In 2015, Hill residents are wondering whether the fabled El Niño will deposit any snow or just rain. Fifty years ago, locals jumped off buildings into snow piles, enjoyed a small ski run, and could sled ride from Humber Park to Idyllwild School and continue from the Blue Bird Motel to Mountain Center. These were…

By Don Stoll Idyllwild Arts Manager of Communications and International Student Relations “That’s ancient history. I’ll tell you what resonates today, though.” Bill Lowman, Idyllwild Arts Academy’s founding president, could have talked all day about Dr. Richard MacNeal, who had died in January at age 94. Lowman was planning what to say as one of the speakers at his…

Wednesday morning, July 12, thieves broke into the Idyllwild Shell station at Highway 243 and Ridgeview Drive, making off with merchandise and a small amount of money, according to owner James Jang. At least one of the three men was seen on surveillance camera with just the lower half of his face covered. Also Wednesday…

On May 12, 2014, Cal Fire released its report to the Idyllwild Town Crier on the Mountain Fire, which started on July 15, 2013, in Mountain Center, forced the evacuation of the vast majority of Hill residents and cost $25 million in public funds to fight. The report includes the findings of several Cal Fire…