Good morning, Yakima.

This weekend, Dozer Day at State Fair Park will run Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.—kids will operate real construction machines, join scavenger hunts, and learn about safety with tickets at $13 for ages 3 and up.

Families will also take free horse-drawn wagon rides and join guided walking tours when the Central Washington Agricultural Museum opens on Saturday at Fullbright Park—visitors will explore over 15 acres of exhibits at free admission.

Yakima County Development Association will host a free Bilingual Business Accelerator Conference on Friday, April 18 at Legends Casino & Hotel in Toppenish.

Local business owners meeting the criteria will access interactive workshops, expert panels, and networking opportunities — with Spanish translation available — to help grow their operations.

An investigation by the Washington Department of Licensing revealed that the Zillah School of Driving likely started courses in late 2024 by using forged trainer initials on training logs submitted by owners Zach Dorr and William 'Derek' Brown — a claim first raised by the Washington Traffic Safety Education Association — and the school has temporarily closed as the owners work with the department to resolve staffing issues amid multiple local complaints.

The House Early Learning and Human Services Committee advanced House Bill 1472—intended to close Yakima Valley and Rainier schools by June 30th, 2027—without a detailed plan in place.

Representative Joshua Penner voiced concerns over the lack of measurable criteria as the Senate awaits a decision on its companion bill.

Today the 115-year-old Yakima Tieton Irrigation Canal began operation amid urgent concerns that damage from last year's Retreat Fire could lead to a failure costing agriculture $3-billion over three years.

District Manager Travis Okelberry said costly repairs estimated at $239-million are needed to protect a system that supports crop revenue of over $700-million.

Yakima County voters will decide on April 22 whether to add a 0.2 percent sales tax to fund a new emergency communication system that will help first responders talk more clearly during major incidents—officials say the measure is needed after problems with multiple radio systems and dead spots were seen during a 2019 false alarm.

Daisy May Painting Event

6-8 p.m. — Hoops — $29.00 — Unleash creativity in a guided painting session while enjoying a relaxed atmosphere.

The Snares with Pannonica

7:30-10 p.m. — Bearded Monkey Music — Check the latest psych-garage rock sounds from Sacramento and local favorites in a night filled with energetic performances.

Lili Zetina & Grupo ZL Live Concert

9 p.m. — Los Patitos Sports Bar & Grill — Ticket purchase required — Experience the thrilling energy of live regional music with Lili Zetina and Grupo ZL.