At its Nov. 27 meeting, the Idyllwild Fire Commission approved a pilot project to use water tenders from Messina Water Service as resources available nationally for major fires. Last week, Idyllwild Fire Chief Patrick Reitz and Dan Messina discussed the venture in more detail with the Town Crier.

The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for from 3 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 19, due to strong winds and low humidity in this area, as well as others in Southern California. However, a Southern California Edison media spokesperson said SCE has no plans to shut down power to the Hill…

The Idyllwild Water District directors approved a $1.9 million budget (water and sewer programs), which includes a six percent water rate increase. Even with the rate increase, the district will use nearly $115,000 of its reserves to balance the budget. Without the rate increase, the overall loss would have approached $190,000. The water and sewer…

By David Jerome Correspondent Fern Valley Water District (FVWD) President Gary Erb presented his letter of resignation at the board meeting last Thursday. With escrow near complete on his home and business, the Fern Valley Inn, he is no longer eligible. “We are looking forward to retirement and have found suitable residence in Palm Desert….