Good morning, Yakima.

The Yakama Nation launched the Yakama Vitals website to share community data on key areas like people, economy, education, health, housing and natural resources in Toppenish (sanctioned in 2024).

Partners include the Institute of Public Policy and Economic Analysis at Eastern Washington University and Yakima Valley Partners for Education.

Ma's Closet shelter in White Swan reopens every Saturday to offer essential supplies for homeless families after nearly a year out of service due to break-ins and repairs.

Managed by the Mount Adams School District, the facility provides non-perishable food, clothing + hygiene supplies to address local needs.

This weekend, Yakima Valley hosts a SunDome rodeo on Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. with bull riding & barrel racing, a Galentine’s rom-com trivia night Friday at 6:30 p.m. at Bale Breaker, red wine & chocolate pairings at local wineries, and Valentine’s markets Saturday.

Yakima Valley College and the Opportunities Industrialization Center of Washington will host a Black History luncheon on Feb.

25 at the Kaminski Conference Center with keynote Fred Saffold from the True Black History Museum + doors open at 11:30 a.m. and the event begins at noon.

Washington is experiencing one of its warmest years with heavy winter rains replacing snow, leaving mountain snowpack below normal and Yakima’s water supply at risk; experts warn the basin may reach only 50% of its usual level by April 1 + conditions are being closely monitored.

After additional ballots were counted yesterday in the special election, voters in several districts backed school levies with more than 50 percent while a $97 million West Valley bond for renovations failed with 50.7 percent against; final results will be certified on Feb.

20 as more ballots are tabulated.

Residents in Yakima can plan day trips or longer getaways to five of the closest national parks as warmer weather draws them outdoors.

Recommendations (from Stacker and Here.com) provide drive times and distances to help plan the ideal escape.

Cold for a Cause 5k

9 AM – 12 PM — Sarg Hubbard Park — Registration Fee Applies — Lace up, bundle up, and run with purpose to help those in need during winter.