In the past week, Riverside County health officials have confirmed three cases of West Nile virus this year. The first two are a 37-year-old man and 53-year-old woman, according to Dr. Cameron Kaiser, public health officer. The individuals live in western Riverside County. Both patients were hospitalized but are expected to recover. The third case…
Riverside County 3rd District Supervisor Chuck Washington granted the local Forest Folk $2,500 for their shuttle bus service program. These are Community Improvement Designation funds and will be used to pay drivers and purchase gasoline for the shuttle service. Earlier this year, Forest Folk received a $157,000, three-year grant from the Riverside County Transportation Commission…
A 2-acre fire started near Toro Peak Monday afternoon, Aug. 17. As of Tuesday morning, the fire was 90 percent contained and full containment was expected by Tuesday evening. To prevent the fire’s spread, more than 130 firefighters were committed, including two helicopters and four air tankers. Units from Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego…
Diana “De” Eskew is the new vice president of the Pine Cove Water District Board of Directors. She was elected unanimously at the Aug. 12 meeting. Robert Hewitt, former vice president, was chosen president at the July meeting, following the resignation of former President Michael Esnard. Following the filling of its officer positions, the board…
Students have already completed nearly two weeks of the 2015-16 school year. Now parents will have a chance to visit their children’s daytime hangout. The Hemet Unified School District has announced its Back-to-School nights for 2015. Idyllwild School invites parents to its Back-to-School Night Thursday, Aug. 27. The Parent Teacher Association will kick off the…
The heat and dry weather have accelerated the damage to local oaks from the invasive Goldspotted oak borer. According to Greg Bratcher, Cal Fire’s unit forester for the San Jacinto Mountains, another 18 trees have been identified as GSOB victims. Of these, 11 will be cut down and six were recommended for spraying. This…
By Assistant Director John Laundré Greetings from the sky island of Machu Picchu, Peru. I write this as we return to Cusco after a heady day at the famous Inca ruins. As we took the train in the morning to Machu Picchu, the spectacular mountain views reminded me of our mountain home in Idyllwild. Though…
A fourth year of drought may be interrupted this fall and winter. The National Weather Service is forecasting “a significant and strengthening El Niño.” But while relief is expected, the water deficits of the last four years will not be overcome with one extremely wet winter. On Aug. 13, NWS predicted a 90 percent chance…
Karen Epperly appeared in court Monday, Aug. 3. Pursuant to her agreement with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, she began paying fines, penalties and restitution for her embezzlement. Epperly, 50, of Idyllwild, pleaded guilty to embezzlement on July 21. Sentencing was scheduled for Aug. 3. She was initially charged in December 2013. With the…
