Good morning, Yakima.

Local organization The Chalkboard Agency—founded by educator Stu Cabe—is launching a digital library of real student videos to help teachers spark honest discussions on mental health as the new school year begins.

Educators in Yakima and nearby areas can access the platform for $4.99 a month to use these videos as conversation starters and writing prompts.

The Washington Department of Ecology said surface water use in the Yakima Basin will stop on October 6 through the end of the month because of a severe drought—reservoirs will run dry so that only precipitation and river flows will serve senior irrigation water rights.

The department will notify affected water right holders by mail and monitor compliance to protect water for fish and longtime users.

Today and tomorrow, lane closures on South 16th Avenue reduce traffic to one lane in both directions between Tahoma and West Mead while crews work on water service repairs from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.—drivers are advised to use alternate routes until the work is finished.

Washington’s Office of the Insurance Commissioner is offering free help with Medicare open enrollment through the SHIBA program—now enhanced with bilingual support from Ari Laguna Antu to better serve Yakima and Central Washington.

The office also noted rising health insurance rates and urged residents to use the new toolkit as open enrollment begins Oct. 15.

The government shut down at midnight last night for the first time since 2018, and lawmakers including Representative Newhouse and Senators Murray and Cantwell warned that if the closure continues, Washington families could face steep increases in insurance premiums — a situation that may force taxpayers to shoulder higher costs. They stressed that a swift reopening is needed to limit these financial impacts.

County Commissioner Kyle Curtis spoke to a filled room at the Yakima county chamber of commerce today and said the county will manage its $15 million deficit while advancing a five-year plan to address chronic homelessness.

He added that since 2022 nearly 10,000 residents have experienced positive outcomes from the homeless response system and that new safety measures at the county jail include a K9 Luca, medical bracelets, and a full body scanner.

Melissa Maxwell, a Selah business owner appointed in April after Kevin Wickenhagen resigned, is running for a full term on the City Council against firefighter Joshua Redfeldt for the Position 1 seat—each candidate is offering a different plan to improve aging infrastructure and pedestrian safety while Selah seeks a permanent city administrator.

The City of Yakima will shut off its irrigation systems for residential and business customers on October 6 due to drought conditions, low reservoir storage, and reduced river flows.

The city will also switch its domestic water supply to groundwater wells until water diversion ends on October 31—customers are urged to conserve water.

A study published on Oct.

1 showed that HPV vaccines reduced cancer-causing infections by 76 to 98% in vaccinated women and by 72 to 76% in unvaccinated women, indicating strong herd immunity. Researchers tracked over 2,300 young women from 2006 to 2023—high vaccination rates were linked to a significant drop in infections that may help lower future cervical cancer rates.

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.