Good morning, Yakima.

Local preschoolers and their families helped the Yakima Area Arboretum release 60 young king salmon at Harlan Landing this week as part of a School Cooperative Program with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife—children learned to care for tiny fish and monitor water quality to support healthy river habitats.

On May 17, Washington Department of Fish — Wildlife banned feeding deer, elk and moose to slow the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease, which is always fatal.

The rule also bars leaving bird feeders and other food that attracts these animals — a measure aimed at protecting local wildlife.

Toppenish is working with the Yakima Valley Farmworkers Clinic and Friends of the Toppenish Pool on a no-cost lease to run the city pool for the 2025 season as the city lacks funds after a failed funding effort in November 2024.

City officials said resurfacing work funded by a 2024 grant must be completed by June 30 so the pool may open as early as July 8 — insurance and legal reviews are underway.

The state Auditor’s Office found that between 2021 and 2023, Mabton lacked proper receipts for over $220,000 in expenditures and made unauthorized purchases—including unreasonable fuel costs for public works vehicles.

The city said it is improving its financial reporting and staff training—Mayor Rachel Ruelas did not comment and faces an election challenge this fall.

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.