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Coming Events Spotlight Colusa County General Plan Meeting......................... January 12 USDA Workshop........... January 20 Catholic Ladies Relief Society Card Party.................... January 22 Maxwell Little League Signups........................ January 26 Cioppino Dinner............ January 29

snowday rings in 2011 By:

Lloyd green jr.

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illiams, Arbuckle and Maxwell residents woke up to snow on New Year’s Day 2011. “Gammy! It’s snowing! Is it Christmas again?” said Aden Collins as he awoke early Saturday morning.

Temperatures were cold on Friday and Saturday across the Central Valley, particularly in the higher elevations. Residents of Arbuckle, located in the southern end of Colusa County, reported two inches on the ground along Interstate 5.

The young and young at heart put on their jackets and mittens and braved the ice cold snow to build Aiden Collins warms his hands after building a snowman on New Years Day. Submitted Photo snowmen and toss a few snowballs at By: Barbara Mayberry. friends and loved ones. “It’s amazing how a little snow brings out the kid in all of us!” said Barbara Mayberry.

The snow not only entertained the locals, Christiana Quijamo and

Submitted Photo By: Ken Edwards.

Aiden McFarland of Esparto stopped off in Arbuckle to play in the snow.

It may seem unusual for snow this low in the valley, with Arbuckle’s elevation at 141 feet. However, the area has a very consistent history of snow fall. Every seven to eight years, Arbuckle residents report snow fall ranging from a light dusting to snow that has melted away by noon. The last time Arbuckle has seen heavy snow of this magnitude was back in 1990. Williams’s residents report light snow fall every ten years.

More photos can be found on our facebook page.

Christiana Quijamo and Aiden McFarland of Esparto stopped in Arbuckle to build a snowman and play in the snow. Staff Photo.

Downown Arbuckle on ‘Snowday’ January 1, 2011. Staff Photo.

a SPECTACULAR cHRISTMAS GRIMES firefighers’ new years PERFORMANCE HELD IN GRIMES pancake breakfast a success!

Grand Island Band performs for at the Spectacular Christmas Performance. Staff Photo.

By:

Lloyd green jr.

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n December 15th, 2010 the Grimes Elementary School held their annual Spectacular Christmas Performance.

A full house of family and friends enjoyed the hilarious holiday excursion to the Great White Way as Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the rest of the

Grimes Volunteer Firefighters’ host their 14th Annual Pancake Breakfast on Saturday December 26, 2010. Staff Photo.

North Pole gang make Braodway By: Lloyd green jr.

History performing Santa’s original stage play. he Grimes Volunteer In Addition, the Grand Island Firefighers held their 14th Band, under the direction of Mr. Ron Annual Pancake Breakfast on Rector peformed holiday classics.

The Kindergarten class peformed Saturday January 1, 2011. a melody of christmas favorites as Any donation amount got you in the door to a buffet of pancakes, well. biscuits and gravy, fried potatoes, bacon, scrambled eggs, sausage, and

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Iconic restaruant along interstate 5 in dunnigan closes Doors By:

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elizabeth kalfsbeek

fter 63 years in business, Dunnigan icon Bill and Kathy’s Restaurant has officially closed its doors. Patrons were able to order “last call,” literally, New Year’s Eve. “Business is just down,” said Kelly Strong who co-owned the business with her mother, Yvonne, and brother, Jim. “There are not enough people coming through the

door.”

Due to the economy, Bill and Kathy’s has been losing money for the last two years. Until now, the restaurant has made enough money during the busy travel months of summer to pull through the winter, a slower time with fewer travellers.

That is no longer the case, which contributed to the recent decision to shut the doors at the end of 2010.

The restaurant has been for sale since July. To date, no buyer has

come through.

Attempts had been made to make cutbacks in order to keep the restaurant open. Last November Strong laid off her first and only employee. A few others have left and have not been replaced. Finally, in July, the decision was made to no longer provide health insurance for the 34 restaurant employees.

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made to order breakfast buritos.

“The food was very good,” said Jannis Fetters from Arbuckle who has attended the event for the past several years.

In addition to locals from around the county, a car club from Sacramento takes an annual trip to Grimes just for the breakfast.

WHATS INSIDE? W.E.S. Spreads Holiday Cheer.

Bill & Kathy’s Closes Pierce Says Farewell to Principal Spring Semester starts soon for WCC Colusa County

Williams pioneer review

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January 8, 2011 - January 21, 2011

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january W.e.S. Spreads holiday cheer natural gas rates to remain steady compaired to last year submitted to the WPR

Third Graders from Williams Elementary School sang Christmas Carols at Valley West Convalescent Hospital on Thursday, December 16, 2010. Many of the residents and caregivers joined in on “Jingle Bells” and “Rudolph”, and there was not a dry eye in the house during “Silent Night”. Submitted Photo by: Barbara Mayberry.

COLUSA COUNTY STUDENTS RECOGNIZED

BY STATEWIDE AGRICULTURE FOUNDATION submitted to the WPR

F

our Colusa County student authors have been named regional winners of California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom's Imagine this...

Story Writing Contest, sponsored by the Walmart Foundation. From more than 10,000 essays written by 3rd-8th grade students across the state, the following students were selected for their creativity, writing skills, and positive interpretation of California agriculture industry: • Cindy Morfin, 3rd grade, Williams Elementary School (Williams) for her story, A Magical Field Trip • Guadalupe Landeros, 3rd grade, Williams Elementary School (Williams) for her story, Once Upon a Delicious Dream • Wyatt Perry, 6th grade, Maxwell

bill & kathy’s closes “It was devastating to take away their health insurance, and, above that, to tell them that we put (the business) on the market,” Strong explained. “It’s the worst thing I’ve ever been through besides losing a family member, and all of these employees are like family.”

The staff turnover rate at the restaurant has never been high, with employees working on average for 15 years or more. Pat Frazier retired in 2008 after working at Bill and Kathy’s for 46 years, and through three generations of ownership. She felt as though the restaurant was a second home, and thinks of the Strong children, including Kelly, as her own.

“It breaks my heart,” Frazier said.

“It breaks a lot of people’s hearts to see this landmark close up. It will affect a lot of people. It’s going to be a tear jerker.”

Jeremy Jenkins worked at Bill and Kathy’s for 16 years, since the age of 13.

“It’s really sad,” Jenkins said of the closure. “For me, everybody here is like family and it’s been hard.

It’s more than a place to work; it’s a family I’ve gotten to know over the years. I want to really thank Kelly and Yvonne for being great bosses, which is why I’ve devoted so much time here.”

Besides travellers, Bill and Kathy’s boasted a large base of local patrons, many of whom have been eating at the restaurant for decades.

Strong said they saw the fourth generation of area families coming through.

“I think the community is in shock,” Strong said. “Bill and Kathy’s

PG&E colusa generating station begins commercial operation submitted to the WPR New 660 Megawatt Facility Serves More than 500,000 Homes

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anuary 2011 natural gas rates for Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s (PG&E) residential customers will be about the same as natural gas rates in January 2010, as increased costs for maintenance, operation and mandated social programs will be offset by a decrease in natural gas prices. The average residential gas bill, however, may be slightly higher than last January because of increased usage driven by colder temperatures.

Natural gas costs can change quickly during the winter months depending on weather and market conditions. PG&E takes steps to protect customers from significant price fluctuations, including smart purchasing decisions and using its extensive pipeline and storage infrastructure to purchase and store natural gas when it is less expensive in anticipation of winter demand. The utility passes the wholesale price of natural gas through to customers without mark-up.

Customers can also take steps to help reduce their natural gas bills. Simply turning down your thermostat by just one or two degrees and wrapping older, working water heaters (pre-1999) with an insulating jacket are some simple ways to reduce your gas use. To learn more about natural gas conservation tips, please visit www.pge.com. Customers in need of assistance with bill payment should call 800-PGE-5000.

www.williamspioneerreview.com

is Dunnigan, they’ve told me, and generations of people have come through. Nothing’s going to be the same.”

Locals knew Friday nights are short ribs and Sunday is roasted turkey with gravy, a fact that hasn’t changed in four decades, just like the menu.

Strong’s grandparents, Bill and Kathy Greene, originally bought what would become Bill and Kathy’s Restaurant from Vern and Ines Finch in 1947. At the time, the establishment was a Chevron station that sold cold sandwiches and had a beer and wine license. The station was located at the triangle intersection in Dunnigan.

Over the next several years a bar, coffee shop and dining room was added. The gas pumps were removed when Chevron built a gas station next door.

When Bill Greene found out Interstate 5 was going through in 1969, he purchased land where the present-day Bill & Kathy’s Restaurant is located. Prior to the Interstate, the Frontage Road was the main thruway through the area.

The upgraded restaurant officially opened 40 years ago on Dec. 26, 1970, a few months after the freeway was open to traffic.

The restaurant was the only stop on I-5 for years, from the Nut Tree in Vacaville north.

“I want to thank all our loyal customers and everybody for a good 63 years,” Strong said. “I’d love for a local family to come through and buy it, revive it, and start another 63 years. One door closes before another opens.”

Elementary School (Maxwell) for his story, My Daddy's Farm • Maureen LaGrande, 6th grade, Maxwell Elementary School (Maxwell) for her story, Ladybug Enlightening Hundreds of California teachers participate in this annual contest by assigning their students the task of researching an aspect of the agriculture industry, and challenging them to incorporate these facts into their own creative story. The success of this contest is largely attributed to the fact that it meets state English-Language Arts teaching requirements, and also provides an opportunity for students to explore topics they have limited knowledge of.

"Despite being the nation's top producing agriculture state, many Californians have limited knowledge about the industry that produces their food, clothing and shelter.

Imagine this... gives students a way to explore the world of agriculture even if they've never stepped foot on farmland," said Ag in the Classroom Executive Director, Judy Culbertson.

Regional winners receive a plaque, a book about agriculture and resources for their teachers.

State winners of the contest will be announced in January, and will have their stories printed and visually adapted into a book, also entitled Imagine this..., featuring illustrations by students from California high school art departments. The book will debut during National Agriculture Week in March in Sacramento.

The contest's purpose is to promote reading, writing and the arts and to further the public's understanding of agriculture.

acific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) announced today that the Colusa Generating Station near the town of Maxwell in Colusa County has begun commercial operation and is providing electricity to the utility’s Northern and Central Californian customers. The facility, which generates enough energy to meet the needs of more than half a million average homes, incorporates the latest technology and environmental design to reduce emissions and dramatically lower water usage compared to conventional natural gas power plants.

“The Colusa Generating Station is producing some of the cleanest electricity available from natural gas,” said Randy Livingston, vice president of power generation for PG&E. “The project is a prime example of how PG&E continues to pursue the cleanest resources and technology available to meet the energy needs of our customers.”

Cleaner-burning and more efficient facilities will allow the Colusa Generating Station to use less fuel and emit 35 percent less carbon dioxide than older power plants and use 97 percent less water than plants with conventional water cooling systems. Moreover, the plant is designed to reduce its power output when renewable energy sources like wind and solar become available, aiding with the integration of these resources into the state’s power mix.

Construction of the 660-megawatt facility broke ground on November 19, 2008. At the peak, about 800 people worked on the project and provided a boost to the local economy. PG&E has hired 27 full-time employees to operate and maintain the facility.

The Colusa Generating Station is a key component in PG&E’s comprehensive energy strategy to meet California’s future energy needs with cost-effective and clean power supplies. The strategy relies on an aggressive expansion of customer energy efficiency and demand-side management programs and looks to secure additional renewable power resources before seeking to meet the remainder of customers’ energy needs through efficient traditional generation resources.

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January 8, 2011 - January 21, 2011

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edstrom retires after helping quadruple almond yields

John Edstrom. Submitted Photo. submitted to the WPR

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ohn Edstrom, who helped boost almond yields and prove walnuts could be grown on Colusa County’s west side, will retire on Jan. 1.

For the past 26 years, the UC Cooperative Extension farm advisor has studied almonds, walnuts and prunes, working with growers in Sutter and Yuba counties as well as Colusa. Growers credit Edstrom’s research and extension efforts for transforming almond and walnut farming systems.

Colusa County farmers knew walnuts thrived on deep, fertile soils, in which their roots could sink 10 feet to anchor a towering tree. They knew the land near Arbuckle, with its shallow soils and unpredictable clay layering, was suitable only for the more surface-rooted almonds that have been growing there since the 1890s.

"Nobody grew walnuts on the west side at all," said Colusa County grower Gary Henderson.

Seeking opportunities for growers to diversify their crops, Edstrom planted a test plot of walnut trees at the Nickels Soil Laboratory in Arbuckle in 1986.

Edstrom and UC Cooperative Extension farm advisor Bill Krueger set up a walnut orchard with 202 trees per acre, much closer spacing than the 60 trees per acre found in a traditional orchard. Edstrom selected two varieties that produce a large proportion of walnuts on lateral buds, which allows for hedgerow planting and mechanical pruning. Each year, a giant hedger with eight 36-inch saws buzzed down one side of the tree rows, cropping back branches and encouraging production. In alternate years, they pruned the opposite side of the trees. Rather than being flood irrigated as most walnut orchards, the Nickels orchard was watered and fertilized using precise drip irrigation.

The dense plantings compensated for the marginal soils.

"Harvesting two tons per acre is considered a good yield," Edstrom said. “In our first planting, we peaked at three and a half tons per acre.”

"We've planted 120 acres, copying the varieties and hedgerows at Nickels, and it's been very successful," Henderson said. "The Nickels plots proved this could be walnut ground."

Henderson, who is a trustee of the Nickels Soil Lab, grows almonds, but said it’s nice to have another crop.

Nearly 25 years later, Colusa County grows over 5,000 acres of walnuts.

Almonds are the county’s top crop, with over 35,000 acres of almond trees.

The primary crop on the 200acre research facility in Arbuckle has always been almonds. Edstrom, who manages the Nickels Soil Lab, has conducted roughly 120 research projects on almond variety selection, micro-irrigation, irrigation scheduling, fertilization, planting density, tree training and pruning and published 260 articles.

When regulators banned the use of organophosphates for dormant sprays, Edstrom and his colleagues developed treatments with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) as an environmentally friendly alternative for pest control. Recently he was instrumental in identifying and reporting two diseases new to California almonds – powdery mildew and bacterial spot – and in identifying and reporting a new pest, almond rust mite.

The economic impact of all this research has been significant, according to Bob Curtis, research director for the Almond Board of California, which has funded many of Edstrom's research projects.

"For instance, average almond yields in Colusa County, where Nickels is located, have quadrupled over the past 20 years from about 600 kernel pounds per acre to 2,300–2,400 pounds," Curtis said. "Industrywide, over this same period, average yield

has doubled from about 1,100 kernel pounds per acre to about 2,200 pounds per acre. To a large extent, yield increases are a result of these improved practices."

The growth in production has contributed to an increase in farm revenue of nearly $100 million for Colusa County over the past 20 years.

Production techniques Edstrom introduced have enabled new profitable production in the "less than prime" soils of the neighboring Sacramento Valley counties and portions of the San Joaquin Valley, according to Curtis.

Curtis added, "The industrywide farm gate value of current production amounts to over $2 billion annually.

Clearly this work has a significant positive impact for the California economy."

Edstrom earned a bachelor's degree from California State University, Fresno, and a master's degree in plant science, with an emphasis in pomology, from California State University, Chico.

Prior to joining UC Cooperative Extension, Edstrom worked as a private consultant for 10 years, doing commercial orchard advising and research.

"I can’t imagine having a more fulfilling career than the one I have enjoyed as farm advisor with UCCE," Edstrom said. In retirement, Edstrom plans to do private consulting for Central Valley almond and walnut growers.

pierce high says fairwell to principal in academics. He recalls holding a school wide assembly where he talked about kicking Williams’ rear-end in s of next semester, Doug Kaelin will no longer be football, and asking them why they couldn’t do the same the residing principal of Pierce High. Kaelin, who academically. “I firmly believe in a successful sports program,” says Kaelin. With a successful sports has served for the Pierce Joint Unified core, comes a sense of pride that can correlate School District for ten years, will be taking to academic success. When Kaelin first entered over the Superintendent position for Biggs the Pierce Joint Unified School System, the Unified School District . Changus will be High School’s Academic Performance Index filling in the position for the remainder of the (API) was 599. To date, their score is 744, a year. mere 56 points short of the statewide goal of Before beginning his work at Pierce 800. Pierce High holds the highest API in the High in 2000, Kaelin worked as a Probation county. In 2009, Pierce High was awarded the Officer for Butte County for fifteen years.

California Distinguished School Award.

During this time, he also served as Gridley’s

For both parties, now is a good time for walk on Football and Wrestling Coach, as Kaelin to leave. All of the pieces are in place, well as the walk on Athletic Director. It was at but according to Kaelin, “by no means are Gridley that he discovered that he wanted to we done here. The teachers need to carry on be an education administrator. He studied at Doug Kaelin. the torch for Piece High.” As with all small Chapman University.

Submitted Photo. communities, the students gradually found out When his then freshman year football about Kaelin’s leaving of their own accord, and coach, now Chapman instructor prompted asked their principal if they could hold a special assembly Kaelin to look at the Vice Principal opening at Pierce in his honor.

He said yes, but only at the end of the week, High, he “knew nothing about Arbuckle,” he said. Kaelin remembered driving past all of the signs on the free way so as not to disrupt their finals schedule. Kalein said he on his way to the Bay Area, and always wondered. His felt emotional— some of these kids have been with him first impression of the school when he drove up for the since the sixth grade, during his brief stint as Principal at interview was its art deco architecture and the school’s Johnson Junior High. One young lady pulled him aside and asked if she could tell him something. “Sure,” he said. feeling of intimacy.

Once hired as Vice Principal, Kaelin began his work in She told him that they were the Pierce Bears, and that she the summer as the Junior Varsity football Coach. Kaelin felt that Kaelin was the Papa Bear. The Big Bear. The last considered this lucky because he was able to get to know compliment like that reaches as far back as thirty years to some of the kids before the school year began. Still, the days of Coach Lee Master. But with a strong staff, and Kaelin described his first year at Pierce High as, “baptism determined kids bound for college, it is time to hand the reins over. by fire.”

As an administrator, Kaelin was presented with Kaelin hopes to implement some of the things he several opportunities that would not likewise be available discovered at Pierce High over at Biggs, but he knows that at larger schools. For example, he was able to build up the game will be a little different this time. He conceded the football team and take them to the championships as that it will be hard for him to walk out of Pierce’s doors; it Varsity Coach. From the combined perspectives of Coach was not just the job promotion alone that enticed Kaelin to and Vice Principal, Kaelin was better able to get to know leave, but also the fact that his daily commute will only be the kids and the 4.3 miles from home, versus the hour long commute each community he way to and from Pierce. Kaelin adds that he has “nothing worked for. negative to take away from this job. Not too many people He was able can say that… it’s been a fast ten years.” Kaelin also spoke to “change the highly of Changus, who will be taking over the remainder culture of what of the school year as Principal. As for Biggs, he is spending they (the kids) his winter break trying to figure out “where it’s at,” both believe in” by literally and figuratively, right on down to where the using the school’s switchboard is located. Meanwhile, both Pierce High and athletic success the Biggs Unified School District will welcome change to prompt the with the New Year. kids to succeed By:

A

Lauren miller

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January 8, 2011 - January 21, 2011

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a OPINION & LETTERS b happy new year

By:

Lloyd green jr.

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ow, it is hard to believe that another year has gone by and the Williams Pioneer Review is going into its fourth year of publication. As you have noticed by now, the paper is much longer than previous publications. We have upgraded the publication to the standard “broadsheet” publication size. We were happy with the tabloid size, however with the growth of the paper, it was inevitable that change would come. Why did we go to the broad sheet size? We are looking

Williams Pioneer Review PUBLICATION 570 6th Street • PO Box 665 Williams, CA 95987

www.WilliamsPioneerReview.com

530.473.2525 FAX: (530) 473-2524 Editor in Chief Lloyd Green Jr. Copy & Editorial Elizabeth Kalfsbeek Lauren Miller

to become more environmentally friendly. The tabloid publication traditionally has 5” is trimmed from the bottom creating an unnecessary waste. In addition it allows us to produce the paper faster as the printing press is setup for broadsheet printing. This will allow for the potential growth of printing weekly in the future. It will take a while to get used to the new format, but we believe that you will come to love the additional ‘real estate’ that will allow us to provide you with more stories, never having to hold back on a story because we didn’t have enough room.

Some other changes that we are bringing to the table in 2011: The Williams Pioneer Review will now be available to the City of Williams citizens within the city limits, via HOME DELIVERY! Yes, you can now have the WPR delivered right to your door. Our current pickup locations will be still available and expect to see more locations added!

For more information about HOME DELIVERY, call our office or use the application form below. HOME DELIVERY may be available for Arbuckle and Maxwell residents in the future; if interested please contact us so we can determine availability.

Director of Advertising & Art Lloyd Green Jr. Office Management Jennie Green Submissions, Editorials, Press Releases, Community Breifs, and Advertising Requests EMAILED TO: publisher@williamspioneerreview.com OR FAXED TO: (530) 473-2525 We reserve the right to accept or refuse submissions and edit for content and length. We also reserve the right to refuse advertising that in our opinion does not reflect the standards of the newspaper. The opinions expressed, whether by paid advertisement or editorial content does not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper.

Content submitted may be reprinted and acknowledged without consent unless specifically requested. We are not responsible for any errors, omissions or representations contained in the articles, letters, etc. within these pages.

The Williams Pioneer Review is published by:

a parent company of Lloyd’s Print & Copy Center www.datamindxp.com

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The Williams Pioneer Review is a community publication and we proudly support all local functions, and will gladly report or publish information regarding this event.

If you know of an upcoming event, or have a press release you would like to submit, please email us at publisher@williamspioneerreview. com or call our office and we will be happy to assist you.

We are also looking for local writers. If you would like to become a contributor to the Williams Pioneer Review, please contact us and we would be happy to discuss the opportunities the Williams Pioneer Review has.

Did you know that the Williams Pioneer Review offers FREE Birth Announcements, FREE Wedding & Engagement Announcements, and FREE Memorial Notices? Contact us for more information or visit our website for details.

I look forward to continue publishing the Williams Pioneer Review and providing a quality community news source for our readers and continue to grow as your trusted news source. Please feel free to contact me with your thoughts, questions, or suggestions; we like to know what you think of our publication.

Tails of the Collie There comes a time when you wonder if your pet is smarter than you. After a series of ‘bad days’, it was time for Bailey to get acquainted outside. We fixed the fence in the yard and blocked off any areas that she could get out and let her out to be free. She loved it, with lots of room to roam the back yard was her domain and I finally got my house back.

Well, I was stuck at work when we had the recent large storm and I was worried that she was not going to have adequate cover/protection from the elements as she has yet to know it is ok to go into the shed for protection. Upon my arrival at home a short time later I noticed something odd. The side table that belongs to my patio furniture was tipped sideways next to the chair and a cardboard box on top of that for a roof. I know for sure that it wasn’t that way when I left and my parents were out of town; could she have created this makeshift dog house?

To this day I am in disbelief that she made it. If so, she is one smart dog.

Message from Pat

appy New Year! It’s hard to believe that we I also hold a special place in my heart for our veterans are beginning a new year and I am embarking and I try to include their stories as a regular item. on my fourth year of bringing you the history That is why, when a veteran of the Korean War called on me this week and asked me for help, I was column. It has been a passion of honored and excited to do so. mine to bring stories to light to help make The Veterans are trying to raise money us aware of who we were, how we got for a section of the new cemetery fence here, as individuals and as a community. It that is being constructed. Each section has been a delight to weave together the costs $300.00 and the Veterans would like threads and stories of our ancestors, and to sponsor a section at the front of the the folks who endured the hardships that Cemetery near the American Flag. resulted in a community that I am so proud If you would like to honor a veteran, or of. So many of you have been supportive just donate to the cause, they will include and thanked me for exposing your children to the stories that had been told to you, but your name or honoree’s name on a plaque and place it on the fence section. For myself, like most of us, often didn’t take time to I would like to see enough donations to really listen to our elders. I appreciate all sponsor many sections of fence. We have the positive feedback I have received over PAT ASH over three hundred veterans at their final the years and I’m looking forward to the Contributor resting place dating back to the Civil War in future.

Sacramento Valley Museum our little cemetery. That’s just a dollar per I want to extend a special thank you veteran. Wouldn’t this be a wonderful way to the Sacramento Valley Museum who has allowed me to take the stories off the shelf and to honor them? expose our history to a circulation of over 5,000 people Please memo your check “vets panel”, who you want per issue. It is only through this collaboration that this to honor, and send your donation to: Williams Cemetery Fence Fund history column is possible.

Box 843. Williams, Ca. 95987

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January 8, 2011 - January 21, 2011

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a THE NEWS BACK THEN b

12/27/1871

Parks Dam Cut 12/31/1878

NO RAIN IN DECEMBER

e headlines of the past f

12/30/1871

BIG RAIN, BIG RIVER, LEVEE ON SYCAMORE SLOUGH BROKE

1/1/1889 TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE SUN

Norman in Colusa County was the center of the eclipse. Professor H. F Pritchett, Francis E. Nipher and E. A. Engler of Washington University, St. Louis, and with them Rev. Father C. Charroppin of St. Louis, a noted astronomer, with observers from Lick Observatory visited Norman. The day was clear and the observations good.

Williams Farmer • 12/20/1918 SOLDIER BOY LOCALS

John Wallace expects to be home soon.

Fred Smart of Maxwell is the first of her fight sons to return to civil life.

Dean Stanley, who expected an early furlough, has been disappointed.

Arlett Lane, who left Fort Scott recently for Camp Union, N.Y. spent three weeks there, enjoying the flu for two weeks, and is now returning to Fort Scott for demobilization , expecting to be home by Christmas.

Corporal Lane is a member of Co. 40, C. A. C. which was cited recently in the Examiner as the crack artillery company of the world.

Archie Davison of Colusa has passed through an attack of influenza in Base Hospital No. 47 in France.

Word to this effect has been received in a letter from a relative who is a nurse in France. The letter, written six weeks ago, tells the writer had been nursing a “Colusa” boy, Archie Davison” who contracted influenza while performing his duties in the Medical Corps.

Inside Obser ver • 12/30/1955 SEVERAL THOUSAND FLEE FLOOD AREA-WILLIAMS WELCOMES 900 VICTIMS

And Then The Rains Came!!

After several years of sub-normal rainfall, the Northern Sacramento Valley received more than its share of water from the sky. When we ask for a “drink of water” we do not expect the donor to turn the hose on us; however that is what happened with disastrous results.

As we watched the rain gauges accumulate we began to wonder where and when the over flow would come.

Last Thursday the city of Marysville looked like an empty jug with liquid – liquid water-surrounding it and threatening to overflow into its very heart via the approach to D. Street Bridge and certain other places. During this trying time the levees of the Yuba and Feather

12/28/1874

OHIO HOUSE BURNED; OLDEST HOUSE IN THE COUNTY AT THE TIME

Rivers were being patrolled and watched by other people; official, military, and civilian.

Wherever a threatening situation developed, volunteers were called and put to work to bolster fortifications against the ever rising enemy-unwanted water.

We understand that personnel from Camp Beale were responsible for the final combating and repulsing of the onslaught.

Where ever a threatening situation developed, volunteers were called and put to work against the ever rising water. Finally at Gumtree, the enemy found a vulnerable spot, where an onslaught could be instituted and a break through was successful. Then it was a case of “All humans in the Area, Flee for Your Lives.” Many families had taken in evacuees from the Marysville area and had bedded them down, and had themselves, retired. Suddenly a newer more vital evacuation situation had developed. Within a few minutes of the initial break at Gumtree, the area encompassing the whole Yuba City section was either under water or threatened.

Then very soon another break in the river bank near the northeast corner of the city, which spelled disaster for the entire area. These two breaks meant not only evacuating the people of Yuba City and all sections south, but also the residents of Marysville, who had previously evacuated their own home and take refuge in the Yuba City area.

With this development, the town of Williams, about thirty miles to the west about doubled its size in a matter of a few hours. During the flood threat, the Colusa County Board of Supervisors under the leadership of Mr. Bill Ast and the County Civil Defense Council had held a meeting to plan ways and means of supplying possible aid.

As a result of that meeting, Colusa County was able to do its fair share, we believe, in aiding and sheltering the distressed refugees.

Alva Lane and Frank Taylor attended the above meeting and immediately thereafter, returned to Williams and set up procedures for processing and sheltering all evacuees.

Others were soon called upon to aid in the work and a town of little more than eleven hundred people grew to double its size. The local schools, fraternal groups, Williams fire and police departments, civic and service organizations, farmer groups, and veterans groups –in fact every person in town made this possible. The veterans’ building was used as relief headquarters;

1/4/1880

SOME TWENTY EIGHT MEN ARRESTED FOR PARTICIPATING IN THE CUTTING OF WILKINS SLOUGH LEVEE

the schools were made available for housing and feeding as was the I. O. O. F. building.

Other housing facilities were provided in the churches, Women’s Clubhouse, and many private homes. Several families got out of bed, remade the beds and made available places for evacuees to rest.

The Masonic Hall was prepared for an infirmary, but had no call for use, due to the adequate attention rendered by the doctors and assisted by trained women in town.

Groceries and clothing were provided through the services of the Red Cross, Salvation Army and individual donors. The Williams Fireman not only provided a Christmas tree for the kiddies, but also maintained radio communication for those who desired to send messages and the Kiwanis Club provided gifts for the children.

For a small town, this reporter believes, the residents in their sincere cooperative efforts did a commendable job; such a marvelous, well ordered operation that the evacuees were eager to assist in the project, proving efficient and gracious.

At this point we would like to mention each and every one, who, in any way helped though this crises, but time and space are running short. Also there are many whose services we are unaware, of, suffice it to say, that the PEOPLE of the town of WILLIAMS have typified a genuine cooperative, concentrated effort under organized leadership, in an urgent, disastrous need, mention and deepest sincere appreciation. Nearly every evacuee, upon checking out of this area, has expressed his sincere thanks to all of the town of Williams.

People of Williams, YOU have made many friends and have extended a priceless service.

Williams Farmer • 1/6/1956 FLOODED OUT BY YUBA FLOOD WATER AND SOWS TAKE OVER FROM THERE

Among the many flood stories comes this one from Cy Hibsch which we think is worth sharing.

Dorothy and Chris Farmer, cousins of the Hibsch’s, were flooded out of their home, which is ten miles south of Yuba City, by about fifteen feet of water.

When they returned by boat last week end, they found their large picture window broken and about two feet of water still on the floor downstairs. Going upstairs, they were amazed to find two of their old sows making themselves comfortable in the bedrooms.

Mrs. Farmer’s brother, Ray Glover, declared that one was sitting in a rocking chair looking out the window, and the other was in bed.

The fact remains that they were very much alive, after a week without food.

Williams Farmer • 12/6/1918 LETTERS HOME FROM

1/2/1887

JEROME SWEENEY ACCIDENTALLY SHOT IN BOTH LEGS. HE RECOVERED…..

DIED OUR HEROES

The following letter from Austin George, written to his sister, Miss Carolyn George, just nine days before the armistice gives a little insight into the “bed of roses” our boys experienced even behind the firing line.

Somewhere in France, November 2, 1918 My Dear Sister, Here it is you birthday so I must write you a letter as I can’t very well remember you any other way at this time. In fact I doubt if I can get where I can send you folks any Christmas presents, for we are moving all the time. We were only in those French barracks about ten days. From there we moved fifteen miles to ruins of a once prosperous village I judge was about the size of Williams.

There’s nothing much to judge from though, for there’s not a complete house left standing, just scattering of stone and mud wall and pieces of red tile roof. You’d begin to wonder where we bunk. Well, to begin with, before leaving the last camp I was put on a truck as an assistant, and we put on a load of salvaged clothing and got stuck. It was purely the fault of the Lieutenant who was with us, as it was dark and we had to take his word for it. We stayed with the truck and he went back and promised to have help there by morning but as they had received orders to move, we were there two nights and a day before relief came, via: one of our trucks. We had some good meals at a Red Cross ambulance kitchen and slept on the truck so fared very well. After getting out of the mud we delivered our load and pulled into our new camp. I was on the truck until yesterday, and we left right after breakfast and got in after dark, so I’m now in with another fellow and we are O. K. (We)Have a corner of an old stone house, cement floor and the other two sides we rocked up ourselves and we found some sheet iron for a roof. It is surely rain proof and in case Fritz bombs us, it will turn shrapnel. (As) Of late, our truck has been hauling rations, salvage, supplies, etc., regular supply work.

My good luck at receiving mail continues-seven letters last week, the last written on October 8. I certainly enjoy those long newsy letters from home. Wish I could write the real dope though, for I fear what I write is pretty monotonous.

Nov.8- Another move. This village isn’t so battered up. Our apartment is on the third floor of an old building.

Our boys are surely traveling these days. Wish Dad and Charles could have heard the “Yank” barrage night before last. It surely brought in some prisoners. It looks now as if they were about at the end of their rope.

You ask about the “Y”. We are in an intermediate zone and see nothing of the entertainments, but get a paper occasionally.

Pvt. Austin C. George Motor truck Co. 456, Motor Supply Train 415

Williams pioneer review

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January 8, 2011 - January 21, 2011

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Page 6

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www.williamspioneerreview.com

a COMMUNITY BRIEFS b

CAtholiC ChurCh of the Annunciation 627 8th Street Williams “Meet & Greet Coffee Club” Every Third Sunday of the Month after 9:30 a.m. Mass Join us for refreshments and conversation

The month ARC Meetings are held the 1st Tuesday of every month at the ARC /APRD office 309 5th Street, Arbuckle.

• Master Gardener Applications are Available The Colusa County Master Gardener program is now accepting applications for the 2011 class starting in January.

Master Gardeners are volunteers that provide public education in home gardening and basic horticulture. While the intent of the program is to provide service at little or no cost to the public, there is a fee of $150 for training new volunteers. For more information, pick

For more information, please contact Karen Riordan 438-2921 or Dolores Reckers 438-2200.

• WILLIAMS COMMUNITY CENTER ASSOCIATION ACTIVITIES Veteran’s Hall. 9th & ‘C’ Street.

Williams, CA MONDAY NIGHT BINGO: We are back every Monday night starting January 3, 2011! Everyone Welcome!

Early Bird Games Starting Time at 6:00 P.M. Regular Games Begin at 6:30 P.M. WE WILL NOT BE PLAYING ON 5TH MONDAYS THIS YEAR. Refreshments Available at Reasonable

• General plan meeting set The Colusa County General Plan Steering Committee will discuss community services and facilities at its sixth meeting from 1-5 p.m. Jan. 12 at the Colusa Industrial Properties conference room, 100 Sunrise Blvd., Colusa. Supporting documents and public records distributed for this meeting are available for inspection at the Colusa County Department of Planning and Building, 220 12th St. For information, call Planning and Building Director Stephen Hackney, 458-0480.

• WilliAMS CoMMunitY Center ASSoCiAtion ACtiVitieS Veteran’s Hall. 9th & ‘C’ Street.

Williams, CA. MONDAY NIGHT BINGO: Everyone Welcome!Early Bird Games Starting Time at 6:00 P.M. Regular Games Begin at 6:30 P.M. • WE WILL NOT BE PLAYING ON USDA program workshop 5TH MONDAYS THIS YEAR0. set Refreshments A free workshop Available at on the Farm Bill Reasonable assistance programs Prices, Home is scheduled for 1-4 Made Desserts. p.m. Jan. 20 in the YOU CAN EMAIL IT YOU CAN MAIL IT TO YOU CAN FAX IT TO YOU CAN DROP IT There will be conference room of TO US AT: US AT: US AT: OFF TO US AT: no BINGO in Colusa Industrial publisher@ PO Box 1124 (530) 473-2524 570 6th Street the Month of Properties, 100 williamspioneerreview.

Williams, CA 95987 Williams December! See Sunrise Blvd. The com (Inside Lloyd’s Print) you all next year! workshop is hosted by Game Day: No the Natural Resource Game day in Conservation Service the month of and the Colusa December! See you January 19, 2011! up an application at the UCCE office Prices, Home Made Desserts. Game County Resource Conservation District.

Movie Day: No Movie day in the (100 Sunrise Blvd., Ste E, Colusa) or Day: Third Wednesday of the month, For information, call Andrea Casey at months of November or December! the Farm Bureau office (530 Market January 19, 2011 at 1:00 P.M. Join us to NRCS, 458-2931 or e-mail her at andrea.

See you January 26, 2011! HAPPY St., Colusa) or any Master Gardener play games, have fun and meet people! casey@ca.usda.gov.

HOLIDAYS! event. Applications are also available Movie Day: Fourth Wednesday of the month, January 26, 2011, at 1:00 P.M. on-line at http://cecolusa.ucdavis.edu • • Price: FREE Refreshments: Popcorn, Catholic Ladies Relief CeleBrAte reCoVerY Soda & Candy are available at a low price.

• Society #4 Annual bridgeMeets every Friday night at 6:30 P.M. (Bring a Pillow-the seats are hard) Colusa grief support whist-pinochle Card at the First Presbyterian Church (north offered party and luncheon annex building) at 4th & Jay Streets in McNary-Moore Funeral Service of • Saturday, January 22, 2011. 11:30AM. St. Colusa. CELEBRATE RECOVERY Colusa sponsors a free grief support Hike the Sutter Buttes Bernadette’s Hall. 743 Ware Ave, Colusa. is a free program that addresses group at 7 p.m. the first Monday of each A hike to the top of Yana Peak in the Reservations: Bridge: Marge Wallace issues of alcoholism, codependency, month at Trinity United Methodist Sutter Buttes will be held from 8:30 a.m. 476-2051. Whist: Rose Buria 458-8583, drug addiction, and other hurts, Church, 511 Oak St., Colusa. For to 4:30 p.m. Jan. 8. The cost is $25 for Pinochle: Viki Stegal 458-8009. habits and hang ups. CELEBRATE information, 458-2111.

Yuba Historical Society members and $35 RECOVERY is open to anyone who for non-members; there are discounts for is experiencing pain, brokenness, or just • Submit your event to: children. Membership prices begin at $15. wants support and encouragement. We Knights of columbus To register and to get directions to the publisher@ are an anonymous program. For further council #14112 4th Annual meeting site, call 846-3024, email daniel@ williamspioneerreview.com information, please call 458-2802. cioppino dinner yubahistory.com or visit www.yubahistory. or fax to: (530) 473-2524 The Knight of Columbus (Maxwell, com.

• Williams, Arbuckle Council #14112) COMMUNITY MAke A differenCe in presents its fourth annual fundraiser • BRIEFS NOW Little League sign-ups Your CoMMunitY Cioppino Dinner on Saturday, January soon The citizens for a better Williams hold 29, 2011 the the Arbuckle Fire Hall AVAILABLE meetings the 4th Thursday of every from 3pm to 6pm (BBQ Tri-Tip is Maxwell Little League sign-ups will be ONLINE! held at 6 p.m. Monday and 26 and Feb. month beginning at 6:00pm. meetings offered as an alternative. are held at the Williams City Hall, The dinner includes dessert, beverages, 10 at the Legion Hall in Maxwell, 258 W. everyone is welcome!! and all the trimmings. There will be a Oak St. door prize, fun and the music will be • provided by Jerry Choate.

PACifiC flYWAY QuilterS The cost is $20 for adults, $5 for The county’s quilt guild. monthly children 6-10, and children 5 and meetings will be held the 3rd under are FREE. All proceeds go back Wednesday of every month. Meeting to the community. For tickets or more starts at 7:00pm located at the Colusa information contact Frank Nobriga Masonic Hall 311- 5th street.

(530) 476-2872, Jack Pesola (530) 4763397, or Jim Miranda (530) 458-7889.

• Calling all women of • agriculture Sacred heart sodality Are you a woman dedicated to the Card party survival of Agriculture? Unite as Sacred Heart Sodality of Maxwell will “California Women for Agriculture” hold their annual card party on Saturday (CWA) promote, and educate the February 12, 2011, 11:30 a.m. at the importance of Agriculture. Meetings Maxwell Elementary School Multi are held the 4th Wednesday of Purpose Room. The school is located at each month at 6:30 PM. For more 146 North Street in Maxwell.

Information, contact Melodie Johnson For a donation of $12.00 participants at (530) 458-5130. will enjoy a delicious salad bar luncheon followed by an afternoon of playing • bridge, whist or pinochle. In addition arbuckle revitalization to many prizes to be awarded to high committee point card winners there will also be a Become involved in your community. raffle with lovely prizes.

WE WANT YOUR EVENT INFORMATION

Looking for the answers from our Christmas Crossword Puzzle? It will be available on our website on January 12, 2011. Or you can have one mailed/emailed to you by calling our office (530) 473-2525

Williams pioneer review

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January 8, 2011 - January 21, 2011

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www.williamspioneerreview.com

spring semester to begin jan 18 at woodland community college-colusa county By:

elizabeth kalfsbeek

The doors to the Woodland Community College-Colusa County Educational Outreach Facility, the county’s first permanent public higher education institution, officially open for the 2011 spring semester Tuesday, Jan. 18. The official ground-breaking took place in late January 2010 to ready the campus for this spring semester, though plans for the facility have been in the works since the passage of Measure J in 2006.

“It’s wonderful,” said Adrian Lopez, Director of Public and Governmental Relations for Yuba Community College District. “This will be a jewel for the community. It will be a real asset.”

The community is invited to a Grand Opening celebration beginning at noon Friday, Jan. 28, including a tour of the facility, refreshments, plaque dedication and

speakers.

The structure, located in Williams on E Street, close to where Interstate 5 meets Highway 20 behind the California Highway Patrol station, is a 9,000 square foot building settled on four acres. Within the facility are administrative and student services offices, conference rooms, break areas and three classrooms to facilitate up to 120 students at once.

The sustainable design will lead to a minimum of a LEED silver certification.

“Currently, we have about 200 students enrolled,” said Lopez. “We anticipate that number will grow to around 300 or so by the start of classes.”

There will be three full-time staff on board along with an evening monitor, as well as 15 to 20 adjunct/ part-time faculty teaching at the facility. The Director of TRIO will spend part-time at Woodland Community College and part-time at the Colusa Outreach Facility.

“There will be a team approach

hendrickson & vann to compete for dancing with the Stars By:

A

elizabeth kalfsbeek

merica recently voted Jennifer Grey and partner Derek Hough as the winners of the 11th season of “Dancing with the Stars,” and, soon, community members will have a chance to vote for their favorite local “star” at the upcoming “Dancing with Our Stars” charity event set to take place Friday, April 15 at Colusa Casino Resort. Colusa County Board of Supervisors Chair, District 1, Kim Dolbow-Vann of Arbuckle and Les Schwab Tires manager Craig Hendrickson of Colusa are two local stars set to participate and begin training in January.

Proceeds from the dance competition will go to benefit the American Red Cross North Eastern California chapter and Fremont-Rideout Hospital in Yuba City.

“This event is new and entertaining,” said American Red Cross North Eastern chapter CEO Martha Griese. “(Spectators) will have fun and help community nonprofits at the same time.”

In 2006 Dancing with Our Stars was created by A Charity Affair to provide a multi-charity fundraising venue. The event has taken place in Redding to benefit different charities in recent years and Griese was encouraged by its success, where audiences have surpassed 900 people.

Besides Dolbow-Vann and Hendrickson, two local stars from Sutter and Yuba Counties will also participate.

Griese decided to start in surrounding counties since the North Eastern California chapter is headquartered in Yuba City.

“We’ve worked really hard to choose enthusiastic people who are not afraid to go out and market this event knowing each dollar goes to the Red Cross and Fremont-Rideout Hospital.”

Each local dancer, partnered with a professional, is required to raise $2,500. Competitors are then encouraged to sell tickets, $1 each, as “votes.” The dancer who sells the most “votes” will win the People’s Choice Award at the dance event. There will also be a judges’ choice award decided the night of the competition by the panel.

“I’m thrilled,” Griese said of the local stars. “I’m very pleased. Kim has tons of positive energy about the whole event. Craig is new to the community and he is really excited about this.”

Arbuckle native Dolbow-Vann is the Colusa County Board of Supervisors chair and contributes to a number of committees and commissions, including the Regional Council of Rural Counties, Fouts Springs Youth Facility and Healthy Kids Healthy Future Governing Board.

“The Red Cross is a fabulous organization and the proceeds go to benefit their efforts,” Dolbow-Vann said.

“I couldn’t think of a better organization for which to embarrass myself. I’m a little scared, I’ll admit it.”

Dolbow-Vann plans to reach out to family, friends and colleagues for fundraising efforts. The politician has no prior dancing experience, but is excited about training

with her professional dance partner.

“I think I can manage to put one foot in front of the other and stay upright,” she joked. “I hope that everybody in our community comes out to support the Red Cross and their efforts. And, I’ll need some cheering on.”

Meanwhile, Hendrickson relocated to Colusa with his wife, Trish, and children Samantha, Chloe and Connor from Washington in August to manage Les Schwab Tire Center.

“I have two left feet and no dance background,” Hendrickson joked. “I’m excited about the challenge. I don’t get embarrassed by making a fool of myself. (This competition) is for a good cause and I thought it would be fun.”

Hendrickson has begun to fundraise for the event by hosting a dunk tank and the recent Home Town Christmas celebration, as well as raffle tickets to win a 17 HMR Mossberg riffle.

“I thought this would be a good way to get involved in the community,” Hendrickson said. “The sooner you get to know people, the easier it is to feel at home. This community has welcomed us with open arms.”

According to Griese, the Red Cross symbol is the second most recognized emblem in the world, trumped

by Coca-Cola. However, few people know the services the Red Cross provides on a local level.

“The bigger this event gets, the more people will know they have a Red Cross in their community and what it is that we do,” Griese said. “We’re raising the Red Cross flag to let people know, ‘yes, we’re here for you, too.’”

The North Eastern California chapter supports 13 counties in the area including: Beal Air Force Base, Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Plumas, Shasta, Sierra, Sutter-Colusa, Tehama, Trinity, Western Nevada and Yuba.

Local services include: CPR, first aid, babysitting and pet first aid training to youths and adults; local disaster action teams that provide service to families when they’ve had to move out of their homes due to fire, for example; service to Armed Forces, for example if there is an emergency in an area family and they need their active military family member to return home; and Disaster Services Human Resources, recruiting and training volunteers to be ready for large scale disaster relief.

While nothing is official, there is a possibility that Colusa Regional Medical Center will be on board next year as a partner in the event.

“We’re not competing with other service groups, we’re partnering,” Griese said. “I’m very excited because we have so many agencies coming together to work together.”

Tickets cost $25 for the event and include desserts and refreshments and may be purchased by calling the Red Cross at 673-1460. To “vote” for Hendrickson by purchasing a $1 ticket, call him at Les Schwab, 4583803. To “vote” for Dolbow-Vann, contact her by e-mail at kvann@frontiernet.net.

100 Years of Standing Strong

F

rom the birth of Williams Union High School in 1911 to a North Valley Landmark in 2011, the Sacramento Valley Museum Association (SMVA) invites you to attend the centennial celebration scheduled for Labor Day Weekend, 2011. We hope you’ll plan to join us in commemorating the birth of this magnificent building.

If you, a family member or anyone you know ever attended, taught or had any connection with Williams High School, we’re looking for you!

We’re also in search of past SVMA Board Trustees, members, curators, volunteers, or their families. Send us your email or mailing address.

We need representatives for each WHS class to help connect fellow classmates. Volunteers to help in other capacities are also welcome.

Mark September 3, 2011 on your calendars! This will be the party of the century, so don’t miss out! Updates will be post on the museums website www.sacvalleymuseum.com as well as Facebook “41 years of standing strong”. For more information contact Kathy Manor at (530) 473-2978, sacvalleymuseum@frontiernet.net or PO Box 1437, Williams, Ca 95987.

for counseling and financial aid, and people will be coming up from WCC on a rotating basis until the exact demand for services is hammered out,” Lopez explained.

Classes for the spring semester include: bioscience, child growth and development, college composition and reading, college success, emergency medical technician I, general psychology, health and life style choices, history of race and ethnicity in America, integrated ESL skills levels 2 and 4, intermediate algebra, multicultural communities/justice, pre-algebra, pre-collegiate composition, positive social development young child and United States history.

According to Lopez, the class schedule was based on demand for the courses, as well as offering general education classes for students pursuing an Associate’s Degree.

Until now, Colusa County was one of only eight counties in the state of California which did not have a permanent public higher education facility within its boundaries.

Outreach courses in Colusa have previously taken place in leased or rented facilities. The new structure will be Colusa County’s first permanent college structure, now owned by the district.

YCCD is responsible for all of three counties and parts of five others.

Woodland Community College’s service area includes Colusa County.

Plans have been in the works for the Colusa County Outreach Facility since the passage of Measure J in November 2006 allocated $3.4 million to the project. Colusa County Supervisors committed Tobacco Settlement Funds for infrastructure costs, and authorized the auditorcontroller to issue a $600,000 payment to the YCCD. The decision to plant the facility in Williams was based on criteria that the land be readily accessible by foot, car and public transit; be within close proximity to public services such as police and fire; environmentally sound and centrally located to best serve the population within the county.

“It’s going to create a lot of opportunity for people in the community,” Lopez said.

“Immediately, students will be able to get an AA degree close to home, and in the future we hope to create partnerships with fouryear institutions, whether public or private, to offer baccalaureate course work as well.”

A complete listing of available courses is available online at www. yccd.edu. For more information, call 458-0326 ext. 104 or 661-5790.

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youth boxers competed at state silver golve championships Two Colusa County youth boxers, Jackie Corona and Annahi Villanueva competed at the 2010 State Silver Gloves Championships in Los Angels on December 4th, 2010.

“Jackie did well,” said Coach Merced Corona, “although she won the fight the judges gave the win to her opponent.”

Annahi won the championship by first round stoppage and will be competing in January for the Regional championships held in Los Angeles.

There are only eight regions in the country so if she whens at regionals she will compete for the national Silver Gloves title.

Williams pioneer review

January 8, 2011 - January 21, 2011

•

county launches new website By:

Lloyd green jr.

M

onday, December 6, 2010 the Colusa County Board of Supervisors launched the new countyofcolusa.org website.

The first thing website visitors will notice is the fresh new appearance that reflects the counties heritage and boasts a portal of information right at the click of a mouse. All departments are accessible from one site eliminating users from having to remember the individual departmental addresses.

The users will have information at their fingertips with a staff directory, visitors link, road closure information, emergency alerts, department news, translation to Spanish, Board of Supervisors agendas, frequently requested forms, are/will be available online to download, said Supervisor Denise Carter.

The County contracted Civic Plus, an experienced developer of city and county websites with a budget of $24,389 for the initial setup and an annual hosting, maintenance, 24/7 phone, web support cost of $3,402.

The decision was made after years of the County lacking a functional website that provided the necessary tools for the general public. “We have at least one person trained in every department who is responsible for keeping their content up-to-date,” said Carter, “The Civic Plus system is easy to update, and their phone support has been terrific.”

“Civic Plus designs “modules” and as they add them, we will have access to them. We are looking forward to the online commerce module due out soon, so an applicant could fill out online forms and pay for it,” said Carter, “Eventually, we would like to have all backup material for agenda items available online as well.”

The website was developed with public in mind. It is important to the general public to have information

readily available. The general public needs access to forms, publications, parcel maps, and other items without having to take time away from their busy lives and stand in line at county offices for something they could have downloaded online.

“I would like to thank the dedication of the website committee who worked with me for the past year to get where we are today.” Said Carter. The committee consisted of Greg Pankey, Kathie Moran, Peggy Scroggins, Wendy Burke, Jerry Schantz, and Denise Carter.

The website is located at www. countyofcolusa.org.

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Home town christmas a success!

By:

F

Lloyd green jr.

riday, December 3rd, 2010; the streets slowly began to fill with street vendors and spectators as the City of Colusa hosted the Hometown Christmas Event (formerly Olde Tyme Christmas).

Although the community had mixed feelings about the changes of the event, scores of people showed up and braved the chilly weather. “We did a head count and approximately 4,500 people attended,” said City of Colusa’s Parks & Recreation Coordinator Sandy Cabral, “the

older people loved the fact that it was easier to see everything in a three block area.” The most common concern about the event was moving the vendors from Market Street to 5th, Jay and 6th Streets.

There were 47 vendors who participated, each providing something different as there was only one food vendor type allowed at this year’s event. “We had to turn away tacos and tamales and a few other duplicates; however, we did offer other choices to the duplicated vendors.” said Cabral.

Some of the entertainment for the evening included a photo with Santa, performances from local schools and the Maxwell Dance Studio; in addition, a family circus from Oroville performed.

“I am happy it turned out so well, I just tried my best,” said Cabral, “I was amazed at how much support I was given from the community.”

With 2010 in the rear view mirror, the newly developed Home Town Christmas Event Committee was already in the works making suggestions for next year’s event that included lighted signs warning motorists about pedestrians, increasing the amount of officers on duty for additional public control, and re arranging the vendors to help with the flow of foot traffic.

“I would like to thank the City and County Public Works Departments,” said Cabral, “hats off to Mike Ferraiuolo for the decorating of the tree at the Court House, it has never looked better.”

Ferraiuolo climbs into the bucket on the boom truck in the freezing cold, rain or shine to have the tree ready the Monday after Thanksgiving. The city street crew hung all of the newly painted street pole decorations to start off the holiday season beautifully.

“I look forward to having a successful event next year.” said Cabral.

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