Hi-Desert Star

09/30/2026

📰 THIS WEEK IN THE HI-DESERT STAR 📰

There’s a lot happening across the Morongo Basin this week. Pick up the latest Hi-Desert Star and catch up on the stories affecting our community:

🏫 Schools will stay open for now
🏈 Bell stays in Yucca
⛏️ Meeting planned on effort to block mining near JTNP
🚔 Women and teen arrested for assault
🏅 Special Olympics honors Basin schools
🎨 Show gives glimpse of art studio tours still to offer
🎶 Concert funder urges city to find joy in live music

💵 FIND THE IMAGES & WIN CASH! Find the 7 lucky Joshua tree icons hidden throughout the paper for your chance to win $50!

📱 DIGITAL DEAL: Subscribe for just $10 for your first 3 months! Stay connected to local news, sports and community happenings wherever you are.
Subscribe here:
https://www.hidesertstar.com/site/forms/subscription_services/

09/30/2026

🚨🚨 THIS IS NOT A DRILL! LAST CALL FOR BEST OF THE BEST! 🚨🚨

The clock is ticking, the finish line is in sight, and your favorite local businesses need you to show up ONE LAST TIME! 🏆

⏰ VOTING CLOSES TONIGHT AT 11:59 P.M.!
Did you vote today?
Did you finish all your favorite categories?
Did you remind that friend who says they'll do it later? 😂

LATER IS NOW!
Don't wake up tomorrow wishing you'd cast that last vote!
👉 https://www.hidesertstar.com/bestof2026/

🍪 Having trouble accessing the ballot? Scroll to the bottom of the website, click Cookie Preferences and make sure cookies are enabled.

❤️ Thank you, Morongo Basin, for showing your love for the people, places and businesses that make our communities special!

09/29/2026

🚨🏆 ATTENTION, PROFESSIONAL PROCRASTINATORS! 🏆🚨

You know that Best of the Best ballot you've been meaning to finish?

Well… TODAY IS THE DAY! 😂

Your favorite restaurants, businesses, local personalities and community favorites are counting on your votes!

⏰ Voting closes TONIGHT, September 29, at 11:59 p.m.!

Don't let tomorrow be the day you say, “I forgot to vote!” 👀
👉 https://www.hidesertstar.com/bestof2026/

🍪 Having trouble accessing the ballot? Scroll to the bottom of the website, click Cookie Preferences and make sure cookies are enabled.

09/28/2026

Sponsored by Rewind 101.9 FM Rock Radio

☕🚗 MORNING COMMUTE NEED A BETTER SOUNDTRACK?

Turn that dial to 101.9 FM and wake up with Rick in the Morning! 🎸

Whether you're heading to work, dropping off the kids or just starting your day, turn it up with Rewind 101.9 FM Rock Radio.

📻 101.9 FM — give it a listen!

09/26/2026

🤔 TODAY’S IMPORTANT DECISION…

What’s for dinner?
Do I really need another coffee?
Should I vote for my Best of the Best favorites?

☕ Coffee: probably.
🏆 Voting: DEFINITELY.

Did you vote today?

👉 https://www.hidesertstar.com/bestof2026/

⏰ Voting ends September 29 at 11:59 p.m.

🍪 Ballot giving you trouble? Scroll to the bottom of the website, click Cookie Preferences and make sure cookies are enabled.

09/26/2026

Sponsored by Yucca Valley Animal Shelter

🐾❤️ LOCAL PETS LOOKING FOR LOCAL LOVE!

Your new best friend might be waiting right here in Yucca Valley! From playful pups and affectionate companions to one curious bunny, these adorable animals are ready to find their forever homes.

Meet this week's hopefuls:

🐶 Lucas • Goose • Mellow • Gilbert • Cindy • Ruby • Spot • Hunter • Compa • Koda • Serpico 🐰 Lotus

Whether you're looking for an adventure buddy, a cuddle companion or a new furry family member, there's plenty of love waiting at the shelter!

❤️ Can't adopt? Sharing this post could help one of these sweet faces find a home!

📍 Yucca Valley Animal Shelter 4755 Malin Way, Yucca Valley 📞 760-365-3111

Adopt local. Love local. Give a shelter pet a second chance! 🐾

09/25/2026

🚨 YOUR FAVORITE BUSINESS CANNOT READ YOUR MIND. 🚨

You can tell everyone they’re the best…
You can recommend them to your friends…
You can even say, “I go there ALL the time.”

But did you actually VOTE for them? 😂

🏆 Best of the Best voting is open!

👉 https://www.hidesertstar.com/bestof2026/

⏰ Voting ends September 29 at 11:59 p.m.

🍪 Having trouble accessing the ballot? Scroll to the bottom of the website, click Cookie Preferences and make sure cookies are enabled.

09/25/2026

🌵✨ WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND TO SOMEONE VISITING THE MORONGO BASIN?

Where should they stay? What should they see? Who should they call for a tour? Where's a great place for a wedding or a night under the desert stars?

The Lodging & Tourism categories celebrate the businesses and places that help visitors experience our desert communities.

🏆 Did you vote today?

https://www.hidesertstar.com/bestof2026/

🍪 Having trouble accessing the ballot? Scroll to the bottom of the website, click Cookie Preferences and make sure cookies are enabled.

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09/24/2026

🏆 YOU HAVE OPINIONS. WE HAVE A BALLOT. 😏

Best tacos? Favorite local business? Friendliest staff?
You already know who you’d pick… so make it official!

⭐ Best of the Best voting is happening now!
Your favorites need your vote.

👉 https://www.hidesertstar.com/bestof2026/

⏰ Voting ends September 29 at 11:59 p.m.

🍪 Ballot not loading? Scroll to the bottom of the website, click Cookie Preferences and make sure cookies are enabled.

09/23/2026

🎉 WHO GETS YOUR VOTE FOR FUN & ENTERTAINMENT? 🏆

When it’s time to get out and have some fun in the Morongo Basin, where do you go and what do you love to do?

The 2026 Best of the Best ballot is your chance to recognize the local places and businesses that help keep our community entertained. ❤️

🎭🎶 Don’t forget to cast your votes in Fun & Entertainment!

🏆 Did you vote today?

https://www.hidesertstar.com/bestof2026/

🍪 Having trouble accessing the ballot? Scroll to the bottom of the website, click Cookie Preferences and make sure cookies are enabled.