The man who led Sheriff deputies on a car chase through the desert that started a fire in Yucca Valley in July was arraigned in Joshua Tree Court Monday. Kristofer Shoup, 23, of Sugarloaf, was arrested Friday at his home on multiple warrants by a Special Enforcement unit of the Sheriff's Department. July 9, a deputy attempted to make a traffic stop on a white pick-up truck driven by Shoup. Shoup sped away and led the deputy through residential neighborhoods in Yucca Valley. While trying to…

The Morongo Valley Community Services District has fired its general manager. In a special closed session meeting Monday, the CSD held a performance evaluation of their general manager, Meg Foley, and gave her a vote of "no confidence," and terminated her. The District's Board President Chuck Osborne said he couldn't give out information on why Foley was terminated in a special meeting after working for the Community Services District for the last five or six years. As the…

After being down 7 points at the first quarter, the Twentynine Palms varsity boys' basketball team went on a 30-to-10 run to complete a strong half Friday at Desert Mirage High School. They finished with a 79-57 win on the road, the first De Anza League victory of the season. Coach Michael Schneider said the Wildcats were led by sophomore Richard Ewing with 22 points. David Haney and Michaiah Russell had 12 points each. Ramon Smith added 11. Tim Dyer led the way with 8 rebounds. This brings…

"Chickens Aren't the Only Ones" will be the first story of the morning read by storyteller Lynda Grove tomorrow. The author reminds us that other animals lay eggs too: Snakes, turtles, fish, dinosaurs, and many others. Other books being read will be "Mr. Seahorse and the Crows of Pearblossom." Songs, fingerplay and a visit by Mr. Monk will make the morning a fun and happy occasion. Storytime begins at 11 a.m. every Wednesday. Plan to stay for Miss Laura's Little…

The Joshua Tree Clean Team and the Joshua Tree Rotary Club invites everyone to start the new year off with community service. The organizations will be meeting tomorrow morning at 8:00 on the north side of Highway 62 and Olympic Road across from the cemetery in Joshua Tree. There will be trash bags, grabber sticks and gloves to make the job easier. Afterwards, everyone is encouraged to come to the Park Rock Cafe for coffee and conversation. For any questions, please call 760-366-8415.

The Morongo Unified School District Board meets in a busy session tonight. Reporter Dan Stork checks the agenda... At the meeting of the Morongo Unified School District Board of Education on Tuesday January 10th, a closed session at 6:20 p.m. will deal with early application to kindergarten, and student expulsions and re-entries. Items on the action agenda at the 7 p.m. open session include the Title III year 4 Action plan, the budget calendar for the 2012-2013 school year, and piggyback bids…

The Twentynine Palms Chamber of Commerce has a vacancy on their Board of Directors due to the resignation of Karen Provost. Eligible candidates must be a business member, representative of any business membership or associated member in good standing. Applicants can stop by the Chamber office in downtown Twentynine Palms to pick up an application. For more information, call 760-367-3445.

Join the Yucca Valley Chamber of Commerce and Rainbow Stew on this evening from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. for the January Mixer. Rainbow Stew is located at 55509 29 Palms Highway (the former Stefano's Restaurant building). Rainbow Stew offers a collection of jewelry, essential oils, original art, books for all ages, home decor, incense, candles, stones, music, massage and more. Mixers are held as an opportunity for business people to gather to do business, by exchanging business cards,…

The Hi-Desert Medical Center Board meets tonight. Reporter Mike Lipsitz says a presentation from the Marketing Department is a highlight... The Hi-Desert Medical Center Board of Directors meets in regular session in the Helen Gray Education Center at 6:00 tonight. As always, the public is invited to attend. At tonight's meeting, Directors will hear recommendations from the Governance Committee on Board Committee assignments. Also tonight, attendees can expect a presentation from the…

A Yucca Valley man accused of being under the influence when he struck a Morongo Valley family, killing a 6-year-old girl and severely injuring her father, tried to fire his public defender last Friday. Ronald Simon, now 55, requested a "Marsden Motion," during a pre-trial hearing in court Friday. Defendants may request a Marsden Motion when they believe their lawyer is ineffective in representing them in their criminal case. Judge Dan Detienne refused Simon's motion to fire his…