Good morning, Yakima.

The 100 Women Who Care Yakima chapter exceeded expectations after its first meeting in February and held its last meeting on October 8 at East Public House in Terrace Heights—members chose the Yakima YWCA domestic abuse center to receive a $13,700 donation check that will be given tomorrow night. The group has raised over $30,000 so far and plans to expand next year.

On Oct.2, the U.S. Department of Labor set new rules that lower H-2A wage rates and allow employers to deduct housing costs—farmers say the change will help with high labor expenses while worker groups worry it may lower pay for farmworkers.

White Swan High School has seen its graduation rate climb from just over 50% in 2021 to nearly 90% in 2024 because of a grant from OSPI for at-risk ninth graders—Principal Jennifer Tenney said the school uses a credit completion system that lets students make up only missed parts of courses.

Nobel chemistry laureate Omar Yaghi, born to Palestinian refugees in Jordan (growing up in a small home with few modern comforts), won the Nobel Prize on October 8 for his work on metal organic frameworks and credited the US public school system for giving him a chance to succeed.

The Wildcat Fire grew to 15,472 acres and containment dropped to 5% as firefighters worked hard to protect private residences along the lakeshore near Goose Prairie and Highway 410.

Yakima County declared a Level 2 evacuation for Goose Prairie and Bumping River Road while crews continued repairs, patrols, and equipment backhauling amid forecast moderate fire behavior today — with temperatures near 70°F.

After a busy summer marked by a fatal downtown incident, Yakima Police are hosting three town halls to discuss public safety in Yakima.

Residents are invited to attend on October 13 at 6:00 p.m. at the Henry Beauchamp Community Center, October 14 at 10:30 a.m. at the Harmon Center, and October 15 at 6:00 p.m. at the Washington Fruit Community Center & share their safety concerns.

Yakima Police Chief Shawn Boyle presented an amendment that will require officers to notify car owners by phone, email, or in person if a vehicle is set to be towed within 48 hours—this change aims to improve public notice—and will become effective 30 days after public publication. The updated rule was approved at a city meeting on October 7 and gives residents more ways to learn if their car is at risk.

Yakima City Council approved a $275,000 grant-funded contract with HLA Engineering—moving forward with design work to repair the Naches River Bridge and support the return of trolley service between Yakima and Selah.

The agreement does not use local funds and keeps the historic asset safe while plans are refined.

A burger bucket list has been created that highlights the best burger joints across all 39 counties in Washington based on Yelp ratings.

The list points to hidden gems like Legendary Burgers in Yakima County and C and C Classic Diner in Raymond — and invites readers to share if they agree or have other suggestions.

Yakima’s real estate market showed steady growth as median home prices reached $366,750—up 4.8% from last year—with 167 homes sold in September and 1,410 sold year-to-date, according to Cory Bemis of John L.

Scott Realty. Mortgage rates stayed near 6.38%, giving buyers relief as home listings slowed for the fall season.

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.

Dreams and Fairy Dust Painting Event

2-4 p.m. — 5th Line Brewing — Ticketed event — Unleash your creativity with a guided painting session while enjoying the brewery's offerings.