Good morning, Yakima.

Heidi Washam, a Yakima native with over 20 years of restaurant management experience, was named the new Downtown Farmers Market director after the previous manager resigned, and she plans to boost the market with a revised event calendar, beautification efforts, and improved walkability. Volunteers continue to support the market—72 vendor spots filled—and the new Downtown Summer Nights music series will launch today with free family-friendly concerts.

A Toppenish man, Ricardo Corona-Escamilla, charged with second-degree assault for punching Corrections Officer Gary Choate on May 27 will have his mental competency reviewed on June 18 — the hearing will decide if he can understand court proceedings to help in his own defense.

Police in Yakima are searching for 6-year-old Kleiber Rondon-Rodriguez, who was last seen boarding a Greyhound bus to Los Angeles on June 4 with 24-year-old Maribel Rodriguez-Perez—who did not have permission to take him out of state.

Over the weekend, Heritage University raised $1.29 million at its scholarship dinner, with $900,000 set for scholarships next academic year and $500,000 allocated to endowment funds & marking a record donation year.

David Wise, the Vice President of External Affairs, praised local donors for their strong support.

County employees will count ballots as voters cast their ballots in a countywide primary election on August 5 with ballots mailed in mid-July.

Local races include a coroner contest triggered by a resignation - as well as contests for city council, mayor, school board and Fire District 5 - and a new ballot box was installed after one was damaged in a car accident.

Yakima voters will participate in the primary election set for August 5th.

Election results will be reported in the 5 and 6 p.m. newscasts.

The Sunnyside pool will open this Saturday at 11 a.m. after a 2% city tax hike prevented its closure due to a budget shortfall revealed in August — the pool offers free entry to the first 100 visitors through a Bob’s Drive-in sponsorship.