Good morning, Yakima.

Yakima County will host the Stand Down Benefits Fair on October 18 from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Yakima Valley Sundome—at State Fair Park—where veterans and their families can receive over 100 free services including VA examinations, vaccinations and dental care.

Thousands are expected to line Yakima Avenue for the 64th Sunfair Parade on September 20 at 10:00 a.m.—the event will close the street from N.

16th to 6th for safety as side streets and parking are also restricted. Dr. Teressa Rich—who has served Yakima Valley College for over 20 years—will be the Grand Marshal for the parade.

A dog at the Yakima Humane Society has been waiting for a forever home and remains available for adoption — shelter officials encourage local residents to inquire about the pet.

A 12-year-old in Selah built a Wind Phone in Riverside Park to help community members grieve after her late father—supported by the mayor, city council, and local students who donated materials and time.

The project offers a new space for people to remember loved ones and share their feelings.

ICE officers made extra arrests in Yakima, and on Sep.

8 Jaime Ortiz’s husband was taken while on his way to work—after being released from Yakima County Jail he was arrested again, leaving his wife fearful and angry.

Eleven awardees from the Michael James Jackson Foundation visited Yakima Valley last week for a hop selection event hosted by Yakima Chief Hops.

The group (BIPOC brewers) toured local hop farms and learned hands-on skills to boost their brewing careers (gaining practical experience in a mainly white industry).

The Central Washington State Fair opens today at noon in Yakima and will offer rides and unique food including chorizo, jalapeño poppers, and a new Korean corn dog option from Saltspring Concessions—part of the Cow-a-Bunga theme.

Visitors will also explore educational agriculture exhibits and enjoy free parking and $5 admission.

A Triple-A report shows Washington has become the second most expensive state for gas at about $4.64 per gallon—nearly $1.50 above the national average—with prices dipping slightly from yesterday yet rising 24 cents since last month.

Asotin County leads with the lowest gas prices in the state.

The Department of Energy approved the Direct-Feed Low-Activity Waste program at the Hanford Vitrification Plant to turn nuclear waste into glass, with work set to begin on October 15.

Local state officials said the program will protect 3,000 jobs and help clean up old tanks—reducing risks to the community.

A state appeals court ruled that a Yakima doctor’s blog posts about COVID kept his free speech rights, and it sent his case back to the commission to review his punishments—his penalty for prescribing Ivermectin remains in effect.

The decision shows that government rules must not stop doctors from speaking out.

This fall, pumpkin patches are being redesigned to offer full weekend experiences beyond picking gourds—farms add food vendors, live shows and rides so visitors can enjoy longer stays while many require online ticket reservations.

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.

LEGACY 19

9 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Sarg Hubbard Park — Free entry — Celebrate fitness and community at this exciting local event for all ages.

Art in the House: Artist and Vendor Event

6:00 p.m. — Barge-Chestnut Neighborhood Association — Donations welcome — Support homeless teens by providing meal donations for Rod's House.