Kern River Courier December 5, 2008

Kern River WaterData: Wed. 6 a.m.

Storage, IsabellaReservoir110, 650acre-ft.(Pool capacity is568,075 ac.-ft. at thespillway. Current limit360,000 ac.-ft.)Peaked at 258,239ac-ft. June 16.

Inflow, North Fork ofKern at Kernville222 cfs (5-hr avg.)

Outflow, Lower Kern 250 cfs

Borel Canal flow221 cfs

Data from U.S. Army

Corps of Engineers

cfs=cubic feet per second

1 cu.ft. = 7.48 U.S. gallons

1 ac.ft.= 325,851 U.S. gal.

JerryBurton

caught a cat &trout at PardiseCove.

HenryThal

discusseshealth insur-ance changesfor 2009

DonnaFitch pro-

poses a foilrevival for theholidays.

FREE

Spotlighting thebest of the Kern River Valley

4

6

14

Friday, December 5, 2008 A Community Partner and Award-Winning Newspaper Vol. 5 No. 44

Valley weekendweather forecast

Fri.: Sunny, high 63.

Fri. night: Mostlyclear, low 39.

Sat.: Sunny, high 61.

Sat. night: Mostlysunny, low 39.

Sun.: Partly cloudy,high 58.

Sun. night: Partlycloudy, low 33.

Data from NationalWeather Service

Murdoc Douglas/Special to the Courier

The 21st annual Christmas Parade sponsored by the Kern River ValleyChamber of Commerce marched through Lake Isabella Saturday morn-ing under picture-perfect blue skies. There were 58 participants in thisyear’s parade which is traditionally the first holiday parade held in KernCounty each year. For parade results and additional photos, see page 9.

See FISH, Page 8

Performing Arts concertfeatures local soprano

Meetingaddressesriver fishstockingconcerns

Mike Ludiker/Kern River Courier

Department of Fish & Game’s fish-ery biologist, Christy McGuire,speaks to meeting attendees aboutrecent stocking concerns.

Mike LudikerKern River Courier

Kern River Courier

Sierra Performing Arts will presentanother Saturday Evening Concert atCerro Coso Community College in LakeIsabella on Dec. 6. The concert starts at 7p.m. and will feature soprano SandyHughes and pianists Helen Smoot andMark McGuire.

Hughes is originally from Bakersfieldand moved to Lake Isabella almost fouryears ago when she married Dr. AnthonyHughes. Sandra enjoys working at KernValley High School as a Drama andEnglish teacher. She sang in choir duringhigh school and has participated in manychurch choirs. She is very thankful forSierra Performing Arts, she said, since itprovides her with an opportunity to per-form, and her fellow members work withher to help her develop as a performer.

McGuire began playing the pianosince approximately 1982. During theearly 1990s, he concentrated on perform-ing Scott Joplin's well-known ragtime

compositions, as well as known ragtimecompostions, as well as other early 20thcentury composers. Since then he hasshifted to American standards, selectpopular tunes of the 1920s through the1950s, often using them as themes for hisown creative variations.

Smoot has performed throughoutCalifornia, Oregon and Europe. She hasa masters degree in Piano Performanceand is currently on the faculty of CerroCoso Community College. Smoot wonnumerous piano competitions in heryouth, has taught piano privately since1962. She is presently the organist atKernville Methodist Church, and isvice-president of Sierra PerformingArts. She specializes in classical musicand will be playing music by Bach,Schubert/Liszt, Strauss and some "filmnoire" music.

Check out the Sierra Performing Artsweb page at www.sierraarts.net for infor-mation about the SPA and information onupcoming performances.

December’s meeting of the KernRiver Valley Revitalization drew a largegroup of worried civic organizations,local businesses and sportsmen.

They were there seeking answers tothe recent agreement between theCalifornia Department of Fish & Gameand two conservation organizations,the Center for Biological Diversity andthe Pacific Rivers Council.

Neither conservation group is basedin California. Readers may rememberthe Center for Biological Diversity, asthe Tucson, AZ group that insisted onmeasures to protect the SouthwesternWillow Flycatcher from lake water lev-els in the 1990s. The Pacific RiversCouncil is based in Portland, OR, withan office in Polson, MT. Both are dedi-cated to preserving all endangeredspecies from extinction.

The two groups brought action in2007 against the Department of Fish &Game to enforce a court order to con-duct an Environmental Impact Reportunder the California EnvironmentalQuality Act by the end of 2008. In

2008 events:

Saturday, Dec. 6Sierra Performing

Arts, Saturday EveningConcert, Cerro CosoCommunity College,Lake Isabella. 379-.

Friday, Dec. 12Candle Stroll and

Live Nativity Scene,Circle Park, Kernville.376-2629.

Saturday, Dec. 13Christmas Parade

of Giving, Kernville.Santa Claus appears inCircle Park. 376-2629.

Page 2 Kern River Courier Friday, December 5, 2008

Regular meetings andactivitiesFridays• 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.- TOPS weight loss group,Mt.View Baptist Church, 2959 Erskine CreekRd., Lake Isabella. 378-3935.• 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. - AA, 6407 Lake IsabellaBlvd., Lake Isabella.• 5 p.m. - Kern River Hot Rodders CruiseNight, Circle Park, Kernville, 3rd Fri.• 8 p.m.- Al-Anon, Fellowship Bldg, 80 EvansRd, Wofford Hts. For families of alcoholics.376-2410 or 376-2066.

Saturdays• 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., KRV CB’ers Breakfast, SrCtr., Lake Isabella • 9:30 a.m. Sequoia Amateur Radio Group,Youth Center, Lake Isabella. Second Sat.• 7-10 p.m.- Dam Dancers square dancing,1st Saturday, Senior Center, Lake Isabella.

Sundays• 9 a.m. to noon - VFW Breakfast, open to thepublic. 2811 Nugget, Lake Isabella. 379-3877.

Mondays• 6 a.m. - 1 p.m., M - F, Senior Nutrition,Senior Center, 6407 Lake Isabella Blvd., 379-5831.• 1 p.m. - Kern Valley Democratic Club,Senior Center, third Monday.• 1 p.m.-2 p.m., Line dance beginner class-es, intermediate and advanced follow at theSenior Center. 379-0043.• 3 p.m. - Kernville Chamber of Commerce

meets, board 2nd Mon., general membership4th Mon. 376-2629.• 3:30-5 p.m.- Substance Abuse FamilySupport & Community Education, CollegeCommunity Services, 2731 Nugget Ave., LakeIsabella. 379-3412.• 6-9 p.m. KRV Community Orchestra meetsat Cerro Coso College, Lake Isabella, Rm G.376-4461.• 7 p.m. KRV Art Association meets, 3rdMon., Senior Center. 379-2844.• 7 p.m. Havilah Centennial Group meets 1stMon. at schoolhouse. 379-2636.• 7:30-Al-Anon, KRV Hosp Cafe. Help forfamilies & friends of alcoholics. 376-2410 or376-2066.

Tuesdays• KRV Garden Group, 2nd Tues. 379-6162.• 6 a.m. - 1 p.m., M - F, Senior Nutrition,Senior Center, 6407 Lake Isabella Blvd., 379-5831.• 9:30-11a.m.- Me & My Friends children’splaygroup, First Baptist Church, Lake Isabella.379-2556.• 2 p.m. - KRV Cemetery District meeting atcemtery. 2nd Tuesday. Public invited. 376-2189.• 7 p.m. - KRV Historical Society meets,Senior Center, Lake Isabella, 4th Tues.

Wednesdays• 6 a.m. - 1 p.m., M - F, Senior Nutrition,Senior Center, 6407 Lake Isabella Blvd.,379-5831.• 9:30-11 a.m.- Me & My Friends children’splaygroup, United Methodist Church,Kernville, 379-2556.• Noon- KRV Chamber of Commerce lunchmeeting, Paradise Cove, 2nd Wednesday.• 1:30 p.m.- Clan Diggers meeting 2ndWed. at Highland Chapel Methodist Church,Lake Isabella. 3rd Wed. - Workshop samelocation.• 3 p.m.- Republicans of Kern Valley meet3rd Wed. 549-3033 for location.• 6 p.m. - Fish & Game Habitat Clubmeets, 631 E. Evans Rd, Wofford Hts, thirdWed.• 6:00 p.m. American Legion, Lake IsabellaSr. Ctr. Veterans Rm., third Wed. 379-5488.• 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m.- Senior Dance, SeniorCenter, Lake Isabella dining rm., live band.• 7 p.m. Al-Anon, 80 Evans Rd. Wofford Hts,376-2410. For families of alcoholics. 376-2410 or 376-2066.• 7 p.m. - Elks meet, Wofford Heights Blvd.

Thursdays• 9 a.m. to noon - Thursday Painters,Community Room, Senior Center, 379-5329.• 9:30 a.m. - Fire Safe Council, SupervisorMcQuiston’s office, Lake Isabella. ThirdThurs.• 9:30 a.m. - Aglow Int’l, Senior Center,Room 1. 2nd Thurs. For women.• 11:45 a.m. - KRV Woman’s Club meets,Elks Lodge 4th Thurs. (some exceptions).• Noon, Exchange Club meets, ParadiseCove.• 5 -7 p.m. - TANF Cultural Night - NativeYouth & Community Cultural Ctr FrenchGulch Campground.• 5-7 p.m. VFW Taco Thursday, open to pub-lic. 379-3877.• 6 p.m. - Rotary Club meets - Golf Course,Kernville.• 7 p.m.-Sweet Adelines meet-SeniorCenter, Lake Isabella. Prospective memberswelcome.• 7 p.m.- Kern Valley Astronomy Club,museum, Kernville. 3rd Thurs. 376-1291

Bingo GuideFriday, 12:30 p.m. - Eagles Bingo,

Eagles Hall, Mt. MesaSaturday, 12 p.m., South Fork

Woman’s Club Bingo, 6488 Fay RanchRoad.

Sunday, 1 p.m. Moose Lodge Bingo,Lake Isabella Blvd.

Wednesday, 1 p.m - Senior CenterBingo, Lake Isabella.

Thursday, Early Bird 12:15-Regular 1p.m. St. Jude Bingo, Hwy 155 & NellieDent Dr., Wofford Hts.

This information is sent to the Courierby the groups listed. It is suggested thatgroups provide a phone number in caseinterested individuals need more informa-tion.

2009 events:The Courier has received

some of the dates that havebeen made available for the2009 annual events shownbelow. Some are tentative. Callthe Kernville Chamber ofCommerce, (760) 376-2629, orthe Kern River Valley Chamberof Commerce, (760) 379-5236,for updated information. TheCourier will make more datesavailable as information isreceived.

January: Man and Womanof the Year banquet (Jan. 9),awards (Jan. 26)

February: Whiskey FlatDays (Feb. 13-16), Heart Walk

March: Keyesville ClassicMt. Bike Races

April: Valley-Wide ArtStudio Tour, Isabella LakeFishing Derby (April 4-6), KernRiver Festival WhitewaterRaces (April 18-19), TroutFestival, Kern Valley NatureFestival

May: History Days, ClassicCar Show (May 9)

June: Kids Fishing Derby(California Free Fishing Day),Whitewater Wednesday

July: Fireworks Over TheLake, Personal WatercraftRaces

August: Rubber DuckyRaces, Hummingbird Festival

September: Turkey VultureFestival, California FreeFishing Day

October: Kickin’ Back atKernville Rod Run, Valley Fest,Casino Night

November: Lake IsabellaChristmas Parade

December: Christmas inKernville, Parade of Giving

Published Fridays by KRV Publishing

Spotlighting the best of the Kern River Valley

Owners/Editors/Publishers Michael Batelaan Mike DevichContributing Editor Mike LudikerContributors/ColumnistsJack Bustamante Rod Middleworth Matt Freeman Bodfish BobSally Thornburg Debra RundellRon Bolyard Donna FitchCalifornia Joe Harry ThalClarence Semonious Marya MillerRichard Rowe Dona AndersonPhotographersMichael Batelaan, Mike Devich, MikeLudikerContributing PhotographerMurdoc DouglasAd ProductionMichael Batelaan, Mike LudikerAdvertising SalesValerie MinouxBusiness OfficeSara WakemanSubscription InformationThe Kern River Courier is publishedand mailed weekly for $35 per year.Send payment to:

Kern River CourierP.O. Box 1145Wofford Heights, CA 93285

Advertising policiesPublisher reserves the right to reject or cancelany advertising at any time. Cancellations orrejection shall not preclude payment on similaradvertising previously run. KRV Publishingand the Kern River Courier are not liable forerrors in copy or an advertisement beyond thecost of the actual space occupied by the error.Publisher reserves the right to place the word“advertisement” on any ad copy that appearsto resemble editorial matter.

Submission policiesEditorial and photo submissions are wel-come and will run at the discretion of theeditors. Submissions will only be returnedwhen accompanied by a self-addressedstamped envelope. The editors reserve theright to edit all submissions. The entire con-tents of the Kern River Courier are copy-right ©2008 KRV Publishing. Reproductionin whole or in part is prohibited without priorwritten consent. All rights reserved.

Letters policiesLetters to the Editor are run when space per-mits. They are meant as an open forum forexpression. The views expressed in the lettersto the editor within this paper are not necessar-ily the views of this paper, nor those of the staff.Letters to the editor pertaining to local issuesand events or those that affect our area areencouraged. Please include your real name,address and phone number for verification.Pen names or incomplete names are notallowed. The Kern River Courier reserves theright to exclude any letter to the editor, or editits contents for length and prevention of libel,or for other reasons as seen fit by the editors.Letters should not exceed 200 words.

KRV PublishingMailing: P.O. Box 1145Wofford Heights, CA 93285

Office: 6392B Wofford Blvd.Wofford Heights(next to WH Post Office)

Phone: 760-376-2860FAX: 760-376-2862

Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and byappointment.

E-mail address:[email protected]: www.kernrivercourier.com

The Kern River Courier is adivision of KRV Publishing

Kern River CourierWhiskey Flat Claim Jumper Kern Angler

©2008 KRV Publishing. All Rights Reserved.

Kern River Valley – the place for fun

Visit us at www.kernrivercourier.com,click on “Current Issues”

on home page

Friday, December 5, 2008 Kern River Courier Page 3

Rod MiddleworthKern River Courier Columnist

My grandadwas a hard-working, jack-of-all-trades.When he was-n't working,his idea of rest-ing was to dosomething tokeep his handsbusy. So whathe often did,was open his“Old TimerKnife,” pick up a stick and whit-tle while he told me stories.

I was eight or nine and wouldsit there and listen, asking ques-tions and whittling along withhim. It was fun with no big pur-pose.

We weren’t making anything,we each had a stick that we’dpicked off the woodpile. We’dhold it in our hands and whittle.It was fun to cut and see thewood curl off under the blade ofthe knife, and even more fun tothink I was doing what grampswas doing.

As the shavings pile grew, sodid the stories. Grandpa’s taleswere stretched some and I neverknew where reality left off andfiction began. And frankly, I did-n't care. Often, my grandmawould say to him, “Wilbur,you’re just filling his head full ofnonsense,” and gramps wouldreply “OK.” When she left, hewould start his story where he’dleft off. We’d whittle and he’dspin tales.

During our last year together,he told me about the time hefound the Lost Doble Mine in the

mountains of Berdoo. It waswinter, storming, and he waslost. For hours he wanderedthrough the trees and brush,fighting his way through snow-drifts. Suddenly, in front of him,there was an old mine. Inside hefound and lit an old lantern andsaw something shiny. “It wasgold,” he said, “everywhere: onthe floor, ceiling and walls of theold mine.

“I knew I’d be rich if I everfound my way home,” he toldme.

After the storm he headed out.After two days of wandering, hewas rescued.

He never told anyone butme about his find and saidthat over the years he hadgone back to the Berdoomountains many times, but henever again found the LostDoble Mine. It’s still there, hetold me, and maybe the nextSpring we’d go looking.

Gramps passed away thatwinter and we never madethe trip to the Berdoo moun-tains, and my chance to sharea golden fortune never hap-pened. But I did learn towhittle and I learned fromhim how tell stories and spintales to my own kids andgrandkids. And when theyask me, “Did that really hap-pen gramps?” or “Is that real-ly true?” I’m happy. I guessI’ve become my own grampa.That’s pretty good.

Wofford Heights resident RodMiddleworth, a retired security man-ager for Pacific Bell, is an instructorfor the local AARP Driver SafetyProgram and coordinator for theLake Patrol volunteers.

Things I Have Noticed ...

RodMiddleworth

Whittling away

‘Living Green in the KRV’ Working meeting Dec. 6The Living Green in the KRV festival, coming up in March, will be

having its third Working Committee planning session on Saturday,Dec. 6 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Kernville Community Room. Enter offSierra Way and Kernville Road, next to Kernville Chamber ofCommerce.

Holiday Spectacular to be held in Lake Isabella Dec. 6The KRV Woman’s Club will hold their 9th annual Holiday

Spectacular on Saturday, Dec. 6 at the Mt. View So. Baptist Church.This event will be called “Christmas in the Mountains.” Doors open at4:30 p.m. The cost is $30. Open to the public. Contact Laura Oreskovichat 376-1769.

Dam Dancers host 1st Saturday dance Dec. 6The Dam Dancers will be hosting their first Saturday Dance on Dec.

6 from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. at the Veterans/Senior Center in LakeIsabella. The caller will be Rob Cunningham and is open to all squaredancers. Visitors are welcome. Rounds by records. For more informa-tion, contact Darlene at 760-887-0977 or Barry at 376-1253.

Christmas Arts & Crafts Bizaar at Moose Lodge Dec. 6Moose Lodge No. 498 invites one and all to come to their first annu-

al Christmas Arts & Crafts Bizaar on Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. atthe lodge, 6732 Lake Isabella Blvd. in Lake Isabella. For sale will beeverything from hand-painted Christmas ornaments, soy candles, jew-elry, paintings and more. For more information, contact EarleenDillard at 805-975-5350.

Community Orchestra to hold holiday concert Dec. 7The Kern Valley Community Orchestra will be presenting their

Christmas Concert, "Christmas Memories," at Kernville ElementarySchool, 13350 Sierra Way in Kernville, on Sunday, Dec. 7 at 4:00 p.m.The selections to be performed include Ukrainian Bell Carol, JingleBells, Trepak, German Carol Festival, White Christmas, Snowflakes,and more. Donations will be accepted at the door and children are free.Refreshments will be served.

Mark your calendar

See CALENDAR, Page 7

WildlifeGallery& StudioThe Rich Pelletreau

6700 Wofford Heights Blvd. Wofford Heightsph:760-376-1403 e-mail: [email protected]

Mon., & Wed. thru Sat. 10am to 5pm Closed Sun. & Tue

See us for thatspecial artists gift• Custom Framing

(PPFA Member)

• Full Service Art &Crafts Store

• Studio Space Rental(Private & Long term)

• Art for Sale or Rent

Highlightingthe works ofNell Rolls

Photography

Also works by artistJill Iversen

“We wish you Happy Holidays”

Michael Batelaan/Kern River Courier

Teddy bears were on parade at Saturday’s Christmas Paradeon Lake Isabella Blvd., sponsored by the Kern River ValleyChamber of Commerce.

Courier early deadlinesChristmas 12/26 issue: Ad deadline will be Friday, Dec. 19

instead of Tuesday, Dec. 23. We will then deliver Tues. and Wed. 12/23-24, before Christmas weekend starts. Office closed 12/25-28.

Jack BustamanteKern River Courier Columnist

Even though stocking hascome to a halt on the Kern River,fishermen are still bringing insome nice trout. With a lot of theeasily accessible fishing spotsfished out, river fishing willbecome moreof a huntingadventure.Pack yourgear light andplan to dosome hiking.Seek out moreout-of-the-way holes,where morethan likely youwill find someholdoverspots.

Hopefullythis issue withstocking the Kern River will beresolved quickly.

The trout bite around IsabellaLake is still a little spotty. No realstrong bite has developed yet.

On the North Shore only acouple in each of the usual hotspots have been caught eachday.

The south shore, betweenPiney Point and Kissack Bay

have been seeing a little betteraction.

Jerry Burton had some actionat Paradise Cove, bringing in anice catfish and a couple of trout.

The hunt is on, so let’s go fish-ing.

Photos courtesy E&J’s Tackleand General Store. For braggingrights, bring your catch to E&J’s,6498 Wofford Blvd, WoffordHeights, near the WoffordHeights Post Office.

Page 4 Friday, December 5, 2008, AdventuresK E R N R I V E R

LegendBoat Launch Ramps Camp Grounds Towns Hospital + Other Features

STATISTICSGeneral

Drainage Area 2,093 Square MilesCapacity, Gross Pool 570,000 Acre-Ft.Surface Area, Gross Pool 11,400Shoreline, Gross Pool 38 milesLength, Gross Pool 9 miles

Main DamMaximum Height 185 FeetLength at Crest 1695 Feet

Auxiliary DamMaximum Height 100 FeetMaximum Length 3,257 Feet

Lake ConstructionStarted March 1948Finished April 1953

WoffordHeights

Tillie CreekLive Oak

North Fork Marina

Boulder Gulch

Rich GulchHungry Gulch

West SideFrench Gulch

French Gulch MarinaPioneer Point

WoffordHeights

Park

LakeIsabella

to Ridgecrest

MountainMesa

Kernville

Southlake

M.L. Ludiker Artwork & Design

Lake Isabella

South Fork Recreation Area

South Fork Wildlife ParkingArea

ModelAircraftControllers

Robinson Cove

County Dump

Airport

Golf Course

Cyrus Canyon OHV AreaTarget Range

Hospital

ParadiseCove

Main DamKissack BayLI Visitor Center

Old Isabella RdAuxiliary DamEngineer Point

Wildlife Area

StineCoveCamp

9

Sierr

a Way

Moun

tain 9

9

To Baker

sfield

WaterSkiArea

Hanning Flat

Map courtesyMike Ludiker

www.kernvalley.com

Recreation InfoU.S. Forest Service

Lake Isabella office:4875 Ponderosa Dr. (enter from Hwy.

155 just over the hill from Hwy. 178)(760) 379-5646

Kernville Office:105 Whitney Rd. (around the corner

from the museum)(760) 376-3781(760) 379-5236

General KRV Info

Kernville Chamber of Commerce11447 Kernville Rd. KernvilleCorner Sierra Way & Kernville Road Toll Free: 866-KERNVILLELocal: (760) 376-2629

Kern River Valley Chamber ofCommerce

6404 Lake Isabella Blvd. Across from Senior Center

Emergencies - call 911Kern Valley Hospital

McCray and Laurel, Mt. Mesa(760) 379-2681

Kern Valley SubstationSheriff’s Department and CHP7050 Lake Isabella Blvd.(760) 549-2100Weekdays only, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sponsored by the Airport Cafe at Kern Valley Airport

Sierra Way, 4 mi. south of Kernville Rd.Breakfast & Lunch, 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. Great food 7 days a week

Kern River Valley information

The hunt is on for holes

Jerry Burton caught this nicecatfish and some trout atParadise Cove.

Let’s Go Fishing

“Packyour gearlight and

plan to do some hiking.”

--JackBustamante

6629 WWofford BBlvd, WWofford HHeights760-3376-11600 Extra parking in back

LUNCH SPECIAL

Special good for a limited time only. Notify yourserver about special when ordering. Offer can notbe used in conjunction with any other offer.

1/4 lb. Hamburger& Fries $399

Hours: SSunday tthru TThursday BBreakfast && LLunch 7am to 2pmFriday && SSaturday BBreakfast && LLunch 7am to 3pm Dinner 3 to 8pm

Mercer Bookkeeping& Tax ServicesBusiness & Personal

Income Tax PreparationeFiling Services

Payroll & Sales TaxMonthly & Quarterly Reports

Lyn & Doug760-549-0270 760-417-0392 Cell

Free pickup & delivery in the Kern River Valley

Schoen’s Repair & Smog6618 Wofford Blvd., Wofford Heights, CA 932858

Robin Schoen, Owner

AC253752/RC253752 760-376-3100

SPECIALIZING IN

• SMOG INSPECTION, TEST & REPAIRS

• BRAKES • LUBE

• OIL CHANGES

NO APPOINTMENTS

NEEDED!

PEDDLERSFAIRKern River Valley “Eagles” Present Annual

Arts & Crafts, Baked Goods & Rummage Sale!Come join the fun and shop for those

last minute gifts!Saturday December 6th 8:00am til 2:00pm

12251 Hwy 178 Mt Mesa

Friday, December 5, 2008 Page 5EntertainmentK E R N R I V E R

Previews of new DVDsBy DNA Smith

PICK OF THE WEEK“Mamma Mia!” — If you’re

looking for the Ultimate KaraokeChick Flick of 2008, then look nofurther. Based on the hitBroadway show, “Mamma Mia!”isn’t so much a musical as it is acontrived story that puts the castin situations that allow them tobelt out old ABBA hits.

“Mamma” stars AmandaSeyfried as Sophie, a youngbride-to-be who sends a letter tothree men inviting them to herwedding. One of the men couldbe her long-lost father. Hilarity,middle-aged romance involvingMeryl Streep and over-the-topmusical numbers ensue.

This movie has everything: Apretty ingenue; catchy, kitschytunes; and hunky guys in exoticlocales. I’m not even a woman,but doggone it, watching thismovie made me feel pretty.

DOG OF THE WEEK“The Mummy: Tomb of the

Dragon Emperor” — This is a badyear for big-budgetaction/adventure films aboutarchaeologists. Like this year’sIndiana Jones fiasco, “TheMummy” makes the same mis-take: Focusing the story on theson of the hero rather than justgiving us a great flick about thehero.

This installment of the“Mummy” franchise has Rick

O’Connell (Brendan Fraser) andhis wife (Maria Bello in a badBritish accent filling in for RachelWeisz) coming to the aid of theirimpetuous tomb-raider-in-the-making son (Luke Ford) who isup against a bad guy who wantsto resurrect a bajillion terra cottawarriors so he can take over theworld.

There are also Yetis. But notenough to warrant buying thisDVD. Rent it if you’re curious.

KIDS & FAMILY“Mr. Bean: The Ultimate

Collection” — This seven-discboxed set is a must-have forall fans of RowanAtkinson’s bum-bling, lovabledweeb, Mr. Bean.The set includesevery episode ofthe classic series,both theatricalfilms, 16 episodesof the animatedseries, deleted scenes andsketches that never made it onTV.

TV SERIES“The Biggest Loser: Boot

Camp”“Aqua Teen Hunger Force”

Vol. 6“Ice Road Truckers” Season 2“Petticoat Junction” Season 1“Naruto” Uncut Box Set Vol. 1

(c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.

Couch Theater‘Mama Mia’ has it all

By Cindy Elavsky

Q: With the cancellation ofone of my favorite new shows,“My Own Worst Enemy,” I waswondering whatthe talentedactress whoplayed ChristianSlater’s daughteron the series willbe doing next?— Renee B.,Portland, Ore.

A: Bella Thorne,11, played RuthSpivey on thenow-defunct NBC series.However, she also plays anotherdaughter — that of BillyBaldwin’s character on ABC’s“Dirty Sexy Money.” The youngFlorida native can be seen nextin the feature-film teen-thriller“Forget Me Not,” opposite“Dancing With the Stars” con-testant Cody Linley. Next yearyou can see her alongsideWinona Ryder in the drama“Water Pills,” and she just signedon as the female lead in the com-ing-of-age story “RaspberryMagic.” So, while her small-screen time might be dwindling,her big-screen career is certainlyheating up!

***Q: My daughter and I

recently rented “Kung Fu

Panda,” and we absolutelyadored it. I was veryimpressed by DustinHoffman’s voice work as Shifu.What else is he working onthese days? — Claudia F., viae-mailA: The multitalented star hasplayed many things: a cross-dresser,a pirate, a mentally challenged man,a Kung Fu master and a comic-bookgangster, to name only a few. Nextup for Dustin is the movie “LastChance Harvey,” which features asong he wrote decades ago called“Shoot the Breeze.”

Dustin recently revealed that backin the 1970s, he was nearly killed bya terrorist organization. He was liv-ing in Greenwich Village, one apart-ment down from the WeatherUnderground’s makeshift bomb fac-tory when some dynamite was acci-dentally detonated, destroying theentire brownstone and killing threepeople. Just prior to the blast, Dustinhad decided to step out of his apart-ment for a few hours.

Have a quest ion forCindy? E-mai l her at [email protected], orwrite to her in care of KingFeatures Weekly Service,P.O. Box 536475, Orlando,FL 32853-6475.

(c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.

Thorne

Atkinson

Tween star’s star is rising

This week’s top DVD rentals

KK EERRNN RRIIVVEERRSALSALOONOON

20 TOBIAS ROAD, KERNVILLE (760) 376-4786Drink Responsibly... Please Don’t Drink & Drive.

Grumpy Hour 4-6 pm Mon.- Fri. • Free Pool All Day Thurs. & Sun • Only Shuffleboard in Kernville

ask aboutour daily

drink specials!

Friday- December 5th 8:30pm to 2:00am Juke Box PartySaturday- December 6th 8:30pm to 12:30am DJ Party

Sunday- Pool Tournament 2:00pm • 50c Off Players Drinks

Monday Night Football50C Off Draft Beer • Prizes • Half-Time Food • 5:30pm Kick Off

Thursday- December 11th 7:00 to 11:00pm Karaoke Party

Downtown Kernville 760-376-2556

Sportsman’s InnEvery

Friday & TuesdayKaraoke withTina & Jessie

7:00pm - 1:30am

�

cocktails • dancing • darts • pool�

6742 Wofford Heights Blvd.Dec. 4tH Thru Dec. 11th

• SHOWTIMES UPDATED DAILY •PLEASE CALL

376-3030

TT W I L I G H TT W I L I G H T~ S~ STTARINGARING ~~

RROBEROBERTT PPAATTINSONTTINSON & K& KRISTENRISTEN SSTEWTEWARARTT

Action/Adventure • Rated PG-13

ReelCinema

WE ARE OPEN CHRISTMAS DAY!

NEW YYEARS EEVE BBASHLIVE AND IN CONCERT

• EXITHEAD •TICKETS ON SALE NOW $10.00 EACH!

COMING SOON!

• DEC. 12th. THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL

• DEC. 25th. BEDTIME STORIES

Celebrity Extra

1.Smart People (R) DennisQuaid (Miramax)

2.Kung Fu Panda (G) animated(DreamWorks)

3. Journey to the Center of theEarth (PG-13) Brendan Fraser(New Line Cinema)

4.The Incredible Hulk (PG-13)Edward Norton (Universal)

5. Indiana Jones and theKingdom of the Crystal Skull (PG-13) Harrison Ford (Paramount)

6.The Strangers (R) ScottSpeedman (Universal)

7. Iron Man (PG-13) RobertDowney Jr. (Paramount)

8.The Happening (R) Mark Wahlberg(Fox)

9.You Don’t Mess With theZohan (PG-13) Adam Sandler(Sony Pictures)

10.Transsiberian (R) WoodyHarrelson (First Look)(c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.

ellnessWK E R N R I V E R

Page 6 Friday, December 5, 2008

Harry P. ThalKern River Courier Columnist

Some peo-ple onMedicarehave a delu-sion that ifthey havebasically thesame medica-tion and med-ical issuesthat they hadin 2008, theirinsurance willwork the same in 2009. Thisis a myth which their existinginsurance company is tryinghard to perpetuate.

Joe is taking the choles-terol-lowering medication,Lipitor. His prescription drugplan has been paying for allof the cost except for a $30co-pay. Joe is unaware thatthere will be restrictions onhis health plan next year,called “StepTherapy,”which willrequire hisphysician toprescribe adifferentcholesterol-loweringdrug to seeif it works.If it doesn’t,then thephysiciancan senddocumentation to the insur-ance company, and they willallow Lipitor.

Fred also has been takingLipitor for years. HisMedicare Part D plan is nolonger covering it on theirformulary (list of approveddrugs) at all. He will eitherrequire an exception (doctorneeds to justify why nothingelse will work), or pay for themedication out of pocket.

Sally, on the other hand,has been thrilled with herprescription drug plan. Ithad a deductible in 2008, butit was waived for genericdrugs. Her plan also had noco-pay at the pharmacy forgeneric drugs, so in effect,she just paid her $16.70 permonth premium and was set.Sally is not aware that in2009, the deductible is goingto be $295. It will not bewaived for generic drugs, andthe co-pay will be $2. So, shewill be paying out $295 before

the insurance even starts, andthe monthly premium went upto $24. What Sally needs todo is find the 2009 plan thatwill waive the deductible andcharge nothing for the co-pays at the pharmacy. Thepremium is also $24.

George has been veryhappy with his HMO plan. In2008, his cost to see hisphysician was only $5. Thisyear it will cost him $8. Not avery big deal, but Georgelooked at the other benefits,and learned that it could costhim up to $2,000 if he wentinto the hospital. HeyGeorge, there is an HMO inKern County which chargesnothing for an office visit anda maximum of $750 for a hos-pital stay. It also chargeseither nothing or $2 forgeneric drugs.

So many of my readers arecontent to “let it ride” into2009, thinking that everything

will be thesame. All ofthe insur-ance planshave madechanges.Thesechanges maynot affecteveryone,but if youare one ofthe oneswho it willaffect, you

could be in trouble. Remember, if you are on a

stand-alone drug plan, youare locked into that plan forall of 2009. There are fewexceptions. If you are withan MHO or other MedicareAdvantage plan with pre-scription coverage, you willhave one opportunity to testthe waters and then changebetween January 1 and March31. This is called the OpenEnrollment Period (OEP), butit is for health plans, notMedicare Part D plans.

Harry P. Thal, MA, CertifiedSenior Advisor, is a licensedinsurance broker. He is amember of the Kern ValleyHospital Advisory Board andis President of the KernAssociation of HealthUnderwriters, He may bereached at 760-376-2100, e-mail [email protected] orvisit him on the web atwww.harrythal .com

Health Insurance Matters

Harry Thal

2009 is not 2008Smoking can accelerate the

normal aging process of yourskin, contributing to wrinkles.These skin changes may occurafter only 10 years of smokingand are irreversible.

How does smoking lead to wrin-kles? Smoking causes narrowing ofthe blood vessels in the outermostlayers of your skin. This impairsblood flow to your skin, depleting itof oxygen and important nutrients,such as vitamin A. Smoking alsodamages collagen and elastin —fibers that give your skin its strengthand elasticity. As a result, skin begins

to sag and wrinkle prematurely. Smoking doesn't only cause

wrinkles on your face. A 2007study found that smoking isassociated with increased wrin-kling and skin damage on otherparts of the body, including theinner arms.

In addition, repeated exposureto the heat from burning ciga-rettes and the facial expressionsyou make when smoking — suchas pursing your lips when inhal-ing and squinting your eyes tokeep out smoke — may con-tribute to wrinkles.

Health Tips from the Mayo Clinic

Smoking can cause wrinkles

P.O. Box 2452 Lake Isabella 760-379-8317Authorized repair for Pride, Champion, Rascal, Jazzy & more.

“We’re here to get you moble again!”

Holiday Sale!Free batteries with the purchase

of all new scooters & powerchairs

or Get 10% off all chairs & accessoriesCoupon expires January 31, 2009

RMW MobilityService&Sales

Powerchairs, wheelchairs & liftsServing Veterans and the disabled everywhere

Coupon

HEALTH INSURANCEWe represent most major California insurance companies

Since 1982

Harry P. Thal Insurance Agency760-376-2100

[email protected] www.harrythal.com

Nationally recognized Medicare authority.President-Elect Kern Assoc. Heath Underwriters CA Lic.0621106

HOFFMANNH O S P I C E

A N O N - P R O F I T H O S P I C E

Sally Thornburg, R.N.

8501 Brimhall Road • Building 100 • Bakersfield, CA 93312

Phone (661) 410-1010 • Fax (661) 410-1110

Toll Free (888) 833-3900 • www.hoffmannhospice.org

“This is a myth which

their existing insurancecompany is trying hard toperpetuate.”

--Henry Thal

servicesp tbusiness & professional directory

Bodfish BobKern River Courier Columnist

Bob's Fruitcake Cookies

3 cups chopped dried figs 2/3 cup raisins 2/3 cup candied cherries, chopped 1 tablespoon honey 2 tablespoons dry sherry 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 pinch salt 2 1/2 cups chopped walnuts 1 cup unsalted butter 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 cup super fine sugar 1/3 cup packed brown sugar 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 egg

In a large bowl, combine fruits,honey, sherry, lemon juice, salt and

walnuts. Cover and marinateovernight.

Soften the butter or margarine toroom temperature and cream togeth-er with cloves, and white and darksugars until smooth. Add egg andmix well. Mix together the flour andsalt and slowly add to butter mixture.Do not over mix. Blend in the fruit andnut mixture.

Chill dough until stiff enough tohandle. Lightly flour work surface anddivide dough into two equal portions.Roll into logs and cover.

Place dough in freezer for at leastan hour.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cutlogs into thin rounds and place oncookie sheet. Leave one inch betweenslices. Bake 10 to 13 minutes or untilgolden brown.

Bob’s Bacon Cheese Ball

1 pound bacon 8 oz cream cheese – softened 8 oz cheddar cheese – shredded 1/4 teaspoon onion powder 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1/4 cup chopped pecans or wal-

nuts

Cook bacon; drain and crum-ble. Combine with rest of ingredi-ents (except nuts) and form intoball. Roll in nuts.

Visit Bodfish Bob on theWeb at www.bodfishbob.com.)

Recipes for Dummies by Bodfish Bob

new!spotadsjust $1600

a week

in thebusiness& professionaldirectory760-376-2860

Friday, December 5, 2008 Kern River Courier Page 7

Kitty’sVideos&More

Movies to RentMusical Instruments

Sales & Repair5116 B Lake Isabella Blvd.760-379-4010

Mon.-Sat.10:30-9 Sun.12-8

Robert’s CarpetRepair & Cleaning

Hello friends and neighbors.We are a new business in town.Prices starting at 25 cents persquare foot (with a minimum

$25.00 charge).First time customer special offer

of $25.00 one room,second room same size free

(size limit 20’x15’).

Upholstery Cleaning also Available

Robert Steele 760-378-3517Toll Free 1-866-431-0910

There’sa spot for you in theservicespotbusiness& professionaldirectory

760-376-2860

WaterWells

Pumps

Sales& Service

760-379-44224571 Lake Isabella Blvd.Lake Isabella

PiutePumpService

PiutePumpService

Register for Wildland firefighting course by Dec. 14

The U.S. forest Service, in conjunction with Kern Valley High School andthe Regional Occupation Program will provide a Wildland Fire Fightingcourse during the spring semester. This course is designed to cover thebasic information needed for beginning firefighters with the federal andcounty agencies in the field of Wildland Fire suppression. It will includeinstruction in basic fire fighting, engine and pump use, chain saws, fireingdevices, air operation and others. Adult applicants who wish to apply mustcomplete and submit an application no later than Dec. 14 to Mrs. Andersonat the high school. Classes begin in January. For more information, contactschool counselor, Jessica Horace at 379-2611.

Friends of the Library meet Dec. 8The Friends of the Kern River Valley Libraries’ Board Meeting is

being held on Monday, Dec. 8 at the Lake Isabella branch in theConference Room from 9 - 10 a.m. The public is welcome.

Parent to Parent Support Group starts Dec. 9The Parent to Parent Support Group, headed by Family Resource

Center Parent Mentor Deborah Madore, is a place for parent to share,inform, and support each other. The purpose of the group is to facili-tate peer support, gain understanding, and develop personalresources. Group gives you a place to take a break from the hard jobof parenting and feel safe connecting with other parents just like you.The Parent to Parent Support Group begins Tuesday, Dec. 9 from 10to 11:30 a.m. Group meets the second Tuesday of each month at theFirst Baptist Church in Lake Isabella. Call 379-2556 for information.

Mystery holiday craft project for kids at library Dec. 11 Kids of all ages will want to attend the next story time at the Kern

River Valley Branch Library because Sharon Kinney of Magic RabbitProductions will be the special guest. The program will begin at 3:45p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11 with some great winter and holiday stories.Then, Sharon Kinney will help the kids with a craft project that hasnever been at the Library before! What is it? Come to the programand see! Kern River Valley branch Library, 7054 Lake Isabella Blvd(760) 549-2083.

Los Vaqueros Gymkhana Club games Dec. 13The Los Vaqueros Gymkhana Club will hold a show at Jake’s Place

arena (Sierra Way just south of Kernville Rd.) Spectators welcome.Starts 9 a.m. Rain date Dec. 20. Call 378-2885 for more information.

Fans of ‘Twilight’ to gather at library Dec. 13“Twilight” by Stephanie Meyer is a best-selling book read around

the world and a smash hit movie at the box office with both teens andadults. Fans of the Twilight series will be gathering to share their lovefor these books at a special program hosted by Kern River ValleyBranch Library on Saturday, Dec. 13, 3:30 to 5 p.m. Come dressed asa favorite character and enter the costume contest. There will beTwilight prizes, a drawing for great a Twilight-related item andrefreshments. Recommended for ages 13 and up. KRV Library 7054Lake Isabella Blvd, 760-549-2083

Santa to appear in Circle Park Dec. 13, 17 and 20 Santa Claus will appear in Circle Park in Kernville right after the

Christmas Parade of Giving on Dec. 13 at 5 p.m., and will appearagain Dec. 17 from 4 to 7 p.m. and Dec. 20 from 4 to 7 p.m.

Breakfast with Santa Dec. 21 at Senior CenterSanta Claus will be at the Senior Center in Lake Isabella on Dec. 21

from 9 a.m. to noon with gifts for the kids.

Whiskey Flat Days organizing meetings Dec. 29The Kernville Chamber of Commerce’s next Whiskey Flat Days

planning meeting will be Dec. 29. It is a potluck. For more informa-tion, call the Chamber office at 376-2629.

Whiskey Flat Days Kick-off Dinner Jan. 9The Kernville Chamber’s 2009 Whiskey Flat Days kick-off dinner

will be held at the Elk’s Lodge on Friday, January 9. Social hour is at5 p.m., dinnerat 6 p.m followed by the event at 7 p.m.. Cost for din-ner is $20 and includes tax and tip. The menu consists of salad, friedchicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, dinner roll anddessert. Come meet all the mayor candidates. Seating is limited.Call the Kernville Chamber at 376-2629 for reservations.

CALENDAR continued from page 3

Page 8 Kern River Courier Friday, December 5, 2008

6415 Lake Isabella Blvd. 760-379-2868 thefurniturestore.us

Sunday thru Friday9:00am to 5:00pm

TheTheFURNITUREFURNITURE

StoreStore

Book yourChristmas party

reservations beforeDecember 20th and

receive 10% OffCatering for any occasion

Call for reservationsPatio Dining & Lunch

Specials

Open: 7 Days a WeekMonday~Saturday

10am to 8pmSunday 9am to 8pm

11301 Kernville RoadKernville

760-376-3834

Special thanks to our friends Jill and Kevin from Archie’s Hardware, Raquel, and Guy from Kern RiverFly Fishing, and Debra and Bill from North Fork Marina.

Carlos,Gracie,Daniela,Emesto, Karla,Lupe,Ruben,Martin,Damaris,Guillermo,& Jose

2nd Anniversary coupons must be presented with order.

Friday & Saturday December 12th & 13th

Lobster or Seafood Fajitas$2295 Per person

With coupon. No substitutions please.

2nd Anniversary Coupons

Carlos and Gracie and all of our staff would like to thankyou for all of your support this year and for making us

the #1 in the valley. The holidays are around the corner and we

would like to take the opportunity to wish everyonea Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

May all your wishes come true in 2009

Monday December 15th Only!

Buy one, get one free!Buy one dinner combo #1-10 andget a second dinner combo free!

With coupon. No substitutions please.

October of this year, DFG told thecourt that they would not be able tocomplete the EIR until January of2010.

The Court then ordered DFG towork with the two plaintiffs tonegotiate an agreement by Nov. 24,2008 where stocking can, and can-not, take place until the EIR is com-pleted.

The list of California lakes, rivers,creeks and reservoirs that would beaffected by the agreement werebased on the plaintiff’s list of 25species that, if present, would placethose waters on the “not allowed tobe stocked” list.

Unfortunately, the main stemof Kern River contains theHardhead Minnow, one of thesensitive species on that list.Based on that finding, the agree-

ment stipulates that some 22miles of the Kern (betweenKernville and the JohnsondaleBridge) be placed on the “nostock” list until 2010.

According to Christy McGuire,DFG fisherybiologist atthe KernR i v e rH a t c h e r y,“There is nob i o l o g i c a lbasis forthat deci-sion.”

Although on the list, findingsshow the Hardhead Minnow isthriving in the Kern River area.

Needless to say, the agreement isnot acceptable to local businessesand fishing enthusiasts. Most in

FISH continued from page 1 attendance agreed that immediatecommunity action is of paramountimportance. Petitions are alreadybeing circulated in public locationsand the word is being passed on theInternet. Contact of our govern-ment representatives is another toppriority. Many also felt that contact-

ing the twoconservationgroups is anoption thatshould beundertakenquickly.

A p p a r -ently, studiesare available

showing the Hardhead Minnow isdoing well with stocked trout in theKern. Presenting plaintiffs with thatstudy should prove our situationdeserves reconsideration.

On the positive side of this issue,

Lake Isabella and lower Kern Riverareas will continue to be stocked.Streams and creeks aboveJohnsondale, such as Peppermint,Dry Meadow and Freeman will alsocontinue to be stocked as usual.

This is not the first time thatcommunity leaders and resi-dents have come together toaddress concerns affecting oureconomy and interests. A pledgeto immediately confront thisissue was voiced by all in atten-dance. We also have many part-ners in that endeavor.

“The DFG is still fighting to getthe Kern River back on the list ofwaters to be stocked,” saidMcGuire.

For current lists of Californiawaters affected and new develop-ments visit the Department of Fish& Game’s website at:www.dfg.ca.gov

“There is no biologicalbasis for that decision.”

--Christy McGuire

The Kern River Valley Salvation Army

Needs your help!

Donations aretax deductible

You may send donations to, or you may drop by

Salvation Army/Community Christian Service C enterP.O. Box 2786 6105 Lake Isabella Blvd. Lake Isabella, CA93240 760-379 -5100

Make it a wonderful holiday seasonthis year for everyone in theKern River Valley

Plan to donate to or volunteer for thesemajor Salvation Army events:

Christmas bell ringing60 volunteers needed to ring bells in front of

local stores. Our major fundraiser to assist our community. Allfunds stay in the valley!

Toys for TotsDrop off unwrapped toys in boxes at participating retailers in thevalley, or bring them to the Salvation Army/Community ChristainCenter.

®

• THE ONLY LOCAL DAILY WEATHER

• YEARLY CALENDAR OF EVENTS

• CURRENT ROAD CONDITIONS

• FISHING & HUNTING FORUMS

• COMMUNITY FORUMS

• MAPS & DIRECTIONS

• CAMPING & HIKING GUIDES

• ONLINE CONFERENCE CENTERS

• RELOCATION INFORMATION

BUSINESS & SHOPPING GUIDES •

LODGING & DINING GUIDES •

COMPLETE RECREATION GUIDES •

8 DAY CABLE / SAT TV GUIDE •

FILM LOCATION INFORMATION •

REAL ESTATE INFORMATION •

MAIL INQUIRIES & REQUESTS •

SEQUOIA FOREST INFORMATION •

COMMUNITY PROMOTIONS •

KK EE RR NN VVAA LLELLEYY..CC OO MM

• AND THE MOST ACCESSED BUSINESS WEB SITES IN THE VALLEY! •AVERAGING OVER 350,000 ACCESSES PER MONTH DOMAIN WIDE

760-376-2177 or [email protected]

ECONOMY DOWN?

NOT FOR OUR CLIENTS!AND WE CAN PROVE IT...

JUST ASK ANY OF OURLODGING CLIENTS ABOUT US

ADRENALINE WATERSPORTS LODGE

FALLING WATERS

THE KERN LODGE

KERN RIVER VALLEY MOTELS

KERNVILLE INN

WHISPERING PINES LODGE

ALTA SIERRA CABIN RENTAL

ALTA SIERRA GETAWAY

FARRELL'S LAKE HOUSE

GOLDEN EAGLE VACATION HOME

KERN RIVER VACATION RENTALS

STONEY'S CABIN

Friday, December 5, 2008 Kern River Courier Page 9

6415 Lake Isabella Blvd.760-379-2868 thefurniturestore.us

Sunday thru Friday9:00am to 5:00pm

TheThe

FURNITUREFURNITUREStoreStore

Recliners From

$299Free Gift with Coupon

No purchase necessary

2008 Kern River ValleyChamber of Commerce spon-sored Christmas parade win-ners:

Sweepstakes: Kern ValleyExchange Club

Best Theme: Kern Valley HealthCare District’s Auxiliary

Best Float: Christian Assembly Best Equestrian: Los Vaqueros

Gymkhana Club1st Place Float: Kern Valley

High School Native AmericanStudent Association (NASA) & theKVHS Wrestling Team (honoringtheir late coach, Denny Knight)“Christmas Wishes & Teddy Bear

Dreams”1st Place Auto/Truck 1949 &

older: Art Tibbets for his 1931Ford Model A

2nd Place Auto/Truck 1949 &older: Art & Jane Tibbets for their1930 Ford Model A

1st Place Auto/Truck 1950 &newer: Kern River Hotrodders

2nd Place Auto/Truck 1950 &newer: The Cannon Family andtheir 1959 Chevy El Camino

1st Place Tractor: MaxineCannon and her 1940 Ford Tractor

2nd Place Tractor: A 1939John Deer Tractor pulling a cartbuilt by The Cannon Family

1st Place Marching/Walking

/Drill Team: Whitman DanceStudio performing to “Let It Snow.”2nd PlaceMarching/Walking/Drill Team:Kern Valley High School’s ECHOprogram

1st Place Novelty: U.S. MarineCorps’ Toys for Tots and theSalvation Army

2nd Place Novelty: “The BundyBears” sponsored by Wil BundyReal Estate

1st Place Religious: Shepherdof the Hills Lutheran Church withtheir entry “Jesus Loves U Bear-yMuch”

1st Place Youth: Rush toLearning Day Care Center & Pre-

school2nd Place Youth: Shining Stars

Christian Pre-school & Child Care1st Place Animals: Llamas1st Place Community Service:

U.S. Forest Service and Smokeythe Bear

The Kern River ValleyChamber of Commerce thankseveryone who participated inthis event serving our communi-ty and all who sponsored tro-phies and awards. A specialthanks to Santa and Mrs. Claus,our elves Morgan Rivers and JillSchulz, and to Gene Parks for histractor to tow Santa’s Float.

Murdoc Douglas/Special to the Courier Michael Batelaan/Kern River Courier

People on parade

Page 10 Kern River Courier Friday, December 5, 2008

Archie Logsdon CarpentryDecks & Remodeling.

"Craftsmanship and Attentionto Detail." (760) 223-6624

[email protected]

STOCKING STUFFERSAdorable CKC RegisteredChihuahua puppies. (8 weeksand up. Teacups and Tiny Toys.Current shots. Pad trained$200-$400 379-1403_________________________BEAUTIFUL FEMALE BOXEROne year old, spade, very sweetand playful. $100. 378-3139

"FIREWOOD"Camping•Cooking•Home Heat

THE FIREWOOD GUY6400 Lake Isabella Blvd, #CLake Isabella, 760-379-8087

POOL/SPA REPAIR SPECIALIST20+ Years ExperienceCA. License #647258

(760) 376-4384 / (909) 210-3971__________________________

BAND FOR HIREAll Occasions Rock and Roll /

Oldies / Country Big BandSwing & More!

Call Chuck (661) 210-7220

Cabin For Sale - Cabin on 1/3acre lot at 102 Hoebeck Bodfish.Cross street of Columbus, fixerupper for $80,000. 661-428-1108__________________________Lake Isabella - Nice 2bd/2badbl wide Mobile Home w/patio& deck + 2 car carport in quiet55+ park, $25,000 or financingavailable. 760-379-2092__________________________Beautiful Furnished Park Modelon Kern River. 2+1, w/barn-styleTuff shed & charming side yardw/porch. Asking 19K OBO.818-242-7788

SPACES FOR RENTWofford Heights Mobile/RVPark Great Location! Quiet,mature trees, walk to lake, mar-ket, medical, park & theater.Free rent on the 6th month.Call Able 760-379-5479. After3pm & weekends, call Ralph @310-387-7136

Onyx Apartment for rent in quietneighborhood. 2 bd, 1 ba. Close topark & store. $550/mo incls. water& trash.References required (661)477-7091__________________________Rent to Own - Nice 2bd/2badbl wide Mobile Home w/patio& deck + 2 car carport in quiet55+ park.$595/mo.Includes spacerent. + deposit. 760-379-2092_________________________Available Dec 1st - Rent/LeaseDouble Wide M/H. Mt. Mesa2/2. Central Heat & Airw/appliances. Wofford Heights2/2. Central Heat w/appl. 379-1047 (appointment)_________________________Southlake - 2 Bedroom Duplexw/garage, laundry room, fire-place, dishwasher, $600/mo +$600 security deposit. 378-3374

Residential Lot on AspenDrive in Bodfish. $30,000OBO, Call (661) 428-1108__________________________40 Acres Flat NevadaRanchland. 200 mi NE ofReno. Buildable horse proper-ty.Walk to river & store @ I-80.$399 down, $399/mo, $39,900sale price. Owner financing.No qualifying. 775-453-3724__________________________One acre in Isabella Highlandsw/old trailer & outhouse.Mostly flat w/power at propline. Xlnt investment or forweekenders. 19K OBO.Possible OWC. 818-242-7788

BATHROOM MIRROR3'x5' - $10.00

379-4289__________________________ELECTRIC SCOOTER for house,walks, street. 4 wheel, sturdyconstruction, Meritz Corp.takes any hill in Kernville. Pluginto any socket to change. New8/2008. Local parts & service.Range 18 miles. $4,250 - $1,000off w/cash. Bill Jenkins 376-4628

DRESS ME UP6437 Lake Isabella Blvd. in thePost Office Shopping Center.Mon-Fri 10-5, Sat 9-12. 379-8927 Children's Clothing and More

GARAGE SALE OF ESTATE#1 Donalda Court, WoffordHeights, 8:00am - 5:00pm. Fri-Sat-Sun, Dec. 5th, 6th, and 7th__________________________

H U G E M U LT I - FA M I LYYARD SALE. New & usedChristmas gifts, fishing gear,knives, lots of miscellaneous.Starting Dec 5th. East ofWeldon. 29351 Hwy 178

Your last chance to help thelocal U.S. Marine CorpsReserves Toys for Tots thisyear is nearly here! Donationsmay be dropped off at WEBRecycling or at 6105 LakeIsabella Blvd. thru Dec. 11th.To help with toy distribution ,please call 760-379-5100, 760-378-1029 or 661-345-8359

FIRST ANNUAL BRING AGALLON OF WATER FOROUR LAKE DAY! New planto replace reservoir water,hatched in local bar. If everyvisitor brings a one gallon con-tainer of water and empties itin the lake, we should be ableto replace what they are takingout in 12 to 15 years. Be sure tolet us know how much yourfamily brings so we can tell thewatermaster how many gallonsare owned by those of us onour side of the dam. If thisworks out, we might also add aBRING YOUR OWN FISHON A HOOK DAY!

Make sure you advertise in the

“ORIGINAL MARKETPLACE”(760) 376-2860

The Kern River Courier Marketplace~ Since 2004 ~

Jerry’sAPPLIANCE SERVICE

Washers • Dryers • RefrigeratorsStoves • Dishwashers

379-2199

Explore the Kern Valley––Shopping, Dining, Lodging––

Lah-De-Dah-Gifts,Collect-ables,Antiques. “If it’s not here, wedon’t have it.” Sewing Center forSewing Needs. 41 Big Blue Rd.Kernville. Call 376-6704.

Services

Ads - 5 Lines - $5.50

1. Write your message on the form.Please be neat. Ads start at 5 linesfor $5.50 and only $1.00 for eachadditional line.

2. Total first five lines and $1.00 foreach additional line. Multiply thetotal by the number of weeks youwish your ad to run. Fill in theblanks below. Payment must bewith order.

3. Enter credit card #, or makecheck, money order payable to:

Kern River CourierP.O. Box 1145Wofford Heights, Ca 93285-1145

6392 B Wofford Blvd.Wofford Heights, Ca 93285

Mail or deliver to above address.

Ad must reach us by Tuesday 12noon of the week it is to run.

Place your

Marketplace

ad in 3 easy

steps:

5 lines = $5.50Each line equals 27 spaces

or characters approx)

Add a line $1.00 ea.

Photos add $5.00 ea.

Frame add $1.00

Number of weeks ad is

to run______ X your

ad total = $__________

Amount due.

Name_________________________________________________

Mailing Address_________________________________________

Daytime Phone Number___________________________________

Master Card Visa Check or Money Order

Credit Card Number______________________________________

Name as it appears on card________________________________

Expiration Date_______Signature___________________________

Each line equals 27 spaces or characters. Actual length of published ad may varydepending on combination of letters, spaces and words. Please read your ad as soon asit is published. If you do find an error, notify us immediately. The Kern River Courier willtake responsibility for only one incorrect insertion and will not be responsible for morethan the cost of one insertion. No further liability shall apply. The Kern River Courierreserves the right to reject any ad and may edit ads as needed.

Payment is required prior to run. Phone orders are accepted with credit card only.

For Rent

COCKTAILS AND DANCING5430 Lake Isabella Blvd.

379-8144Largest pool table in town!

*bounce houses*water slides

*sno cones & cotton candymachines

*party supplies & moreWE DELIVER!

760-376-4KIDS(4543)www.kernkidspartyrentals.com

Specialty Shops

HomesPets

Ray's Painting & DecoratingInterior & Exterior Painting

Wall CoveringInstalled and Removed

760-417-9797

Land For Sale

SADIE'S CENT SAVERDiscount Grocery Outlet open inSouthlake in old Ranchhouserestaurant bldg. New productsstocked daily! 8458 Entrada Blvd.378-4240. Come See Us!

Chuck Barbee - Still & VideoPHOTOGRAPHY

Portraits - Family EventsEquestrian - Historical

Photo Scanning & RestorationTransfers to DVD & CD

760-376-8784

Spaces for Rent

ABRAHAM’S

APPLIANCE RREPAIR

SERVICEWASHERS-DRYERS • REFRIGERATORS

STOVES • DISHWASHERS • ICEMAKERS ETC.

379-44707

Firewood For Sale

Announcements

For Sale

YOUR AD COULD HAVE

BEEN WORKING HERE!

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KERN RIVER COURIER ADSthat are FREE to the Publicinclude: Lost & Found prop-erty, Lost & Found Pets, andHomes for Pets.

CA L L 376-2860

THE KERN RIVER COURIER GETS READTHE KERN RIVER COURIER GETS READ!!A N D S O W I L LA N D S O W I L L Y O U R Y O U R A D . . .A D . . .

Friday, December 5, 2008 Page 11

KernvilleFirst Baptist Church of Kernville46 Valley View Drive, KernvilleSunday Services — 11 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. 376-6403Prince of Peace Lutheran Fellowship Center44 Big Blue Road, KernvilleSunday School 9 a.m.Sunday Service 10:30 a.m. 417-2014Kernville Foursquare ChurchKernville Chamber of Commerce11447 Kernville Road Sunday Services 9:30 a.m.223-6704Kernville United Methodist Church251 Big Blue Rd., Kernville Sunday Services 8:30 & 10:30 a.m.376-2751St. Peter’s Anglican Church11900 Sierra Way, KernvilleSunday Service 10:00 a.m. 376-6362

Lake IsabellaFirst Baptist Church of Lake Isabella 3701 Suhre, Lake Isabella Sunday Services 8:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m. Sunday School 9:45 a.m. 379-5615Fountain of Christ Church 5101 #A Lake Isabella Blvd, Lake IsabellaSunday Service: 9:45 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Wed. 6 p.m.417-0793 Living by Faith Evangelist Outreach6437 Isabella Blvd. (near Post Office)Sunday Services 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. 379-8036Landmark Missionary Baptist Church2741 Mountain View Rd, Lake Isabella Sunday Services 9:45 a.m. & 5:00 p.m.379-5640Mt. View Southern Baptist Church2959 Erskine Creek Rd, Lake Isabella Sunday Services 8:30, 11:15 a.m. & 6:00 p.m. 379-4296Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (LCMS)377 Highway 155, Lake Isabella Sunday Services 12:00 p.m. 379-2343Kern Valley Bible Church3920 Golden Spur, Lake Isabella Sunday Services 9:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.379-5482 Church of the Nazarene2931 Erskine Creek Rd., Lake IsabellaSunday Service 10:30 a.m. 379-2062Highland Chapel United Methodist 5301 LakeIsabella Bl., Lake Isabella Sunday School & Worship 9:30 a.m. 379-2120Lake Isabella Church of Christ3711 Golden Spur, Lake IsabellaSunday worship 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.Bible study Sun. 10 a.m., Thurs. 6 p.m.Kern River Valley Seventh Day Adventist 3801 Golden Spur, Lake Isabella Saturday Service 9:30 a.m. 379-3206Kern Valley Pentecostal LightHouse Church3730 Wagon Wheel Dr., Lake Isabella Sunday School 9:45 Services 10:45 a.m. Eve. 5 p.m. Wed. Service 6 p.m. 379-5819

Mt. MesaChurch of Christ Mt. Mesa6400 Dogwood Av., Mt. MesaSunday Services 9:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.379-4792Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints6400 Park Av., Mt. Mesa Sunday Services 10:00 a.m. 379-2904Grace Chapel12312 Mt. Mesa Rd., Mt. Mesa Sunday Services 9:45 a.m. 379-4093Christian Assembly12424 Mountain Mesa Rd., Mt. Mesa Sunday Services 10:30 a.m. & 6:00 p.m. 379-6377Victory Tabernacle (United Pentecostal Church)4324 Birch, Mt. Mesa Sunday Services 4 p.m. 379-6360

Southlake/WeldonKern Christian Church “The River”14900 Hwy 178, Southlake Sunday Services 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. 378-3780Weldon Baptist Church20674 Highway 178 Sunday Services 10 a.m. & 6 p.m.378-4964Weldon United Methodist Church20021 Hwy. 178, WeldonSunday Services 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.378-2321

Wofford HeightsFamily Life Center Foursquare Church 20 W.Panorama, Wofford Heights Sunday Service 10:30 a.m. 376-6719New Life Assembly of God25 Arden Av., Wofford Heights Sunday Services 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m.376-6402St. Jude Catholic Church86 Nellie Dent Dr., Wofford Heights Sunday Mass 7:00 a.m. & 9:00 a.m376-2416Calvary Chapel125 Sycamore Drive, Wofford HeightsSunday Services 9 & 11 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. 376-8789Christ Fellowship80 Evans Road, Wofford HeightsSunday Service 10:30 a.m.

MiscellaneousSGI - USA Buddhist Discussion Meetings - call 379-6162 for dates and times.Based on the Lotus Sutra.Salvation ArmyMon. 9 am — 1 pm. Service and applications at 6105 LakeIsabella Blvd., Lake Isabella. TSA feeds the hungry lunchMonday through Friday. Assistance is offered to personsor families who are having difficulties paying utility bills, inneed of food, clothing, spiritual and other counseling. 760-379-5100.

Churches of the Valley

Super Crossword answers

aithFK E R N R I V E R

BIBLE TRIVIAby Wilson Casey1. The main stories of Jesus’ birth are inChapters 1 and 2 of Matthew and which otherbook? Mark, Luke, Romans, Revelation2. From Matthew 1: 18, when Mary became preg-nant, she and Joseph were in what relationship?Married, Engaged, Just friends, Strangers3. For the journey to Bethlehem, how did Maryand Joseph travel? Bible not specific, Walked,

Rode donkey, Boat 4. At the birth of Jesus, who was king ofJudaea? Solomon, Herod, Balak, Belshazzar5. What was the home city of Mary and Joseph?Capernaum, Nazareth, Aphek, Shechem

ANSWERS: 1) Luke; 2) Engaged; 3) Bible notspecific; 4) Herod; 5) Nazareth.(c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.

Answers to puzzles on pages 12-13:

Weldon Baptist ChurchPastor/Teacher: Rick Rayls Worship Leader: Darrow Elconin

20647 Hwy. 178 Weldon 760-378-4964 or 760-951-7700

• Contemporary Music• Solid Bible Teaching• Everyone Welcome• Nursery AvailableSundays: 9am- Praise Team Practice

10am- Adult & Children’s Services6pm- Evening Bible Study

Fay Ranch Rd

Weldon 178

Kelso Valley Rd

Kelso C

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PowersTract

Powers Ln

Highway 178

Weldon Baptist Church ■

Thoughts on religion

“The problem to be facedis: how to combine loyalty toone’s own tradition withreverence for different tra-ditions.”

– Abraham Joshua Heschel

“When I do good, I feelgood; when I do bad, I feelbad. That’s my religion.

– Abraham Lincoln

Christ bellTHE BELL

I KNOW WHO I AM I am God's child (John 1:12)

I am Christ's friend (John 15:15 ) I am united with the Lord (1 Cor. 6:17)

I am bought with a price (1 Cor 6:19-20) I am a saint (set apart for God). (Eph. 1:1)

I am a personal witness of Christ. (Acts 1:8) I am the salt & light of the earth (Matt 5:13-14)

I am a member of the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:27) I am free forever from condemnation ( Rom. 8: 1-2) I am a citizen of Heaven. I am significant (Phil 3:20)

I am free from any charge against me (Rom. 8:31 -34) I am a minister of reconciliation for God (2 Cor 5:17-21) I have access to God through the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:18) I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Eph. 2:6) I cannot be separated from the love of God (Rom 8:35-39) I am established, anointed, sealed by God (2 Cor 1:21-22 )

I am assured all things work together for good (Rom. 8:28 ) I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16 )

I may approach God with freedom and confidence (Eph. 3: 12 ) I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13)

I am the branch of the true vine, a channel of His life (John 15: 1-5) I am God's temple (1 Cor. 3: 16). I am complete in Christ (Col. 2: 10)

I am hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3). I have been justified (Romans 5:1) I am God's co-worker (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor 6:1). I am God's workmanship (Eph. 2:10)

I am confident that the good works God has begun in me will be perfected. (Phil. 1: 5) I have been redeemed and forgiven ( Col 1:14). I have been adopted as God's child (Eph 1:5)

I belong to God Do you know

Who you are!?

Keep this bell ringing... 'The LORD bless you and keep you;

The LORD make His face shine upon you And be gracious to you;

The LORD turn His face toward you And give you peace..'

Numbers 6:24-26

Page 12 Friday, December 5, 2008

See Page 11 foranswers to puzzles

Courier chuckle of the week:

“Not only is life a bitch, it haspuppies.”

Adrienne GusoffAdrienne Gusoff

Friday, December 5, 2008 Kern River Courier Page 13

Trivia TestBy Fifi Rodriguez

1. MEDICAL: What common condition wouldyou be suffering from if your doctor said you hadnephrolithiasis?

2. U.S. GOVERNMENT: During the 20th century,what did the acronym HUAC stand for?

3. INVENTIONS: What 19th-century aid didJoseph Glidden invent that helped tame the West?

4. NICKNAMES: What are GeorgetownUniversity’s sports teams known as?

5. MATH: What is the Arabic equivalent of theRoman numerals XC?

6. LITERATURE: In which book do the charactersFlopsy and Mopsy appear?

1. Kidney stones2. House of Un-American Activities Committee3. Barbed wire4. Hoyas5. 906. “The Tale of Peter Rabbit

(c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.

Answers:

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Careful, Lamb. Don’t letyour generous nature lead to some serious overspend-ing as you contemplate your holiday gift-giving. Yoursocial life kicks off into high gear by week’s end.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Apositive attitude helpsyou weather annoying but unavoidable changes in holi-day plans. Aspects favor new friendships and reinforce-ment of existing relationships.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Demands on your ener-gy level could be much higher than usual as you preparefor the upcoming holidays. Be sure to pace yourself.Friends and family will be happy to help.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Don’t allow a suddenlyicy reaction from a friend or family member to continuewithout learning what caused it — and what can be doneto restore that once warm and caring relationship.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) Arelationship seems to beunraveling, mostly from a lack of attention. It might be agood idea to ease up on whatever else you’re doing soyou can spend more time working to mend it.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) New facts emergethat not only help explain the recent rift with a trusted col-league, but also might provide a chance to wipe the slateclean and make a fresh start in your friendship.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) A family mem-ber’s personal situation is, fortunately, resolved in time

for you to get back into your hectic round of holidaypreparations. An old friend might bring a new friend intoyour life.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Pace yourselfin meeting holiday pressures and workplace demands toavoid winding up with a frayed temper and a Scorpiaanstinger that lashes out at puzzled kith, kin and colleagues.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Afinancialmatter requires close attention. Also, news from a trustedsource provides the means to help sort out a long-standingstate of confusion and put it into perspective.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) This is agood time to reinforce family ties. Make it a priority toassess and resolve all outstanding problems. Start theupcoming holiday season with a full measure of love.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Don’t bepressured into a so-called solid-gold investment. Waituntil the holiday distractions are over. Then take a harderlook at it. You might find that the “gold” is starting to flakeoff.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Aformer friend mightbe trying to heal the breach between you by using a mutualfriend as an intermediary. Best advice: Keep an open minddespite any lingering bad feelings.

BORN THIS WEEK: You have a way of saying theright thing at the right time. Your friendships are deepand lasting.

(c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.

Salome’s Stars

Page 14 Kern River Courier Friday, December 5, 2008

Donna FitchKern River Courier Columnist

I am the artevangelist!

And I’mhere to pushart and imagi-nation on you,every day andin every way.Creativity addsso much tolife. Itimproves youroutlook, itboosts your confidence, it inspiresindividuality, and it exercises ourimaginations, but best of all, it’sjust plain fun.

This morning, I remembered anexperience I had, near the holi-days, at a small café, hidden in themountains of the Angeles CrestForest. Along with my coffee, asheet of aluminum foil was foistedupon me and I was expected toinvent a holiday ornament, withwhich they decorated the restau-rant.

At first I was intimidated. I wasa kid the last time I had done any-thing physically creative or evenused my imagination in this typeof way. Ornaments hung onstreamers that converged from theouter ridges to the center of theceiling. It seemed to me that allthe good ideas were already taken.Santas, wreaths, holly, bells, rein-deer and sleds. You name it, and itwas up there. I need to get here

earlier next year. I made a peacesign. The hippie spirit conjoinedwith the holiday spirit. It was me.

Now, I am hooked. I asked formore foil and began fashioningthe word PEACE, one sheet at atime. Fun replaced inhibition.

Once I got started, I couldn’tget enough. I laugh when peoplesay they don’t have a creativebone in their body, because that isexactly how I felt a long time ago.The scoop is that you just haven’tused yours or started comparingand gave up before you even gotstarted, but it’s there.

Each individual left their per-sonal mark in the form of an orna-ment for everyone to enjoy. I’venever seen this use of foil since,but feel certain it should berevived. A foil revival from theevangelist!

I’ve decided to incorporate thisspecial experience into my holidaythis year and will be passing outfoil to everyone who comes over.Foil may even accompany mewhen I visit. Will I put them onthe tree or hang them from theceiling or maybe even outside?I’m not sure, but money won’t buya display like mine.

If you see a woman carrying aroll of foil around town, it is prob-ably me, unless you are doing it,too.

Donna Fitch is a local artist.For questions or comments youcan reach her through the Courier,[email protected].

Make Christmas your own

Donna Fitch

Creative Connection

Grand Fur (Douglas) Table-top to 9 foot $20 to $65Noble Fur 5 to 9 foot $45 to $75Fresh Wreaths &Poinsettias Also available

OpeningNovember 29Kern Valley FFA

Fresh Cut TreesRefrigerator Trucked Direct From Oregon

At Crossroads Shellin Lake Isabella

Open:Monday thru Friday

12:00 to 8:00pmSaturday & Sunday9:00am to 8:00pm

For more informationCall: 760-549-3147

Matt FreemanKern River Courier Columnist

There’s awhole gener-ation nowthat hasgrown upusing com-puters andsurfing theInternet. Forthem, com-municating,browsing andshoppingonline arereally second nature, so it seemsnatural that more and more aresearching for homes on the web,and evenlistingtheirhomesfor saleon theInternet.

Ofcourse,theWorldWideWeb is apowerful tool for both buyersand sellers, and that’s why somany real estate agents markettheir services and listingsonline. Take special care, how-ever, not to eliminate the “mid-dle men” from your next realestate transaction.

Buying a home is not as simpleas browsing eBay and clicking“Buy it now!” Selling a home canbe even more complicated. Eventhe most technically savvy com-puter user can list their homeonline at a number of “For saleby owner “ websites, but will runinto real “technical difficulty”when it comes time to set a fairasking price, target and screenqualified buyers, and handle thelegalities of negotiations andcontracts.

A good percentage of listingsthat start “By owner” are eventu-ally sold by licensed real estateagents. That’s because profession-als can sell the home for moremoney in less time, with profit

outdis-tancingcommis-sion. Yes,theInternet isa powerfultool forbuyersand sell-ers, espe-ciallywhen

placed in the knowledgeablehands of a good real estate agent.

Matt Freeman is a Realtor withFreeman’s Lakeside Realty (760)379-5915 or cell 223-0880. Hiscolumn is not intended to replacelegal advice.

Talking About Real EstateTTeecchhnniiccaall ddiiffffiiccuullttiieess

Matt Freeman

“Buying a home is notas simple as browsingeBay and clicking ‘Buy itnow!’”

--Matt Freeman

Friday, December 5, 2008 Kern River Courier Page 15

FICTITIOUS BBUSINESSNAME SSTATEMENT

Fictitious Business Name(s)DBA #1: NATURALHEALTH THERAPEUTIC(2008-B7871) Street addressof principal place of business:121A Piute Drive, Kernville,CA 93238. REGISTRANT:Catherine Crawford, 121APiute Drive, Kernville, CA93238: A, Individual. Thedate the business com-

menced: 07/01/1995. The fil-ing of this statement doesnot of itself authorize theuse in this state of a ficti-tious business name in vio-lation of the rights of anoth-er under federal, state, orcommon law (Bus & Prof14400 et seq. This FictitiousBusiness Name Statementexpires five years from thedate it was filed in theCounty Clerk’s Office.

(11/26/2013) A new fictitiousbusiness name statementmust be filed before thattime. NATURAL HEALTHTHERAPEUTIC CENTER.This statement filed on11/26/2008. ANN K. BAR-NETT, Auditor-Controller-County Clerk By M.Rodriguez (34993)—Published by the Kern RiverCourier December 5, 12, 19and 26, 2008.

Legal Notices

Logo

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adem

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Broc

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intingP.O. Box 810

Lake IsabellaCA 93240-0810760/379-4860

[email protected]

• Full Hookups • Modern Restrooms • Hot Showers • Shady Campsites • Tent Sites • Fishing • Free Cable

• 3 Dump Stations • 30/50 Amps •Pull Thrus•Daily & Weekly Rates

Rivernook Campground

14001 Sierra Way, Box 8, Kernville, CA 760-376-2705

Year-round fishing, whitewater rafting, & kayaking nearby on the Wild & Scenic Kern River

Open weekends – 10 am to 4 pm or by appointment anytime.3829 Lake Isabella Blvd., Bodfish, Ca. 93205 Ph: 760-379-5146

21 historic buildingsfeatured on The HistoryChannel & The NationalDirectory of HauntedPlaces. Antiques shops,

museum displays, self &docent guided tours. 20

minutes from Kernville...100 years back in time!

Death noticesDonald R. BlandfordDonald R. Blandford, 79, of Lake Isabella, passed away on Dec. 1,

2008 at Life House in Bakersfield. Arrangements by Lake IsabellaFuneral Home Society, 6048-A Lake Isabella Blvd., Lake Isabella, Ca93240. (760) 379-5006.

ObituariesIn Loving Memory

Robert “Bo” HomanApril 25, 1939 - November 28, 2008

Robert KennethHoman, born to Haroldand Elizabeth Homan inBridgeport, CT on April25, 1939. He went to bewith the Lord on Friday,November 28, 2008.

After a divorce, hismother married GeorgeGrenrood. His fatherproceeded him in death.He has a sister, Pat Rall,who lives in Goshen,Indiana, and a brother,Joey Grenrood, whoresides in Santa Ana,CA.

Bo spent his chilhoodin Glendale, CA. After adivorce, he lived in Tujunga until one day, when he was on a con-struction project at Flintridge Preparatory School, he set his eyeson a sweet secretary, Joan Batchelor. Unbeknownst to her, it waslove at first sight and after a few years, they moved to WoffordHeights. On March 1, 1988, Bo and Joan were married.

Bo was the heart of the Valley and made many friends. Heenjoyed storytelling, laughing, fishing, softball and his favoritehobby: aggravating his friends at the Hide-A-Way, where heworked as bartender until he became ill in October. Most of all, heenjoyed special times with his wife, kids, grandkids and great-granddaughter. He was surrounded by his family as he peacefullydeparted from his loved ones. His laughter and twinkling blue eyeswill remain in our hearts forever.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6 at Family LifeCenter in Wofford Heights followed by a Celebration of Life at theElks Lodge, where he was a member.

Ron BolyardKern River Courier Columnist

The readerwill recall theWaterVelocity vs.Depth dia-gram thatwas present-ed last week.Using thatdiagram andthe attacheddiagramshould fully explain the ques-tion of why gold is found atthe bottom of rivers andstreams.

Gold is much denser thanthe individual aggregate ofstones, rocks and other debristhat is carried by a stream. Thediagram shows various zonesof water velocity that are capa-ble of moving different sizedparticles, from Solution Loadto Bed Load. Thus the lighter(less dense) particles can be

Our Valley, Our Earth

Why gold is found in streamssuspended in the water at vari-ous depths. As the particlesincrease in density and size,the water cannot keep them insuspension and they sink tothe bottom of the stream.

At the bottom, you find thelargest particles, stones, rocks,and gold! They are still movedby the lesser velocity of water,but in differing ways. Thereare those that at “rolled” (R);others are “Saltated” (Sa); oth-ers “Slide”(S); and still othersrequire flood conditions to dis-lodge them from the bottom ofthe stream. Gold “hides”between the larger stones androcks on the bottom, due to itsmuch greater density. Whenthe water is low, gold seekershunt the recesses between thestones and find the gold lurk-ing there. Until next week -

Ron Bolyard is a retiredgeologist and has developed an“acute interest” in the geologyof the southern Sierra Nevadasince he moved here in 1999.

Arrest reportsA digest of arrest reports from

various public safety agencies in theKern River Valley area

There were eleven arrestsmade by the Kern CountySheriff’s Departmentbetween Nov. 20 and 28; onein Wofford Heights; two inWeldon; eight in LakeIsabella. All arrests weretransported and booked atCentral Receiving Facility inBakersfield.

November 20: Two arrests were made in the 5200 block of Hooper Road,Weldon. A 29-year-old male from Weldon was arrested on a warrant charg-ing him with violation of court orders. Another male, 25, from Lake Isabellawas arrested on a warrant charging him with driving without a license.

November 22: A 37-year-old Wofford Heights male was arrested in the700 block of Hwy 155, Lake Isabella on suspicion of possessing illegal drugsfor sales and transportation, destroying evidence and driving on a suspend-ed license.

See REPORTS, Page 16

Page 16 Kern River Courier Friday, December 5, 2008

6112 Lake Isabella Blvd. Lake Isabella 760-379-8614

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10x50Porro PrismBinoculars

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REPORTS continued from page 15

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52 times a year andreceive two tickets

to the Movies!

Yes! I want to give a gift subscription to the Kern River Courier. Aholiday mail subscription to the Kern River Courier, 52 issues, for just $35.00 to:

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November 23: A male, 47 years old, from Lake Isabella was arrested inthe 2500 block of Irwin Street, Lake Isabella on suspicion of possession of acontrolled substance, possession

November 24: A 39-year-old Wofford Heights male was arrested in the2000 block of Sierra Vista Drive, Wofford Heights on suspicion of assault witha deadly weapon, making terrorist threats, and public intoxication.

November 25: A Lake Isabella 22-year-old female was arrested in the6100 block of Cypress Ave., Lake Isabella on suspicion of being under theinfluence of a controlled substance.

November 26: Three Lake Isabella women, 43, 24 & 50 years of age werearrested in the 2600 block of Claire Street, Lake Isabella on suspicion ofbeing in possession of a controlled substance, being under the influence of acontrolled substance, and child endangerment.

November 27: A Bodfish, 37-year-old female was arrested in the 1800block of Harrington Ave., Lake Isabella on suspicion of assault with a deadlyweapon and spousal abuse.

November 28: A 38-year-old female from South Lake was arrested at theKern Valley Substation on suspicion of commercial burglary and passing afraudulent check.

ShopAtHOMEHOLIDAYSfor theHOMEHOLIDAYS

ShopAtfor the

Murdoc Douglas/Special to the Courier

Santa Claus made his first appearance in the Kern River Valley ofthe season at Saturday’s Christmas parade in Lake Isabella