The U.S. Forest Service is requesting comments by Nov. 5 on its proposal to create or to maintain defensible space abatement around many of its administrative sites in the San Jacinto Ranger District. Administrative sties can include recreation cabins, communication sites, fire lookout towers, developed camp sites, day use areas, fire stations, trailheads, travel routes,…

According to California Hwy. Patrol Officer Mike Murawski, at about 1 p.m. Sunday, Charles Marquis, 69, and Bertha Marquis, 68 (on backboard), of Hemet were riding their 1998 Honda Valkyrie northbound on Hwy. 243 near South Circle when the back tire began to fishtail causing the them to lose control and T-bone a 2005 Dodge Ram driven by Jackie Louise Nichols, 58 of Spring Valley, as she was pulling to the side of the road. Idyllwild Fire transported Bertha Marquis to Hemet Valley Medical Center with facial swelling. No other injuries were reported. Oil from a leaking vehicle may have contributed to the crash. Idyllwild Volunteer Fire Company 621 and Cal Trans mopped up the excess oil and the Riverside County Sheriff conducted traffic control during the incident.

For the 11th consecutive year, the Idyllwild Town Crier is requesting nominations for the annual Ernie Maxwell Community Spirit Award. Bring your nomination to the Town Crier office at 54405 N. Circle Dr., mail it to P.O. Box 157, Idyllwild, CA 92549, or send by email to melissa@towncrier.com by 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 12.The honor…