Your Community Radio Station Since 1989
Hear Local News 7 times a day, 7 days a week, at 7, 8, 9, noon, 4, 5, and 6.
Read Local News here every weekday.

Listen To Your News		Friday, March 30, 2012		News Archive

THREE ELDERLY MEN RESCUED IN RIMROCK AREA
Three elderly men from Riverside County who were missing overnight in the Rimrock area "could have done things better," according to Sheriff's Corporal Steve Everhart. The men, all in their 80s, were on their annual visit to the High Desert. Everhart said that on the back road to Big Bear out of Rimrock, their car got stuck, and then the steering rod broke. The men had a cell phone and their car had OnStar, but there was no service for either. Family members reported the men missing at 3 a.m. Thursday morning. A helicopter was launched after daylight to look for the missing men, but family members didn't know exactly where the men were going, other than somewhere in the Victorville, Johnson Valley, or Landers area. At 11:07, deputies on board the helicopter located the men's car on the road out of Rimrock. The helicopter landed and deputies found one of the men, who had stayed with the car. The other two men had left the car and started hiking toward Landers. The helicopter found the second man at 12:08 about five miles north of Landers and found the third man, the eldest of the three, at 89 years old, at 12:22, eight miles north of Landers. Corporal Everhart said the men said it had been a cold night, and the oldest complained of a sore knee. All the men were flown to a pick-up point at New Dixie Mine Road and Old Woman Springs Road in the Landers area, where they were transported by ambulance to Hi-Desert Medical Center. If you get lost or stranded in the desert—or anywhere—follow these safety tips. Pack emergency supplies, such as water, food, blankets, matches or a lighter, emergency flares, and a flashlight. Stay with your car. A car provides shelter and is much easier to find than a person. If you're with other people, stay together and don't split up. Always let someone know where you are going, what your route is to get there, and when you expect to return.

...Back To Headlines...

DISTRICT ATTORNEY FINDS DEPUTY JUSTIFIED IN KILLING YUCCA VALLEY MAN
The County District Attorney's Office has completed its review of the officer-involved shooting of 32-year-old Merlyn Arthur King of Yucca Valley by Sheriff's Deputy Allen Freeman on May 29, 2011. Dispatchers had received a call that a man at the corner of Kickapoo Trail and State Route 62 was acting strangely. When deputy Freeman and another arrived they approached King, who charged the deputies. Deputy Freeman attempted to subdue the subject by deploying his taser. King grabbed the taser and continued to attack. Fearing for his safety and the safety of others, the Sheriff's deputy fired at King, killing him. The District Attorney's Office stated that, given Deputy Freeman's reasonable fear for his personal safety and the fact that the subject was unrelenting in his advances towards the deputy, Deputy Freeman had the right to defend himself with his firearm under the law of self-defense. Therefore, the shooting by Deputy Freeman was legally justified, and no criminal liability exists on his part.

...Back To Headlines...

PAROLEE ARRESTED AFTER TWENTYNINE PALMS RESIDENTIAL FIRE
One man was arrested after a fire broke out in a single story residence west and north of the City of Twentynine Palms yesterday afternoon. Reporter Derwood Andrews responded to the scene of the fire and files this report...
Twentynine Palms firefighters with support from Combat Center Fire responded to a structure fire yesterday near Lear and Pole line in the North Twentynine Palms area of Desert Heights. Witnesses said the fire, at 69000 block of Pole Line, started a little before 1:30. Firefighters arrived at the burning structure at 1:36 and knocked the fire out in a very short time. Fire Chief Jim Thompson said the single-story residence had one tenant in it when the fire broke out. Arriving firefighters said the tenant was attempting to douse the fire with a garden hose but threw the hose down and ran away as they approached. Responding Sheriff's Deputies located him a short time later; he was found to a parolee-at-large and placed under arrest. Firefighters said at least two dogs and maybe three were found dead in the house. The cause of the fire is not known at this time.

...Back To Headlines...

STOLEN PAINTING RETURNED TO JOSHUA TREE RESTAURANT
A Good Samaritan helped recover a painting that was stolen from the Natural Sisters Café in Joshua Tree Wednesday. According to the café's owner Christy Lopez, about 10:45 Wednesday morning, two young men and a young woman, probably about 18-20 years old, entered the café in downtown Joshua Tree and took a painting off the wall, and then fled. The painting by James Hammons is of a roadrunner and is valued at $2,500. Lopez said a good customer, who is also an artist, followed the thieves in his car to an address in the 6700 block of Sunset. The customer, who Lopez said wished to remain anonymous, asked the thieves to give back the 2- by 3-foot painting, which they did. The customer then returned to the café with the painting. Lopez said the Natural Sisters Café is "definitely going to take good care of" the customer for retrieving the stolen painting. Anyone with information about the thieves is asked to call the Sheriff's Department at 760-366-4175.

...Back To Headlines...

MAN ARRESTED AFTER THROWING WOMAN OUT OF A TRUCK
A Twentynine Palms man was arrested after a woman was seen being thrown from his truck Wednesday afternoon. According to the Sheriff's Department, shortly before 4, someone called to report a woman had been thrown out of a white full-size pick-up truck at Larrea Avenue and Highway 62 in Twentynine Palms. The woman told the witness she had been attacked. The truck then continued westbound on Larrea Avenue, and skidded onto a dirt road. After an investigation, Douglas Cobalis, 25, was arrested on suspicion of spousal battery, booked into the Morongo Basin Jail, with his bail set at $25,000.

...Back To Headlines...

AUDITIONS SET FOR SUESSICAL THE MUSICAL AT THEATRE 29
Even while "Lost in Yonkers" is still playing, and "A Little Murder Never Hurt Anyone" is in rehearsal, the volunteers at Theatre 29 are already planning for their big summer blockbuster musical. Managing Editor Tami Roleff says auditions are set for the show "Suessical the Musical," based on the works of Dr. Suess...
Remember Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat, and the citizens of Whoville? All these characters and others from the famous Dr. Seuss books have come alive in Theatre 29's summer musical production, Seussical the Musical. For the 12th year, Gary Daigneault is teaming up with musical director Ed Will to produce the kid-friendly musical. Auditions for Seussical will be held Monday, May 7th, at 6:00 p.m. at Theatre 29, 73637 Sullivan Road, (right around the corner from Barr Lumber) in Twentynine Palms. The cast of 24 will include six parts for children 10 or over. Men and women of all ages are needed for the other roles. All performers will need to sing and demonstrate basic competent movement ability. The most skilled dancer/movers are The Cat, Mayzie, The Bird Girls, The Wickershams, Vlad, and the Jungle Animals. A number of performers will play several characters. Seussical will run Friday and Saturday nights from June 29 through July 28. Rehearsals will be held Monday through Thursday evenings from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm from May 8 until opening. For more information, call Gary Daigneault at 760-366-8471.

...Back To Headlines...

MOONLIGHT HIKE TUESDAY AT BIG MORONGO CANYON PRESERVE
Residents are invited to participate in a moonlight hike at Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, Tuesday, April 3. Hikers will meet at the kiosk at 7:30 p.m. The hike will be from the Barn Trail to the West Canyon Trail, with a stop at the Helmcamp Deck where there will be a poetry reading. The group will return to the kiosk by way of the Mesquite Trail. Hikers are urged to wear warm clothes, sturdy shoes, and to bring water. For reservations, call Betty Zeller at 760-363-7190.

...Back To Headlines...

BOOK SIGNING TO BENEFIT REACH OT MORONGO BASIN
Tomorrow at noon at the Twentynine Palms Senior Center, Reach Out Morongo Basin will host a book signing by local author Kurt Schauppner, the editor of the Desert Trail, of his book "Ghosts of Ide County." Books may be purchased for $15 each with all proceeds to benefit Reach Out Morongo Basin's Neighbors Helping Neighbors program. Light refreshments and snacks will be served.

...Back To Headlines...

QUILT GUILD MEETS MONDAY
The general meeting of the Cactus Sew-ables Quilt Guild will take place Tuesday, April 2, in the Yucca Room of the Yucca Valley Community Center. Doors open at 12:30 p.m.; meeting begins promptly at 1:00 p.m. Our April program will be Patricia Beaver and "Aunt Martha's Evil Twin." Guests are welcome. A $3 donation is requested.

...Back To Headlines...

RELAY FOR LIFE WILL FEATURE EVENTS ON THE FIELD
The Relay for life, a 24-hour event that benefits the American Cancer Society, is set for April 21 in Twentynine Palms. Reporter Lenore Roberts says many events are planned on the field during the event...
Relay for Life is an overnight event where teams of people camp out around a track and member take turns walking for 24 hours, signifying that cancer never rests. It is a fun-filled and inspirational night designed to celebrate survivorship and raise money for the American Cancer Society. This year the relay will be held on April 21st, with a survivor's breakfast at 8 a.m., with a closing ceremony at 9 the 22nd. This will take place at the Twentynine Palms Junior High School track, across form Luckie Park. This year will feature some fun field events including Zumba dancing, self-defense classes for kids and adults, scavenger hunts, a Miss Relay Pageant, and a newlywed game. Organizers hope to be able to offer karaoke as well. Come join this special night to support and encourage the battle against cancer.

...Back To Headlines...

MEALS SERVED THIS WEEK AT JOSHUA TREE VFW
The Joshua Tree VFW Post will be serving up an all-you-can eat spaghetti dinner tonight from 4:30 to 6:30. Sunday breakfast is chicken-fried steak from 8 to 11. And don't forget Taco Wednesday from 11 to 1.

...Back To Headlines...

FREE BREAKFAST IN JOSHUA TREE TOMORROW
Joshua Tree Community United Methodist Church will hold a FREE Community Breakfast Buffet Saturday morning 9-10 a.m. Children's activities are provided during the breakfast. The church is located at 6213 East Parkway in Joshua Tree.

...Back To Headlines...

FREE MEALS IN TWENTYNINE PALMS SATURDAY
Food For Life will be serving a free meal at Little Church of the Desert Community Hall, Twentynine Palms, Saturday from 3-5 .m. Tomorrow it will be spaghetti and dessert.

...Back To Headlines...

PHYSICAL FITNESS TESTING AT TWENTYNINE PALMS HIGH SCHOOL
Students at Twentynine Palms High School are going through fitness testing. ROP Broadcast student Drew Jarvis explains...
The Twentynine Palms High school P.E. Physical Fitness test has already begun. It will end in April. The main part of the testing will be held from March 26 through the 30. Make ups will be the week after and there will be no excused absences. There are 6 different tests, pushups, sit ups, height and weight, the mile run, trunk lift, and behind the back fingertip touch. The students must pass at least 5 or these 6 assessments. For questions or comments contact the P.E. department at Twentynine Palms High School, 760-367-9591 extension 264.

...Back To Headlines...

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS RESULTS AND SCHEDULES
The Yucca Valley High School girls' softball team hosted the CIF-Division 6 defending champion Calvary Chapel Grizzlies yesterday, losing 12-2. The Trojans are now 9-4 on the year and 1-0 in league. The Trojans next see action on Thursday, April 5, when they travel cross-town to Twentynine Palms in a 3:30 DeAnza league matchup.

Twentynine Palms Wildcats Boys Tennis Team hosted the Desert Hot Springs Golden Eagles yesterday and defeated the Eagles 16-2. Team standout was Singles Player Shane Roberts, achieving his first sweep by winning all 3 sets 6-3, 6-1 and 6-0.

The Twentynine Palms High School Wildcat Golf Team won 4-out-4 matches, defeating Yucca Valley Tuesday, beat Big Bear Wednesday and defeated Marywood Palm Valley and Desert Hot Springs Thursday. The Cats are now 3-2 in league and 5-4 overall. The Big Bear match was very exciting with the 'Cats beating them by one stroke.

The Yucca Valley High School Trojan track team will be participating in the Covina Invitational Meet tomorrow. The first race begins at 8. The Trojan swim team will travel away to Hemet High School tomorrow; the first event is at 9.

...Back To Headlines...