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6A Daily News – Friday, July 6, 2012 Opinion Leading horses to water DAILYNEWS RED BLUFF TEHAMACOUNTY T H E V O I C E O F T E H A M A C O U N T Y S I N C E 1 8 8 5 Greg Stevens, Publisher gstevens@redbluffdailynews.com Chip Thompson, Editor editor@redbluffdailynews.com Editorial policy The Daily News opinion is expressed in the editorial. The opinions expressed in columns, letters and cartoons are those of the authors and artists. Letter policy The Daily News welcomes let- ters from its readers on timely topics of public interest. All let- ters must be signed and pro- vide the writer's home street address and home phone num- ber. Anonymous letters, open letters to others, pen names and petition-style letters will not be allowed. Letters should be typed and cannot exceed two double-spaced pages or 500 words. When several letters address the same issue, a cross section of those submit- ted will be considered for publi- cation. Letters will be edited. Letters are published at the discretion of the editor. Mission Statement We believe that a strong com- munity newspaper is essential to a strong community, creating citizens who are better informed and more involved. The Daily News will be the indispensible guide to life and living in Tehama County. We will be the premier provider of local news, information and advertising through our daily newspaper, online edition and other print and Internet vehi- cles. The Daily News will reflect and support the unique identities of Tehama County and its cities; record the history of its com- munities and their people and make a positive difference in the quality of life for the resi- dents and businesses of Tehama County. How to reach us Main office: 527-2151 Classified: 527-2151 Circulation: 527-2151 News tips: 527-2153 Sports: 527-2153 Obituaries: 527-2151 Photo: 527-2153 On the Web www.redbluffdailynews.com Fax Newsroom: 527-9251 Classified: 527-5774 Retail Adv.: 527-5774 Legal Adv.: 527-5774 Business Office: 527-3719 Address 545 Diamond Ave. Red Bluff, CA 96080, or P.O. Box 220 Red Bluff, CA 96080 During a conference call with the editors of the other Northern California newspapers in the com- pany, a couple of editors shared humorous stories that ring every bit as true here in Tehama County. One was at a Fourth of July celebration and somebody recog- nized her. The person walked over and let the editor know about a particular person in town who had accomplished something note- worthy. He finished his lecture by saying, "That's the kind of thing you should put in the paper." That particular person's story had been featured prominently on the front page of her paper twice in recent months. Another editor overheard a conversation between two women about how upset they were that a particular event was not covered by the local paper. You guessed it, the event had been covered by the local paper. Eventually one of the women asked the other whether she sub- scribed to the paper and she replied, "Oh heavens no, not for years now." These forehead slapping moments happen at the Daily News just as often. I try to be polite while looking up the edition containing the exact thing the per- son is demanding. This is a job that invites criti- cism, but I draw the line at being taken to task by somebody who doesn't bother to read the paper. *** they met at the farm home of Joe Sonza a few miles west of Red Bluff. Mrs. Hatfield was staying with Mrs. Sonza during the absence of the latter's husband from home." Not wanting to keep Robert Minch in suspense for another couple of weeks — see his col- umn this week — I zipped over to the library to track the unraveling of the Wilkinson-Hatfield saga. As noted in the Daily News' 90 Sad to say there were no more salacious details. But I did find another story. Years Ago... feature recently, Wilkinson shot Hatfield, his uncle. Robert determined the shooting happened during a dis- pute over extra attention the for- mer had been paying to the latter's wife, but was unable to read the remainder of the story. From the June 26, 1922 edition of the Daily News, "The trouble culminated last Friday night when From June 28,1922, "Pronounced out of dan- der by the attending physician, Fred Hat- field, shot through the lungs by his nephew John Neal Wilkinson at the farm home of Joe Souza [nice to know I didn't invent the typo] a few miles west of Red Bluff last Friday night, was reported as resting comfortably at the Sisters Hospi- tal here today [nor the run-on sen- tence]. His rapid recovery comes as a surprise to many who thought the case was likely to prove fatal to the victim." Chip Thompson 545 Diamond Ave. the Aug. 8, 1922 edition regard- ing his father, "Dave Minch Opens Poultry Exchange Near Cash Store." editor@redbluffdailynews.com. Your officials STATE ASSEMBLYMAN — Jim Nielsen (R) State Capitol Bldg., Room 6031 Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 319-2002; Fax (916) 319-2102 STATE SENATOR — Doug LaMalfa (R) State Capitol Bldg., Room 3070 Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 651-4004; Fax (916) 445-7750 GOVERNOR — Jerry Brown, State Capitol Bldg., Sacramento, CA 95814; (916) 445-2841; Fax (916) 558-3160; E-mail: gover- nor@governor.ca.gov. U.S. REPRESENTATIVE — Wally Herger (R), 2595 Cean- othus Ave., Ste. 182, Chico, CA 95973; 893-8363. U.S.SENATORS — Dianne Feinstein (D), One Post Street, Suite 2450, San Francisco, CA 94104; (415) 393-0707. Fax (415) 393-0710. Barbara Boxer (D), 1700 Montgomery St., Suite 240, San Francisco, CA 94111; (510) 286-8537. Fax (202) 224- 0454. Attention deficit Commentary We experience only a modicum of demon- strations in our fair city. No marches, no riots, no overturned vehicles set on fire. We, who live in small towns, are fortunate in this respect. We don't draw a lot of attention. Those running for President of the U.S. do not stop by for a chat. If Barrack Obama stuck his head in the door and gave a V for victory sign, we would be impressed...but no more so than if Tom Hanks paid us a visit. the vantage point of our office at 760 Main, I look west out the window and note, on the Cone & Kimball corner, two men. One has a "sandwich board" slung over his back. This is what these signs were called during the depression (the first big depression, not the present one). His sign reads "THE PRESI- DENT AND THE CONGRESS NEED A PAY CUT." This may be true, but such a sign locally is not apt to draw a crowd nor promote legislation to that effect. However, it will make the sign bearer feel he has accomplished some- thing. The other fellow holds a small Ameri- can flag in one hand and a sign in the other reading "U R A 99% 2." These proclamations are obviously not inflammatory, but they, and the ideas behind the signs, reflect the frustration of a few who believe they speak for the majority. Their demonstrations are arguably as productive as a tit bird on an elephant's butt. And yet, as I write, I note others have joined the two, and soon they may number 10 or more. Also they display a new sign reading, "VOTE EVERY- BODY OUT!" Perhaps this is a ground swell for a coming revolution. Though I may choose not to be a participant, I will have a good win- dow seat to observe this minute of democracy in action. *** But some local folks do demonstrate. From Recently we commented on a shooting that occurred on the 26th of June, 1922 as reported in the Daily News' "90 Years Ago" box. The headline read, "Fred Hatfield Shot Twice In Altercation With Neal Wilkinson Over Mrs. Hatfield." Not seeing a follow up, I scurried over to the Tehama County Library and perused its archives. Unfortunately the micro- film was faded and my eyes could not track only a few days later when an article read "Hatfield Reported To Have Fighting Chance For Life From Wounds." The report continued, "Fred Hatfield was shot twice by his nephew Neal Wilkinson and is in serious condition but holding his own and may recover. Hatfield is resting easy at Sisters Hospital where he was taken after the shooting last Friday night. What charge will be placed against Wilkerson will depend upon the outcome of his uncle's condition." The story con- cluded with a recounting of the cause of ill feeling between the two men over the attention Wilkinson was paying to Hatfield's wife. My eyes were giving out before I could read further, but Editor Thompson has Robert Minch I Say promised to supply the denouement to what may have been a crime of passion that occurred before most of us were born. We will have to cool our heels and wait for Chip's research. The suspense is building. Can't wait. *** We bought them at Sherman Clay in San Francisco along with about two-dozen stock arrangements of songs made famous by Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey and others. The performers were Glen Gerring on tenor sax, Harry Hansen on alto, Bob Graham and Tom Fort- son on trumpet, Jack Gilmore on trombone, Mar- ilyn Dana on piano and yours truly on drums with "B M" on the bass drum, which was good for a chuckle by the older set who recognized the euphemism. Nevertheless, we were hot stuff at the time, and I was pleased to see, many years later, our daughter Madalyn forming her band with Julie Crow on drums and Ben Webster on piano. Perhaps a third generation will emerge to take the musical spotlight. *** In last week's joke, I inadvertently spelled Scotsman as Scotchman and brought down the wrath of D. Hamill of R.B. and H. McClerry of Cottonwood. Both said a man of my caliber should know the difference, and Mr. McClerry added the caveat that what should one expect from an Englishman, meaning me. I believe our family tree suggests we are of Dutch extraction, though cousin D.J. Minch thinks it is Germanic with perhaps a touch of those who wear skull caps. Neither origin will promote harmony with the above who take Scots, and perhaps Scotch, seriously. *** That story went on to say that, due to Hat- field's prognosis, Wilkinson would likely be charged with assault with a deadly weapon, but that would have to wait for the District Attorney to return from the Bay Area. Finally, a June 29, 1922 story announced that Wilkinson had been released on $2,500 bond. Nothing more about the case through the end of August. If it's any consola- tion to Robert, I did find the following in Chip Thompson can be reached at 527-2151, Ext. 112 or by email at Last week's quiz was answered correctly by N. Rick who knew that Nero Wolfe lived at West 35th Street, NY, Sherlock Holmes at 221 B Baker Street, Ellery Queen (a fictional char- acter and also a pseudonym) in various loca- tions, and Charlie Chan worked for the Hon- olulu Police. This week's quiz: What has holes all over it but still holds water, name all of the 4 "col- ored" seas...and what was the gender of poet Joyce Kilmer? *** A school chum sent in a photo dear to my heart. The photo was taken in the old music hall at RBUHS circa 1946/47. There, on the bandstand, was that syncopated dance band, "The Rhythm Rascals." What? You have never heard of them? Well mother pin a rose on you. A group of seniors formed the band and we played for many dances throughout the year. I purchased fold up music stands and Mason Metherd painted them sky blue with the letters "RR" in dark blue. Very professional. A policeman knocked on a door and when the man of the house answered, the officer held up a photo and asked, "Is this your wife, sir?" The man agreed that it was. The officer con- tinued, "Well, sir, I'm afraid that it looks like she has been hit by a truck." The husband answered, "I know, but she has a great personality." Robert Minch is a lifelong resident of Red Bluff, former columnist for the Corning Daily Observer and Meat Industry magazine and author of the "The Knocking Pen." He can be reached at rminchandmurray@hotmail.com.