Tough fire restrictions

Effective June 28, the Bridgeport Ranger District on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest implemented very strict fire restrictions which apply to all roads, trails and other areas in their district. Similar restrictions were imposed in other districts of the forest.

The restrictions will be in effect until at least Sept. 30. They include:

-- No building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, including charcoal use.

-- No smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, at a developed campground, picnic area, or while stopped in a 3-foot in diameter area that is barren and cleared of all flammable material.

-- No welding or operating an acetylene torch with open flames.

-- No use of any explosive.

-- Fireworks are forbidden in national forests.

As the fire season continues, the forest service will aggressively ticket offenders. Violations are subject to a fine of not more than $10,000 or imprisonment for not more than 12 months, or both. You could also be held responsible for damages, suppression costs and any injuries that occur.

For more information, contact the Bridgeport Ranger Station at (760) 932-7070 or Forest Service Public Affairs at (775) 355-5311 or check their Web site at www.fs.fed.us/r4/htnf.

Please be careful and follow the rules. If you should happen to see any sign of fire, call 911 or 883-5995 immediately.

Fishing Derby

The How Big is Big Fishing Derby began Sunday and will run until July 31. Be sure to take your potential prize-winning fish to the Walker General Store for weigh-in and registration in the contest. Many prizes have been donated by local merchants for the lucky winning anglers.

This and that

-- The American Red Cross and Mono County Social Services will have a disaster training session in Bridgeport on July 9. Call Kathy Watkins at (760) 924-1793 for details and location. This is a very important tool for folks to learn what to do and how to volunteer to help our community in times of disaster, such as we have been seeing lately.

-- Aug. 24 through 26, the Northern Mono Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring an ATV jamboree in the Toiyabe National Forest. Get details and register by Aug. 1 through the chamber's Web site, www.northernmonochamber.com/atvjamboree. It should be a great time for those participating.

-- A reminder that the Coleville Library is open for summer hours: 2- 5 p.m. Tuesday, 4 - 7 p.m. Wednesday with story hour at 5 p.m., 2 - 5 p.m. Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. They, and the other libraries in Mono County, are participating in a summer reading program called "Get a Clue - Get Hooked on Books." Talk to Olga or Helen at the Coleville branch for details, (530) 495-2295.

-- I just learned that former long-time Walker resident, Betty Anderson, passed away June 1 in Oceanside, Calif. Our sympathy goes to her family and friends.

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