The Swillup and Crawford Fires

Map showing fire locations
Fires started by lightning on Sept. 15, 2001

The Swillup Fire\
The Swillup Fire, near Cottage Grove

Forest fires about 12 miles downriver from Happy Camp are only 20% contained. The fires are three of over sixty fires started in the Klamath National Forest by dry lightning strikes in the early morning hours of Saturday, September 15. There was only .27 of an inch of rain with this lightning storm.

The Swillup Fire is burning in the area of Cottage Grove and at this time has covered about 900 acres. The Crawford Fire is upriver closer to Independence Bridge and encompasses about 70 acres. The Red Hill Fire, deep in the Siskiyou Wilderness area, covers about 30 acres.

Smoke blankets Happy Camp today due to weather conditions keeping this layer of air close to the ground. The fires do not threaten Happy Camp at this time and there are no plans to evacuate residences in this area. No structures have been affected by these fires.

Over 900 firefighters are on the job, with 7 air tankers, 7 water tenders, 9 helicopters, 7 bulldozers, 16 engines and 32 hand crews. Burning is currently erratic with winds of up to 12 MPH blowing southwest, and away from Happy Camp. The Swillup Fire has been especially challenging due to rugged, steep terrain, inaccessibility, and heavy fuels, according to Forest Service reports.

Strange Creatures Spotted at Elk Creek Campground

Halloween

Some odd things seem to be happening at Elk Creek Campground in Happy Camp. Since the September fires in the forests near the town, there have been reports of eerie lights and strange noises coming from a vacant travel trailer in the park. The managers, Ed & Jean Davenport have not been able to find anything unusual. However, a camper who asked not to be identified states that, “Strange creatures have been driven here from the forest by the fires.” Another camper states, “I make sure I’m in my rig by nightfall. I keep the lights on and don’t go outside, no matter what!”

The Davenports are concerned by the reports, but assure everyone that there is really nothing to be afraid of. In fact, they are inviting anyone 13 and older to come see for themselves. The campground will welcome your presence and provide a tour of the travel trailer to help calm your nerves. Their only ghoul (I mean goal) is to be sure all have a good time at the park.

Despite all the Davenports reassurances, certain of the Happy Camp High School Seniors state “they won’t go to the park.” There seems to be some real fright from these young adults despite their show of cool bravado and their strong denials to the contrary. It does seem odd that they would pass up free refreshments if they weren’t worried about showing their fright.

For the rest of you brave and curious souls, visit Elk Creek Campground & RV Park, 921 Elk Creek Road in Happy Camp, on Saturday, October 27th from dark until 10:30 p.m. Unlike a certain motel, they’ll be leaving the lights off for you! See you there!

— Elk Creek Press Release

Terrorist Attack on America

September 12, 2001 – Our nation and all decent people throughout the world are in shock at the devastation in New York City and Washington DC. Though we are isolated from this violence here in Happy Camp, we are not immune from its impact. Our loved ones too could be among the dead and injured. Our prayers are needed.

The nation’s response will be registered through the many major media resources of our country.

To keep track of the president’s response, keep an eye on his website at http://www.whitehouse.gov/ and on Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Candlelight, Song, and Prayers

A group of about thirty Happy Camp citizens met in a prayer circle around the flagpole in front of the post office just before sunset.

Many prayers were offered as part of a national effort to observe and deal with the pain caused by Tuesday’s terrorist attack on American citizens. Afterwards there were songs including America the Beautiful and The Star Spangled Banner. Those who brought candles lit them.

American flags are showing up on Happy Camp businesses and homes, as well as one placed across Highway 96 near the bank. The spirit of patriotism seems to be overtaking us as we stand on the threshold of war.

US Flag

STAR Results Look Good For Happy Camp Schools

STAR scores are in for the California public school system’s 2001 standardized achievement test. STAR stands for Standardized Testing and Review; California students from grades two through eleven took the Stanford Achievement Test, edition 9 (Stanford 9), which was to be completed by May 15, 2001.

The Stanford 9 test covers reading, language, and mathematics for all grade levels. Students in grades nine through eleven also are tested in social studies and science. Students in grades two through eight are tested for spelling proficiency.
Test results have been mailed to parents, who can log on to the Great Schools website to compare their students with others who have taken the test. (In the search box, enter “Happy Camp Elementary” or “Happy Camp High” and your student’s grade.) Test results should be received in the mail between August 3 and September 6, 2001.

Happy Camp Elementary scores have improved quite a lot in the last four years. In 1998 only 38% of local public school students were above the national average in math and 39% were at that level in reading. The most recent test shows 62% above average in math, and 60% in reading.

At Happy Camp High, the results were not quite as good but still, above average. In math, 58% scored above the national average; in reading, 53% were above average. This is up from the 1998 score of 49% for both math and reading proficiencies.

Known factors that may affect a student’s STAR results include their English language ability, attitude, test taking skills, knowledge of the subject matter, and home learning environment. Parents can help by assuring their children have enough rest, a good breakfast, and a well-lighted, quiet place to study.

For more information about California STAR results, see the official website at http://star.cde.ca.gov/.

Bigfoot Jamboree – 2001

Cimeron looks at the Bigfoot Jamboree schedule
Cimeron looks at the
Bigfoot Jamboree schedule

“This is the best day of my life,” a twelve year old girl said, with a happy, dreamy look on her face, after a day of fun and festivity at Happy Camp’s annual Bigfoot Jamboree.

Events included a salmon barbecue, two dances, races for the kids, pancake breakfast, a parade, and so much more.

The coronation of Bigfoot Queen, Danielle McCarthy, took place on Friday night. Janet Burcell was crowned Jamboree Queen on Saturday night.

This year’s Bigfoot Jamboree also marked Happy Camp’s 150th birthday.

State of Jefferson Motorcycle Club
State of Jefferson Motorcycle Club

Buster & Dorothy Pence
Buster & Dorothy Pence, Grand Marshalls

Fire truck at the Bigfoot Jamboree Parade
Fire truck at the Bigfoot Jamboree Parade

Bigfoot Queen and Princess
Bigfoot Queen and Princess

Karuk Tribe Dancers 2001
Karuk Tribe Dancers 2001

Happy Birthday, Happy Camp!
Happy Birthday, Happy Camp!

Bigfoot
Bigfoot

Parade Float
Parade Float

Smokey the Bear
Smokey the Bear

Bigfoot statue project at the 2001 Bigfoot Jamboree
Bigfoot statue project at the 2001 Bigfoot Jamboree

Ralph Starritt and the Bigfoot scupture
Ralph Starritt and the Bigfoot scupture

Bigfoot Jamboree Vendors
Bigfoot Jamboree Vendors

Dogs at the Bigfoot Jamboree
Dogs (Bear and Mairi) with Cimeron at the Bigfoot Jamboree

Bingo at the Bigfoot Jamboree
Bingo at the Bigfoot Jamboree

Aaron Martin at the 2001 Bigfoot Jamboree
Aaron Martin at the 2001 Bigfoot Jamboree

Three Legged Race
Three Legged Race

Bigfoot Queen
Bigfoot Queen

Crowning of the Queen
Crowning of the Queen

Chamber of Commerce Country Store
Chamber of Commerce Country Store

Smokey the Bear
Smokey the Bear

Kids Fun at 35th Bigfoot Jamboree

Aaron Martin, age 11
Aaron liked the cotton candy at the Bigfoot Jamboree

September 2, 2001 – The Bigfoot Jamboree was fun for kids. Besides the food and a chance to see friends, there was a clown, races, games, an inflatable jumping place, the parade, and the Junior Logging Show competition.

Did you miss the fun this year? If so, talk to your parents about going next year. The Bigfoot Jamboree is held every year during Labor Day weekend.

Three Legged Race
The Three-Legged Race at the Bigfoot Jamboree – September 1, 2001

Cimeron with her dogs
Cimeron enjoyed the Bigfoot Jamboree with her dogs, Mairi and Bear.

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