To the Kern River Courier:
In Washington D.C., Congress is holding hearings to ask the public how they feel about paying fees to access public lands. These hearings will specifically include the Sequoia National Forest's proposal to impose a $10/day or $50/year fee for anyone going to the Lake, Upper Kern River, or Lloyd Meadow Road. (This is not just a camping fee, but an access fee for everyone, even those who just want to stop for a few minutes to look at the lake or river.)

Your comments will become part of the official record if received by July 2. The Committee is soliciting single spaced email attachments with the Subject line reading "Pay to Play Implementation of Fee Authority on Federal Lands." Send comments to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it with a cc to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  

As a Kernville resident, I have been personally invited to testify. This is a rare opportunity for the opinions of Kern Valley residents to actually be listened to in Washington.  Please send an email today.  Thank you.
Peter Wiechers
Kernville  

To the Kern River Courier:
The Twelfth Annual History Days was a weekend of fun, entertainment andValley lore. Visitors from Tehachapi, Havilah and the entire Valley enjoyed the popular Dutch Oven Cooking demonstration by Harvey Malone, Butter Churning by Liz Bardos and Hand Quilting by the Dam Quilters whowelcome new members to their meeting the first and third Wednesdays of each month at the Senior Apartments Community Room, located behind Vons Shopping Center.

Visitors enjoyed Gold assaying, the ever popular coloring contest, and a demonstration of Gold Panning by the Golden Valley Prospectors who are a branch of the Gold Prospectors Association of America. Their meetings are the 2nd Tuesday of each month at Rasmussen Center in Bakersfield.
Musicians, Dancers, Artists, and "Roy Rogers" entertained the 755 visitorswhich included a Boy Scout Troop of 14 from Cerritos, California. Many locals said that this was their first visit to the Kern Valley Museum and that they would certainly return.

The print of well known gunman Doc Holliday was won by Jackie Ellis of Westminster. This print was obtained for the Museum by the late Don"Dufus" Legg. The pie contest, managed by Shannon Ritchie, was won by a mince pie made by Don Morrison and Jacqueline Morgan; Kathleen Gulmac's strawberry dream pie took second; while Liz Bardos' French apple pie came in third. Costume contest winners were Linda Diaz first place and Neal Russell second.
Kern River Valley Historical Society
Kernville

To the Kern River Courier:
During the 39th annual Bishop Mule days celebration seven young men represented the Kem River Valley and the One Spade Youth Packers in a week long competition.

Sponsored by the Kem River Valley Rotary, the One Spade Youth Packers have been competing at Mule Days since 1997. Under my direction and supervision, this selected group of young men spend six months a year practicing and preparing for this event.

The boys learn how to ride and pack horses and mules and drive a team of mules pulling a wagon. They also learn fundamental horsemanship skills,proper care and feeding, concepts of wilderness ("Leave No Trace") and teamwork.

The boys who are chosen to participate each year are selected based on their individual needs and interests. The objective is to teach them to set and achieve goals and to provide guidance and offer encouragement in a positive direction. The boys must maintain good grades in school and have a genuine interest in livestock.

Contestants this year were Matt McDonald from Kemville, Cody Lyon from Kemville, Shane Walker from Kemville, Chris Ramos from Wofford Heights, Chris McDaniel from Lake Isabella and Cody Thompson and Josh Garza from Santa Maria.

This year the group brought home the titles of Grand Marshal's Sweepstakes award for the best Commercial Pack Outfit for the first time and World Champion Teamster for the second year in a row.

The boys competed in over 15 different events and took first place trophies in 12 of them. Over 30 ribbons were won as well.

All of these boys did a fantastic job representing our community and its great western heritage.

Special thanks to the Kern River Valley Rotary, all of the other many volunteers and sponsors and the entire community for their generous support.
Reid Hopkins
Kernville