At its June 17 meeting, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors approved the closure of seven areas with Riverside County because of fire hazards. County Fire Chief John Hawkins recommended the closures because of the potential for large, damaging fires enhanced by the continuing drought conditions this year. Public roadways and private property are not…

Gov. Jerry Brown issued his second executive order last Friday regarding water conservation this year. Last April, the governor’s first order mandated a 25-percent reduction in water use throughout the state. The Nov. 13 order authorizes the State Water Resources Control Board to extend the water reductions through October 2016 if drought conditions persist through…

Cal Fire (the state Department of Forestry and Fire Protection), in cooperation with California State Parks, will be conducting a prescribed burn consisting of brush and slash piles in the Mt. San Jacinto State Park off Highway 243 in the Stone Creek area. The project began Tuesday, Jan. 31, and will continue for the next…

Joel White won the Idyllwild Elementary School’s 2014-15 Spelling Championship Friday afternoon by correctly spelling “wicked.” White appeared indifferent, hands always in his pockets, and unenthusiastic, but he never hesitated or doubted his ability to spell any word. His toughest competition came from positive and composed fifth-grader Fiona McMullen. Joel correctly spelled “wicked” and his…