MAKING NOISE - The Eastside High School band and color guard practice recently during a morning workout at the Lancaster school. RON SIDDLE/Valley Press

PALMDALE - Islamic leaders across the country, preparing for a potential backlash after it was revealed a gunman who killed 13 people at a military base in Texas could be Muslim, condemned the shootings Friday.   For complete story, subscribe to the Antelope Valley Press for only 25¢ a day.

PALMDALE - What drives someone into a shooting rage, like Thursday's attack at the Army's Fort Hood? People across the nation and Antelope Valley residents have been asking that question, a question that even mental health professionals can't satisfactorily answer.   For complete story, subscribe to the Antelope Valley Press for only 25¢ a day.

PALMDALE - If war veterans need help with their transition into civilian life, help is on the way. A new Vet Center is getting ready to open in Palmdale, according to Gerry Rice, a marriage and family therapist who resides in Quartz Hill. As a Vietnam war veteran, Rice also offers therapy sessions to the troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, drawing on his own wartime experiences.   For complete story, subscribe to the Antelope Valley Press for only 25¢ a day.

LANCASTER - The Los Angeles Superior Court system has not been so kind to the Alternative Healing medical marijuana collective this time around. Fighting its second court battle since February, the collective has seen two of its drivers arrested after they were pulled over by Sheriff's deputies while trying to deliver medical marijuana to the organization's members.   For complete story, subscribe to the Antelope Valley Press for only 25¢ a day.

LANCASTER - After years of waiting, the California Army National Guard troops of the 756th Transportation Company finally have a new home in Lancaster.   For complete story, subscribe to the Antelope Valley Press for only 25¢ a day.

PALMDALE - Sheriff's detectives are looking for more molestation victims after the arrest of a Palmdale man on suspicion of molesting a 12-year-old girl who was walking to school.   For complete story, subscribe to the Antelope Valley Press for only 25¢ a day.

LANCASTER - Trace evidence collected following the mysterious murder of Quartz Hill teen Michelle O'Keefe revealed nothing about her killer, a Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department criminalist told jurors Friday in an Antelope Valley courtroom.   For complete story, subscribe to the Antelope Valley Press for only 25¢ a day.

LANCASTER - Students from four Antelope Valley middle and junior high schools got a taste of being a grown-up Friday at Antelope Valley College's Career Day.   For complete story, subscribe to the Antelope Valley Press for only 25¢ a day.

LANCASTER - Karen Mellor, entomologist with the Antelope Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District, took blood samples Wednesday morning from the district's sentinel chicken coops.   For complete story, subscribe to the Antelope Valley Press for only 25¢ a day.

LANCASTER - Waldenbooks store is among approximately 200 stores targeted for closure in January as part of a restructuring by Borders Group. Stating they are trying to "right-size" its Waldenbooks Specialty Retail segment, the retailer will close approximately 200 mall stores in January, leaving approximately 130 mall-based locations open. The Lancaster store is among 12 stores in California slated to be closed.   For complete story, subscribe to the Antelope Valley Press for only 25¢ a day.

LANCASTER - Grace Resource Center's 16th annual Grace-a-thon, the holiday fundraiser aimed at helping the needy neighbors in the Valley including providing meals for hungry families during the holiday season, is $7,000 to the good one day in.   For complete story, subscribe to the Antelope Valley Press for only 25¢ a day.

EDITORIAL - Given that initial news reports out of Fort Hood stated that there were three shooters - one dead and two in custody - and given that initial reports also stated that the police officer who stopped the carnage had herself been shot dead, we recognize that it may take a few days for authorities to sort things out and figure out what actually happened and why.   For complete story, subscribe to the Antelope Valley Press for only 25¢ a day.

LANCASTER - The Marauders must know where the Brahmas are coming from. It was only two seasons ago that the Antelope Valley College football team was staring at a 26-game losing streak.   For complete story, subscribe to the Antelope Valley Press for only 25¢ a day.

BORON - The Boron running game has dominated the Desert Mountain League the last six years. Sometimes explosive, but always methodical and time consuming, the Bobcats rushing attack has dictated the pace of games.   For complete story, subscribe to the Antelope Valley Press for only 25¢ a day.

LANCASTER - The rest of his teammates were kneeling on the field, but Brendon Tago was pacing behind them like a caged animal. Needless to say, he didn't like seeing his brother, Highland High School quarterback Christian Tago lying on the ground, unable to move for several minutes following the first play of the second quarter.   For complete story, subscribe to the Antelope Valley Press for only 25¢ a day.

LANCASTER - It wasn't their best performance, but the Falcons found a way to secure yet another Golden League championship. Junior wide receiver David Richards had a touchdown reception and intercepted a pass for a score, to lift the Palmdale to a 26-0 win over Eastside on Friday night at Antelope Valley High School.   For complete story, subscribe to the Antelope Valley Press for only 25¢ a day.

EDWARDS AFB - Chris Buchanan wasn't going to wait long to help spark Desert High School's struggling offense. The senior running back scored a long rushing touchdown on the first play of each half on Friday night, as the Scorpions beat California City 55-33.   For complete story, subscribe to the Antelope Valley Press for only 25¢ a day.

WALNUT - The moment Uriel Aquino passed his brother, he knew what he had to do. The Marauders' fate depended on his perseverance. "I felt like it was my turn to go up there and make sure this team gets an opportunity to move on," Aquino said.   For complete story, subscribe to the Antelope Valley Press for only 25¢ a day.

LANCASTER - After three days of uncertainty, the Lancaster and Highland girls tennis teams finished the match they started Tuesday with a 9-9 tie on Friday. The Eagles won the match on games with an 84-75 edge.   For complete story, subscribe to the Antelope Valley Press for only 25¢ a day.