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, November 13, 2009		News Archive

OSWALT WINS BY ONE VOTE IN BIGHORN ELECTION
A single vote won Martha Oswalt a seat on the Bighorn Desert View Water Agency Board. The Registrar of Voters has released its final update on results from the November 3rd election. In the Bighorn Desert View Water Agency race, it appears that Martha Oswalt has beaten out Barbara Renton by a single vote, 195 to 194. Challenger J. Larry Coulombe and incumbent Terry Burkhart join Oswalt for full term seats. David Larson won the short term position over appointed incumbent Warren Stordel.

...Back To Headlines...

FIREFIGHTERS AND TOW DRIVER FREE A MAN TRAPPED IN A BURNING VEHICLE
At 1:55 p.m. Thursday, Twentynine Palms firefighters were dispatched to an incident on Datura Avenue just south of Sullivan Road. The report involved a man pinned between two vehicles, with one of the vehicles involved in fire. When firefighters arrived they were faced with a male Marine trapped from the waist down between the rear of a Ford Bronco and an older Chevy pickup truck loaded on a trailer. The Chevy pickup was engulfed in flames. Firefighters quickly knocked down the flames and Morongo Basin Ambulance paramedics began treating the patient for crush injuries, as well as second and third degree burns to both legs. Firefighters and Bailey's Towing employees utilized two tow trucks to extricate the victim from between the vehicles. The victim was transported by medical helicopter to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center for his injuries, while a friend that attempted to extricate the victim from between the two vehicles was transported to Hi-Desert Medical Center with smoke inhalation.

...Back To Headlines...

2 MAJOR INJURIES IN TWENTYNINE PALMS CRASH YESTERDAY
Two Twentynine Palms residents sustained major injuries in crash into a utility pole yesterday. Sheriff's Deputy Curtis Kolb said at about 11:00 Thursday morning, the unidentified 21-year-old driver was traveling eastbound on Baseline approaching Wiltshire Avenue. Kolb said, for unknown reasons, other than excessive speed, he lost control of the rented 2010 Hyundai, hit the curb, and launched into a utility pole. Both occupants of the car, the driver and another 21 year old man, were taken by helicopter, the driver to Desert Hospital in Palm Springs an the passenger to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center with major injuries. The exact cause of the crash is under investigation.

...Back To Headlines...

A ROLLOVER CRASH ON THE GRADE YESTERDAY MORNING
A rollover crash on the Yucca Grade snarled the morning commute Thursday morning. California Highway Patrol Spokesmen Eric Brewer said around 6:20, Dallas Nudson, 21, of Morongo Valley, driving a 2000 Lincoln sedan, had stopped on Samel Drive preparing to turn left onto Highway 62. As Nudson pulled out, he was right in the path of an approaching 2003 Toyota Tundra driven by James McAmis, 61 of San Pedro. McAmis swerved to avoid the Lincoln, over corrected, lost control and overturned on the north side of the Highway. Nudson's Lincoln was not hit. McAmis was taken to Hi-Desert Medical Center with complaints of pain. The crash comes on the heels of a fatal motorcycle versus car collision in the same location just 14 hours prior, that killed Michael Hughes, 26 of Joshua Three.

...Back To Headlines...

MOTORCYCLIST INJURED HITTING A DUFFEL BAG
Major injury accident on highway 62 near Indian Cove Wednesday afternoon. Sheriffs officials say around 5:30, Tommy Cockerham, 24 was riding east on highway 62 in the Indian Cove area on a 2009 Harley Davidson Motorcycle, when the ran into a large duffel bag lying in the middle of the road. Cockerham sustained major injuries in the crash and was flown to Desert Hospital in Palms Springs.

...Back To Headlines...

Dick Rogers Eva Kinsman Liz Meyer Owen Gillick

COPPER MOUNTAIN COLLEGE BOARD APPROVES 9.8 MILLION-DOLLAR EFFICIENCY PROJECT The Copper Mountain College Board approved a 9.8 million-dollar project among several yesterday. Reporter Tami Roleff said lots of changes are coming to the Joshua Tree College campus... Changes are coming to Copper Mountain College. At yesterday's meeting of the Board of Trustees, the board approved bids for several projects at the college, including a Remodel For Efficiency project, or RFE, that will use Measure C Bonds approved by voters years ago. The RFE project, costing nearly $9.8 million, will renovate the science labs, expand the student services building and the library, remodel classrooms, and improve parking and fire access. Visitors to the campus will notice other changes; Chevron Energy Solutions has started the solar panel shade structure in the parking lot. Trees are cut down and support poles are being installed. The parking lot will be repaved over the Christmas break. In other business, the board was heard a report about a visit made by the Board of Registered Nursing, or BRN, to the college to inspect its nursing program. The college's nursing program received several recommendations for improvement from the BRN, most having to do with a shortage of faculty and staff. The trustees were assured that, compared to other programs, CMC received a very low number of recommendations. However, the college faces the loss of 2 nursing instructors because the grant that funds their positions will run out next year, and there is no money in the budget for their salaries.

...Back To Headlines...

Michael Ramos

COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY UNDER INVESTIGATION BY FPPC The State Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) has launched an investigation into County District Attorney Michael Ramos for failing to report a $10,000 payment to his wife for working on his own political campaign. Ramos did not report the payment on a state financial-disclosure document known as a Form 700. FPPC spokesman Roman Porter said any violation of the Political Reform Act can range from a warning to a $5,000 fine. Ramos amended his Form 700 last week to disclose the income. A spokesman said Ramos will fully cooperate with the investigation. ...Back To Headlines...

TWENTYNINE PALMS HIGH SCHOOL INTERACT CLUB DISTRIBUTING 500 THANKSGIVING DINNERS
The Twentynine Palms High School Interact Club, a youth service club sponsored by the Rotary Club, is starting an ambitious project to give 500 families Thanksgiving dinners this year. Reporter Dan Stork tells you how to help the kids... The Twentynine Palms High School Interact Club wants help in supplying 500 needy Twentynine Palms families with everything they need to prepare a Thanksgiving dinner in their own homes. The club has obtained the 500 turkeys through a donation from Marshal Networking. But it needs the help of the community to meet its goal. Needed items include: Cranberries, roll mix, stuffing, gravy mix, instant potatoes, sweet potatoes, assorted vegetables, pumpkin pie mix, boxed pie crust, and evaporated milk. Or, you can donate $10.00 grocery cards that can be used for the purchase of miscellaneous items to round out the meal. Donations can be dropped off at the High School by November 19, or call Club staff advisor Lori Cosgriff at 760-367-9591 extension 46 to have your items picked up. If you wish to make a cash donation, please make your check out to Twentynine Palms High School with Interact written in the memo section. If you know someone who should be on the list of recipients please call ReachOut Morongo Basin (760) 361-1410. Distribution of the baskets will take place November 21, between 1p.m. and 2 p.m. in the parking lot at Twentynine Palms Junior High School.

...Back To Headlines...

CHP OFFERS FREE START SMART CLASS FOR TEEN DRIVERS
The local California Highway Patrol Station is continuing the FREE Start Smart class being held at the Morongo Basin CHP office. The next class will be held on this coming Wednesday, November 18, from 6:30 to 8:00 in the evening. Parents and newly licensed or soon to be drivers with questions regarding this class or anyone that wishes to pre-register, which is required, are to contact the Morongo Basin CHP office at (760) 366-3707. Motor vehicle collisions nationwide are the leading cause of death for teenage drivers. California has the second highest fatality rate involving drivers between the ages of 15-20. The California Highway Patrol designed the Start Smart class to address traffic safety issues that directly affect new drivers in a way no other program does. Start Smart speaks directly to the teen drivers and their parents/guardians. This program provides classroom instruction on collision avoidance techniques, collision causing elements, driver and parent responsibilities. Teens 15 to 19 and their parents or guardians are encouraged to attend this informative class.

...Back To Headlines...

YUCCA VALLEY SOROPTIMISTS OFFERING WOMEN'S OPPORTUNITY AWARDS
The Yucca Valley Soroptimist Club is looking for women eligible for opportunity awards. Reporter Tami Roleff tells you how to apply... It's tough for women who are the primary wage earner for their families to go back to school to learn a new skill or get additional training. Not only are there are expenses for tuition and books, but also for child care and transportation. Soroptimist International of Yucca Valley is offering financial assistance, in the form of the Women's Opportunity Award, for women who want to go back to school. The second place winner will receive a $750 cash grant. The first place winner will receive a $1,500 cash grant and will advance to the regional level and compete for a $5,000 prize. The top three national finalists will receive $10,000 awards. Applications for the Women's Opportunity Awards are available at Copper Mountain College, Joshua Springs Calvary Chapel, Unity Home, Elite Cosmetology School, Evangelical Free Church in Yucca Valley, and Panorama Ranch in Joshua Tree. Applicants may also contact Judy Litowitz at 760-228-3218. Completed applications must be returned no later than December 15.

...Back To Headlines...

BLOOD DRIVE AT HI-DESERT MEDICAL CENTER MONDAY
LifeStream and Hi-Desert Medical Center will hold a blood drive this Monday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Helen Gray Education Center on the campus of Hi-Desert Medical Center in Joshua Tree. It is recommended that donors eat a good meal before donating blood, and drink plenty of fluids. First time donors must bring identification. The process of giving blood takes about 30 minutes. Refreshments are served to donors. Walk-ins are welcome but reservations are recommended by calling (760) 366-6324.

...Back To Headlines...

HARVEST PARTY AT THE JOSHUA TREE LIBRARY TOMORROW
Kids and their families are invited to a harvest party at the Joshua Tree library tomorrow. Reporter Dan Stork outlines the festivities... The Joshua Tree Branch Library invites children - and their families - to celebrate the changing of the seasons at a Harvest Party at the Library at noon on Saturday November 14th. Be a part of harvest-themed crafts, pin the nose on the pumpkin, and play Harvest Bingo, with candy corn markers on Harvest Bingo cards. Prizes will be provided by the Friends of the Joshua Tree Library. For more information call the Library at (760) 366 8615.

...Back To Headlines...

BATTLE OF THE BANDS AT THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB [AUDIO ONLY]

WEEKEND DOUBLE TREAT AT THE JOSHUA TREE VFW [AUDIO ONLY]

BREAKING BREAD MINISTRY FREE MEAL IN 29 PALMS TOMORROW [AUDIO ONLY]

HIGH SCHOOL KEY CLUBS GATHERING AT MAGIC MOUNTAIN [AUDIO ONLY]

A 2ND ROUND CIF WIN FOR YUCCA VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL
The Yucca Valley High School Lady Trojan volleyball team, currently ranked #9 in CIF defeated #8 ranked Gladstone in the second round of CIF playoffs to advance to the CIF quarterfinals on Saturday. The Lady Trojans dominated the Gladiators, winning in three straight games. Leading the Lady Trojans were: Ali Ratkowiak - 12 kills, Lindsay Sullivan - 11 kills, Liz Slaughter - 31 digs, Morgan Shippey - 6 kills, and Suzanne Chambless - 5 kills. Coach Pam Naylor said, "Our balanced offense, combined with our strong defense, was the key to winning so decisively in this match." The Lady Trojans will now face the #1 seed, Upland Christian High School Saturday at 7.

...Back To Headlines...

A 1ST ROUND CIF WIN FOR TWENTYNINE PALMS HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL
The Twentynine Palms Volleyball team won the First round of CIF playoffs against San Jacinto, 3 games to zero. Thursday the Twentynine Palms Volleyball team won the Second round of CIF playoffs against Frazier Mountain in 5 games. The Volleyball team will play on SAT., NOV. 14 in the quarter final round of CIF Volleyball.

...Back To Headlines...

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCHEDULES
In local high school sports today, the Yucca Valley High School Trojan Football team is at home versus the Desert Mirage Rams kick off is at 7. Tomorrow both the Yucca Valley High School Trojan and Twentynine Palms High School Wildcat cross county teams travel away to Walnut, competing in CIF Preliminaries at Mt. San Antonio College. Run times to be announced. Joshua Springs Lightning will host the Immauel Christian Crusaders of Ridgecrest, tonight at 7 p.m. at Joshua Springs Christian School in Yucca Valley. Joshua Springs enters CIF Playoffs as the #3 ranked 8-man team in the state, and #3 in the Southern Section of 8 Man Division II. Immanuel Christian enters ranked #47 in the state, and #28 in the Southern Section. Joshua Springs won the Agape League (5-0).Immauel Christian placed 3rd in the Hi-Lo League and is in playoffs due to an at-large bid. Joshua Springs is 6-3 overall, Immanuel Christian is 5-4 overall.

...Back To Headlines...