Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of June.
Good morning, Yakima.
After repair work fixed leaks at Franklin Pool, the facility will open to the public tomorrow with operating hours from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays — entry fees range from $4 to $30, and other public pools remain available.
The Yakima Manufacturing Initiative kicks off with a roundtable on June 30, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Perry Technical Institute where local manufacturing leaders and Microsoft’s Simon Floyd will discuss how artificial intelligence can boost production.
Next school year, Lewis and Clark Middle School will adjust its music programs as Yakima School District reduces teaching staff from two to one and offers five classes from beginning band to orchestra, addressing declining enrollment and student interest while some students expressed concern about the changes.
The Wapato School District will begin building a new elementary school in July on Ninth Street and South Satus Avenue to replace old Satus and Camas campuses and serve first, second, and third graders.
The two-story facility featuring a gym and playgrounds is expected to finish by early spring 2028.
The Roza Fire near Selah grew to 3,923 acres last night—prompting level 2 evacuations and road closures along I-82.
The highway reopened later, though detours remain along State Route 821 while crews continue battling the blaze near Yakima.
Red Flag Warnings cover Kittitas, Yakima Valley, and Oregon’s central mountains today due to dry conditions and breezy winds—conditions that will persist through Friday with stronger winds expected Saturday.
A wildfire in Yakima River Canyon, caused by human activity, forced closures on Interstate 82 between Selah and Ellensburg Tuesday night and Wednesday while drivers were directed to use State Route 821 as a detour — firefighters worked through the night to contain the blaze.
Local agencies advise caution when using Yakima County rivers and creeks this summer as last winter's flooding altered currents and reshaped channels; some areas may now be shallow while new deep holes have formed + hidden debris remains a concern.
The Kennewick Irrigation District said water use remains below voluntary limits and urged continued conservation to manage early snowpack melt (and reservoir drawdowns) in anticipation of hotter weather while NOAA forecasts stronger El Niño conditions this winter.
Fire officials remind residents that fireworks are banned for use off the Yakama reservation and within city limits as illegal sales could spark fires; sales on the reservation are allowed while safe public displays are scheduled on Monday at State Fair Park (10:00 pm) and in other valley locations.
Los Cuates de Sinaloa & Tite Chavez
7 p.m. — La Forja Event Center — Cost Info Not Provided — Experience the vibrant beats of Latin music with Los Cuates de Sinaloa and Tite Chavez in a lively performance.
Backyard Garden Painting Event
6-8 p.m. — Mickey's Pub — Food and drink not included — Create art, sip drinks, and enjoy the local vibe at this fun painting class.
Yakima Fan Zone: Czechia vs Mexico
6-9 p.m. — Sozo Sports Complex — Free admission — Experience the excitement of a World Cup game with food trucks, giveaways, and soccer action.
Princess Unicorn and Daddy Daughter Night
6:35-10:30 p.m. — Yakima Valley Pippins Baseball Club — Enjoy quality time with mini-unicorn rides and baseball excitement.
19th Annual Lavender Harvest Days
Varied hours — Selah Ridge Lavender Farm LLC — Free admission, $5 parking — Explore unique vendors, enjoy a scavenger hunt for kids, and experience the beauty of lavender in a charming farm setting.
Scout Hub 002 Grand Opening
10 a.m. – 7 p.m. — Adventurer Manufacturing, Inc — Free admission — Experience camper tours, local gear, and community connections at this grand opening event.
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