California law currently prohibits residents from disposing of household batteries in trash. The regulations are in place because household batteries contain components that could be harmful when decomposition occurs. For a list of places near Idyllwild where household batteries can be regularly recycled without charge, see www.call2recycle.org/locator or www.earth911.com. A more comprehensive free household hazardous…

Idyllwild Water District has offered to provide the Idyllwild Christmas Tree Lighting Committee with water for the Idyllwild Christmas Tree. During a meeting last week that included Michael Murray, of Jo’An’s, Phyllis Mueller, representing Mayor Max on the Lighting Committee, and IWD’s Board President Jim Billman and General Manager Tom Lynch, the district offered to…

Mike Freitas has “retired” from the Idyllwild Water District board effective immediately, he confirmed with the Town Crier late Friday afternoon. He is the second director to leave the IWD board this week. President Jim Billman resigned Monday, as did General Manager Tom Lynch. Lynch did not give much notice, leaving the same day. Billman…