PUBLIC SAFETY
Blaze destroys Emerald Road residence
An Emerald Road residence was destroyed by a fire early Sunday morning.
The house is located between Mesa and Trade Post Road in the Gem Tract Road area of Lucerne Valley.
For years the home was occupied by family members of Pam Romero Hardwick, Hardwick said Monday. Hardwick wasn't sure who currently owns the property.
The Leader is continuing to report on this story. More information is expected in next week's newspaper.
FUNDRAISER
Cancer treatment fundraiser
A fundraiser will be held from noon to 5 p.m. on Feb. 28 at the Lazy Lizard Ranch to raise money for cancer treatment for Terry Moretz.
Moretz is a longtime and highly involved local resident who recently was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer.
The event will feature a fish fry by Jean Fuqua. Santa Maria barbecue also will be cooked up. Soda, beer and water will be available.
The event will feature live music from Live Remedy with original acoustic artist Jorden Marshall opening the show.
There will be a silent auction, raffles and 50/50 drawings. Lazy Lizard Ranch owner Jerry Bryant is donating a saddle for the auction.
Cost is $20 per person and $35 per couple; $10 for children 3-10 years; under 2 years free.
Lazy Lizard Ranch is located at 35535 State Highway 18, Lucerne Valley.
ORGANIZATIONS
Pam Hardwick wins Moose Lodge karaoke contest
Pam Hardwick recently won the Moose Lodge karaoke singing contest. Next, Hardwick will compete against crooners from other lodges at a competition in Reno, Nevada. The winner of the Reno contest will submit recordings of themselves for a chance to compete for up to $5,000 at the 2015 International Convention in Nashville. The convention will held July 3 – 7 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center.
EDUCATION
School board to meet Wednesday
The Lucerne Valley Unified School District will hold its regular monthly meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 11 in Room 9 of Lucerne Valley Elementary School, 10788 Barstow Road.
Included on the agenda is the discussion and action for an early retirement incentive for full-time and non-management employees who apply and qualify.
The school district is offering an early retirement incentive of a one-time stipend (not to exceed $30,000 individually and $60,000 collectively) to full time certificated non-management employees who apply and meet qualifications.
The qualifications include: the employee must be at least 55 years old at retirement, have sufficient service years to retire from CalSTRS and must submit official notice to the district of their intent to retire on or before June 30, 2015.
The school board also is expected to recognize OMYA California and the Lucerne Valley Roadrunners for their service to Lucerne Valley.
Chief Business Official Billy Wessell also is scheduled give a presentation on the Local Control and Accountability Plan and Local Control Funding Formula.