MOUNT SHASTA – Jennifer Mckinnon is the new principal at Mt. Shasta High School. McKinnon, who was the principal at Yreka High School for four years before migrating south, took a few minutes on Monday to talk to SiskiyouYouth.com about her new school.

Asked what she likes best about Mt. Shasta High, McKinnon was quick to answer.

“The people,” said McKinnon. “The students and the staff I’ve worked with so far are good. In education the things that you like best are the people. A lot of times it’s the students. But in my position, very often it’s the staff.” (more…)

Yreka, Mt Shasta and Etna high schools met on the gridiron at Mt. Shasta High last Friday for a 3-way scrimmage. The teams alternated offense and defense with each team running or defending 10 plays before switching. Siskiyou Youth followed up after the scrimmage and asked each head coach for an assessment of his team heading into the season openers this Friday.

Yreka

Yreka Miner head coach Orlyn Culp liked what he saw during the scrimmage for the most part.

“Overall, I think it was a positive day for the Miners. We’re a young group, so we’re going to need some time to grow up and become more experienced.  It’s going to be imperative that our senior leaders from last year’s team continue to serve as positive role models of how we do what we do,” said Culp.

Culp liked the competitiveness that he saw from his squad and was pleased that his coaching staff was able to get each player quality reps, in order to evaluate them objectively.

He was especially happy with the work done by a pair of seniors. (more…)

Etna Lions football, Lion Pride boosters club, and Etna HS athletics are sponsoring Kickoff ‘09 as a way to jump start the upcoming year of athletic competition at Etna High School. The festivities will include a barbecue pork dinner being served at the game, introduction of this year’s varsity football coaches and team, a ceremony honoring former Etna coach Bill Wilkins, and an after-game dance for the students. (more…)

WEED – First-year Weed varsity head coach Erik Johnson took a different approach than the rest of the Siskiyou County football programs this summer. The other 11-man teams (Yreka, Mt. Shasta, Etna) had traditional preseason practices, which culminated in a scrimmage held at Mt. Shasta High School last Friday. Johnson, however, opted to take his players to boot camp.

Okay, maybe calling it boot camp is a bit of a stretch, but it was certainly the most intense week that any football players in the area experienced. (more…)

A highlight of the Siskiyou Golden Fair each year is the Junior Livestock program that features youth from Siskiyou County and their project animals–from the furry little cavy to the 1,300-pound steer. The exhibitors compete for numerous awards in showmanship and market classes and are honored with numerous awards which are provided by the Fair and community donors.Market and Showmanship awards

Grand champion hog: Jessica Arellano, Yreka FFA
Reserve champion hog: Natalie Driskell, River Valley 4-H
Grand champion lamb: Brian Sampson, Gazelle 4-H
Reserve champion lamb: David Jesperson, Yreka FFA
Grand champion market beef: Russell Sweet, Grenada 4-H
Reserve champion market beef: Kayla Stonier, Grenada 4-H (more…)

YREKA – Siskiyou Golden Fair CEO Rebecca Desmond reported a 2-percent increase in fair attendance for 2009, with an estimated total of 51,392 visitors. The revenue count is not completed, but Desmond expects the amount to be down a little.

“Pre-sale admission and carnival wristband sales were up over last year, and that can bring overall revenues down, but is a real plus for our customers,” said Desmond

The fair also saw an uptick in participation and attendance for some exhibits and events. (more…)

YREKA – Locals Daryl Lara and Todd Wilkinson won the coveted Saddle Cow Championship at the Siskiyou Golden Fair rodeo last Saturday night. Nick and John Kraus took second place.

Click here for complete CCPRA results.

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WEED – If you like mechanical and electrical systems and are looking for the skills you need to work in the steam and electrical power generation industry then COS’ new program in Power Generation Technology could be for you.

Power Generation Technology is one of three new programs College of the Siskiyous is launching this fall. Fall classes start September 8, and include: Power Plant Primer, Operations and Maintenance Techniques, Operations and Maintenance Safety, and Work Experience. Courses will be offered online and taught by Ross Stevenson.

The Environmental Resources – Power Generation Technology (ERPG) program is geared towards students interested in mechanical and electrical systems, and will prepare students for entry-level positions in the steam and electrical power generation and distribution industry. A connection to bio-fuel sources and related issues will be emphasized. Students can choose to complete an Associate of Science degree or a Certificate. (more…)

YREKA – Fifteen-year-old Katarina Martinez of Yreka sang her way to the Youth Talent Show championship in the 12-15 age group. Fort Jones residents Juliana Gamache and Dakota Watton, both 9-years-old, won the 8-11 age group.

The Diaper Derby went to speedster Josh Laustalot, the 11-month-old son of BJ and Tiffany Laustalot.

Dan Deegan from Gazelle won the Siskiyou County Motorsports Association Destruction Derby Main Event and took home a check for $1000. Edgewood’s Ken Lemos was second ($300), Randy Ford of Anderson was third ($200), and Justin Blanton from Yreka finished fourth ($50). (more…)