Volume 2 - Issue 8
April - May 1, April 1717 - May 1,2009 2009
Colusa county teen cultivates carrer
En Español las páginas 11
FREE/GRATIS
WPD Officer Renea Garcia Recognized
COMING EVENTS Electronic Recycling Day April 25 Friends of the Library Wine Tasting & Art Show May 2 @1pm the City Council recognized Coach Garcia and his team during a proclamation presentation on April 8th. (Courtesy Photo)
Arbuckle Revitalization Carnitas Cook Off May 3 @ 12PM Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner April 23 @ 6Pm OLL Wine Tasting April 18 @ 2Pm Colusa County Fair Entry Deadlines See Page 3
STAFF REPORT
Wrestlers, boys and girls alike, are taking to the mat. Colusa Wrestling Club has grown from just four members to 24 in just one year. (Staff Photo)
by: LIZ KALFSBEEK Writer/Contributor
L
ogan Ornbaun is busier than most. When he’s not helping calve his heifers, he’s growing 70 acres of organic For more community events rice, or planting a special please see our Community Calendar on Page 14 vetch-oat mix in the field, or concocting custom cattle feeds, which he sells to local or he’s catching up What’s Inside This Issue ranchers, on his school work for Pierce Section Page High School, or … well, you Weather ............................... 2 get the idea. Opinion ............................... 4 The 17-year-old senior has News Back Then ............... 6 always had a love for animals Home & Garden ............... 7 and the land. More than that, Community Calendar .. 12 he has a drive and ambition Classifieds .........................13 unrivalled by many his age. WPR Español .................... 11 “I don’t know how to explain it. It’s in my blood, I guess,” Ornbaun says of his panache for farming and ranching. “ WILLIAMS PIONEER It’s a trade you learn, and once REVIEW I got into it I was hooked. I love learning something new 317 Fifth Street every year.” Colusa, CA 95932 His late great-grandfather, Office: (530) 458-2675 Chester Spooner, was also Direct: 530.383.4861 instrumental in shaping Fax: 1.480.287.8794 Ornbaun’s passion. “I learned a lot from him,” said SUBMIT STORIES TO submissions@williamspioneereview.com Ornbaun. “He had a lot of good stories.” ADVERTISING graphics@williamspioneereview.com Ornbaun has been an active 4-H and FFA member over EDITOR & PUBLISHER publisher@williamspioneereview.com the years and began in 4-H
with a lamb. He got into raising steers shortly after and has since racked up a track record of awards. That very first lamb, by the way, is still around. “Jules” lives in the barn and is now a family pet, keeping company with a miniature horse. Under the guidance of agriculture teacher and FFA advisor Lori Niesen at Maxwell High School, Ornbaun won a State FFA Degree, which required more than 500 hours of work on a project. He also won the title of Superior Region Winner for Grain Production Entrepreneurship for his organic rice. Both awards were awarded at Chico State University in March 2008. By winning the Superior Region Grain Production Entrepreneurship award, Ornbaun was given the opportunity to compete for the state title, which he went on to win after a rigorous interview process. Awarded the state winner’s plaque and $250 at Fresno State University in April 2008, Ornbaun’s FFA record book was sent to the National FFA. Continued on page 14
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he following is a speech given by Williams Mayor Patricia Ash honoring Williams Police Officer Renea Garcia: “Tonight it is my pleasure on behalf of the Williams City Council and City of Williams, to honor one our own. Renae Garcia, a member of our police force since 2002, has been very involved with our youth. He is instrumental in promoting the G.R.E.A.T. program (Gang resistance education and training) for our fourth graders, he has been a juvenile councilor at Fout’s Springs Boys Camp, and is a field training officer, training new recruitments on the police force.
As if trying to raise four daughters isn’t enough, Officer Garcia has repeatedly put his heart and soul into promoting the betterment of the youth in Williams. Not only is he a familiar face on our campus in uniform, but he has also given his free time as a coach. He has helped provide our students with the tools they will need to succeed when they leave our campus. You see, it’s not only our teachers who prepare our youngsters with an education to better their lives, but our coaches do as well. Not only must they teach the skills needed to play the game, but instill in them the importance of respect, teamwork, fair play Continued on page 14
Electronic Recycling Day - April 25 SPECIAL TO THE WPR
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nce again the Colusa County Fairgrounds will host an event for the disposal and recycling of electronic items. The Fairgrounds is partnering with Electronic Recyclers International to provide this service, free of charge, on April 25 at the fairgrounds, open to the public from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Fair CEO Carolan Meek explains this is an opportunity for everyone to get rid of old televisions, computer monitors, LCD and plasma screens, laptops, computer towers, printers and copiers. However, household appliances, batteries or light bulbs will not be accepted. Electronic Recyclers will also take fax machines, calculators, stereo systems, keyboards, computer mice, speakers, and cellular and regular telephones. “All these items will be recycled free of charge,” says Meek. For more information, contact the Colusa County Fair office at 530-458-2641.