Good morning, Yakima.

Three Rotary clubs built a new playground on the Yakima Greenway that was damaged by two fires in 2024—$350,000 in damage from the first fire and suspected arson on Aug.

21. As of last week, club presidents said they have no plans to rebuild while continuing to support the Greenway Foundation.

Three minors were injured in a DUI crash on State Route 22 east of Granger Sunday morning—when a car hit a canal embankment and rolled into a ditch—one minor without a seatbelt was taken to Kadlec Regional Medical Center while the others went to MultiCare Yakima Memorial Hospital and officials are still investigating the cause.

A protective order against Sunnyside council member Theresa Hancock was dismissed on July 27 by a Yakima County judge after a review found insufficient evidence—City of Sunnyside Human Resources Manager Irving Brown Sr. had alleged that Hancock harassed him and filed false police reports, but investigators concluded his comments did not indicate a true threat.

The flip flop, a water flow change that started 45 years ago after Judge Quackenbush’s ruling, is underway on the Yakima River to help salmon spawn by raising flows from Tieton Dam so the fish get cool, shallow water—while still keeping enough water for farming.

The Wildcat Fire, sparked by lightning, expanded to 1,000 acres northwest of Naches in Yakima County last Saturday.

Firefighters used helicopters and four scooper airtankers to drop water from Bumping Lake while updating closures to include Bumping Lake, Road 1800 and the American Ridge Trail—supporting operations from a heli-base on Highway 410.

On August 31, a veterinary expert warned that toxic blue-green algae in warm, stagnant lakes can kill pets within minutes if they drink even a few mouthfuls — pet owners are urged to follow local advisories and keep animals away from suspicious water.

The Yakima Tennis Club hosted its annual Labor Day tournament on August 31 that drew over 200 players from across the Northwest—giving competitors a chance to win up to $10,000 on sunny courts.

The 56-year event featured close matches in the men’s open category and a father-daughter game that highlighted local tennis talent.

Steps to Recovery Walk

Show your support for those on the path to recovery. Join us for a day of hope, resilience, and community. We invite all friends and family members in recovery to join us at this meaningful event and show your support for those who are walking the path of recovery.

Central Washington State Fair

12-2 p.m. — State Fair Park — Admission details not specified — Explore the vibrant festivities at the Central Washington State Fair.

Seattle Credit Union Invites Yakima Community to Mobile Branch Launch Celebration

Seattle Credit Union is proud to invite the Yakima community to the grand unveiling of its brand-new Mobile Banking Branch, a bold step toward making financial services more accessible to everyone. This special event will feature free lunch for all guests, music provided by Radio KDNA, raffle prizes and giveaways throughout the event, and a photo booth for fun memories with friends and family.

5k Beer Run at Bale Breaker Brewing Company

12-2 p.m. — Bale Breaker Brewing Company — Registration fee required — Experience a fun 5k run followed by local craft beer and festivities.