A Twentynine Palms man is behind bars, accused of setting four fires and attempting a fifth arson in Twentynine Palms since Saturday. Sheriff arson investigators say that John Kerr, 32, started his arson spree Saturday night when he set the Palms Baptist Mission House in the 5200 block of Adobe Road on fire about 10 p.m. Two rooms and the kitchen suffered heavy smoke damage, and the rest of the house suffered heat damage. Then on Monday, investigators say that Kerr kept firefighters extremely…

The Summer Reading program continues this week at the Joshua Tree library. Reporter Dan Stork has this week's activities... At the Joshua Tree Library this week, the theme of the Summer Reading Program is outdoor recreation. For Preschoolers and Kindergarteners, that means camping. Participants explore this favorite summertime activity with songs, movement, stories and a craft. This program is on Tuesday, July 24, at 11 a.m. The Program for all school ages on Wednesday, July 25, at 11:30…

Desert Blood Services will conduct a community blood drive in Twentynine Palms Tuesday, July 24. Blood donations will be taken at Little Church of the Desert, from 2 to 6 p.m. 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…

Art and Culture Wednesdays continues at the Hi-Desert nature museum. Assignment reporter Corrisa Evans invites you to come learn about Australia... On July 25, come on out to the High Desert Nature Museum's Art and Culture Wednesday's and discover Australia--the Land down under. Children will learn about Australia's diverse country and wildlife including kangaroos and koalas through pictures, music and hands-on crafts. Programs are held from 10 to 11am. A $2 per student fee will…

In a story from the Los Angeles Times yesterday, the Mojave Desert groundwater that Cadiz Incorporated wants to sell to Southland suburbs contains hexavalent chromium, a carcinogen, in amounts that are hundreds of times greater than the state's public health goal for drinking water. The presence of the toxic heavy metal, which occurs naturally in the aquifer Cadiz proposes to tap, could force the company to undertake expensive treatment, driving up the cost of the project and ultimately the…

The State Attorney General honored local law enforcement agencies and residents for their service last week. Attorney General Kamala D. Harris presented awards on Thursday at Auto Club Speedway during a regional meeting with law enforcement leaders. Recipients of the awards were nominated by law enforcement agencies. Three Morongo Basin Station San Bernardino County sheriff's employees—Sergeant Trevis Newport, Deputy Bandon Abell, and Deputy Kristi Dougan—were awarded for their work when…

The Summer Reading program continues this week at the Joshua Tree library. Reporter Dan Stork has this week's activities... At the Joshua Tree Library this week, the theme of the Summer Reading Program is outdoor recreation. For Preschoolers and Kindergarteners, that means camping. Participants explore this favorite summertime activity with songs, movement, stories and a craft. This program is on Tuesday, July 24, at 11 a.m. The Program for all school ages on Wednesday, July 25, at 11:30…

Desert Blood Services will conduct a community blood drive in Twentynine Palms Tuesday, July 24. Blood donations will be taken at Little Church of the Desert, from 2 to 6 p.m. 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…

Art and Culture Wednesdays continues at the Hi-Desert nature museum. Assignment reporter Corrisa Evans invites you to come learn about Australia... On July 25, come on out to the High Desert Nature Museum's Art and Culture Wednesday's and discover Australia--the Land down under. Children will learn about Australia's diverse country and wildlife including kangaroos and koalas through pictures, music and hands-on crafts. Programs are held from 10 to 11am. A $2 per student fee will…