Shutdown is an opportunity Editor: As troublesome as the government shutdown has been, it’s just a taste of things to come if we default on the debt. Congress periodically (including this Oct. 17) has battles on whether to raise the debt ceiling or default on our debt. That’s why it is imperative that we write…

Winners of the 2015 Idyllwild School Charles Dickens Essay and Poster Contest were announced Tuesday morning. The contest, in its eleventh year, is sponsored by Mary Austin Scholarships and Grants. Some $550 in cash prizes were awarded. Pictured here from top row left: Suzy Caparelli, Matt Kraemer, Marina Khella, Matt Hamlet, Doug Austin, Sophia Holanda, George Companiott, Vinny Parillo, Donna Mercer and Sierra Barnett; bottom row from left: Sidney Cruz, Abby See, Parker Strunk, Arriana Felix, Zack Zambranao and Izaiah Carmen.

A 2.4 magnitude earthquake shook Idyllwild about 7:15 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 29. The epicenter was approximately 6 miles northwest of Anza and 13 miles southeast of Valle Vista. While considered a weak quake, it was clearly heard in Idyllwild and structures shook momentarily.