Editor’s note: Ernie and Betty Maxwell wrote the column below for the Oct. 28, 1952 issue. In it, they discuss the production of the first Town Crier issue, Nov. 1, 1946. Seven Hallowe’ens ago Hillfolk gathered at Fern Valley Lodge in a startling array of costumes. The husky Poates boys appeared as slinky sirens and…
The latest federal agency to join the war on terrorism appears to be the Forest Service. I make this assumption since the agency is not revealing any information about the San Bernardino National Forest budget. Apparently that data is off-limits to the public. While the agency’s national budget is available online, the local budget appears…
The Riverside County Board of Supervisors approved an advance of the Idyllwild Fire Protection District’s (IFPD) property taxes on a short-term loan. But trying to blame someone will not make the problem disappear. I’ve heard some people say former Commissioner Ben Killingsworth should have prevented the shortfall. While Ben may have been district treasurer, he…
This week’s column, jsut as last week’s, is a true story. It’s about the world where 1 + 1 = 3. Some refer to that world as California politics. Before you tune me out and begin skimming, remember that this is the world in which you live and the one you are bestowing upon your…
The following story is true. A behind-the-scenes exposé of the working relationship between the media and law enforcement agencies. Last Thursday, Gary Kuscher called and alerted me to a breaking story. He said law enforcement agents were in the midst of a marijuana eradication exercise in progress on Thomas Mountain. (I don’t have the creativity…
Editor’s note: I apologize for offering you a second column this week. But this is the result of receiving no letters from you this week! While on the subject of budgeting and spending, below is a brief list of the responses to President Barack Obama’s Jobs Act, which he just unveiled. I’m sure more interest…
The Idyllwild Fire Protection District (IFPD) is in dire straits. The commission confesses the fact when the subject of borrowing money from Riverside County just to get to December is on its agenda. But the commission took no action at its regular meeting on Sept. 13, yet scheduled a special meeting one week later for…
Twice in three years, a Riverside County grand jury has issued a report on the Idyllwild Fire Protection District (IFPD). Neither report addresses mistakes or failures in fighting fires. But both commented on how the agency is managed. One recommendation appears in both reports. Two separate grand juries recommended that IFPD look at the costs…
Sept. 11. “9/11.” We recognize either since September 11, 2001 became an infamous day in American history. Thousands of Americans died and thousands more of their families and friends suffered from the attacks on civilians. While the carnage occurred thousands of miles east of Idyllwild, our community was not isolated. The answer to the Town…
I urge you to shift your eyes to Idyllwild Fire Chief Norm Walker’s column. The federal budget process is complicated and not at all akin to your private bank account. We are all aware of the recent national debate over extending the federal debt ceiling and the need to reduce that debt for future generations….
