The first six months of Idyllwild Fire Chief Patrick Reitz’s tenure have been very successful, according to Commission President Jeannine Charles-Stigall. The commission has had several sessions with the chief evaluating his performance since his August swearing-in. “Obviously, the chief has done an excellent job,” Stigall said. “We’re very pleased with what he’s accomplished. It’s…

All evacuations have been lifted for the Ribbon Fire in the Pinyon Pines/Ribbonwood area after a wildfire broke out sometime after 11 a.m. Thursday. The fire is 200 acres and 60 percent contained as of about 8 a.m. Saturday. Mandatory evacuations are still in place for the Cranston Fire burning around Idyllwild and Mountain Center.

2:33 P.M. UPDATE: A promotional video about Idyllwild: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlCKH5O_T9o 8:40 A.M. UPDATE: Monday morning began with sunny skies over Idyllwild and the noise of traffic moving through town. As people began to return to homes and businesses, thoughts of gratitude were dominant besides the need to recover from the forced four-day leave of absence. Patrons…

The Town Crier is pleased to announce the three finalists for the 2011 Ernie Maxwell Community Spirit Award: Idyllwild Community Fund for their grants to many local nonprofits affecting the whole community; Mountain Community Patrol because it would be very difficult for organizations to hold community events without their help; and The Woodies, from the…