Good morning, Yakima.

A Yakima resident posted a handwritten thank-you sign on his yard for the person who mowed his lawn—showing that kind acts still matter.

Locals on 32nd Avenue shared the sign online, and the simple gesture has brought a warm reminder of community spirit to town.

Animal control delivered ten cats and a baby kitten found abandoned in a field to Yakima Humane Society, where the mother and her kitten were moved for special treatment—two brother cats have already been adopted and Calvin, the one-eyed cat, will be adopted next week, leaving six cats available for adoption.

Yakima Valley Libraries is hosting Books & Bites Free Food Fridays at Yakima Central Library every Friday in September, where visitors with a library card receive a free food truck ticket from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event, which celebrates Library Card Sign-Up Month and community gathering, features a rotating lineup—Blissful Bites will serve mini donuts on September 19 and Omar’s Buen Taco will serve tacos on September 26.

The Central Washington State Fair starts next Friday at Yakima’s State Fair Park and will showcase dairy exhibits including daily milking demonstrations and a renovated DAIRY MILKING PARLOR—while historic attractions like the 100-year-old Lamburger booth and special ticket discounts offer added value for visitors.

Washington State University will move classroom instruction for its College of Pharmacy students from Yakima to Spokane in fall 2026—while clinical rotations remain in Yakima—due to declining enrollment; the change is expected to offer more resources and access to peers, though students and families have raised concerns.

The Wildcat Fire near Bumping Lake was estimated at 7,952 acres and 8% contained on Friday with 427 personnel on scene after lightning ignited it on Aug.

25—crews removed over 100 loads of woody debris and reinforced protections around facilities as evacuations remain in effect for Goose Prairie and Bumping River Road. The Labor Mountain Fire in Kittitas County was estimated at 3,934 acres with no containment on Thursday as favorable weather aided firefighters with no evacuations ordered.

Federal immigration officers detained six people on Wednesday and Thursday in Yakima during traffic stops—in one incident a construction worker’s father had his car window broken and sustained an injury—as local advocates questioned the methods used.

Community groups noted the rise in stops marked a significant increase in enforcement activity since June.

The West Valley school board voted unanimously on Tuesday to use $7.5 million from leftover funds to lower property taxes for families by about $0.10 per $1,000—this lower tax rate will be included in the 2026 property tax certification.

The city of Yakima announced that South 8th Street between Chestnut Avenue and Walnut Street will be closed for water line work on Monday and Tuesday next week — crews will work from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and detours will be set up so drivers should use alternate routes and slow down in the work zone.

Governor Ferguson warned that upcoming health insurance rate hikes driven by changes in the Big Beautiful Bill and expiring tax credits will affect over 280,000 people starting January 1 — the Insurance Commissioner estimates that about 80,000 may drop coverage due to cost increases.

Washington state health officials including Senator Patty Murray and Secretary Dennis Worsham held a virtual press conference today to warn that federal changes by HHS Secretary Robert F.

Kennedy Jr. are limiting vaccine access, especially at pharmacies that gave over half of last season’s shots. The state issued a standing order so anyone 16 months or older can get a COVID shot—this move comes as Washington joins California and Oregon to form the West Coast Health Alliance for clearer guidance.

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.

Washington Esther Conference 2025

6 PM – 6 PM — Life Church Yakima — Separate payments required — A two-day event empowering young women to be beautifully rooted in faith and purpose.

Warrior Run 2025

8 a.m. — Pacific Northwest University-Health Sciences — Suggested donation of $15 — Conquer a 5k obstacle course and let the kids join the fun with a modified Little Warriors run.