Good morning, Yakima.

Fire officials in Yakima urge homeowners to have their fireplaces, woodstoves, and chimneys cleaned annually and to test smoke alarms to help prevent fires.

They noted that heating devices were linked to 77% of home fires and four fire deaths in 2024—residents should keep flammable items at least three feet away.

The City of Yakima partners with Habitat for Humanity on an Adopt-A-Block program—connecting volunteers with spaces needing care.

Three downtown blocks have already been adopted and residents or organizations can apply online to adopt a block.

A home on B Street in White Swan was declared a total loss after a fire broke out on September 21 at 4:55 p.m.—residents escaped safely—and the scene has been turned over to the Yakama Nation Tribal Police Department.

Five Below will open eight new stores on November 7 — seven in Washington at locations including Everett, Federal Way, Lynnwood, Puyallup, Richland/Tri-Cities, Spokane Valley, and Union Gap/Yakima Valley, and one in Oregon at Beaverton; each store will offer affordable toys, games, and a Five Beyond section with items priced above five dollars. The openings will give shoppers more options for trendy and budget-friendly items.

Fast food chains grew their drink menus by more than 9% last year to bring in more profit and appeal to Gen Z customers who like to mix flavors.

McDonald’s, Taco Bell and other chains will test new drinks and add rewards points—hoping to boost sales at different times.

Two new roundabouts have opened in Yakima at 34th Ave. and River Road, and 72nd Ave. and Washington Ave.—City Engineer Bill Preston said they improve traffic flow and reduce accident severity.

He noted that grant dollars funded the projects with the 72nd Ave. site finishing two months ahead of schedule—even as some residents questioned the spending.

Yakima Valley Libraries ended the current agreement for Naches Library and offered a one-year deal to keep it open during 2026—giving town leaders until Oct 24 to approve the $55,000 contract and work toward a long-term plan.

A public forum on Sept 30 will let community advocates share ideas to secure the library’s future.

At a Sept. 17 meeting at Union Gap City Hall, state officials and Yakima Air Terminal Director Rob Hodgman discussed using the Yakima airport for electric or hybrid planes to ease Sea-Tac’s overcrowding after planned terminal upgrades.

They also explored expanding passenger rail for short-haul flights between Seattle and Portland — a move that could offer a long-term solution to the state’s capacity challenges.

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.

Yakima Halloween Trolley

3-6 p.m. and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. — Yakima Valley Trolleys — $5/person — Enjoy a spooky ride with games, treats, and free pumpkins for the first kids aboard.