Steve Erler, general manager of Fern Valley Water District, announced his intention to retire at the end of June 2016. The board was surprised, shocked, and saddened to learn of Erler’s plans, which he shared at the end of the Dec. 18 meeting. Erler has served as general manager a little more than 18 years,…

Cal Trans Public Information Officer Joy M. Sepulveda reported that Highway 243 may re-open Saturday, Aug. 17. A subcontractor was to begin repairing the metal beam guardrail Wednesday, Aug. 14, and will be working 12 hours shifts from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Highway 243 is estimated to be open by Saturday. An emergency project…

After a Sept. 10 presentation in which Idyllwild Fire Chief Patrick Reitz addressed and tried to rebuff many of the issues in the recent ad campaign directed against the district during the election for commissioners, the department’s 2013-14 budget was unanimously approved. Reitz, however, did say that after the escrow for the sale of the…

On July 1, a new agency will be responsible for the local recreation program. As part of a long-announced reorganization of functions at the county level, the Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District will take responsibility for County Service Area 36 (Idyllwild) recreation functions. “We’re planning on keeping it consistent with the past. No…