The Idyllwild Water District Finance Committee reviewed the draft audit report for fiscal year 2013-14 last week. The committee recommended sending it to the board’s regular meeting on Oct. 15 for approval and acceptance. Representatives from the audit firm of Rogers, Anderson, Malody and Scott will be at the meeting to answer specific questions. The…

The vote totals for the Idyllwild Water District election are now official and final. The district’s constituents signaled it’s time for a change, easily choosing both challengers and ending the tenure of two of the three incumbents seeking re-election. Far in front was challenger Steven Kunkle, former IWD employee, with 267 votes or 32.9 percent…

The drought, now in its fourth year, is creating severe and dangerous threats to the Hill’s native trees — pines and oaks. But other dangers also are threatening the local forest. Residents are familiar with the damage bark beetles bring, especially during droughts. The bark beetle is actually a native pest, but during droughts when…