The Summer Reading Program continues this week at the Joshua Tree Library. Reporter Dan Stork has the schedule of events... At the Joshua Tree Library this week, It's Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. Preschool and kindergarten children are invited to explore the night sky with stories, songs, activities and a craft, on Tuesday, July 31, at 11 a.m. In the school-age program, juggler David Cousin is the guest this Wednesday, August 1, at 11:30 a.m. David Cousin is a holder of five world records…

San Bernardino County Public Works crews will be performing surface seal projects on Morongo Road in Twentynine Palms from Indian Trail to the base. The work will be done Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, July 30 to August 1, from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Morongo Road gate to the base will be closed beginning Monday and will reopen Thursday at the usual time. Other traffic on Morongo Road should expect delays up to 30 minutes.

The Hi-Desert Water District is looking for members of their advisory committee. Managing Editor Tami Roleff tells you how to sign up... The Hi-Desert Water District is seeking people who are interested in serving on the Public Advisory Committee. The committee will provide input on matters affecting the public, including the wastewater project, water rates, fees, regulations, and budgets. The committee meets on the second Monday each month at 5 p.m. Volunteers are asked to make a minimum of a…

A Yucca Valley man is behind bars after he fled a traffic stop early Friday morning. Shortly after 12:30 Friday, Sergeant Trevis Newport stopped Brandon Hull, 27, near the intersection of Pueblo Trail and Elk Trail in Yucca Valley for riding his Honda motorcycle without a helmet. After stopping for a moment, Hull then took off northbound on Elk Trail at a high rate of speed, nearly colliding with another vehicle. Hull lost control of his motorcycle just south of Santa Fe Trail, and took off on…

The original play "Actress, by Twentynine Palms resident Josh Lazar opens this Friday for a limited two-week run at Theatre 29. Reporter Mike Lipsitz says the play features an exceptional cast... Director/Playwright and 29 Palms resident Josh Lazar has assembled a striking cast for the US debut of his critically acclaimed "Actress," opening August 3rd at Theatre 29. The drama plays for a 2-weekend limited run and features five seasoned actors including Mark Colbenson, Claire…

Honors were given recently to members of the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, aboard the Twentynine Palms Marine Corps air ground combat center. 3/7 returned in April following a 7-month deployment to Sangin, Helmand Province, Afghanistan. The Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service, was awarded Major Alton Warthen, partnership training officer in charge, Company H. Captain Colin Chisholm, Company L commander, was also awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service. The Purple Heart Medal…

The final environmental documents for the proposed expansion of the Twentynine Palms Marine Base have been released. While 6 different plans are shown, the one identified as preferred by the Marine Corps would severely restrict the use of the Johnson Valley Off-Highway Recreation area. The actual environmental documents can be found by clicking here. Reporter Dan Stork has more... The Final Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed expansion of the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center…

The Hi-Desert Medical Center's Hospice program has volunteer opportunities available for people who want to give practical and emotional support to hospice patients, both in home and in skilled nursing facilities. Volunteers are important team members and receive training, guidance, and appreciation. If you would like to help, and have time to give, call hospice volunteer coordinator Peggy Kennedy at 760-366-6427. The next training class begins August 13.

Two summer blockbusters have an almost totally free admission, particularly if you don't need to drive far to a location with dark night skies. Managing Editor Tami Roleff looks to the skies... Stargazers have two events to look forward to in the next couple weeks. Observers may be able to see 15 to 20 meteors per hour during the Delta Aquarid meteor showers that will appear in our skies in late July through early August. The best time to watch is between the hours of moonset and dawn. Then…

The High Desert Storm Youth tackle football league officially begins Monday. The league is looking for boys and girls ages 7 to 14 to participate in the 2012 season. Conditioning will take place at Knotts Sky Park from Monday, July 30 through Friday, August 3 from 5:30 to 7:30. Regular practice beings Monday, August 6 and will be held at the same field and at the same time as the conditioning practice. Al children must have a physical before they are allowed on the field. Sign up at 4 Sports and…