Search For Talent winners advance to state

Megan Anderson (front), Rebecca Rumph (back left) and Brittany Brown show the first-place trophies they won in their respective divisions to advance in the Exchange Club’s annual Search for Talent contest. The winners will compete against other winners in California and Nevada at the club’s . . . Read Full Story >>

HSUMD annual dinner to feature ’Great Desert Railroad Race’

The annual dinner meeting of the Historical Society of the Upper Mojave Desert will be held on May 21, and feature a return visit by Ted Faye, who will show his video, “The Great Desert Railroad Race.” The meeting will include a tri-tip dinner (with . . . Read Full Story >>

’What do you Geek?’

Branch Librarian Marsha Lloyd is a highly visible “Geek of the Library” as part of the current “Geek the Library” campaign running through this calendar year at the Ridgecrest Branch Library. “What do I geek? I geek gardening in the high desert!” she said. “What . . . Read Full Story >>

Winners of wildflower contest announced

Carol Porter, coordinator of the recent Historical Society of the Upper Mojave Desert wildflower photo contest, congratulates two winners of the popular vote. Jim Van Devender (center), holds his “Bee on a Petal,” an overwhelming favorite among the many colorful entries in the competition. The . . . Read Full Story >>

Hi Desert dancers performance to feed the hungry

Dancers above are (on the mat from left) Grace Townsend, Alycia Morrison, and Lyla Herbert; arched over them is Laura Dickey. The Hi-Desert Dance Center will present a salute to musicals and more on May 18, at 6 p.m. at the High-Desert Dance Center. The . . . Read Full Story >>

Bikers gather for blessing

Hundreds of bikers from Southern California and surrounding states gather in Ridgecrest Saturday for the annual Biker Blessing. More than 330 riders on 285 bikes started at?Calvary Chapel for the blessing, then returned to the church after a short ride for a barbecue. . . . Read Full Story >>

Sweet Adelines honors Marie McArtor

Linda Saholt

Longtime local resident Marie McArtor has been honored by the Sweet Adelines, an international women’s singing organization specializing in barbershop-style group harmony. McArtor was presented with the Noteworthy Award by Sweet Adelines’ Region 11 (the Ridgecrest group’s parent region) in Bakersfield in late March.McArtor co-founded . . . Read Full Story >>

Iron Man spotted at Ridgecrest Cinemas opening?

Rebecca Neipp

He’s a humble family man and former prison guard who now spends his free time creating armor for superheroes in his garage. It may sound like a compelling backstory for a vigilante sidekick, but that is actually the hobby of 30-something Darren Smith of Ridgecrest, . . . Read Full Story >>

Ridgecrest Run for the Fund this weekend

Ridgecrest Run for the Fund will hold its fifth annual 5/10K Run/Walk on May 11, beginning at 8 a.m. at LeRoy Jackson Park. This year, both a dedicated 10K route and a half marathon are being added, with the run set for rain or shine. . . . Read Full Story >>

Hope Center Art Show is May 9

Linda Saholt

Clients at both College Community Services Hope Center and Desert Area Resources and Training say they enjoy the creative process offered by volunteer teachers for both groups. The Hope Center Art Show on Thursday, May 9, from 1-5:30 p.m. at 1400 N. Norma St., Suite . . . Read Full Story >>

Public invited to enjoy Bob Steele’s birds of Thailand

Target bird — one of the rarest on the planet — the spoon-billed sandpiper. This is the prize for most birders who venture to Thailand. But that is only the start of a wonderful birding adventure in South-east Asia. Join professional bird photographer Bob Steele . . . Read Full Story >>

St. Petersburg men’s group to perform

The St. Petersburg Men’s Ensemble direct from St. Petersburg, Russia. will appear again at the United Methodist Church, 639 N. Norma St., Ridgecrest on Wednesday, May 8, starting at 7 p.m. The four talented singers are trained from a young age at well-known musical conservatories. . . . Read Full Story >>

Summer Scouting activities abound

Looking for healthy activities for your kids this summer? Consider Scouting! Boys in Grades 1-5 (of school year 2013-14; the grade they’ll be going into in August) can join Cub Scouts. First off, there will be a “Tiger Hunt” on May 17 at 6:30 p.m. . . . Read Full Story >>

Fairgrounds hosts Family Fun Fest

At the Family Fun Fest, Andi Smith, 4, enjoys a pony ride. Max Moroz, 4, is in the background. The event at the Desert Empire Fairgrounds was held May 4-5. Attendance and other results were not available as of press time. . . . Read Full Story >>

Sierra Art Guild brings handcrafted beauty to Carriage Inn May 3-5

Linda Saholt

Unique handcrafted works of art — both wearable and displayable — will be offered during the Sierra Art Guild’s Spring Show and Sale, at the Carriage Inn Friday through Sunday, May 3, 4 and 5, from 10 a.m. each day to 5 p.m. May 3 . . . Read Full Story >>

Sierra Academy to present ’Divine Comedy’

Aria Witham, Paige Bradford and Bethany Conover will perform in a community event, “Dante Aleghieri’s Divine Comedy,” presented by the Sierra Academy of Dance on Friday and Saturday May 10 and 11. The event will be held at Burroughs High School’s Parker Performing Arts Center. . . . Read Full Story >>

Library May programs announced

Marsha Lloyd, supervisor at the Ridgecrest Branch Library, has announced upcoming scheduled events. Preschool Storytime, every Thursday at 11 a.m.; stories and activities for children ages 3 to 5, with parent or guardian; approximately half an hour. Barks and Books, Saturday, May 4, at 2 . . . Read Full Story >>

Museum to host reception for mixed-media artist Shereen Noon on Friday

The Maturango Museum will hold a reception for visiting artist Shereen Noon in the Sylvia Winslow Exhibit Gallery on Friday, May 3, starting at 7 p.m. in the Sylvia Winslow Exhibit Gallery. The artist will discuss her work and meet with the community. The reception . . . Read Full Story >>

Fundraising under way for local People to People teen

Abigail Voigt spoke at the Ridgecrest Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Tuesday, April 9, during which time Al and Mary Alvarado offered to help with Abigail’s fundraising by donating a $1,000 jewelry shopping spree at Jewelry to Go, in Ridgecrest. Voigt is raising $8,000 to . . . Read Full Story >>

Humane Society offers $10 microchips during Be Kind To Animals Week

The IWV Humane Society in cooperation with the Ridgecrest Animal Shelter will offer microchips for community pets at the discounted price of just $10, cash only, including a lifetime registration. This special offer will be available only during Be Kind to Animals Week, May 6-11, . . . Read Full Story >>