Amanda Woolsey Hershey graduates basic training

Clint and Effie Hershey have returned from the Chicago area, where they proudly attended granddaughter Amanda Woolsey Hershey's graduation from basic training at Great Lakes Naval Training Center. In addition to her training division receiving top honors, Amanda was one of only four recruits to score Sharpshooter on the rifle range - the other three were young men. Good going, girl.

Happy landing

Jan. 15 a couple from Truckee was flying their very small, light, single engine plane to Bridgeport when the engine stalled. The pilot turned the plane back and was fortunately able to land near the intersection of Camp Antelope Road and Burcham Flat Road. Our fire department was called out to assist and empty the plane's gas tanks to avoid fire. I think the one humorous part of the whole episode is that the pilot offered to take one of the firefighters for a plane ride sometime. His offer was politely declined.

Early Start Program

The Record-Courier received the following from the Mono County Office of Education:

Have concerns about the development of your infant or toddler? Live in Mono County, Calif., but take your child to Nevada for medical or child care services? The California Early Start Program is for California children from birth to 36 months who have developmental delays or are at risk for such, and their families. Eligibility for the program is based on a free evaluation and assessment which indicates if there is a need in one or more of the following areas: Physical development, language development, non-verbal communication, fine and gross motor development, vision and hearing, social/emotional adaptation, health services, learning development and self-help skills. Services are provided based on each child's needs at no cost to the family. Referrals for the program are encouraged at any time by sources such as parent, physicians, child care providers, friends, relatives, public health nurse and other professional agencies. For questions contact: Angie Humphrey, California Early Start Program Director Mono County Office of Education, (760) 934-0031 or e-mail her at ahumphrey@monocoe.k12.ca.us.

New fire chief

At the Antelope Valley Fire Commission meeting Jan. 10, the commissioners received a letter signed by the members of the fire department requesting the appointment of acting fire chief Scott Sherlock to the post of chief. After discussion by the commissioners and their unanimous vote, he was officially named to the position.

Adopt a plot

There is a new program at the Antelope Valley Cemetery in Coleville. It is called "Adopt A Plot". Anybody wanting to participate is welcome to adopt one or any number of plots. Adopting a plot means taking care of it several times a year, mainly keeping it clean and weed-free. They are actively seeking volunteers. If you are interested, call Mrs. Neoma Hoffmann at (530) 495-2149.

Health needs

Carolyn Balliet of the Mono County Health Department let me know that a public health nurse will be at the Walker Senior Center Feb. 7 and 22 from noon to 1 p.m. This is a blood pressure clinic, but anyone needing immunizations can schedule them by calling (760) 924-1830. She also wanted to let people know that there are funds available for cancer patients needing assistance with travel money, food and lodging while they are out of the area for treatment. If you are in need of this service, call Carolyn at (760) 924-1830. The monies for this program are raised by Mammoth Hospital charity events.

This and that

n The year's first meeting of the Antelope Valley Fire Safe Council will take place 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 30, at the Mountain View Barbeque in Walker. They are ready to help residents prepare for and prevent fire danger on and around their property. They are looking for more people interested in helping with this project and invite you to attend this meeting.

n I received a note asking me to let people know that Jim Strait, former longtime Walker resident who worked for the California Division of Highways, passed away Jan. 5 in Phoenix, Ariz. He is survived by his wife, Ruby (former Mono County clerk), two sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His daughter, Sharon, preceded him in death. Services were held in Ventura, Calif., on Jan. 12.

n Lynne Katusich can be reached at lynnekat@schat.net or (530) 495-2552.