Good morning, Yakima.

A structure fire caused about $400,000 in damages to 1UP Games on Nob Hill Boulevard and 24th Avenue in Yakima Friday afternoon when a flare gun accident set off the blaze and Yakima Fire Department responded at 5:05 p.m. with one firefighter sustaining a minor injury.

Multiple Yakima County Fire District 5 stations responded to a haystack fire that spread to thousands of tires near Sunnyside on Friday night (near Fordyce and Van Belle Road) as strong and erratic winds hindered efforts to slow its spread (according to a Facebook post).

Yakima Valley College has selected artist, musician and scholar Yesenia Navarrete Hunter as the 2025 Distinguished Alumnus Award recipient, and the award will be presented during Commencement on June 13.

The first-generation college student, who balanced full-time work and raising four children while studying at YVC, now is an assistant professor at Heritage University.

Yakima City Council member Janice Deccio is running for reelection to the District 4 seat and will face substitute teacher Juliet Potrykus — both candidates focus on public safety, homelessness, and other key local issues.

The district, which covers areas north of Washington Avenue, south of Yakima Avenue and east of 16th Avenue, will hold election filings from May 5-9 with a primary on Aug 5 and a general election on Nov 4.

At the end of the legislative session, lawmakers secured funding for the Yakima Valley School in Selah and local projects including repairs to the fire-damaged irrigation canal and transportation improvements, while cutting support for the Ahtanum View work release center and raising taxes and fees. A new law on landfill permits passed with mixed votes—highlighting both wins and losses for the Yakima Valley.

Sen. Maria Cantwell announced new steps to secure justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous People ahead of tomorrow's National Day of Awareness, highlighting federal funding efforts and pending legislation.

Eastern Washington University will host a walk and rally at EWU Mall from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. while Legends Casino in Toppenish holds a symposium from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Alpine Bloom Painting Event

6-8 p.m. — Mickey's Pub — Ticket required — Unleash your creativity while enjoying food and drinks at this guided painting session.

Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in Yakima

3 PM – 12 AM — Uptown Yakima — Ticket purchase required — Explore historic landmarks and engage in fun challenges with friends during a thrilling scavenger hunt.

Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in Yakima

3 PM – 12 AM — 27 N Front St, Yakima, WA — Ticket purchase required — Explore Yakima's historic sites in a fun-filled self-guided scavenger hunt.