Good morning, Yakima.

The Salvation Army Yakima Valley Corps is hosting a free family event on Tuesday, July 15 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at 509 N.

4th Street to kick off a $750,000 campaign for a 33,000 square foot community center that will offer programs for all ages — families can enjoy barbecue, shaved ice, tours, and a resource fair.

Yakima County school districts are offering free summer breakfast and lunch to children under 18 and eligible young adults at sites in Yakima, Wapato, Sunnyside, Toppenish and Grandview.

Meals must be eaten on site and schedules vary—Yakima serves until July 18 while other districts offer meals through later dates—funded by the USDA.

On Wednesday, firefighters responded to a fast moving blaze near Wixson Park in Selah that burned 17 acres and damaged one home while destroying two others — no injuries were reported and ATF is investigating the cause.

Reece Forrest Perkins, 33, of Buckley was arrested for vehicular homicide while under the influence after his car—departing from The Woodshed Bar and Grill—crashed on State Route 410 near Naches on Thursday, killing Montana motorcyclist Jason W.

Timms, and he appeared in Yakima County Superior Court on Friday.

A 33-year-old driver faced DUI charges—state troopers said drugs or alcohol were involved—after he hit and killed a 44-year-old motorcyclist on State Route 410 near Naches around 7:45 p.m.

Yakima officials have decided to update the downtown strategic plan after voters rejected the plaza project and COVID changed the district's retail and office needs.

Assistant City Manager Gary Ballew said the new plan—developed with community input—will set measurable goals for downtown over the next three to five years.

Rep. Dan Newhouse introduced a bill on July 10 to let Astria Toppenish Hospital on the Yakama reservation be designated as a critical access hospital—this change would let the hospital receive enhanced Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements despite exceeding the usual size limit.

The measure aims to provide the needed financial support to keep vital services available to the community.

Developers from Prickly Pear Holdings are building Champions Park near the Sozo Sports Complex, adding 93 new homes on an 85-acre site.

Future phases will include a hotel, restaurants, an RV park and park areas to create jobs—community members can share input at a public hearing on Aug. 19 at Yakima City Hall.

Prog Project

7-11 p.m. — Bearded Monkey Music — Ticket info TBA — Experience an all-star lineup recreating the best prog rock hits of the last 50 years.

Summer Kids Art Workshop – Enchanted Creatures

9 a.m. - 12 p.m. — Creative Yakima — $230 — A magical art camp where children explore the world of dragons, wizards, and fairies through art projects.

Vintiques Northwest Nationals

8 a.m. — State Fair Park — Admission cost varies — Experience a showcase of vintage vehicles in a family-friendly atmosphere.

Summer Battle Wrestling in Yakima

6 PM — La Rumba Event Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience an unforgettable night of live wrestling action and excitement with top stars in the ring.

Paint and Sip Night

6-8 p.m. — Hoops — Ticket required — Enjoy food and drinks while painting to your favorite 80’s & 90’s music.