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.

WANTED: ARTURO CARRILLO LOZANO [CLICK FOR DETAILS]

Listen To Your News		Monday, July 2, 2012		News Archive

OFF-ROADER FOUND DEAD IN WONDER VALLEY
A Wonder Valley man was found dead next to his off-road vehicle Friday evening after he was reported missing. Sheriff's deputies were notified Friday morning at 11:20 that Michael Casseaux, 50, was not returning calls or phone calls after drinking all night and leaving his child with a friend. Deputies responded to his residence in the 7000 block of Oleander at about noon Friday. Shortly after 7:00 pm, deputies located Michael Casseaux lying next to his red quad in the open desert about 200 yards east of the 84000 block of 29 Palms Highway with visible traumatic injuries. Casseaux was pronounced dead on the scene at 7:47 pm by responding paramedics.

...Back To Headlines...

FOUR TEENAGE BOYS SUSPECTS IN UP TO 150 YUCCA VALLEY BURGLARIES
Four teen-age boys are suspects in about 150 burglaries in Yucca Valley over the past six months. According to Detective Jennifer Wood at the Sheriff's Department, deputies located a stolen BMW Thursday morning that was driven by a 14-year-old boy, with a 13-year-old boy as a passenger. During the course of the investigation, deputies determined that the boys were responsible for stealing property from five unlocked vehicles, and vandalizing two others, in the 57000 block of St. Mary's Drive in Yucca Valley last Wednesday evening. In addition, two other juvenile boys, 14, and 17 years old, were identified as being involved in the residential and vehicle burglaries. During a search of one of the boys' homes, deputies found two .22-caliber rifles, a shotgun, and a Marine Corps sword, which all had recently been stolen during a residential burglary in Yucca Valley. Detectives believe the boys may be responsible for as many as 150 thefts from unlocked vehicles and residences in Yucca Valley since the beginning of the year. Anyone with information about these thefts should call the Sheriff's Department at 760-366-4175 or 888-78-CRIME.

...Back To Headlines...

JOSHUA TREE MAN ARRESTED FOR SPOUSE ABUSE
A Joshua Tree man was arrested after an argument with his girlfriend turned physical. According to a Sheriff's report, Benjamin Monroy, 21, was arguing with his girlfriend near Park Drive and Commercial Street in Joshua Tree when his girlfriend said he choked her and scratched her neck. After an investigation, Benjamin Monroy was arrested on suspicion of felony spouse abuse, booked into the Morongo Basin Jail, with his bail set at $50,000.

...Back To Headlines...

TRANSITIONAL KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM WAITING ON STATE
Even though a transitional Kindergarten program is set to go here in our area, school district officials have the program on hold while they wait for a green light from the state. Reporter Dan Stork has the latest...
The Morongo Unified School District is ready to implement Transitional Kindergarten for the coming school year, but is waiting for assurance of support from the state. Governor Jerry Brown wanted to eliminate the new program statewide, but the Legislature wants to keep it in the budget. Transitional kindergarten is an optional program that will provide up to a year of school before kindergarten. It is aimed at children who would have been eligible for conventional kindergarten, under old 5th-birthday cut-off rules, but who will miss eligibility under new rules. Assistant Superintendent Tom Baumgarten estimates the rule change translates into 45, 113, and 180 children in the Morongo Unified School District who are likely to enter transitional kindergarten in the next three years, as the age cut-off date is moved back one month each year. Baumgarten told Z107.7 that classroom space and furniture have been set aside, but teachers will not be hired until the state is definite about funding the program. Transitional kindergarten classes will initially be only offered at Twentynine Palms Elementary School and Yucca Valley Elementary School. Bus transportation will continue to be provided for conventional kindergarten, but not for transitional kindergarten; parents will have to provide transportation.

...Back To Headlines...

A REMINDER THAT ALL FIREWORKS ARE ILLEGAL IN SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
The San Bernardino County Fire Department reminds residents that possession of any type of fireworks, including "safe and sane" fireworks, is against the law. On a typical 4th of July, fireworks cause more fires than any other cause. With San Bernardino County facing a dangerous wildfire season, county fire departments are increasing their vigilance in enforcing state and county fireworks laws to protect public health and safety. In the event that a fire occurs due to fireworks, those responsible for the fireworks are likely to face criminal charges and be held liable for damages. Fire officials will be issuing citations for the illegal use of fireworks, with fines up to $1,250 for the first offense, and property owners may be cited for allowing fireworks to be stored or used on their property.

...Back To Headlines...

SOME HOLIDAY FOOD PREPARATION TIPS AND WARNINGS
With the 4th of July holiday this week, many of us will be getting food ready for family picnics and backyard barbeques. Reporter Sara Snyder has some food preparation safety tips...
It's close to summer, the traditional time of picnics by the pool, up in the national park, or in the back yard. The smell of hot dogs and burgers is sizzling on the grill, potato salad, chips, dips, all the summer treats. But if you're not careful, those outdoor feasts could ignite some serious intestinal fireworks – and even land you in the emergency room. Experts say that over 100 million people in the U.S. will contract food poisoning every year. But there are some simple things that can keep you and your family safe. Make sure you wash your hands before handling food. Store raw meats away from other foods, below 40 degrees. Thaw frozen foods in the fridge, not on the counter top, clean grills and utensils before cooking and make sure food is cooked to proper temperatures. Simple steps, but steps than can prevent you and your family from hours or days of misery or hospitalization.

...Back To Headlines...

YUCCA VALLEY 4TH OF JULY FEATURES ENTERTAINMENT LINE-UP
The Rotary Club of Yucca Valley has announced their lineup of entertainment and activities at this year's annual 4th of July celebration. At the Yucca Valley High School football field, a community fair will start at 5 p.m., with craft and food booths, kids' games, glow items and of fun for all ages. Music will be provided by Z107.7 Mobile DJ. Starting at 6, the entertainment stage includes the Star Twirlers Square Dancers, and rocking sound of "Moosetraks." Then the dance team from Starlite Dance Studio, followed by the Joel Daniel the rock bagpiper. Town favorite Kristina Quigley-Ban will take the stage to perform some favorites and the National Anthem. The Twentynine Palms Marine Base is supporting the Yucca Valley event with a large military equipment display and the Boys and Girls Club will be providing fun kids games throughout the evening. The spectacular Fireworks Display, the biggest ever in Yucca valley, will start at 9:15 for the entire West end of the Morongo basin to enjoy. Media sponsors for the event are Z107-7 and Hi-Desert Publishing Company. For information call 760-365-1988.

...Back To Headlines...

AUDITIONS FOR "ANNE OF GREEN GABLES, THE MUSICAL," TONIGHT
With the musical "Seussical" a smash success at Theatre 29, the hard working volunteers' are looking ahead to their next big show. Auditions for "Anne of Green Gables, The Musical", will be held tonight...
Theatre 29 and director Kathryn Ferguson have announced that auditions for the heart-warming new musical, "Anne of Green Gables," will be held 6 p.m. tonight. Thirteen singer/actors are needed for the musical; five girls between the ages of 10 and 14; one boy of the same age; three men, ranging from 20s to 60s; and four women, in their 40s and 50s. Actors should come to the audition at the theater prepared to sing, dance, and read from pre-selected sides. "Anne of Green Gables" will run for five weekends beginning August 24 through September 22. For more information, contact Ferguson at theatre29programs@msn.com, or call 760-361-4151.

...Back To Headlines...

BLOOD DRIVE AT THE YUCCA VALLEY ELKS LODGE TOMORROW
Lifestream will conduct a community blood drive in Yucca Valley tomorrow at the Yucca Valley Elks Lodge from 9 to 1. Donors will receive incentives and Gift of Life Donor Loyalty points. Healthy individuals at least 15 years old may donate blood. All prospective donors should be free of infections or illness, weigh at least 110 pounds, and not be at risk for AIDS or hepatitis. Donors receive a free mini-physical as part of the donation process. Donating blood takes about an hour, yet gives someone a lifetime. For more information, call 1-800-777-8844.

...Back To Headlines...

LOCAL REALTORS PLAN HAWAIIAN HOEDOWN CHARITY EVENT
The local Real Estate Community is donating their resources to help the local humane society. Assignment reporter Corrisa Evans tells you how to get tickets to the Hawaiian Hoedown set for July 28...
On July 28, the Desert Communities Association of Realtors is holding their 19 annual charity event- a Hawaiian Hoedown dinner fundraiser and all the proceeds will go to benefit the Morongo Basin Humane Society. Tickets are only $30 and it includes a delicious dinner as well as dancing, karaoke, a no host bar, and fun fundraising events including a best dressed Hawaiian contest and a silent auction. The event takes place at the Helen Gray Center on White Feather Road in Joshua Tree; it starts at 6 p.m. and ends at 10 p.m. For tickets or more information call the Desert Communities Association of Realtors at 760-365-1145, log on to their website at www.dcaor.com or stop by their offices on Santa Fe Trail in Yucca Valley.

...Back To Headlines...

THREE TWENTYNINE PALMS STUDENT ATHLETES QUALIFY FOR JUNIOR OLYMPICS
Three Twentynine Palms students recently competed in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) National Qualifying track and field meet in San Diego and will be going on to the AAU Junior Olympic Games in Houston, Texas, at the end of July for a week of intense competition. Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda, 10 years old, qualified in the 100- and 200-meter dash, placing third and second. Makya Bullion, 12 years old, placed fourth in the 400-meter dash. Diante Aiken, 17 years old, placed third in the 110-meter high hurdles and first in the 400-meter intermediate hurdles. The students will be holding various fundraisers this month to raise $5,000 so they and their families can make the drive to Texas for the week-long national competition. Congratulations to Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda, Makya Bullion, and Diante Aiken, and good luck in Houston.

...Back To Headlines...

YUCCA VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL CROSS-COUNTRY PRACTICE STARTS THURSDAY
Yucca Valley High Cross-Country practice is set to begin this Thursday, July 5, at 8 a.m. All athletes need to report to the weight room behind the Yucca Valley High School gym. Cross Country is open to all students attending Yucca Valley High School in the fall. They need to get a physical, have proof of insurance, and be academically eligible. Practice is six days a week, Monday through Saturday. If you have questions, email Coach Jay Steppe at trojanxc@hotmail.com or call Yucca Valley High School at 760-365-3391, and leave a message.

...Back To Headlines...