Idyllwild Town Crier

Fern Valley Water District customers will feel no immediate effect from the statewide drought, according to General Manager Steve Erler. “We’re easily meeting our demands now,” Erler told the FVWD Board of Directors last Friday. “If the drought persists, we’ll assess as we move into spring and summer.” FVWD wells showed little change during January. Surprisingly, the ground-water level for Well...

Riverside County Executive Officer Jay Orr began his mid-year review report to the Board of Supervisors describing the optimism in Gov. Jerry Brown’s recent 2014-15 budget submission, but didn’t portray the same enthusiasm for the county’s next budget. The county’s fiscal situation, while better than the past five years, only improves at a snail’s pace. Even though broader economic indicators,...

One of the best ways I’ve found to get myself outside and enjoying nature is to take up a new outdoor skill. While some people can just adopt a new activity without investing much learning time, most of us need some coaching. That’s why I recommend learning your new skill from a true expert in a safe, fun environment. Below are...

Measles has broken out in California. On Friday, the California Department of Public Health confirmed 15 cases of measles in the state, compared to two at this time in 2013. Three were in Riverside County and another eight reported in Los Angeles and Orange counties. The ages of these 15 individuals range from 5 months to 44 years. Since 2000,...

As of Thursday afternoon, Feb. 27, the National Weather Service still has a flash flood watch for Southern California from the Orange County coastal areas east to the Riverside and San Bernardino county mountains. In addition, a winter storm watch has been issued for the same area Friday evening through Saturday night. The winter storm warning has been changed...

65 years ago - 1949 There were heated arguments at the Idyllwild Chamber of Commerce meeting regarding whether the Chamber acted properly in endorsing plans for a cocktail bar at the Idyllwild Inn.   60 years ago - 1954 During the opening weekend of Idyllwild Market, owner Joe Darnell rigged up an alarm set to go off at intervals. Whoever was at the...

According to California Highway Patrol Officer Mike Murawski (center), at least, two occupants were traveling south on Fern Valley Rd. about 10:10 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26 night when the driver appears to have lost control, hitting a tree head on. Idyllwild Volunteer Fire Company Firefighter, Steve Friemoth (left) Murawski and Idyllwild Fire Chief Patrick Reitz (right) inspect the Mitsubishi Monte...

The coming rain and snow storms may affect highways on the Hill. Caltrans has specifically identified SR 243 in both the Silver and Mountain fires areas, SR 74 desert area (Mountain Fire), and SR 74 in Falls Fire. Caltrans has completed emergency projects to make repairs on these routes for guardrail, drainage, slopes, and the roadway. These routes will be...