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		Saturday, July 10, 2010		News Archive

FAKE ARMED ROBBERY IN TWENTYNINE PALMS
Sheriffs’ officials are saying a reported armed robbery in Twentynine Palms was apparently faked. Detective Tyson Niles said Monday morning at 10:56 James Rippel, 21, an employee at Advance Til Payday, called 9-1-1. Rippel said as he left the business, an unknown man stuck a gun against his back, wrapped an arm around his neck and ordered him back in, forcing him to give up the money, then tied him up while the suspect fled. Detective Niles said Rippel’s account of the crime appeared to be suspicious and informants said Rippel had talked in the past of staging a burglary. Evidence indicated that Rippel had staged the building to appear as if it was burglarized. Two days after the crime was reported Rippel told his boss he was going to moving back to his home town in Oregon and did not show up at work. When Detective’s went looking for him he was not where he had said he was staying and his cell phone had been shut off. Detectives developed information that Rippel might be hiding in Joshua Tree with a woman named Debby. A vehicle similar to Rippel’s vehicle was found at an apartment in the 6500 block of Hill View Road. Detectives confirmed it was in fact Rippel’s and made contact with the woman who confirmed Rippel had been staying with her, but he had left the area. Anyone with information on the faked robbery is urged to contact Detective Niles at 760-366-4175.

...Back To Headlines...

SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL CONTINUES TONIGHT
Join Z107.7’s lunchtime, D.J. Jessica Jean as she MC’s tonight’s Yucca Valley Music Festival, 7 to 9 at the Yucca Valley Community Center ball field. On the stage, the Caribbean & Reggae band "Upstream". A synthesis of African, European, Indian and native influences, Upstream performs reggae, calypso, soca and steel drum music. Upstream, formed in the republic of Trinidad and Tobago, aims to take you on a journey, a temporary escape from the summer doldrums. 　All ages are welcome to attend and admission is free. Festival sponsors include Z107.7, Hi-Desert Publishing and The Sun Runner.

...Back To Headlines...

DOG BITE PREVENTION
Z107.7’s Crusin’ Critter’s feature, a daily report of lost and found animals in the Morongo Basin, has seen an up-tick in reported lost dogs. News Director Gary Daigneault offers some tips if you happen to come across a stray dog...
Stray and loose dogs running though neighbor hoods present more of a problem than just an annoyance. According to the humane society, and estimated 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the United States. While 2500 of these are letter carriers, children are the most common victims of severe dog bites. While dog-bite injuries are a serious problem, there are some steps you can take to prevent being bitten. First never approach a strange dog. Don’t pet a dog, -- even your own – with out letting it see and sniff you first. Never scream, turn and run. Remain motionless, hands at your side, and avoid eye contact. If a dog attacks, try feeding it your jacket, purse, bicycle or anything else you can but between you and the dog. And if you’re knocked down, curl into a ball and protect your ears. As a dog owner, remember this is no way to bite proof your dog, but you can reduce the risk by having your dog spayed or neutered, socializing the dog to different people and environments, and make sure you pet is kept in an controlled environment. Simple steps to take, but ones that could keep you, your pet and the community safe. To report lost or found pets call Z107.7 at 760-366-8471 or report it on line at kcdzfm.com.

...Back To Headlines...

HI DESERT WATER ADJUSTS HIGH WATER USAGE RULES
If you’re one of the unfortunates who run up a huge water bill due to a leaking pipe, faulty irrigation system or other unforeseen calamity. The Hi Desert Water District just made it easier to get an adjustment to your bill. At Wednesday’s board meeting, the board approved changes to the distinct policy on high water use adjustments, the chief being, instead of being able to apply just one time for an adjustment, the board gave the General Manager authority to review adjustments on a case by case basis.

...Back To Headlines...

STAR PARTY TONIGHT
The Andromeda Society is hosting a free star party tonight at the Joshua Tree Lake/Campground on Sunfair Road starting at 8:30. Amateur Astronomer Sam Davidson said the night sky is going to be filled with all sorts of wondrous objects to explore. The famous summer evenings are upon us, Society members are camping out for a potential all-nighter! Be sure to bring a chair and join the Andromeda Society for a summer night under the stars.

...Back To Headlines...

CHURCH HOMECOMING
The Community United Methodist Church of Joshua Tree will have a special guest worship leader, Caleb McKnight, Sunday for the 11:00 a.m. service. Caleb is a former Youth Leader of the Church. He and his wife, Sabrina, will provide some special music for the congregation as well. Coming from Anderson, Indiana, the McKnights’ are in the area visiting. The church is located at 6213 East Parkway in Joshua Tree.

...Back To Headlines...