RSSTHIS WEEK IN LOCAL NEWS
NEW Expect one less eastbound lane Tuesday on I-82 - YAKIMA, Wash. — One lane of eastbound Interstate 82 outside of Yakima will be closed Tuesday while crews install a motorist information sign....MORE...
NEW Boy ejected from van; injuries don't appear serious - YAKIMA, Wash. — A young boy apparently escaped major injury this afternoon when he was thrown from a rolling van on eastbound U.S. Highway 12 at the 40th Avenue exit, authorities say....MORE...
NEW Sinkhole prompts closure of county road - YAKIMA, Wash. — An irrigation leak has created a sinkhole in a section of Fisk Road, east of Rodgers Road in West Valley, prompting the county to close the road while repairs are made....MORE...
Selah School District honoring retirees on Wednesday - SELAH, Wash. -- The Selah School District is celebrating its retirees this week with a reception Wednesday afternoon....MORE...
Fundraiser to benefit former McClure Elementary teacher - YAKIMA, Wash. -- Mr. G needs a bone marrow transplant....MORE...
Discovery Lab School to have flag-raising ceremony Wednesday - YAKIMA, Wash. -- Discovery Lab School is letting its green flag fly. ...MORE...
NEW California man suspected of attempted murder - YAKIMA, Wash. — What Yakima police suspect was a drug deal gone bad late Sunday left a Yakima man in critical condition and a California man in custody for investigation of attempted murder....MORE...
People for People to honor retired transportation chief - YAKIMA, Wash. -- People For People will honor its retired transportation director Chris Fix this afternoon by dedicating a bus in his name....MORE...
Expert weighs in on sagging academic achievement - YAKIMA, Wash. -- Dysfunctional families, ineffective teaching and a culture that undervalues education are some reasons why academic achievement is sagging in American schools, according to a recent article in The New York Times. ...MORE...
NEW Sunnyside man hospitalized after Saturday shooting - SUNNYSIDE, Wash. — A 22-year-old Sunnyside man suffered a gunshot wound late Saturday during an exchange of gunfire in a residential area, police said this morning....MORE...
NEW Wapato woman killed, child critically injured in crash - A 46-year-old Wapato woman died late Sunday night when the car she was driving rolled over on U.S. Highway 97 near Toppenish....MORE...
Get your quiz answers here - 1. Students in community college programs training to be technicians in the wind power industry must be able to B) climb 200 feet up a ladder to work on turbines 2. According to Shop Talk blogger Mai Hoang, which Yakima eatery will open a new West Valle...MORE...
Proposed state regulations could stop mosquito spraying - GRANDVIEW -- Jim Pinson remembers the days before mosquito control near his farmhouse along the banks of the Yakima River east of here. They're not very fond memories. Some summer evenings, he recalls, 20 or more mosquitoes could land on just his hand in...MORE...
Party planning on the cheap - YAKIMA, Wash. -- Inheriting the hostess gene from her mother, 31-year-old LeeAnn Van De Venter of Yakima loves to entertain. She plans for birthdays six months in advance. She has a separate room in her house just for decorations, and she sorts her deco...MORE...
Photo: Hey batter, batter - As warmer temperatures hint at the summer weather to come, Raman Gutierrez, 11, shouts encouragement to his teammates on the Kennewick team while they play in the Early Spring Classic at Lewis and Clark Middle School on Sunday....MORE...
Health and family fitness night Thursday in Sunnyside - SUNNYSIDE -- Sunnyside's Chief Kamiakin Elementary School will hold its health and family fitness night Thursday. The event, which features karate demonstrations, cheerleading activities and a variety of sports and active games, will run from 6:30-8 p.m....MORE...
03/15/10 In Basket - Government * The International Institute of Municipal Clerks Inc. has awarded Sherry Biggs the designation of Master Municipal Clerk. Biggs, city clerk for Prosser since June 2008, earned the designation after completing education requirements and demonst...MORE...
Shop Talk: Options are still on the table for Riverpointe Landing - Last week, I celebrated my fourth anniversary at the Yakima Herald-Republic. I am starting to realize that time passes more quickly as you get older. It doesn't have the same panache as the five-year mark, but I think the time has allowed me to gain pers...MORE...
03/15/10 In the Military - Marine Corps Pfc. Julio Quinonez, son of Esmeralda Arias of Sunnyside, recently completed training to become a warehouse clerk. Quinonez graduated from Sunnyside High School in 2009. He joined the Marine Corps in July. Navy Reserve Seaman Recruit Robert...MORE...
Local officers honored with Footprint awards - YAKIMA, Wash. -- Four local law enforcement officers were recently honored as personnel of the year by the Yakima chapter of the International Footprint Association. The awards were presented during an annual ceremony at the Yakima Elks Golf and Country...MORE...
03/15/10 Senior lunch menus - Older American Nutrition Program (Call 574-2200 the day before by 3:30 p.m. to register for lunch.) Today: Tuna noodle casserole, peas, carrots, peaches, muffin. Tuesday: Beef stew, tossed green salad with tomatoes, grapes, cookie. Wednesday: Chicken tet...MORE...
Two people hurt in rollover near Naches - A 16-year-old Naches boy and his passenger were hurt Sunday afternoon when he rolled a Chevrolet TrailBlazer on U.S. Highway 12 about three miles east of Naches, authorities said....MORE...
Woman breaks both legs in snowmobile accident - ELLENSBURG, Wash. — A 70-year-old Port Townsend, Wash., woman was in satisfactory condition today after breaking both legs in a snowmobile crash on Saturday, authorities say....MORE...
Man ticketed after rear-ending fire officer's vehicle - YAKIMA, Wash. — No injuries were reported when a motorist rear-ended a Yakima fire officer’s rig as he was responding to another traffic crash on Interstate 82 outside of Yakima on Saturday evening, authorities said. ...MORE...
Wapato's Imler out of running for Walla Walla job - WALLA WALLA, Wash. — Wapato’s schools superintendent is out of consideration for the top administrative job in Walla Walla, officials there announced Saturday night....MORE...
Yakima People: WV grad will sing lead in WSU opera - West Valley grad gets lead in WSU opera Angela Brown of Yakima, a 2007 graduate of West Valley High School, has been selected to sing the lead soprano role in the Washington State University spring opera production of "Orpheus in the Underworld." Brown...MORE...
Grim times for education - YAKIMA, Wash. -- Days before Aryell Adams learned of next fall's 14 percent tuition hike at Central Washington University, she knew she could no longer afford to go there. The 19-year-old sophomore already owes $20,000 in student loans, and she doesn't wa...MORE...
03/13/10 Death Notices - Patrick M. Baldwin Patrick Mark Baldwin, 23, of Naches died Thursday at home. Mr. Baldwin was born in Yakima. Survivors include his parents, Mark and Debbi Baldwin of Naches; two brothers, Blake Baldwin of Fort Worth, Texas, and Michael Baldwin of Seattle...MORE...
Things are looking up at the Tourist Motel - Rajiv Sauson says he's tired of being made out to be the bad guy. Three months after the Tourist Motel was partially condemned and then sued for evicting tenants, its owner says he looks forward to a stress...MORE...
03/12/10 Death Notices - Mary A. Jaussaud Mary Ann Jaussaud, 83, of Yakima died Wednesday at Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital. Mrs. Jaussaud was born in Yakima. She worked more than 50 years as a rural mail carrier for the United States Postal Service. Survivors include her husba...MORE...
Selah man gets prison sentence - YAKIMA -- A 35-year-old Selah man convicted of possessing meth and cocaine with intent to deliver was sentenced to 30 years in prison Friday in federal court. Javier M. Hart received his sentence in U.S. District Court in Yakima after a jury on Aug. 20,20...MORE...
Zillah steps up to help ill mom - ZILLAH -- A dinner will be held today to help a single mother of three undergoing cancer treatment. Jennifer Hipp has been diagnosed with Diffused Large B Cell Lymphoma. The fundraiser will be from 1 to 9 p.m. at Stewart Park, located off of Cheyene Road ...MORE...
Cowboy poet helps quake victims - A natural gift for memorizing and a quirky sense of humor are combining this weekend to help earthquake victims in Haiti. Cowboy poet Tim Jenne is performing in Mattawa today, and the laughs are designed to go to a good cause. The show begins at 6 p.m....MORE...
Meetings planned for Running Start - Yakima Valley Community College is hosting several information nights about the Running Start program for high school sophomores, juniors and their parents. Through the program, eligible high school juniors and seniors may enroll in college classes at YVC...MORE...
Special session may bring water to Kittitas Co. - YAKIMA, Wash. -- Kittitas County would purchase or lease water to allow new development to occur in the upper county area under a budget proviso likely to be approved during the Legislature's special session beginning Monday. Pursued by state Rep. Judy W...MORE...
Fundraiser will help 'Mr. G' - El Porton is hosting a fundraiser for a former McClure Elementary School teacher in need of a bone marrow transplant. David Gonzalez, commonly called "Mr. G" by students, was diagnosed with leukemia last fall. Due to his illness, he resigned in December....MORE...
Reclamation gets new chief - YAKIMA -- A new regional director has been selected for the Bureau of Reclamation's Pacific Northwest region, which covers the Yakima Irrigation Project. The federal agency announced Karl Wirkus will succeed Bill McDonald, who is retiring. Wirkus, who pre...MORE...
Garage destroyed, home damaged by fire - YAKIMA, Wash. -- Gas spilled during a car repair resulted in a garage fire Friday morning that threatened the home on the same property, firefighters say. The fire was reported about 10:30 a.m. in the 1000 block of South 37th Avenue, just north of Nob Hil...MORE...
Irrigation water will soon flow - Irrigation water will soon flow YAKIMA -- Irrigation-water delivery agencies throughout the Yakima Valley are starting to prime their systems for the start of the 2010 irrigation season. The city of Yakima will begin turning on irrigation systems througho...MORE...
Spring brings increased threat of hantavirus - YAKIMA, Wash. -- It's time for spring cleaning, which means it's also time to be aware of hantavirus. The Yakima Health District is cautioning people that if they come across rodent droppings while opening up or cleaning cabins, RVs, sheds and barns, some...MORE...
The Good Doctor Corpron - Remarkable times -- the day an elephant fell into the water tank; the man almost eaten by a sun bear; the curries, phad thai and fish. Wonderful memories -- the people who hiked through the jungle to thank him; the boy, in a body cast for six months with ...MORE...
Grow pies in your backyard - When I was a youngster, a neighborhood friend who lived two houses down from me became very excited one day when his mother returned from the grocery store with "pieplant" she needed to make a pie. Pieplant, what in the heck was that? I had never heard of...MORE...
03/14/10 Volunteer Opportunities - Here are this week's volunteer needs in the Yakima Valley: * ADULT DAY CENTER: The Respite Adult Day Center is looking for volunteers to assist. Duties include greeting participants and family members, helping with crafts and group activities, giving pe...MORE...
Retail, food service sales see spike in traffic - YAKIMA, Wash. -- Retailers got some good news today — the U.S. Census Bureau released data today that shows that sales in retail and food services increased last month....MORE...
Twelve Yakima Valley schools on "persistently lowest-achieving schools" list - YAKIMA, Wash. -- The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction released its list of "persistently lowest-achieving schools" today. Of the 47 schools statewide, 12 of them are from the Yakima Valley....MORE...
Yakima County ordered to give sealed records to state Supreme Court - OLYMPIA, Wash. - The Washington Supreme Court has ordered Yakima County to provide a copy of all sealing orders in a 2005 double-homicide case, which is now at the center of a public-records lawsuit by the Yakima Herald-Republic....MORE...
Careful with those rodent droppings when spring cleaning - The Yakima Health District is cautioning people that if they come across rodent droppings while opening up or cleaning cabins, RVs, sheds and barns, some could be contaminated with the virus that causes hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, or HPS....MORE...
Gas spill caused garage fire - YAKIMA, Wash. — Gas spilled during a car repair resulted in a garage fire Friday morning that threatened the home on the same property, firefighters say....MORE...
Regional History Day competition is Saturday in West Valley - YAKIMA, Wash. -- Dust off those history books!...MORE...
Yakima School District honors classified employees - YAKIMA, Wash. -- The Yakima School District recently recognized its classified employees during a reception at Franklin Middle School....MORE...
It's time for the High School Proficiency Exams - tudents around the state will be taking the new High School Proficiency Exam for the first time next week. ...MORE...
Three Ike students qualify for national speech and debate tournament - Three Eisenhower High School students have qualified to compete in the National Forensic League’s National Speech and Debate Tournament. ...MORE...
Over a foot of snow possible today on Snoqualmie Pass - SNOQUALMIE PASS, Wash. -- Snoqualmie Pass could get up to 14 inches of snow today, forecasters say....MORE...
Ditch work will disrupt traffic on SR 821 - YAKIMA, Wash. — Drivers used to taking State Route 821 between Ellensburg and Selah may want to reconsider next week....MORE...
SunDome to celebrate 20th anniversary on April 15 - YAKIMA -- The Yakima Valley SunDome, host over the years to everything from Snoop Dogg to high school basketball state tourneys, turns 20 this year. And the public is invited to celebrate with a birthday luncheon April 15. Specific plans for the event are...MORE...
Overdose law confuses local officials - YAKIMA, Wash. -- Local officials say they're not sure what to make of a new state law that grants some legal immunity to people who suffer a drug overdose or report one. Gov. Chris Gregoire signed the measure into law Wednesday and it takes effect in Jun...MORE...
Filipino women's group to host meet-and-greet Saturday - YAKIMA -- A new group for Filipino women will hold its first meet-and-greet on Sunday at the Yakima Area Arboretum. The Filipino-American Women's Organization of the Yakima Valley seeks to empower women and provide social services and information to Filip...MORE...
Community concert group to host membership potluck - SUNNYSIDE -- The Lower Valley Community Concert Association will kick off its membership drive with a potluck Saturday. The association has promoted musical performances in the Lower Valley for more than 50 years. Hours of the potluck are 11 a.m. to 2 p....MORE...
Seattle actors troupe to perform bully prevention play - YAKIMA, Wash. -- A troupe of actors from Seattle is headed the Yakima Valley next week to perform a bullying prevention play. "Super School," acted by members of the Taproot Theatre's Road Company, will be presented at one Sunnyside and two Yakima school...MORE...
Adaptis staff continues to shrink - YAKIMA, Wash. -- Operations are winding down at the Yakima facility of a Seattle health care claims processing company. The number of workers at the Adaptis facility at 399 W. Yakima Ave. has dwindled in the past few months, said Sharon Gorman, vice pre...MORE...
Grandview names interim city administrator - GRANDVIEW, Wash. -- Grandview city officials plan to name Public Works Director Cus Arteaga as interim city administrator while they search for a permanent replacement for Scott Staples, who resigned last month citing personal and health reasons. While ke...MORE...
Snowfall in mountains keeps State Patrol busy - Up to 3 inches of snowfall is expected tonight in the Cascades, with intermittent rain and snow showers. Accumulation is expected throughout the remainder of the weekend, according to the National Weather Service in Pendleton, Ore. There is a 30 perc...MORE...
Family of man who died in 2006 files lawsuit - YAKIMA, Wash. -- The family of a Grandview man who died following a police pursuit has filed a federal lawsuit against officers from Grandview, Sunnyside, Mabton and Yakima County. The lawsuit claims that Grandview Officer Travis Shephard, and possibly M...MORE...
Man suspected in large pot-growing operation - YAKIMA -- A 26-year-old Yakima man faces drug-trafficking charges after Yakima police said they discovered 211 marijuana plants growing in his basement in the 3300 block of Lincoln Avenue. Officers seized the plants, which were in various stages of gro...MORE...
Third man connected to shooting is arrested - YAKIMA, Wash. -- Two men were arrested Wednesday as police continued their investigation into a fatal weekend shooting in Yakima. One of those arrested, a 22-year-old man, is suspected of being the driver of the car that opened fire on a second vehicle l...MORE...
Yakima man dies in one-car wreck on US 97 - ELLENSBURG -- A 21-year-old Yakima man died Wednesday night in a crash on U.S. Highway 97 about 18 miles north of Ellensburg, the Washington State Patrol reported. Adam J. McRae had just passed a semi on a blind curve about 9:25 p.m. when he lost control...MORE...
03/12/10 Yakima People - West Valley High grad selected to present essays at conference Saint Martin's University junior Katie Hawkins, a West Valley High School graduate, has been chosen to present two papers at the English Honor Society conference later this month. They are cr...MORE...
Valley gets little from lawmakers - YAKIMA, Wash. -- The pickings are slim this year for bring-home-the-bacon projects from the Legislature in Olympia. Local lawmakers have tentatively secured three projects for the Yakima Valley in the pending supple-mental capital and transpor-tation budg...MORE...
Children's Village is a work in progress - YAKIMA, Wash. -- Twelve years ago, Children's Village called local artist Deb Broers about painting murals at its new facility for special-needs children on Kern Road in northwest Yakima....MORE...
03/11/10 Death Notices - Alvin Engelhard Alvin "Al" Engelhard, 73, of Yakima died Thursday. Mr. Engelhard was born in Glenburn, N.D. Mass of Christian burial will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Little Flower Catholic Church in Minot, N.D. Arrangements are by Thompson-Larson Funeral Hom...MORE...
Yakima leads online voting for visit from Style Network star - YAKIMA, Wash. -- Ruby, Ruby, Ruby will you be mine?...MORE...
Big Lots coming to Gateway Shopping Center? - YAKIMA, Wash. -- There’s chatter going around about Big Lots, a retailer that sells discounted and overproduced goods from manufacturers, coming to Yakima....MORE...
St. Patrick's Day -- It's time to party, Irish-style - By PAT MUIR YAKIMA HERALD-REPUBLIC St. Patrick's Day isn't about sitting quietly and listening to Irish music; it's about singing and dancing along. That's the philosophy at McGuire's Irish Restaurant, where Rudy Kezele and his accordion have entertained...MORE...
St. Patrick's Day -- What to drink, and what not to - Have a glass of Irish ... On magazine recommends the following adult beverages for St. Patrick's Day: * Guinness Draught: This is the classic Irish beer, brewed since the 18th century. It's a stout, which is not for everyone but goes perfectly with corned...MORE...
St. Patrick's Day -- Try some shepherd's pie - Food from the British Isles has never gotten much respect, and that's fine. Boiling everything, after all, is no longer considered the height of culinary advancement. But if there's one thing the region is good for, it's comfort food. Traditional St. Patr...MORE...
St. Patricks' Day -- A few non-bar options - If midweek bar-going isn't for you, there are other St. Patrick's Day options. The Rattlesnake Hills wineries will offer wine specials, Irish food and Celtic music from Wednesday until March 20. For details, call 509-965-4521. And the La Salle High School...MORE...
The Indoorsman -- St. Patrick's Days of yore - So there I was, alone in my room on St. Patrick's Day 2002, drinking can after can of Guinness and listening to Johnny Cash's version of "Danny Boy" -- on repeat. It was the first St. Patrick's Day after I'd moved from Michigan to Washington. I was lonely...MORE...
The Sirens' allure -- Sirens Sister playing the Sports Center - By PAT MUIR YAKIMA HERALD-REPUBLIC Sirens Sister doesn't fit in a Seattle music scene filled with indie rock and art-school experimentalism. The band, which appears Saturday at the Yakima Sports Center, doesn't play atonal noise rock. It doesn't appropria...MORE...
03/12/10 10 Days Out - Friday, March 12 * Yes, there is a Seattle reggae scene; you can check it out for yourself tonight at the Yakima Sports Center when Dub Lounge International takes the stage. The band, which plays roots music as well as dancehall, is part of a Rasta movem...MORE...
03/12/10 Film clips - OPENING TODAY "BROKEN EMBRACES" -- Penelope Cruz and director Pedro Almodovar reunite for a drama about a blind screenwriter recalling how he lost the love of his life. Also starring Lluis Homar and Blanco Portillo. In Spanish with subtitles. (R for sexu...MORE...
03/12/10 Art - ART WALKS FIRST FRIDAY ART WALKS. Visit participating galleries the first Friday of each month. * Downtown Ellensburg: 5-7 p.m. Info/list: www.ellensburgarts.com. SIP N STROLL WINE AND ART WALK. 5:30-8 p.m. the third Thursday of each month. Visit with t...MORE...
03/12/10 Night life - NIGHT LIFE Blues/Jazz/Swing THE DEPOT RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE. 8 p.m. March 20. Wayman Chapman. 32 N. Front St. 509-469-4400. (R&B/funk.) JACK-SONS SPORTS BAR: BLUES, BREWS AND BURGERS. Thursdays (except for comedy nights). Open blues jam: 7-9 p.m. Fe...MORE...
03/12/10 Planner - AUDITIONS WAREHOUSE THEATRE COMPANY AUDITIONS. 1 p.m. March 21. Callbacks at 7 p.m. March 22. Allied Arts, 5000 W. Lincoln Ave. For "Our Town." Parts for all ages. Performances are May 7-22. 509-966-0930 or www.alliedartsyakima.org/wtc.html. BEL CANTO O...MORE...
03/12/10 Books - DISCUSSION BORDERS. 1700 E. Washington Ave., Union Gap. 509-248-4018. * Passionate Readers Book Club: 7 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month. WORKSHOPS ALLIED ARTS OF YAKIMA VALLEY. Ongoing writing classes. Full schedules and details at www.allieda...MORE...
03/12/10 Theater - NOW PLAYING "DIXIE'S TUPPERWARE PARTY." 7:30 tonight, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. The Seasons, 101 N. Naches Ave. TicketsWest, 800-325-7328, or Capitol Theatre box office, 509-853-2787. Part of Capitol's Broadway on the Edge series. (PG-13 for...MORE...
03/12/10 Just announced - NOW ON SALE SASQUATCH! May 29-31. Gorge Amphitheatre in George, Wash. Tickets cost $70 per day through May 23; $80 per day May 24-28; $86 per day the day of show. For a complete lineup and to purchase camping spaces or tickets, visit www. sasquatchfestiv...MORE...
Give me a break! Give me a break! Break me off a piece of that On magazine! - YAKIMA, Wash. -- I know what you’re thinking: On magazine, didn’t you guys just publish one of those?...MORE...
Arteaga named interim city administrator in Grandview - City officials plan to name Public Works Director Cus Arteaga as interim city administrator while they search for a permanent replacement for Scott Staples, who resigned last month citing personal and health reasons. ...MORE...
Dixie has a filthy sense of humor and a heart of gold - YAKIMA, Wash. -- I knew going in that “Dixie’s Tupperware Party” would be a bawdy, innuendo-filled spectacle; what I didn’t know is how much heart the show would have....MORE...
Up to 16 inches of snow forecast in central Cascades - A winter storm warning is in effect through Friday morning in the central Cascade Mountain range....MORE...
La Salle fun run, dance on tap for Saturday - UNION GAP, Wash. -- A fun run, gala and raffle are planned on Saturday to raise money for La Salle High School’s student programs....MORE...
House targets nearly 50 panels for elimination or consolidation - OLYMPIA, Wash. — Nearly four dozen state boards, commissions and committees would be killed or consolidated under a House bill overwhelming passed Wednesday....MORE...
Yakima man killed in one-car crash north of Ellensburg - A 21-year-old Yakima man died Wednesday night in a crash on U.S. Highway 97 about 18 miles north of Ellensburg, the Washington State Patrol reported....MORE...
Alleged driver in fatal Yakima shooting booked into jail - A 22-year-old man was booked at the Yakima County jail Wednesday night on suspicion of first-degree murder in the gang-related shooting of a Yakima man last weekend....MORE...
Man needing kidney transplant finds state program a hindrance - Skip Rodvold's most important job these days is staying alive and healthy until he gets a kidney transplant. Rodvold, 53, has polycystic kidney disease, an inherited disorder that caused his kidneys to fail seven y...MORE...
'Quality of Life' applicants sought - Yakima County is seeking applicants interested in serving on the recently created Quality of Life panel. The group, expected to number up to 10 people, will make recommendations to county commissioners on how best to improve the quality of life of county...MORE...
Tea party gathering rescheduled - YAKIMA -- A Yakima meeting for people to learn about the tea party movement has been rescheduled for next Tuesday. Organizers say the original meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, was to have been held at the Highland Fruit Growers building on Wide Hollow R...MORE...
Man pleads guilty to Sunnyside bank robbery - SUNNYSIDE -- A Pasco man who robbed a bank here in January has pleaded guilty in Yakima County Superior Court. On March 4, Gerardo Rios Orosco, 38, pleaded guilty to first degree robbery and was sentenced to 54 months in prison. On Jan. 11, Rios Orosco en...MORE...
Speaker says area needs to expand wine theme amenities - YAKIMA -- Development of more wine country tourism amenities will not only move the state's wine industry to the next level but provide a major boost for the Yakima Valley economy, said the leader of the state's oldest and largest wine company. Ted Basel...MORE...
Candidate can't convince baristas to quit - YAKIMA, Wash. -- A state House candidate is planning her next move after being rebuffed in efforts to convince baristas to quit their jobs at two so-called sexpresso stands. Michele Strobel, who is challenging Rep. Norm Johnson for his 14th District House...MORE...
03/10/10 Death Notices - Pauline E. Diefenbach Pauline E. Diefenbach, 84, of Ellensburg died Monday at Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital. Mrs. Diefenbach was born in Anselmo, Neb., and lived in various places before moving to Ellensburg. She was a long-time employee in the office o...MORE...
Latino film series features obscure gem - YAKIMA, Wash. -- The Latino Cultural Film Series at Allied Arts kicked off earlier this month with “Mi Familia,” which is great and all but which you’ve already seen if you’re at all interested in Latino cinema....MORE...
Fire damages home in West Valley - YAKIMA, Wash. — Firefighters this afternoon were putting out the remains of a fire that damaged a West Valley home....MORE...
Slice of Yakima: Author's newest yarn benefits those in need - Debbie Macomber is asking women to celebrate Mother's Day in a special way. The New York Times best-selling author and Yakima native is inviting other avid knitters to put their crochet hooks and knitting needles to use for charity. Her "Knit1, Bless2" i...MORE...
K-Kids launching yearlong collection effort - UNION GAP, Wash. -- K-Kids of Union Gap, a service organization and division of the Kamiakin Kiwanis Club, is launching a yearlong electronics and jewelry collection on Thursday....MORE...
Yes, Baule did apply for the arts commission - For the record, Yakima Valley Museum Director John Baule did apply for a spot on the Yakima’s new Arts Commission....MORE...
Troupe from Seattle to perform play about bullying - YAKIMA, Wash. -- A troupe of actors from Seattle is headed the Yakima Valley next week to perform a bullying prevention play....MORE...
Suspect makes appearance in weekend homicide - YAKIMA, Wash. — A six-month dispute between rival gang members ended with last weekend’s shooting of an uninvolved man who was riding in the same car as the target of the attack, investigators say....MORE...
CWU to recognize local video producers - ELLENSBURG, Wash. -- Central Washington University is striving to recognize local videomaking talent through the Elley Awards....MORE...
Pasco man pleads guilty in Sunnyside bank robbery - SUNNYSIDE, Wash. — A Pasco man who robbed a bank here in January has pleaded guilty in Yakima County Superior Court....MORE...
Moses Lake owner hopes to re-open Papa John's in Yakima - YAKIMA, Wash. -- A Moses Lake business owner is in the process of reopening the Papa John’s location in Yakima. ...MORE...
Summer water supplies down for Yakima Basin - YAKIMA, Wash. — Drought is again stalking the Yakima Valley....MORE...
Judge declares mistrial in rape and kidnapping trial - YAKIMA, Wash. — A mistrial was declared this morning in the case of a Yakima man accused of kidnapping a woman from a downtown street and raping her in a Moxee hop field....MORE...
Tea party meeting moved to next week - YAKIMA, Wash. — A meeting for people to learn about the tea party movement has been rescheduled from this evening to next Tuesday....MORE...
Wapato superintendent considered for Walla Walla job - Wapato’s school superintendent is under consideration for the same post in Walla Walla, officials there announced Tuesday night....MORE...
The few missing people cases can prove vexing - Most days you can find Cecelia Downey out looking for her 58-year-old son, Larry Riegel. She and her daughter, Candy Jarvis, are out every day posting fliers at restaurants and businesses across the Valley, seeking information about Riegel's whereabouts....MORE...
State Supreme Court hears arguments on county records case - OLYMPIA -- A two-year effort by the Yakima Herald-Republic to open the books on how defense attorneys racked up more than $2 million in taxpayer-financed fees to defend two murder suspects went before the state Supreme Court on Tuesday. At the heart of Tu...MORE...
Homicide suspect arrested after standoff - YAKIMA, Wash. -- Three days after a man was fatally shot while riding in his nephew's car in Yakima, authorities arrested the person they believe pulled the trigger. The 24-year-old Yakima man surrendered Tuesday afternoon at a duplex in the 600 block of...MORE...
Family looks for bright side after fire - OUTLOOK, Wash. -- A well-known flower farm's future is uncertain as the family filters through the remains of a fire that last Friday destroyed their warehouse. And even members of the Friend family are trying to find the funny side after the flames. "If...MORE...
County re-examines plans for new courthouse - YAKIMA, Wash. -- Potential savings in construction costs during a down economy have Yakima County commissioners rethinking the idea of asking voters to approve a bond issue for a $49 million courthouse north of the county jail. At the very least, they w...MORE...
Hundreds lose power after truck hits pole - YAKIMA -- About 270 residents lost power Monday night after a truck hit a guy wire and broke the pole in northeast Yakima. The accident happened at 8:07 p.m. at Gordon Road and Tamarack Street, two blocks from North First Street, said Pacific Power spokes...MORE...
Free pesticide disposal event scheduled for early May - YAKIMA -- Farmers and users of commercial-grade pesticides can participate in a free pesticide disposal day in Yakima County in May. Those interested in participating must contact the state Department of Agriculture by March 24. The toll-free telephone nu...MORE...
Century-old farmhouse destroyed by fire - SUNNYSIDE -- A fire about two miles west of Sunnyside destroyed a 110-year-old farmhouse Tuesday morning and chased a woman and a baby from the home. Nobody was injured. The fire started due to unknown causes about 8:30 a.m. in the laundry room of the tw...MORE...
Lin-Paul's owner has seen it all over 50 years - YAKIMA, Wash. -- From overalls and work gloves to cummerbunds and evening gowns, it's been a fashionable, 50-year ride. Vince Napolitano, 89, has pretty much seen it all, starting as a tailor in shops no longer here, to operating an evening wear store....MORE...
YVCC to present 'Top Girls' production this week - YAKIMA -- The story of a woman who chooses a career over her family is depicted in the play, "Top Girls," playing at Yakima Valley Community College Thursday through Sunday. The play will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and at 2 p.m. S...MORE...
Two from White Swan earn national teaching certification - YAKIMA, Wash. -- Here’s one more follow-up to a recent post about local teachers who have achieved National Board Certification....MORE...
Yakima police make arrest in weekend shooting - YAKIMA, Wash. — Three days after a man was fatally shot while riding in his nephew’s car, authorities have arrested the person they believe pulled the trigger....MORE...
Fire destroys farm house near Sunnyside - SUNNYSIDE, Wash. — A fire about two miles west of here this morning destroyed a 110-year-old farm house and chased a woman and a baby from the home....MORE...
Accident involving truck caused power failure Monday - YAKIMA, Wash. — Some 269 residents lost their power Monday night after a truck hit a guy wire and broke the pole in northeast Yakima....MORE...
Who will lead economic recovery effort? Maybe your grandkids - YAKIMA, Wash. -- Your children (or grandchildren) may be the ones to lead in a recovery of consumer spending, according to a report released today from PricewaterhouseCoopers and Kantar Retail. ...MORE...
Supreme Court hears sealed records case - OLYMPIA - Arguing that it’s in the public’s interest to know how taxpayer money is spent to defend suspected criminals, the Yakima Herald-Republic today asked the state Supreme Court to refine the limits of court secrecy....MORE...
Riverpointe Landing developers still weighing options - YAKIMA, Wash. -- Despite having 75 acres off U.S. Highway 12 and 16th Avenue listed for sale, developers of the proposed $160 million Riverpointe Landing shopping center are still looking into a variety of options for the property....MORE...
Applications available for Oil Can Henry scholarships - YAKIMA, Wash. -- High school seniors are encouraged to apply for one of the 84 $1,000 college scholarships offered by Oil Can Henry’s....MORE...
YVCC play, "Top Girls," begins Thursday - YAKIMA, Wash. -- The story of a woman who chooses a career over her family is depicted in the play, “Top Girls,” playing at Yakima Valley Community College Thursday through Sunday....MORE...
Highway 12 junction with SR-410 down to one lane - NACHES, Wash. — U.S. Highway 12 will be restricted to one lane today at the junction with State Route 410, five miles west of Naches....MORE...
Politics killed anti-gang bill, Yakima lawmaker says - Yakima-area lawmakers tried to get tough on gangs at the Legislature this year, but they were turned back at the last minute by powerful Democrats who worried the proposal amounted to racial profiling and would penalize innocent property owners....MORE...
Ex-Yakama police chief head of Columbia fish enforcement - Former Yakama Nation Tribal Police Chief Davis Washines on Monday took the helm of the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission’s law enforcement division....MORE...
Patrol boat ferries body of heart-attack victim - Kittitas County sheriff’s deputies used a patrol boat to recover the body of a man who died in a remote area along the Columbia River....MORE...
Tea Party movement sets information session - Those who want to “come and learn what the Tea Party movement is all about” are invited to a meeting Wednesday at Highland Fruit Growers in Yakima....MORE...
C. Speck Motors agrees to resolve complaints - A Sunnyside-based auto dealer has agreed to resolve complaints made by customers to the state Attorney General’s Office that it used misleading sales and advertising practices....MORE...
Authorities probe shooting death near Mattawa - Authorities are investigating a drive-by shooting Sunday evening just north of here that left one teenager dead and another wounded....MORE...
Man captured after chase wanted on five warrants - Police arrested a 24-year-old Grandview man with five outstanding warrants after he allegedly led them on a vehicle and foot chase in and around town this weekend....MORE...
Join the job clubs and learn new work skills - For more than six decades, Ron Saxton of Selah worked with horses throughout the Yakima Valley. He rode them, broke them, shoed them and sold them, earning a good living off what he loved best....MORE...
03/09/10 Letters to the Editor - To the editor — It’s unfair that the anti-tax initiative we voters approved can be suspended by our governor in order to fix a deficit that they had made in the first place. We voted in Initiative 960 so that the government wouldn’t be able to make it har...MORE...
Latest legislative foolishness taxes our patience - The measure doesn’t have a lot of support among Senate Democrats, who narrowly approved a three-tenths of a cent sales tax increase — along with boosting other taxes — on Sunday. The sales tax increase would expire in three years....MORE...
Photo: Swinging in the sunshine - Stephanie Archundia,1, left, and Jake Redifer, 4, upper right, enjoy the warm weather and sunny skies on the swings at Franklin Park on Sunday....MORE...
03/08/10 Death Notices - Barbara M. Friend Barbara M. Friend, 73, died on March 2 at Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital. She was born in Yakima and graduated from Highland High School. She was a homemaker and also worked as a lab technician at several canneries. She is survived by...MORE...
