New concerns on achievement and attendance

Two recent reports are fueling the movement to reform Del Norte County’s public schools.

Data shows local students lag behind the state average on standardized test scores and many are not ready for college after graduation. A large number of students are also missing a great deal of school — some more than 20 percent of the year.

And a survey of students found that they want to be challenged and taught more information that has real-world relevance. They also crave better communication with their teachers and assistance figuring out how to achieve career goals.

Organizations try to provide food to needy

Volunteer Lisa Morris prepares distribution bags. Del Norte Triplicate/Bryant Anderson

“It’s just harder this year,” Debra Brixey said as she filled out an application for a Christmas food basket from Rural Human Services on Friday.

Ever since she lost her job as a professional caretaker last year, she occasionally comes to the RHS food bank, which supplies about three meals a month to qualifying clients.

The reports are up, but not dramatically

Statistics back up county authorities’ perception that more local burglaries are occurring this year — although the increase is not dramatic.

The Triplicate tabulated burglary reports taken by the Del Norte County Sheriff’s Office, Crescent City Police Department and Yurok Tribal Police from January through October.

There were 279 burglaries reported throughout Del Norte County during that period — 189 handled by the Sheriff’s Office.

For all of last year, there were 305 burglaries — 204 were handled by the Sheriff’s Office. Based on monthly averages, there were a total of 254 burglaries reported in Del Norte through October 2010, according to the state Department of Justice.

Fines and restitution ordered following plea

A Pelican Bay State Prison inmate charged with assaulting a correctional officer last January pleaded guilty Thursday — two weeks after his arraignment.

Moses Osuna, 36, was sentenced to four years and eight months after pleading guilty to assault with a deadly weapon in prison and possessing a weapon in prison. Osuna originally faced five felony counts, including attempted murder and battery on a correctional officer.

As part of a plea deal, he was also assessed $2,710 in fines and ordered to pay $12,758 in restitution to the correctional officer for his medical expenses and wages lost.

Consultant says core area offers right ingredients

City planning consultant Lani Lott spoke to an audience of about 20 local business owners and residents Friday about downtown planning trends, offering an outsider’s perspective on the potential for development around Third Street.

Lott, of Phoenix, is in town to lead a strategic planning workshop with the City Council today from noon to 4 p.m. at the Wastewater Treatment Plant conference room. The public is welcome.

Her consulting services this weekend fulfill a $2,300 contract with the city.

Local singers perform in a cathedral at the Melk Abbey in Austria. Submitted

“How do you put something in words when you're performing in the exact same hall as Beethoven, Strauss, Brahms, and Mozart,” said choir director Christie Lynn Rust. “It’s quite an honor actually.”

The CR Cho­rale was one of only two American choirs invited and travelled the farthest  to the event held in the Vienna City Hall.

“They don’t let just anyone in the building — let alone to perform,” Rust said.

No arrests yet after altercation early on Sunday

Five local men were stabbed early Sunday during an altercation outside Toreros Famosos Mexican restaurant in Crescent City.

The City Police Department is asking for the public’s help as it investigates the incident.

Officers responded to a call about 1 a.m. and found “five victims lying on the pavement,” said Police Chief Douglas Plack on Monday.