Artist Dore Capitani (shown) donated this beautiful metal sculpture, featuring his newest color process, to raise  money to replace Idyllwild Photographer Jenny Kirchner’s photographic equipment stolen from her car in the desert while she was on assignment. A couple bought the sculpture this past weekend so now Idyllwild has raised all but $210 of the…

On Wednesday, Dec. 14, a state hearing panel recommended parole for Thongxay Nilakout, the now 46-year-old man convicted of the murder of a German tourist near Idyllwild in 1994. The recommendation must still go to the full Board of Parole Hearings, who have up to 120 days for review. If it approves parole, Gov. Gavin…

Nickolas Melendez, 27, of Cabazon, one of two men who pleaded guilty to burglary of the Mountain Center Market in September, did not appear in court for his sentencing Thursday, April 28. Melendez and Ryan Mason, 25, of Hemet, were charged with burglary of the Mountain Center Market within days of the crime and both…