Mortuary services meeting in Walker on Tuesday

Since there is no mortuary in Mono County, for years our residents have had to undergo a very complex practice when faced with the death of a loved one. The time to wait for a funeral home in Bishop to arrive and the expense of the process greatly added to their already devastating grief. Sheriff Rick Scholl and Deputy Coroner Ralph Obenberger will be holding a town hall meeting 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Aug.14, at the Walker Community Center to give information about a plan to allow Antelope Valley residents to work with Nevada mortuaries. They want everyone to know what is possible and get community input. This is very important to all of us, so plan to be there.

A tragic loss

Local residents have been greatly saddened this past week to learn of the death of a former Coleville neighbor, California Highway Patrol Officer Scott Russell. Russell, who was 46, and his wife Lynn lived here until shortly after the flood of 1997, when they lost their home to the raging waters. Since then, he has been stationed in Placerville. On July 31, he was intentionally run down by a habitual criminal who was trying to avoid arrest and swerved into the median strip to hit Russell. On Aug. 1, a memorial service, attended by Gov. Schwarzenegger, was held in West Sacramento at the highway patrol's training center. Our heartfelt sympathy goes to his family.

How big was big

The winner of the How Big Is Big fishing derby was Dave Winfrey of Modesto. Those who know Dave are happy for him, as he has participated in the derby for some years and finally got his chance to win. His winning fish, caught with a Roostertail lure, was 6 pounds, 2 ounces and 22 1Ú2 inches long. Debie Bush at the Walker General Store kept all the records for this event and has told me that there were 32 trout over 4 pounds entered in the competition, so the recent planting of fish really boosted the size of the catch. There was a winner at my house, too. My husband, Mike, caught a 5-pound fish that was the 10th place winner, good for $50 in fishing equipment. Thanks to all, sponsors and fishermen, who participated in this year's event.

This and that

-- The Antelope Valley Relay for Life team was very successful in their efforts for this event last Saturday and Sunday. They came very close to their fundraising goal and were also selected as the Best On-Site Fundraiser." We are proud of all of them and their supporters.

-- Last Saturday, approximately 100 people came to Walker Community Park to enjoy a barbecue and celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Antelope Valley Fire Department.

-- At 7 p.m. Aug. 16, at the Bridgeport Memorial Hall, the Forest Service is holding a travel management workshop. The public is invited to come to discuss trails and routes for off-highway vehicle use in the Bridgeport Ranger District of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Your input will be very important in the plans for the future public uses of the land.

-- Coleville High School's football team begins practice tomorrow. Their first game will be Aug. 25 in Coleville against Round Mountain. Are you ready for some football?

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