

Ground broken for new Camp Ronald McDonald cafeteria
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Shovels dug into mountain dirt as groundbreaking ceremonies were held at Camp Ronald McDonald, located in nearby Hurkey Creek area, starting construction of a dining hall and cabins to house any child, from infancy through age 18, who has cancer or a similar condition at no cost to the families. Gathered on the 60-acre site, from left, are Bob Parker, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California (RMHCSC), Stuart Siegel, M.D., founder of Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times, Rusty Taragan, camp board president, Brian Crater, camp associate executive director, Laurie Dubchansky, camp executive director, Chad Edward, camp program director Ronald McDonald and Ron Piazza, McDonald’s owner/operator and president of RMHCSC. Photo by Cid Castillo

Still in the middle of fire season, local fire officials were able to hold their quarterly Mountain Area Safety Taskforce meeting last week; however, they moved through the agenda quickly. No reports or issues regarding local fires were presented. But Cal Fire Battalion Chief Greg Bratcher emphasized concern about the gold spotted oak borer infestation…
Surprisingly, Idyllwild is placed in an assembly district that is aligned north to south, rather that to the east or west of the mountain.
The ballots have been cast for the election of Idyllwild’s first mayor. A lot of treats and kibble were being exchanged last week, according to my olfactory system. They will be announced 4 p.m., Sunday, July 1, at a barbecue at ARF on Highway 243.
Editor’s note: Each year, the Town Crier reports the information below for Fern Valley Water District, Idyllwild Fire Protection District, Idyllwild WD and Pine Cove WD. FVWD was in the March 17 issue and IFPD was in the March 24 issue. PCWD information will appear next week. Each district provides the information to the state…
Sheriff’s log The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Hemet Station responded to the following calls Sunday to Saturday, June 3 to 9. Idyllwild • June 3 — Miscellaneous criminal, 1:01 a.m., Cedar St. Handled by deputy. • June 3 — Found property, 1:14 p.m., address undefined. Handled by deputy. • June 4 — Suspicious vehicle, 8:19…
The Idyllwild Town Crier garnered a second place win in the 2018 National Newspaper Association’s Better Editorial Contest in the category “Editions — Best Local News Coverage” among daily and non-daily newspapers with a circulation of less than 3,000. Judge notes for the entry were, “Excellent news coverage of diverse topics to showcase the local…