd Tue.) Epilepsy Support Group, Bakersfield. 760-376-1606 or 760-258-5272. ■ 7 p.m., (4th Tue.), KRV Historical Society, Senior Center, Lake Isabella.

Wednesdays

■ Noon - 1 p.m., M - F, Senior Nutrition, Senior Center, Lake Isabella. 760-379-5831. ■ 9:30 -11:30 a.m. (1st & 3rd Wed.), Dam Quilters, senior apts., Lake Isabella. 760-223-0762. ■ 9:30 -11:30a.m., TOPS weight loss group, Senior Hall Lake Isabella. 760-379-5986 or 661-867-2579.

tribute Drought Emergency Food Assistance Program food in addition to its regular food distribution in Lake Isabella from 9 to 11 a.m. at 3628 Suhre Street. For additional information, please contact CAPK Food Bank agency relations technician Yazid Alawgarey at 661398-4520. ■ Ghost Town lantern history tour January 14 Be part of a paranormal investigation or learn the fascinating history of the Kern River Valley. See January 7 listing for information. ■ OHV grant application workshop January 19 The Forest and BLM will hold a public meeting/workshop from 9 to 11 a.m., at the Kern River Ranger District Office, 105 Whitney Rd., Kernville, to obtain public input into the development of 2016/2017 grant-cycle applications to the State of California OffHighway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division. ■ Congressman McCarthy Mobile Office, January 19 Congressman Kevin McCarthy's is holding a mobile office in Lake Isabella from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Kern River Valley County building in the Supervisor's Conference Room. This provides an opportunity for constituents to visit and share concerns on government issues. Keenan Hochshild, McCarthy's field representative, will report back to the Congressman. Contact

■ 10:00 a.m., T.A.P. Thought and Perception or, Tank Park, Lake Isabella. 760-378-3304. ■ 10:30a.m., Armour of God Narcotics Anonymous, College Community Services, 2731 Nuggett Ave., Lake Isabella. ■ Noon (2nd Wed.) KRV Chamber of Commerce, Moose Lodge, Lake Isabella. 760-379-5236. ■ 12:30 p.m., Bridge Club, VFW Lake Isabella. 760-376-3138. ■ 1 - 2:30 p.m., Grief Support Group, Optimal Hospice, 6504-E Lake Isabella Blvd. ■ 6 p.m. (1st Wed.), American Legion Riders Post 711 VFW Hall, 2811 Nugget Lake Isabella. ■ 6 p.m. (3rd Wed.), American Legion and Auxiliary Post 711Veterans/Senior Hall Lake Isabella. Post 711 VFW Hall, 2811 Nugget Lake Isabella. ■ 7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m., Senior Dance, Senior Center, Lake Isabella. Live band. ■ 7 p.m., Elks Lodge, 2nd and 4th, except holidays,Wofford Blvd., Wofford Hts. ■ 7 p.m., Al-Anon, Christ's Fellowship Church, Wofford Hts. 760-223-3050 or 760-379-7312 ■ 7 p.m. (3rd Wed.), Fish & Game Habitat Club, Senior Center, Lake Isabella. 760-379-9114.

Thursdays

■ 9 a.m. - noon First and Third Thursdays, Kern County Veteran's Services County complex, 7050 Lake Isabella Blvd. Lake Isabella 661-868-7300. ■ 8:30 and 10 a.m., Mediyoga, Lake Isabella Senior Center. ■ 9 a.m., Yoga Practice Group, Kernville Methodist Church. 909-753-9043. ■ 9:30 a.m., (3rd Thu.), Fire Safe Council, Supervisor’s office, County Bldg., Lake Isabella. ■ 10:30a.m., Armour of God Narcotics Anonymous, College Community Services, 2731 Nuggett Ave., LI ■ 12:30 p.m., Bridge Club, VFW Lake Isabella. 760-376-3138. ■10:30 a.m. Toddler Story Time, Lake Isabella Library, 7054 Lake Isabella Blvd. 760-549-2083. ■ 11:45 a.m. (4th Thu.), KRV Women’s Club meeting, Elks Lodge. ■ Noon - 1 p.m., M - F, Senior Nutrition, Senior Center, Lake Isabella. 760-379-5831 ■ Noon, Exchange Club, Paradise Cove. ■ 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. 760379-3877. ■ 4-6 p.m. (3rd Thu.), Republican Assembly of the Kern River Valley, 6075 Lake Isabella Blvd., Lake Isabella. 760-378-3695 or 760-376-1462. ■ 6 p.m., Rotary Club, KRV Elks Lodge, Wofford Heights. 760-376-2844. ■ 6 p.m., Weight Watchers, Highland Chapel 5301 Lake Isabella Blvd., Lake Isabella. Weigh-in 5:30 p.m. ■ 7 p.m. (1st Thurs.) Kern River Rockhound Club. MGM Jewelry Store, 6749 Wofford Blvd. Wofford Heights. 760-812-1120. ■ 7 p.m. (4th Thurs.) KRV Gun Assc. Jan - Oct. Kernville Chamber, KRVGAnews@gmail.com ■ 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.

AA Meetings

■ If you want to drink, that’s your business. If you want to stop, we can help. Meetings daily; Kernville, Lake Isabella, Wofford Heights. Call Alcoholics Anonymous 760-379-4112.

Bingo Guide

■ Saturday, noon, South Fork Women’s Club, 6488 Fay Ranch Road., Weldon ■ Sunday, 11 a.m., Moose Lodge, 6732 Lake Isabella Blvd., Lake Isabella. ■ Wednesday, 1 p.m., Senior Center, 6405 Lake Isabella Blvd., Lake Isabella.

McCarthy's district office at 661-327-3611. ■ Commodities distribution January 23 Government food commodities will be distributed to those who qualify at the New Life Church in Wofford Heights, Grace Chapel in Mt Mesa and at the Senior Center in Lake Isabella. Distribution is 10 a.m. to noon. Please do not call or contact the church, they are not the organizer. Yazid Alawgarey CAPK 661-336-5200 X203. ■ KRV Collaborative January 26 Join with the KRV Collaborative and learn about vital services and opportunities in the Kern Valley. It meets from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the Senior Center in Lake Isabella. Call 760379-2556 or go to KRVFRC.org for more information. ■ Prayer Breakfast February 2 The community is invited to join in prayer for our community, State and our Nation at Nelda's in Lake Isabella at 7 a.m. All of the Kern River Valley community are welcome to come and join in prayer. Please arrive early so as not interrupt prayer in progress. Breakfast is optional. Then join in at Tank Park for Prayer in the Park from noon to 1 p.m. For more information call Bill Blanton at 760-891-6942. ■ Library book sale February 6 and 7 The Friends of the Library will be holding book sales once a month on the first Tuesday of each month. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sneak previews on Mondays from 4 to 6 p.m. in the community room at the main library 7054 Lake Isabella Blvd. ■ KRVFSC Meeting February 16 The Kern River Valley Fire Safe Council meets in the Supervisor's conference room, at 7050 Lake Isabella Blvd., Lake Isabella from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Minutes of meeting will be posted to the KRV Fire Safe Council Facebook page. ■ KRV Collaborative February 23 Join with the KRV Collaborative and learn about vital services and opportunities in the Kern Valley. It meets from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the Senior Center in Lake Isabella. Call 760379-2556 or go to KRVFRC.org for more information. ■ Heart Walk 2017 February 25 Register at 7:30 a.m. and walk 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Kern Valley High School track and raise money for your favorite non-profit and for the Hospital. $50 for a team of 4 with one manager or $10 for individual walkers. No pets. Free lunch to all walkers and managers. Additional meals are $5 each. Entry deadline is Feb. 21. Call Deborah Hess at 760-379-5257. ■ Commodities distribution February 27 Government food commodities will be distributed to those who qualify at the New Life Church in Wofford Heights, Grace Chapel in Mt Mesa and at the Senior Center in Lake Isabella. Distribution is 10 a.m. to noon. Please do not call or contact the church. Yazid Alawgarey CAPK 661-336-5200 X203. ■ Prayer Breakfast March 2 The community is invited to join in prayer for our community, State and our Nation at Nelda's in Lake Isabella at 7 a.m. All of the Kern River Valley community are welcome to come and join in prayer. Please arrive early so as not interrupt prayer in progress. Breakfast is optional. Then join in at Tank Park for Prayer in the Park from noon to 1 p.m. For more information call Bill Blanton at 760-891-6942. Submissions to the free Courier Calendar must be received by 1 p.m. on Tuesday to make Friday’s issue. Events must be open to the public. Any cost must be listed. Items submitted for a free Calendar listing may be shortened. Listings are printed in chronological order by date, event, and space available. Items deemed general business advertising will not be accepted. Information compiled from direct submissions to office@kernrivercourier.com and krvmastercalendar. com.

Friday, January 6, 2017 www.kernrivercourier.com

Kern River Courier Page 3

Things I have noticed...

There's a mouse in the house Rod Middleworth Courier Columnist

Letters

Courier

Guest Editorial

There ought not be a law Jon Coupal President of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association Sometimes, in frustration over a Coupal perceived injustice, it is easy to think, "there ought to be a law," but Californians should be careful what they wish for. The state is awash in laws. Every two-year session, lawmakers introduce thousands of bills, and in the most recent, the governor signed 1,708 into law. This brings to mind an old German proverb, "The more laws, the less justice." This is because many of these bills are intended to benefit narrow special interests, like government employee unions, rent seeking businesses and professional groups, and pet projects like high-speed rail. Then there are the less damaging bills that still amount to a waste of time and taxpayer dollars, although many of these provide a good source of amusement. Although some of the silliest laws are at the local level - in Chico detonating a nuclear device will cost you $500, in Carmel women are prohibited from wearing high heels and in San Francisco it is illegal to store anything but a car in a garage - the state continues to attempt to be competitive. In California, it is illegal for a vehicle to exceed 60 mph if there is no driver. In Sacramento, for many selfabsorbed Legislators, getting a bill passed is an extension of their ego. Perhaps this helps explain why, some years ago, a bill was introduced to make the banana slug the state mollusk. That one did not pass, but still, California was the first state to adopt a state rock, serpentine. Ironically, after spending time on approving this selection in 1965, it came up again in 2010 when one state senator decided serpentine is politically incorrect because it contains asbestos and she promoted legislation to remove

its state status. For some, just introducing legislation, whether it passes or not, has become a source of income. Twenty years ago, one senator introduced 143 bills in one session. This turned out to be a pay for play scheme where bills were introduced for those willing to pay. This lawmaker ended up spending time in prison for accepting bribes, and the public scrutiny forced the politicians to limit the number of bills that can be introduced to 40. Still, with 120 legislators, this means that there is the potential to introduce a mind-boggling 4,800 bills, each with the potential to become law. And introducing bills remains an effective method for raising campaign cash. Even the most innocuous seeming bills can be a problem for taxpayers. Several years ago, Gov. Schwarzenegger criticized the Legislature for dithering over finding a solution to the state's then $26 billion deficit, while plenty of time was found to deal with the issue of cow tail docking. While humane treatment of animals may deserve consideration, taking time to pass a law, like making Spanish moss the official state lichen, has a cost. Even if we consider lawmakers' time worthless, and many do, there are still thousands of dollars spent on legal analyses by the Office of the Legislative Analyst and on printing costs. This raises the question, do lawmakers still have too much latitude when determining how may bills they introduce? Some states, like Colorado, survive while limiting legislators to no more than five. And what about the tens of thousands of laws already on the books? Certainly, there is justification to make an examination and to seek to simplify the legal code under which we all must live, by striking those found to be unnecessary. Enter Senator John Moorlach who has kicked off the "There Ought Not Be a Law" project and is looking for submissions from the public on repealing laws that would help streamline government, and remove regulations that impose unreasonable burdens on taxpayers. The senator will be taking nominations for laws to be reduced or repealed.

Announcements

Community

LIBPOA monthly meeting to be held The Lake Isabella Bodfish Property Owners Association meets at 6 p.m. on January 10 at the Senior Center in Lake Isabella. Attendees will be updated on activities association members have taken part in and Officers for 2017 will be installed at the end of the meeting. Visitors are encouraged to attend to learn how involved this association is with the local community. Membership is $7 per person per year and the only requirement is ownership of land, a home or a business in Lake Isabella or Bodfish. For information, contact Karene Williams at 760-379-1434.

It was midnight of New Year's Eve; we had just stepped outside, hollered Happy New Year, saw that it was snowing hard Middleworth and went in to get ready for bed. It was then I heard Vicki scream, "There's a mouse in our house, and he is right here in our office!"As I walked in Vicki stood there with a seven iron ready to squash a little 1 ½ inch brown rascal. I told Vicki to hang on, don't swing you might take out our laptop and one or two of our monitors. There on the floor was this little mouse and I swear he was laughing at us. I grabbed a newspaper, rolled it up and whacked at the furry monster but he got away. My wife said, "Find some mouse traps; I can't go to bed knowing there is a mouse in the house." So I headed out to my workshop where I had stashed two or three mouse traps. Incidentally, walking from my house to the workshop was done in a driving blizzard. Fortunately I didn't get lost, but I did spend 15 minutes trying to find the traps. Then Vicki called and said, "The traps are in the kitchen in a drawer." Now came the hard part. Most of you understand that a mouse trap is designed to whack a mouse into

oblivion and to do that you have to set the trap by using peanut butter or cheese as a bait. You put the bait on a little flat piece of metal that has a groove in it. You set the trap which is spring loaded and kept in place by a little wire that fits in the groove. There is no guarantee that after you set the trap and are attempting to place it on the floor, that the wire won't jiggle loose and whack you on the finger, but that's part of being a big game hunter. Anyway I set three traps and told Vicki if we are lucky by tomorrow the mouse or mice will be in mouse heaven. We were lucky within five minutes one trap went off and four or five minutes later so did the second one. Next I had to go out in the backyard to release the dead mousers into a snow bank. All of the time my wife is saying, "Did we hurt them?" and I explained they weren't hurt they were just dead! By this time it was about 2:30 in the morning and we figured the big hunt was over. "Are you sure we got them all?" she said. And with my fingers crossed I said, "They run in two's so you are safe." However, we caught another mouse the next morning and there went that theory. Hopefully there is no longer 'a mouse in the house' or is that 'mice in the hice?" Wofford Heights resident Rod Middleworth is a retired security manager for Pacific Bell.

You can help! The new and improved 28th Annual Isabella Lake Fishing Derby is looking for 15 to 20 more volunteers to help feed trout being raised for the April Derby. If you would like to help contact Keri Swindle at 760-379-5236.

OHV grant application workshop You can help shape the future of Off-Highway Vehicle use within the Sequoia National Forest and the Bureau of Land Management Land within the Bakersfield Field Office management area. The Forest and BLM will hold a public meeting/workshop January 19, from 9 to 11 a.m., at the Kern River Ranger District Office, 105 Whitney Rd., Kernville, to obtain public input into the development of preliminary 2016/2017 grant-cycle applications to the State of California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division. This meeting will allow the public to share desires and concerns pertaining to the Sequoia National Forest and BLM OHV program prior to the preliminary grant application deadline of March 6, 2017. The FS and BLM will incorporate feedback from the workshop into their 2017 grant applications, enabling continued management of a sustainable program that benefits the users and protects resources.

Veteran's benefit assistance at the Library The Kern River Valley Branch Library in Lake Isabella is happy to announce the kickoff of a new service being offered to veterans in the Kern Valley. California pub-

See Announcements, page 5

We appreciate our advertisers! Let them know you saw their ad in the “It’s what the valley reads” 760-376-2860

faith columnists

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Faith K E R N

Faith

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New snow, a new location for Garden Community Fellowship in Lake Isabella at 2931 Erskine Creek Rd. The fellowship met for the first time New Years Day Sunday after relocating from Bodfish to the former Church of the Nazarene location. They plan to meet Sundays at 11 a.m. Wednesday for Bible Study at 5 p.m. call 760-223-5293 for more information. Michael Batelaan Kern River Courier

God's gifts - your life and time middle of all this, I counseled with dozens of students, preached sermons, conducted funerals and wrote a book. These were just the major events; most of my hours were spent in the routines of living and all the other unremarkable events that fill everyone's days. As my food arrived, I realized that the real question confronting me wasn't, How did I spend last year? but How will I spend the next? How will I use the most precious of God's gift life and time? I can make long lists of things to accomplish and commit myself to New Year's resolutions. But I really need to do only two things: Love God with all that I am, and love my neighbor as much as I love myself. This is all that really matters. Lord, keep me from seeing my days as something I own but rather as a gift that comes from You.

The God, who wants to be known Dan Schlensker, Courier Columnist A while back I told you about the time I got to shake Dennis Weaver's hand at the Shrine Circus when I was a kid in Southern IN and how I didn't Schlensker wash my hand for a week after that mountain top experience. The point of that piece was that although this famous man, Gun Smoke's Chester, didn't know or care who I was, God, Who is far more famous and infinitely more powerful than Chester, both knows me and cares for me. Most folks in our world today like very much to meet, interact with, or even be acquainted with famous people. And when folks meet someone, who knows a famous person, they want to know, "What's he or she really like?" This fascination and interest in famous people is largely what keeps the tabloids at the store checkout counters in business. That being said, let's look at the situation from the celebrity's perspective. Most celebrities probably would rather not be all that well known - in terms of personal relationships. Many celebrities disguise themselves when they go out. They try hard to protect the privacy of themselves and their families. They are annoyed by the paparazzi, who pry into their personal lives, and when a reporter asks too personal a question, they either clam up, end the interview or abruptly leave the room. Most famous people

■ Kernville First Baptist Church 46 Valley View Drive, Kernville. Sunday 10:00 a.m. 760-376-6403 ■ Kernville United Methodist Church 251 Big Blue Rd., Kernville. Sunday’s 9:30 a.m. 760-376-2751 ■ St. Peter’s Anglican Church 11876 Sierra Way, Kernville. Sunday 10:00 a.m. 760-376-6362 ■ St. Sherrian’s Episcopal Church At Kernville United Methodist Church. Sunday 11 a.m

Wofford Heights

■ Calvary Chapel 125 Sycamore Drive, Wofford Hts. Sunday 10 a.m. and Wed. 6:30 p.m.760-376-8789 ■ Christ Fellowship 80 Evans Road, Wofford Hts. Sun. 10:30 a.m. ■ Canyon Hills Kern River Valley 25 Arden Av., Wofford Hts. Sunday 10:30 a.m. & Thursday 6 p.m. 760-376-6402 ■ Faith Community North Campus 20 W. Panorama, Wofford Hts. Sunday Service 10:30 and 11:15 a.m. 760-376-6719 ■ St. Jude Catholic Church 86 Nellie Dent Dr., Wofford Heights. Sun, 8 a.m. & 10 a.m., Sat. 4 p.m. 760-376-2416

Lake Isabella/Mt.Mesa

■ Christian Assembly 12424 Mountain Mesa Rd., Mt. Mesa. Sunday 10:30 a.m. & 6:00 p.m. 760-379-6377 ■ Church of Christ Mt. Mesa 6400 Dogwood Av., Mt. Mesa. Sunday 9:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. 760-379-4792 ■ Church of Jesus Christ/Latter Day Saints 6400 Park Av., Mt. Mesa. Sunday 10:00 a.m. 760-379-2904 ■ First Baptist Church of Lake Isabella 3701 Suhre, Lake Isabella. Sunday 9:30 a.m. Sunday school 10:45 a.m. 760-379-5615 ■ Garden Community Fellowship 2931 Erskine Creek Rd., Lake Isabella. Sunday 11:00 a.m. Wednesday Bible Study 760-223-5293 ■ Grace Chapel 12312 Mt. Mesa Rd., Mt. Mesa. Sunday 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. 760-379-4093

■ Highland Chapel United Methodist 5301 Lake Isabella Bl., Lake Isabella. Sunday School & Worship 10:30 a.m. 760-379-2120 ■ Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall 1911 Edith Ave., Lake Isabella. 760-379-8672 ■ Kern River Valley Seventh Day Adventist 3810 Golden Spur, Lake Isabella. Saturday Service 9:30 a.m. 760-379-3206 ■ Kern Valley Bible Church 3920 Golden Spur, Lake Isabella. Sunday 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. 760-379-5482 ■ Kern Valley Pentecostal LightHouse 3730 Wagon Wheel Dr., Lake Isabella. Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.,Tue. Ladies study 10 a.m., Wed. mid-week 5 p.m. 760-379-0004 ■ Landmark Missionary Baptist Church 2741 Mountain View Rd, Lake Isabella. Sunday 9:45 a.m. & 5:00 p.m. 760-379-5640 ■ Mt. View Southern Baptist Church 2959 Erskine Creek Rd, Lake Isabella. Sun. 9:00, 11:15 a.m. & 6:00 p.m. 760-379-4296 Services Sunday 11 a.m. 760-379-2343 ■ Salvation Army The local national affiliate Mon. 9 a.m.-1p.m. 6105 Lake Isabella Blvd., Lake Isabella. 760-379-5100. ■ SGI - USA Buddhist Lotus Sutra based discussion and meetings Call 379-6162 for dates and times. ■ Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (LCMS) 377 Highway 155, Lake Isabella. ■ Victory Tabernacle (United Pentecostal) 4324 Birch, Mt. Mesa. Sunday 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. 7 p.m. Wednesday 760-549-3186

Southlake/Weldon

■ Kern Christian Church “The River” 14900 Hwy 178, Southlake. Sunday 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. 760-378-3780 ■ Weldon Baptist Church 20674 Highway 178, Weldon. Sunday 10 a.m. & 4:30 p.m. 760-378-4964. ■ Weldon United Methodist Church 20021 Hwy. 178, Weldon. Sunday 8:30 a.m. 760-378-2321

To include your place of worship, send the information to us by e-mail, mail or in person (our address is on page 2).

do not want to be too well known … up close and personal. Christmas is all about a God, Who earnestly desires to be known by people - all people! Christmas shows the length to which God was willing to go to be known by everybody in the world. He wants to have a personal relationship with everyone! And in order to facilitate that He, Himself, became a human being, with flesh and bones just like ours. He made Himself available to get to know, and to demonstrate His power and trustworthiness in the face of all people, so that they would come to trust Him and allow Him to grace them with His presence. How do you like to be known by others? How do you like to present yourself before others? You would probably like to be known by your creativity, your hard work, your hospitality, your ability to cook, your good looks, your love for kids, your compassion for the unfortunate or your physical abilities or intelligence. God wants us to see Him at His best, and His best presentation of Himself is in the God-Man, Jesus, the Christ, the Babe of Bethlehem, Who was sent into this sin-sick world to make the penalty payment for all its failures and disobedience, all because God so loved the world - and every person in it! At Christmas, we see God at His best in the face of Jesus; we see that He is Love, and we see just how much He wants to have a relationship with every one of us! Dan Schlensker is pastor of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church Lake Isabella.

Bible Trivia By Wilson Casey

Valley places of Worship Kernville

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Message of faith White as snow -

"So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." Psalm 90:12 Last night I stopped at a restaurant for dinner. I was alone and brought my datebook to plan for the next day. After ordering, I gazed at the datebook and realized that this year was almost over. I flipped slowly through the pages of the last twelve months. I was amazed to discover all that can happen in a year: I had accepted a new position and moved from Texas to Georgia. Beth and I had witnessed the wedding vows of our first child Drew and welcomed our daughter-in-law Katie Alice into our family. Our son Luke had entered the insurance industry and our daughter Jodi had graduated from University. Somewhere in the

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Images of

Scott Walker, guideposts.com Courier Inspiration

1. Is the book of Obadiah in the Old or New Testament or neither? 2. Which Babylon king went insane living in the fields eating grass? Nebuchadnezzar, Solomon, Daniel, Herod 3. From Genesis 23, what was the first land purchase in the Bible? Garden, Hilltop, Cave, River shore 4. Which apostle was foreordained to minister to the Gentiles? Thomas, Paul, Andrew, John 5. According to Song of Solomon 1:2, what is love better than? Food, Wine, Money, Song 6. Who was Hananiah's father? Abiah, Azur, Allon, Aretas

Answers:

1) Old; 2) Nebuchadnezzar; 3) Cave; 4) Paul; 5) Wine; 6) Azur

the illustrated bible

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Friday, January 6, 2017 www.kernrivercourier.com

WellBeing K ERN

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real estate

for life

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Kern River Courier Page 5

Dave Says

Talking About Real Estate

Pursue nursing another way

5 Tips on picking a great agent

and your career prospects are all good things. But stay away from student loan debt. It's bad and unnecessary! -Dave

Dave Ramsey Courier Columnist

Dear Dave, I'm 45 years old and a single mom. I Dear Dave, have a decent job, I'm retired, and my husband but I want to go plans to work for several more back to school to years. We have $130,000 in savings become a nurse. accounts, plus a rental property. Ramsey The money would The rental property has a $150,000 be much better mortgage, but we have no other than what I make now, but I'd have debt. Should we sell the rental and to take out student loans to make reinvest in the stock market? this happen. Is it worth the risk? - Barbara - Susan Dear Susan, Dear Barbara, Is nursing a field If I were in your worth pursuing, There's still something of a nurse shoes, I'd be especially when shortage in this country, and there investing in it is something are hospitals and drug companies mutual funds you love and that will agree to pay your school and paying off would increase the rental propyour income sig- bills... - Ramsey erty as fast as nificantly? You possible. That bet! Nursing is a would be my game plan. very honorable profession. Am I When it comes to mutual funds, you going to tell you to take out loans to shouldn't be jumping in and out. The make it happen? Absolutely not! key is to find good ones with long Save as much as you possibly can first track records of success and stability. - even if it's just a little each month. Then, leave the money alone for sevThen, I want you to look into Pell eral years and let it do its thing! Grants, traditional and non-traditional -Dave scholarships and what I call the "indentured servitude" program. Dave Ramsey is America's trusted voice on There's still something of a nurse money and business. He has authored five shortage in this country, and there are New York Times best-selling books. The hospitals and drug companies that Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than will agree to pay your school bills if 8.5 million listeners each week on more than 550 radio stations. Dave's latest projyou go to work for them afterwards ect, EveryDollar, provides a free online for a specific number of years. budget tool. Follow Dave on Twitter at I'm proud of you, Susan. Gaining @DaveRamsey and on the web at daverknowledge and improving yourself amsey.com

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Announcements, Continued from page 3 lic libraries, in partnership with California Department of Veterans Affairs and with the help of local volunteers, have opened a Veterans Resource Center at the Kern River Valley library to help provide veteran's benefits and local service information to veterans and their families. Our volunteers are here to assist you every Tuesday and Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m.

Scholarship support available Mediacom Communications is offering $55,000 in scholarship support for high school seniors who plan to obtain further education. The scholarship program is in its 16th consecutive year and Mediacom's investment will award $1,000 World Class Scholarships to 55 high school seniors. Scholarship recipients are given the flexibility to use the financial award to support educational expenses for higher education or vocational training from any accredited post-secondary institution starting in the fall of 2017. Award selection is based on academic achievement and leadership. Applications for Mediacom's World Class Scholarships are available online at: mediacomworldclass.com. All high schools in Mediacom-served communities were sent informational cards asking school officials to make seniors aware of the scholarship and encourage submission of applications on or before the February 17.

Diamond Jubilee 2017 Whiskey Flat Days is just around the corner and it will be a sparkling festival! The celebration of the 60th Anniversary will kick up the dust big time in 2017. It's the Diamond Jubilee and promises to bigger and better than ever. Jeannette Rogers Erickson, 760-417-2555 and Barbara Hinkey, 760-376-2963 would like you to dig deep into your photo and memorabilia boxes for treasures from Whiskey Flat Days of old, going all the way back to the first in 1957. Photos would be wonderful as will flyers, newspaper articles, badges, Mayor belt buckles and other collectibles from those days gone by. You can bring them into the Kernville Chamber of Commerce office or mail them to: Kernville Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 397, Kernville, CA 93238. They will be scanned or photographed and returned to you in a jiffy. A Whiskey Flat Diamond Jubilee calendar is in the planning and some other surprises are in store for this special celebration of Whiskey Flat Days.

State Route 155 one-way traffic control The California Department of Transportation announces that one-way traffic control will begin next week on State Route 155 within Sequoia National Forest as part of a tree removal project. One-way traffic control will be in effect on State Route 155 within the boundaries of Sequoia National Forest on a weekly basis from Monday morning through Friday evening from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. each day. These closures began on Monday, November 28 and will continue over a period of 4 months. Traffic delays are expected to last up to 20 minutes at a time. Caltrans personnel will be conducting one way traffic control during this time with the use of flagging personnel and a pilot vehicle through the work zone.

Matt Freeman Courier Columnist Tip #1 Experience Matters... Let's face it, buying a home or selling a home is a Freeman huge decision for most people. Unless you are in the real estate business in some capacity, doing any type of real estate deal is exceedingly rare. There are basically five things that are more important than anything else when you are looking for a real estate agent. This week we will focus on what is probably the most important characteristic you will need to look for when finding an agent: experience. A seasoned real estate agent is an asset unlike any other when it comes to either buying or selling a home, a business, any type of property really. There are several reasons for that, namely the fact that the person will know the local market in an intimate manner. A good agent has a "pulse" on the market so to speak, they have the ability to kind of "feel" impending market changes and current market conditions. Took me years to get that ability, and lots of footwork, and research and time, and I grew up in this area! You want somebody that knows the local market conditions well, even down to the individual towns and streets and little nooks and crannies of areas! Trust me it's important to have intimate local knowledge and to have local connec-

tions with other business people and vendors and residents. A real estate agent is an ambassador for their local community, and a good one is also an ambassador for their clients, a go between so to speak. When interviewing agents, be sure to ask them about their past experience as an agent. Ask to see their sales numbers over the past couple of years, ask them how long they have lived in the local area and how long they have been an agent. Ask them why they are a real estate agent, because passion and drive for what you do is so important in this type of work. You want somebody caring, compassionate and who knows their job. Someone who, no matter how many other clients they have, takes the time to meet with you and talk about your needs and wants and who will show you around. You want an agent who gets you on the schedule quick and makes sure to have good follow up communication and who is good at organizing a file. Trust me; it is a juggling act on some real estate transactions, between escrow deadlines, and lender issues, and inspectors and disclosures and the personal needs and wants of both the buyers and sellers. Hire a good juggler. Hire someone with experience and a good reputation and local knowledge, someone who is a legit expert in what they do. Matt Freeman is a realtor with Freeman’s Lakeside Realty 760-379-5915 or 760-223-0880. His column is not intended to replace legal advice.

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Entertainment K E R N

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On the heels of the arrival of two California condors to the California Living Museum last month, the zoo is slated to open yet another new exhibit in late January. The California Coast Room will feature a 10-foot aquatic touch tank housing sea creatures for guests to explore, in addition, a separate moon jellyfish aquarium for viewing. CALM is seeking volunteers to serve as California Coast Room interpreters, whose job will be to supervise the touch tank and assist guests in exploring and learning about the sea life. Those interested in this opportunity must attend one of two training sessions that are scheduled for Jan. 7 and Jan. 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Coast Room interpreters must be at least 18 years old and will be required to volunteer a minimum of four hours twice per month. There is no cost to attend the training, however, Coast Room interpreters must submit to fingerprinting and T.B. testing at their cost. Applications can be downloaded from the CALM website calmzoo.org and submitted by email to the CALM Curator Don Richardson at dorichardson@kern .org or for questions call 661-872-2428. CALM is also recruiting for its docent program. CALM docents are trained to help educate school children and visitors about California wildlife and their habitats and to handle CALM's ambassador animals. The first session of a seven week training course is scheduled for Saturday, February 4, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at CALM. Classes will be held each Saturday through March 18. Minimum time requirement for docents is four hours per month. Minimum age require-

ment is 18 years. Volunteers must attend all sessions and pass a written exam to qualify for the program. Youth ages 13 to 17 can join the team as bio-fact docents. The training schedule is the same as adult docents. Bio-fact docents provide educational interpretation utilizing prepared specimens and artifacts on our rolling carts funded by PG&E. Bio-fact docents also learn to handle smaller ambassador animals during their interpretation. Classroom materials and the training is free, but docents must submit to fingerprinting and T.B. testing at their cost. Docents must commit to a minimum of one year of service. CALM receives more than 600 birds, mammals and reptiles through its statepermitted Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. Animals received are injured, orphaned or otherwise unable to survive without assistance before being released. Because the care for the animals is timeconsuming and requires detailed attention, CALM is seeking dedicated volunteers who are interested in this very rewarding program. A training series has been scheduled for February 4, 11, 18 and 25 from 2 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. at CALM. Volunteers must attend all four sessions to qualify for the program. Volunteers must be prepared to assist CALM's animal keepers in the zoo's Wildlife Rehabilitation Center for 2017, and will learn how to care for more than 600 injured and orphaned animals that come to the facility each year. A small fee will be charged for the rehabilitation class. Participation in the rehabilitation course will require either approved home care for a minimum of three nights each month and/or assist at CALM for a minimum of two, four-hour days each month.

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SUB SCR IBE

Yes!

couch theater

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www.kernrivercourier.com Friday, January 6, 2017

California Living Museum news Rob Meszaros, KCSOS Courier Release

dummies

Couch Theater

Tangled plot Sam Struckhoff Courier Contributor

PICKS OF THE WEEK “The Girl on the Train” (R) Rachel (Emily Blunt) is an alcoholic and a mess since her divorce, and she rides the commuter train through a little suburb twice a day. A woman goes missing (Haley Bennett) and Rachel thinks she saw something from the train, because she looks at that woman's house from the train every day and idealizes the beautiful couple living there. However, the missing woman was Rachel's ex-husband's nanny, and she looks a lot like Rachel's ex's new wife! Got it? Oh, and everybody is really dreary because of all the suburban angst. When your plot is so tangled, plot twists just look like regular ol' plot developments. When your characters are so consistently distraught or uptight, major emotional moments lose their flair. I can't speak to the book, but the film had some complicated narrative threads that weren't woven as intended. "Keeping Up with the Joneses" (PG-13) - On a quiet cul-de-sac, two unbelievably attractive and stylish people move in, paying cash. Karen (Isla Fisher) keeps an eye on them from across the street, because the kids are at summer camp and she needs something to do while her husband Jeff (Zach Galifinakis) works in human resources. Snooping reveals that these new neighbors (John Hamm and Gal Gadot) are actually spies, pushing the unassuming Jeff and Karen into high-stakes espionage

Emily Blunt in "The Girl on the Train"

hijinks. There isn't a bad member of the cast, but every action is stuck in a very tired formula. Jokes come in predictable pacing with expected delivery. You might not be able to call what the misdirect is, but you know what's going to be a misdirect. Galifinakis needs the freedom to be a little weirder, and Hamm shows in some moments that he really does have the timing and tuning for comedy. "Ouija: Origin of Evil" (R) - Set in the late 1960s, the prequel bests its predecessor with better suspense and a relish for the old-fashioned scare flicks of its setting. Alice Zander (Elizabeth Reaser) runs a scam psychic business out of her home, with the special effects run by her two daughters: Lina (Annalise Basso), the teen, and Doris (Lulu Wilson), who is whatever age makes the creepiest possessed-little-demon girls. Once they bring a Ouija board into the act, Doris takes a real liking to it, opening up herself and their home to some really bad spirits. As supernatural terrors mount, Father Tom (Henry Thomas) is called in for support. © 2017 King Features Synd., Inc.

Recipes for Dummies

Wings that fly bake pan. Bake again at 400 degrees for 10 minutes. Serve in crockpot and pour rest of sauce over top. Bodfish Bob’s Crockpot BBQ Wings 5 lbs. chicken wings, with tips cut off 1 (12 oz.) bottle chili sauce 1/3 c. lemon juice 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce 2 tbsp. molasses 2 tsp. Salt 2 tsp. chili powder 1/4 tsp. hot pepper sauce Dash of garlic salt Place wings in crock pot. Combine all remaining ingredients and pour over chicken. Cook on low 6 to 8 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. Bodfish Bob

Bodfish Bob’s Three Alarm Chicken Wings 4 or 5 lbs. chicken drummies 1 c. butter 1 bottle hot pepper sauce 1 1/2 to 2 pkg. Good Seasons Italian Dressing, dry 1/4 c. lemon juice Bake chicken on jelly roll pan at 400 degrees for 30 minutes. Drain off grease. Melt butter, mix in rest of ingredients. Dip each drummie into sauce and put on

Bodfish Bob’s Apricot Chicken Wings 1 pkg. Lipton onion soup 1 jar apricot preserves 1 bottle of clear Russian dressing 2 lbs. chicken wings Bake chicken wings in oven at 350 degrees until tender (1 hour). Mix together soup mix, preserves and Russian dressing. Pour mixture over chicken wings, coating each piece and serve.

Visit Bodfish Bob on the Internet at www.bodfishbob.com or email him at bodfishbob@hotmail.com.

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Matt Freeman Courier Columnist So far the end of 2016 and the beginning of 2017 have been very wet, a good thing! We need all the water and most importantly all Freeman the snow that each of these storms are bringing. Come spring, all this water is going to be good for the fishing and the hunting in our area. It can be hard to catch fish in the dead of winter. Often you will be the only one out there trying when you do go fishing! Some of my best memories as a kid were with my parents as we were slaying trout on Lake Isabella with the snow coming down and our hands freezing! Trout are available year ‘round thanks to the DFW plants in the lake and river, and the Kern River Valley Chamber of Commerce and their generous fish planting right around Fishing Derby time. Lots of those big fish remain uncaught and do nothing but eat and grow all year. We also have a naturally reproducing population of trout in the lake. So here are some of the best ways to take advantage of cold water trout fishing here. Trout are a cold water fish, but they slow down and feed less like other fish when the water temps drop. For the river, don't even try when the water is up and muddy during storms. The fish are spread out and not in a feeding mood and bait and lure presentation is a

tough prospect. Instead, focus on the periods after the water clears back up and the river drops. Fish the slack water in riffles and runs and at the top of large pools. The fish are low and slow because of the water temps but they still eat, so be low and slow like them with your bait and lure presentation. For you bait guys, you can't beat red eggs and crickets. Light line, a small hook and an 18" leader between the hook and bait is the way to go. For lures and flies, fish slow and deep. Get those nymphs down to the bottom with a sinking line and strike indicator. Fish spoons and spinners low and slow and cover all of the water in front of you. The fish are there, you are casting into their living room: you just have to make them want to get off the couch! The same goes for wintertime trout fishing in the Lake. From shore, baits are the way to go unless you see rising fish, then put a bait rod out and cast with the other using a trusty favorite trout lure. Fish areas where there are flats but also a drop off close by. Wintertime trout are cruisers and they like drop offs because bait congregates there. This lake has some monster trout, (thank you fishing derby committee!) they stock some huge fish each year up to 12 lbs. and many are not caught and they are waiting...for you! So grab a rod and a warm jacket and some firewood and I will see you out there! Matt Freeman is a local resident, businessman and outdoorsman and can be reached at cooltuna12@yahoo.com or 760-223-0880.

CDFW no longer accepting cash CDWF Courier Release Starting January 1 the California Department of Fish and Wildlife will no longer accept cash at CDFW's License and Revenue Branch and regional license counters. Individuals who want to make payments at CDFW's License and Revenue Branch or a regional license counter can use checks, money orders, or any debit/credit card with the Visa or

MasterCard logo. This "no-cash policy" will improve customer and employee safety, department efficiency, customer service and provide cost savings. Accepting cash payments is costly in both staff time to process and in armored car services. Cash transactions will still be available for all items sold at authorized local sales agents. For a list of authorized local sales agent locations, visit the Find License Agent page at ca.wildlifelicense.com.

2017 Warden Stamp to raise funds for California officers Clark Blanchard, CDFW Courier Release

K-9 program. "From catching poachers to stopThe 2017 Warden ping polluters, Stamp is now availwildlife officers put able for sale online their lives on the and at California line every day to Department of Fish protect California's and Wildlife license natural resources," sales offices statesaid Chief David wide. The design for Bess of CDFW's this year's fundraisLaw Enforcement ing stamp features a Division. "Displaywhite sturgeon. ing the warden The stamps sell for stamp shows your $5 online at ca.wild commitment to Warden stamp lifelicense.com/inter conservation and netsales/. Proceeds ending poaching in from stamp sales California." fund equipment and training for The 2017 stamp is the eighth to be California's wildlife officers and pro- issued since the program was estabvide funding for special law enforce- lished in 2010. Previous years' stamps ment programs, including CDFW's may also be purchased online.

Fire station ground breaking Jan. 18 Engineers Sacramento District awarded a $7.75 million contract to Macro-Z Technology of Santa Ana for the relocation of the U.S. Forest Service Fire Station and Visitor Information Services office in Lake Isabella. Construction is scheduled to be complete by October 2017. The existing USFS facilities sit in the footprint of the 300-foot-wide emergency spillway to be built between the main and auxiliary dams as part of the Isabella Lake Dam Safety Modification Project. Please join the Sequoia National Forest, Army Corps, elected officials and community partners as we celebrate construction of the newest facility.

Philip DeSenze, Deputy Ranger, USFS Courier Notice U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sacramento District Engineer Colonel David Ray and Sequoia National Forest Supervisor Kevin Elliott invite the media and Kern River Valley residents to a ground breaking ceremony for the new Lake Isabella Fire Station and Visitor Information Services Office on January 18. The 1 p.m. ceremony will be held at the construction site of the future Forest Service Fire Station and Visitor Information Services Office; located at 7158 Lake Isabella Boulevard, Lake Isabella. In July, the U.S. Army Corps of

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M.L. Ludiker Artwork & Design

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Catching cold water trout

Kern River Courier Page 7

Airport

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the great outdoors

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 Robinson Cove 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

ld sfie ker a B To

Lake Isabella

Water Ski Area

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

South Fork Wildlife Parking Area

Southlake

Mountain Mesa

Lake Isabella

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

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

Recreation information

■ U.S. Forest Service Isabella Lake office: 4875 Ponderosa Drive. 760-379-5646

7046 Lake Isabella Blvd. Lake Isabella business only: 760-549-2100

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

Kern County Fire Stations

General information

Sheriff/CHP Substation

■ Kernville Station 76 11018 Kernville Road Kernville business only: 760-376-2219 ■ Lake Isabella Station 72 4500 Lake Isabella Blvd. Lake Isabella business only: 760-379-2626 ■ Southlake Station 71 9000 Navajo Ave. Weldon business calls only: 760-378-3055

■ Kern River Valley Chamber of Commerce 6404 Lake Isabella Blvd. Lake Isabella 760-379-5236 866-KRV4FUN ■ Kernville Chamber of Commerce 11447 Kernville Rd. Kernville 760-376-2629 866-KERNVILLE (corner Sierra Way & Kernville Roads)

KernvilleCarriageCo. e We’rk! c B•aAdvertising • Weddings • Events Banner sponsors: Cheryl's Diner Click Realty Frandy Campground Kern River Courier Pine Cone Inn

Supporting sponsors: Big Blue Bear Kernville Automotive Kern Valley Livestock Co. Primo’s Liquor & Deli Riverside One Stop

River View Lodge Sierra Gateway Markets The Cracked Egg The Mother Lode

“Serving the Kern River Valley” Mike Woodward

kernvillecarriageco.com

310-480-4252

lonestar@kernvalley.com

crosswords

puzzles

Page 8 Kern River Courier

Fun&Games R I V E R

K E R N

comics

horoscope

trivia

>>>

www.kernrivercourier.com Friday, January 6, 2017

Courier c huckle of the week:

”

More Fun & Games

page 9

Answers bottom of page 9

- Henry Ford

760.376.2860

Copy&Print 6392.B Wofford Blvd. Wofford Heights ph.760.376.2860 fx.760.376.2862

Logos Trademarks Artwork Graphics Design Flyers Advertising Marketing Stationery Brochures Business Cards Evelopes Forms Menus Packaging Rubber Stamps Fax, Copy & Print

“

Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.

Sports Quiz By Chris Richcreek 1. In 2015, pitcher Dallas Keuchel set a Houston Astros record for most strikeouts by a left-hander (216). Who had held the mark? 2. Lucas Duda tied a New York Mets record in 2015 for most multi-homer games in a season (seven). Who else did it for the Mets? 3. Who holds the Cleveland Browns mark for most passing yards in a regular-season game? 4. When was the last time before 2016 that Clemson's men's basketball team beat consecutive ranked opponents? 5. With which NHL team did Hall of Fame goalie Rogie Vachon begin his 16-season career? 6. Who was the only Robert Yates Racing driver to win NASCAR's Cup championship? 7. Who was the last non-European tennis player before Milos Raonic in 2016 to reach the final of men's singles at Wimbledon? Answers:

King Crossword

Go Figure

from pages 8 & 9

Super Crossword

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Your batteries should be fully recharged by now, making you more than eager to get back into the swing of things full time. Try to stay focused so that you don't dissipate your energies. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) You're eager to charge straight ahead into your new responsibilities. But you'll have to paw the ground a little longer, until a surprise complication is worked out. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Rival factions are pressuring you to take a stand favoring one side or the other. But this isn't the time to play judge. Bow out as gracefully as possible, without committing yourself to any position. CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Reassure a longtime, trusted confidante that you appreciate his or her words of advice. But at this time, you need to act on what you perceive to be your own sense of self-interest. LEO (July 23 to August 22) You need to let your warm Leonine heart fire up that new relationship if you hope to see it move from the "just friends" level to one that will be as romantic as you could hope for. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) There's still time to repair a misunderstanding with an honest explanation and a heartfelt apology. The sooner you do, the sooner you can get on with

other matters. LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Expect a temporary setback as you progress toward your goal. Use this time to re-examine your plans and see where you might need to make some significant changes. SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Some missteps are revealed as the cause of current problems in a personal or professional partnership. Make the necessary adjustments and then move on. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Jupiter's influence helps you work through a pesky problem, allowing your naturally jovial attitude to re-emerge stronger than ever. Enjoy your success. CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Set aside your usual reluctance to change, and consider reassessing your financial situation so that you can build on its strengths and minimize its weaknesses. AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Some recently acquired information helps open up a dark part of the past. Resolve to put what you've learned to good use. Travel plans continue to be favored. PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Act on your own keen instincts. Your strong Piscean backbone will support you as someone attempts to pressure you into a decision you're not ready to make.

Sudoku

Salome’s Stars

Puzzle Solutions

Kern River Courier Page 9

www.kernrivercourier.com

1. Mike Cuellar, with 203 strikeouts in 1967. 2. Dave Kingman (1976) and Carlos Delgado (2008). 3. Josh McCown threw for 457 yards in a game in 2015. 4. It was 1989. 5. Montreal, in 1967. 6. Dale Jarrett, in 1999. 7. Andy Roddick, in 2009.

Friday, January 6, 2017

for sale

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

Courier

Marketplace

wanted to buy

services

KE RN

RI V E R

find it all here in the Marketplace

Call:760-376-2860

riginal!

Page 10 Kern River Courier

Since

2004

>>>

to buy, sell & trade

www.kernrivercourier.com Friday, January 6, 2017

Services

Homes For rent

Shop the Kern River Valley Barry Bye

Call one of these fine local businesses first!

Lic.#774936 C9-C2-HIC

■ Commercial & Residential ■ Acoustic ■ Custom Texturing ■ Painting ■ Senior Discounts www.barrybyedrywall.com

760-379-4142

Home and office for all your cleaning needs

Maid 2 Clean

Cleaning Services 760 -812-8431

“We do windows”*

Joseph & Brandy - Owners 20 Years Experience Lic#11476

LARRY SCHUPPAN’S Garage Doors and Openers New Sales & Repairs (760) 417-2806 ___________________________

POOL DOCTOR Swimming Pool Service Filters • Pumps • Motors • Cleaners Installed & Repaired • 40 Years Experience Serving the Kern River Valley Since 1997

760-378-2377

With the exception of Microsoft.

Office: 760-379-6259 4613 Lake Isabella Blvd. Lake Isabella Adjacent to Kirkham's Hardware

Tim’s Auto Glass Professional Auto Glass Replacement & Repair 760-379-1900 661-332-8467 760-223-1389 661-332-TIMS timsautoglass23@yahoo.com

Lake Isabella Precision Tax Fastest Refunds Free E-Filing Free Quotes Individual, Corp., Partners 5105 B Lake Isabella Blvd. 760-379-1300

Mark Blackstone’s

Computer Tune-Ups

Ron Brooks

Brooks Technical Electrical

NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL!!!

"Maintenance Service" Electrical • Plumbing • Painting Yard Work • Tree Trimming • Tree Removal • Tractor Work Sprinkler Systems Warner H. Hitch/owner PO Box 1267 Weldon 760-378-3228 Cell: 760-223-2963

Cheryl’s Diner Open 7:00am Breakfast Served All Day Patio Dining 11030 Kernville Road Kernville

760-376-6131

5300 Lake Isabella Blvd. Lake Isabella

760-379-8578

ron@brookstechnicalelectrical.com It it’s technical and electrical, we can do it.

FEED BARN GROOMING Dianne Storm Owner

Dog Grooming • Boarding Kennel Pet Supplies 2100 Edith Street Lake Isabella, CA

760-379-4311

(760) 417-0805

Serving the Kern Valley since 1999

PAUL’S POOL SERVICE

GARLAND’S DRYWALL CA ST LIC #824999

Garland Miller

760-223-6677

MT. MESA Commercial & Residential Contractor’s Lic. #587951 310-347-5208 • 310-533-0584 ___________________________

garlandsdrywall@aol.com

“Come in and visit our store... houseplants, We r! unique gifts e Deliv and more!”

South Fork Transmission Oil Changes while you wait! Brakes - Belts - Hoses Clutches, Differentials, Adjust - Exchange - Repair

760-223-9049 C-10 Lic. No. 794510

Repair, Virus Removal, Web Design

Computer acting up? Running too slow? Got questions? Call me!

Ray’s Painting & Decorating Interior/Exterior Painting Wall Coverings Lowest Rates in the KRV 760-417-9797 • 760-378-2097

Petal Pusher Plus Lake Isabella Florist We are the only Full-Service, AllOccasion Florist in the Kern River Valley 6040 Lake Isabella Blvd. Ste. A, Lake Isabella 760-379-4100 petalpusherplus@ymail,com petalpusherplus.com

RICHARD THE PLUMBER

WWW.JOSTPAINTING.COM

Recycling Lake Isabella Mon-Sat 8-4 Archies, Kernville Thur 8-4 Kern Christian Church Southlake Fri 8-4

Plumbing Repair/Drain Cleaning Heating & Air Conditioning Lic#959019

• Free Estimates • Free Advice • 24/ 7 Day Service

Commercial Space

Firewood For Sale

Home For Sale

Knife Sale $5 and Up - New & Some Used 831-334-3466 “Local” No Minors

Kernville - two warehouse/shop buildngs for lease • one 1,500 sq ft-$600/mo •one 3,700 sq ft-$1,200/mo (2,000 sq ft main level w/1,700 sq ft loft) 760-417-9330

Firewood For Sale Seasoned Almond Wood $295 Cord - Pine $200 Cord Delivered 661-979-9362 ___________________________

At Your Service, Stuff For Sale, Wanted To Buy, Good Stuff, Cool Stuff & Free Stuff, Day Care to Auto Repair, Painting & Grooming, Recyling to Towing, Electric & Plumbing, Pools To Jewels, Miscellaneous, Etc., the Lost is Found. Firewood to Flowers, Homes For Sale, Homes For Rent, Commercial Space to Outer Space,

it all takes place in the

Kern River Courier Maketplace 760-376-2860

Wofford Heights - Sites available in quiet 55+ park, with lake views, laundry facilities & fish house. $300/mo. includes water & trash, call Terry @ 760549-9260.

For Sale or Lease • 20 ac., center of Lake Isabella, many uses • Two 1 1/4 ac. view lots Kernville, water & power, zoned estate • One C-1 lot in town Lake Isabella Call 760-417-0876

Business For Sale

I buy Mobile Homes Cash - 24 Hrs. Call Bert - (760) 964-2514_

6435 Lake Isabella Blvd (Post Office Center)

Firewood - Pine & Oak Also do weedeating, trash hauling, chimney sweeping, tree trimming & car towing. Call Chris - 760-417-1824

Misc. For Sale

Wanted

Lake Isabella Commercial These Offices can be rented separately or can be combined: • 609 sq.ft. Office Space, 1 bathroom, Trash Paid, $450 rent/$400 dep. ...455 sq.ft. Office Space, 1 bathroom, Trash Paid, $375 rent/$400 dep.

Mark Armstrong/Owner-Operator

760-614-0702

Handyman Business 13 years in business. Regular customers. Includes all equipment, tools & trash trailers plus work truck. Asking 20K. Call 760-378-3228

Lake Isabella 2 bedroom/1 bath House with Garage. Tile flooring throughout. Kitchen & Dining are open with Stove. Woodstove, A/C, large privacy Fence & Storage Shed. 1 small dog ok. ALL ELECTRIC. TRASH PAID. Erskine Creek Water. $725 rent/$700 dep.

Kernville-Hi Ho Senior Mobile Home Park, 11901 Sierra Way, 2bd/2ba apartment, $470/mo + dep. & utilities, no pets. 760-376-2671 ____________________________

We Travel to Your Location Repairs-UpGrades-Tuneups Networking-Troubleshooting

760-378-3000

We accept all major Credit Cards

www.AblePm.com

Mon-Fri 9am to 5pm Saturday 9am to 3pm

jOSIE PETERSON MOBILE BUSINESS SERVICES I COME TO YOU Tax Preperation/Gen. Typing (760) 549-9022

Serving the KRV for over 16 years

Lic. #00982861

760-379-5479

760-376-1214 -Fax 760-376-1214

Interior / Exterior Residential / Commercial Quality Products Professional Service Competitive Prices

Serving the Kern River Valley

Mark’s Mobile Computer Repair

marksmobilecomputer repair@gmail.com

@WEB

ABLE

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

4,600 sq. ft., luxury home with 1,000 sq. ft. guest house (both furnished) on 7.5 acres. 2,100 sq. ft. toy barn. 360º views, salt water pool. OWC (760) 417-0876 __________________________ Showcase your home in the Kern River Courier Marketplce Call 760-376-2860

Need Prayer? Call 760-417-6161 KRV Prayer Room

Courier Marketplace Continued on page 11

Friday, January 6, 2017 www.kernrivercourier.com

Kern River Courier Legal Notices FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT DBA #1: SULLY & ASSOCIATES REALTY INC (2016B7377), 12708 Molokai Dr. Bakersfield, CA 93312. Mailing address: 12708 Molokai Dr. Bakersfield, CA 93312. REGISTRANTS: SULLY & ASSOCIATES REALTY INC, 12708 Molokai Dr. Bakersfield, CA 93312. Date the business commenced: 01/20/2012. Business is being conducted as a Corporation. This Fictitious Business Name Statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. 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: Ronnie H. Sullivan, President. This statement filed with the County Clerk of Kern County 12/05/2016 and expires 12/05/2021. Mary B. Bedard, CPA, AuditorController-County Clerk. By: J. Garcia. Published by the Kern River Courier December 16, 23, 30, 2016 and January 6, 2017. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT DBA #1: RIVERSIDE ONE STOP (2016-B7470), DBA# 2: MOUNTAIN RESCUE GEAR (2016-B7471), 10800 Kernville Rd., Kernville, CA 93238. Mailing address: PO Box 116, Kernville, CA 93238. REGISTRANTS: ANTHONY TALBOTT, 38 Alder Court, Kernville, CA 93238; BRENDA TALBOTT, 38 Alder Court, Kernville, CA 93238. Date the business commenced: 00/00/0000. Business is being conducted as a Married Couple. This Fictitious Business Name Statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. 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: Brenda Talbott/Anthony Talbott. This statement filed with the County Clerk of Kern County 12/09/2016 and expires 12/09/2021. Mary B. Bedard, CPA, Auditor-Controller-County Clerk. By: M. Garcia. Published by the Kern River Courier December 16, 23, 30, 2016, and January 6, 2017. NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF ARLENE V. KOVALOVSKY BPB-16-002808 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of ARLENE V. KOVALOVSKY A PETITION for Probate has been filed by: YOLANDA HERRERA in the Superior Court of California, County of KERN. THE PETITION for Probate requests that YOLANDA HERRERA be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. THE PETITION requests the decedent's will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A HEARING on the petition will be held on: April 6, 2017 at 9:00 A.M. in Dept. P, located at 1215 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301. IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the deceased, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within four months from the

date of first issuance of letters as provided in section 9100 of the California Probate Code. The time for filing claims will not expire before four months from the hearing date noticed above. YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a formal Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for petitioner: PHYLLIS M. HIX, Atty. P.O. Box 1940 Kernville, CA 93238 (760) 376-3761 (Published: Kern River Courier: December 16, 23, 30, 2016 and January 6, 2017) ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME Fictitious Business Name being abandoned: TY'S YARD SERVICE (2016-B0622) Street address of business: 2613 Lucerne Way, Lake Isabella CA 93240. Mailing address of Business: 2613 Lucerne Way, Lake Isabella CA 93240. REGISTRANT WHO WISHES TO ABANDON THE BUSINESS NAME: Tyler David Simmons, 2613 Lucerne Way, Lake Isabella CA 93240. Original FBN Statement Filed on: 03/01/2016. This Statement of Abandonment filed on: 01/28/2016. Mary B. Bedard, CPA, AuditorController-County Clerk by M. Garcia, Deputy Clerk. Published by the Kern River Courier December 23, 30, 2016, January 6, and 13, 2017. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT DBA #1: SIERRA AUTOMOTIVE (2016-B7582), 637 Panorama Dr. Wofford Heights, CA 93285. Mailing address: 637 Panorama Dr. Wofford Heights, CA 93285. REGISTRANTS: ERON SCOTT LYKINS, 71 Sirretta St., Kernville, CA 93238. Date the business commenced: 00/00/0000. Business is being conducted as an Individual. This Fictitious Business Name Statement expires five years from the date it was filed in the office of the County Clerk. 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: Eron Scott Lykins. This statement filed with the County Clerk of Kern County 12/14/2016 and expires 12/14/2021. Mary B. Bedard, CPA, Auditor-Controller-County Clerk. By: J. Bojorquez. Published by the Kern River Courier December 23, 30, 2016, January 6, and 13, 2017.

Fictitious Business Names Application to sell or the Transfer of Alcoholic Beverage License Administration of Estate Notice of Public Hearings Notice of Lien Sale

Courier K E R N R I V

E R

“Advertise where it counts”

Marketplace Continued from Page 10 Homes for Rent

Need to Sell Your House Fast? I buy Houses & Mobile Homes With Land - Cash Today Call Harvey - (760) 304-8554

Help Wanted 760-592-6468 www.ipmkrv.com

Blue Jay Trailer Park Located conveniently off boulevard. On-site laundry facility. Water and trash included. SPACE #10 - VACANT SPACE - Rent $250/mo. SPACE #4 - 1bd/1ba unit w/additional storage. Rent $350/mo. SPACE #8 - 1bd/1ba unit, small fenced yard area, patio. Rent $400/mo. Lake Isabella - 3bd/3ba home, new flooring and carpet throughout, fireplace, laundry room, fenced yard, 2-car garage. Rent $950/mo.

Commission Advertising Sales Representative for the Kern Valley and Bakersfield areas. Ideal candidate has sales experience, independent, motivated, a clean DMV and reliable transportation. Please mail/e-mail resume to: Kern River Courier, P.O. Box 1145, Wofford Heights, CA 93285 or: office@kernriver No phone calls courier.com please.

Mobiles For Sale I buy Mobile Homes Cash - 24 Hrs. Call Bert - (760) 964-2514 All it takes is an ad in the

Kern River Courier Maketplace

Kern River Courier Page 11 Better Business Bureau New Year, new you

Tips on choosing the right gym membership Kayleena Speakman, BBB Courier Resolutions New Year, New Me: It's a saying that a countless number of people use to signify the end of a year and a fresh start for the next, all while tying in their New Year's Resolutions. Living a healthier lifestyle (41.1 percent) and losing weight (39.6 percent) were among the top three New Year's Resolutions for 2016, with weight related resolutions constantly among the top every single year. Gym memberships see a huge increase in January with many gyms offering free trial periods, discounts and introductory specials if you sign up with that New Year's special. While that is an enticing way to get new clients, especially when their resolution is weight related, make sure you know exactly what you are signing up for. Better Business Bureau Serving Central California and Inland Empire Counties has a few tips and things to look out for when signing up for a new gym membership. ■ Read the renewal policy Some gym contracts automati-

cally renew, or require a written notice to cancel 30-60 days before your contract expires. Make sure you understand how to cancel or approve a new contract and keep track of that date. ■ Know the terms after the introductory offer ends Many gyms lure new members by using an introductory special, discounts, or free months. Be sure to read the fine print and know exactly what the payments will be after the special ends. ■ Know how to get out of your contract Whether you're moving away, you can't afford it anymore, or you just want out of your contract then make sure you know exactly what to expect. Some gyms charge early termination fees for breaking your contract before your renewal date. Be sure to read the contract carefully so you know what steps to take in case you do have to cancel; that way you aren't left with an unpleasant surprise. ■ Don't allow the gym to automatically withdraw money from your checking Always use a credit card or electronic bill pay instead to avoid the risk of the gym withdrawing

money after ending your contract. ■ Don't give into highpressure sales tactics Take your time when choosing a new gym and don't feel pressured to sign right then and there. Any reputable gym or fitness club will give you plenty of time to thoroughly read your contract, give you a tour of the facility, and answer any questions you have. ■ Ask what happens if the gym suddenly closes Some gyms have closed up shop and still taken customers' money. Ask the gym to explain to you what would happen if they ever did go under. ■ Get everything in writing If an employee at the gym promises you something to entice you then make sure to get it in writing that way there is no dispute later on. Also, always read the fine print in your contract and know exactly what you are signing. Before signing up with any gym or weight loss program check the company out at bbb.org. If you have any problems or issues with the service feel free to provide the BBB with a customer review.

Better Business Bureau New Year, new you

Financial tips on managing your money BBB release Courier Resolutions The New Year is a great way to not only get a fresh start, but to also reflect on the years past. According to a survey by GOBankingRates.com, save more, spend less is the top financial New Year's Resolution for 2017, with paying down debt ranking at number two. In a recent Student Loan Hero survey, they found that two-thirds of people are setting a New Year's Resolution relating to finances for 2017, with their top resolution being to pay down debt. Setting a New Year's Resolution for yourself is easy, but actually committing to it and following through is a different story. Better Business Bureau Serving Central California and Inland Empire Counties recommend these following tips to improve your finances and shave off any debt you have rolling over from the New Year. ■ Calculate your income Calculate your net monthly income, which is after taxes, so you can start setting up a budget with exactly what you are bringing home. ■ Track your expenses There are multiple apps you can use to keep better track of your expenses. Intuit, Inc., also known as Mint, is a BBB accredited business that helps track all

of your spending, that way you can see exactly where your money is going instead of just assuming. When downloading apps from the app store, make sure that you've downloaded the authentic app and be wary of counterfeit ones. ■ Set a budget Once you have an idea of what you are making every month and what you are spending you can set up a realistic budget. You can do it the old fashioned pen and paper way, or use some online tools. Just make sure to verify the website/app beforehand, and never share any personal identifying information unless you are sure the company is legitimate. ■ Pay down your debt Try and pay off your credit card account or loan with the highest interest rate first, that way you're not throwing away extra money every month in interest. ■ Pay all your bills on time If you have a tendency to forget to pay your bills on time then opt for automatic bill pay, that way you aren't charged late fees and penalties for missed payments. Also, if you don't want to set up automatic bill pay then at least opt for online bill pay. You won't be charged any extra expenses like postage fees and stamps, and you know the payment got sent in on time. ■ Save for emergencies and big things Emergencies like home & car

repair, job loss, and unexpected medical expenses can blow your budget. Experts recommend saving for roughly 3-6 months of living expenses. Also, save for any big trips or purchases ahead of time and plan for it. Only spend what you saved for and don't tack on any extra expenses. ■ Stop spending recklessly Don't shell out money for unnecessary things that you really don't need. Also, don't try and keep up with the Joneses. If you hang out with people who throw away a ton of money on high priced items you may want to do the same to keep up. This will only put you in debt later on. ■ Increase your retirement savings Make sure you're contributing enough to your 401k plan to get the full matching contribution from your employer, just make sure you don't use extra money you will need in the short or mid-term. If you get a raise at your job put that extra money aside in your retirement account. You were able to survive on that income for this long so you won't miss that extra cash and your retirement account will greatly benefit. For more information on making smarter choices for managing and reducing your debt, and saving money, go to bbb.org and read BBB's financial Building Blocks.

Got Advertising? from as low as $5.50 a week

to place your ad call License #01986312

6505 Wofford Blvd., #3

760-376-2860 “Advertise where it counts” 760-376-2860

Page 12 Kern River Courier

www.kernrivercourier.com

Heffner

Apple named interim Library Director Allan Krauter, Kern Administrative Office Courier Release

Michael Batelaan/Kern River Courier

Final bell - Family, Kern County Fire, Kern County Sheriff Department, Bakersfeild Fire, Forest Service fire groups, Liberty Ambulance personnel and friends laid to rest retired Battalion Chief Michael Heffner Monday at the Kern Valley Cemetary after his final battle with leukemia. Hefner served Kern County 28 years from 1985 to 2013. Fire and law enforcement honored Heffner with a funeral procession of lighted vehicles from Station 71 in Southlake where he once served around the lake to the cemetary in Wofford Heights.

Elks deliver food and presents Pat Terrell, KRV Elks 2358 Courier Community On December 17, the Kern River Valley Elks 2358 delivered food, clothing and toys to 73 families using two Elks National Foundation Grants. While the Christmas Basket program is an annual event for the Lodge, the Beacon Grant allowed them to target 25 families who survived the devastating Erskine Fire. The mission of the Elks National Foundation is to help Elks build stronger communities. They fulfill this pledge by investing in communities where Elks live and work. The Kern

River Valley Elks applied for ENF Community Investment Program grants, using a Gratitude Grant for our ongoing practice of helping needy families at Christmas and a Beacon Grant to help families affected by the Erskine Fire. Generous donations by members of the Lodge provided the additional money, food and toys for the Christmas boxes. In all, 186 adults and 197 children benefited from the Christmas Basket program this year. On December 18, the Ladies of the Elks hosted a Childrens Christmas Party. 130 youngsters got to sit on Santa's lap and were given a toy and a "goodie" box filled with snacks.

Stake your claim now! to Whiskey Flat Riches Rates vary by claim size See one of these claim jumpers to reserve your place now, in the Claim Jumper deadline is January 18th 2017 Ring: 760-376-2860

Friday, January 6, 2017

The Board of Supervisors appointed Assistant Library Director Andie Apple as Kern County Interim Director of Libraries, effective on December 23. Apple will replace Nancy Kerr, who is resigning this month to take a librarian position in Bellingham, Washington. Apple has more than 19 years of library experience, serving as Assistant Library Director since 2011. She has developed and coordinated several countywide events and projects including the One Book Project, the Summer Reading Challenge, the Summer Lunch Program, and the Thank-a-Vet Art Card Project. Apple has also been integral in developing annual Library budgets and has supplemented County library funds by securing grants to

Cuddle, Continued from page 1 and focus as well. Cuddling also helps a mother better bond with her infant or toddler children. As cuddling releases oxytocin, it relaxes the mother so breastfeeding may come more easily. It also enables sleep, even when the mother might have difficulty sleeping with a newborn in the house.

Cause, Continued from page 1 December 23 marked six months since the devastating fire scarred Lake Isabella and surrounding areas. The cause of that destructive inferno remained unsolved for months. The fire captured the nation's attention as millions watched in disbelieve as the fire flattened communities By the time it was con-

develop literacy and digital literacy in Spanish speakers, veterans, job seekers, children, and early learners. Community partnerships that Apple has fostered have helped to strengthen library programming and outreach. Partnerships with the Kern County Department of Public Health, California State University, Bakersfield and the City of Shafter have expanded the Library's role as a provider of

learning and literacy. Apple earned a Bachelor's degree in Sociology with a minor in Criminology at California State University, Bakersfield while she was employed as a library aide. After she completed her Master's degree in Library and Information Science at San Jose State University, Apple became a Kern County librarian. She serves on several volunteer bodies that are focused on reading standards, nutritional education, and youth job training. "The Library continues to serve as a critical information center for communities throughout Kern County," Board of Supervisors Chairman Mick Gleason said. "Andie Apple is a capable and enthusiastic advocate for literacy, libraries, and learning, and we are pleased to be able to call upon her experience and her community ties in leading the Library."

Cuddling can actually help with social anxiety which helps you have a positive outlook on the world. Cuddling doesn't even have to be between you and your romantic partner. Don't have someone to cuddle up with? Make an appointment for a massage. Studies show massage provides similar benefits. You can also go and hug your friends or play with your pets. If you don't want to be so social or don't have a

furry friend, never fear! You can rub your own shoulders, take a warm bath or of course, get a massage. To celebrate, all we would have to do is go out, socialize with our friends, or hug our family. Play with our pets, cuddle up by the fire with our significant other, or listen to music. Perhaps you and your significant other can competitively okay against each other in a video game.

Apple

tained, nearly 48,000 acres were charred. Over 300 structures were destroyed. And an elderly couple lost their lives. The total suppression cost for the blaze was about $23 million. That doesn't count the amount of property damaged in the fire. Attorneys Shawn Caine and Christopher Sieglock, along with the Law Offices of Kenneth Roye, also said that day that they represent more than 200 people who suffered losses in the fire.

BLM, Continued from page 1 Department has determined that the Erskine Fire was caused by an electric power line that came in contact with a tree. We are reviewing the investigation report before determining what further actions will be taken. We will continue to coordinate with them and appropriate agencies. For information, please contact ErskineReport@blm.gov.”

Sand availability announced Kern County Fire Department Courier Release Due to the rain, the Kern County Fire Department invites residents to obtain sand for sand bags to alleviate property damage from flowing water. Please note that the Kern County Fire Department will not be handing out sandbags at any fire station. Sand for sandbags is available in limited quantities at the following locations in the Kern River Valley: ■ Lake Isabella "Tank Park", Lake Isabella Blvd and Elizabeth Norris Road. ■ Wofford Heights Park, East Evans

Road. ■ Squirrel Mountain Valley, at McCray Rd. and Dogwood Ave. ■ Hanning Flat, Sierra Way. ■ Kernville, at the Rodeo grounds, Scodie Ave. ■ Havilah, at Cal Bodfish Rd. ■ Twin Oaks, at Ed Oakley Hall When possible, use close-weave burlap bags as sandbags. Fill sandbags half-full. Use sand if it is available, but any local soil may be used. For complete information about being ready for possible flooding in a wildfire area, go to kerncounty fire.org/images/stories/rsg_flood.pdf.