Good morning, Yakima.

Local students and firefighters built a Zillah memorial honoring fallen firefighters from the 1930s near the Teapot Dome visitor center.

The site, featuring six benches, a wall of names and a statue in a Maltese cross, was dedicated in 2015 and later added Blake Nelson after his 2021 death.

Yakima Herald-Republic encourages residents to share their holiday traditions by emailing a short submission detailing a unique December custom (like a special recipe or family event).

Submissions should include your name, community, and an optional photo.

On Saturday night, families enjoyed the sixth annual Letters to Santa drive-thru event on Fruitvale Blvd where children mailed their Christmas wishes and admired a decorated semi-truck.

Organizers say the event started during COVID (a time when many community traditions were born) and has grown into a local holiday tradition.

Hundreds honored Our Lady of Guadalupe in a downtown Yakima procession from St. Joseph Parish to St. Paul Cathedral on Friday, Dec.

12. The event marked the feast day for the patroness of Latin America as celebrated by local Catholic tradition.

Crews from Apollo Incorporated are repairing a washed-out portion of U.S. Highway 12 in Naches with heavy machinery, working daily to rebuild the road as detours remain on Bonlow Drive and Allen Road.

The repairs are expected to complete by early January 2026 — winter weather may delay progress.

Research posted Sunday showed that tendon injuries can be silent until they affect movement — experts advise warming up, stretching and resting to help tendons heal properly.

People who experience repetitive strain or pain should follow their doctor’s guidance to prevent worsening damage.

Flu season has begun as CDC data from December 6 shows doctor visits for flu symptoms at 3.2%+ of all visits, above the usual threshold; older adults may experience more severe illness due to the mutated Subclade K strain.

A local guide highlights 11 Christmas dinner ideas for a festive table with recipes like Copycat Honey Baked Ham and Rich Chocolate Cream Pie — perfect for sharing holiday flavors in the community.