Yakima Herald-Republic Weekly News

07/10/09 Photo Journal

2009-07-10T06:33:51+00:00

T time in Ellensburg

2009-07-10T06:23:00+00:00

ELLENSBURG -- Since leaving New York in his 1914 Model T Ford, Cassel Adams has had to repair an engine and two flat tires. His car broke down in the middle of nowhere a few days ago, and some friends made a shim out of a penny to fix his steering. But

Verbal pugilism erupts from Yakima cage fight

2009-07-10T06:22:00+00:00

A high-ranking Yakima police officer said he didn't consider the impact closing Yakima Avenue for a cage fight would have on traffic when he signed off on the event. As a result, city administrators, many of whom were unaware of tonight's event until the

Shooting suspect is no stranger to justice system

2009-07-10T06:22:00+00:00

The suspect in a Thursday morning drive-by shooting that left one person with a head wound was acquitted last month of an attempted murder charge in a Toppenish shooting. Chad Edward Duncan, 19, was arrested by Yakima police on suspicion of five counts of

Kittitas County will get its place in the sun

2009-07-10T06:22:00+00:00

A patch of previously logged timberland just outside Cle Elum could sprout one of the world's largest solar energy projects by late 2011. Developers announced the proposed photovoltaic manufacturing and solar power

Man arrested in Ellensburg over alleged bomb threat

2009-07-10T06:19:25+00:00

ELLENSBURG -- A dispute over an outstanding debt led an Ellensburg man to threaten to blow up the victims' vehicle, and the man may have been carrying a stick of dynamite when he confronted them, police said Thursday. The 31-year-old suspect was arrested

Local Habitat for Humanity plans Saturday celebration

2009-07-10T06:19:25+00:00

YAKIMA -- Yakima Valley Partners Habitat for Humanity is celebrating 25 years of building homes in the Yakima Valley. The celebration -- featuring a benefit concert by the contemporary Gospel group Vocal Union -- will be held at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at West

Yakima man given three years in jail for vehicular assault

2009-07-10T06:19:24+00:00

YAKIMA -- A Yakima man faces three years in jail for a vehicular assault case in which a victim had to have an SUV pushed away from her body after it landed on top of her. Moises Cerda, 26, was sentenced Wednesday in Yakima County Superior Court to the to

Airporter Shuttle adds 2 p.m. departure from Yakima

2009-07-10T06:19:21+00:00

YAKIMA -- The Airporter Shuttle has expanded service for its round-trip bus shuttle between Yakima and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The shuttle bus service now offers a 2 p.m. departure out of Yakima Air Terminal. It is also offering an 8 p.m. pi

Davis High library offering tutoring services this month

2009-07-10T06:19:21+00:00

YAKIMA -- The Davis High School library is a busy place this month. The library is hosting free tutoring services and mini classes, co-sponsored with the GEAR UP program, which is designed to increase the number of low-income students prepared for college

Woman files lawsuit against city over crash with police

2009-07-10T06:13:40+00:00

YAKIMA, Wash. -- A Yakima woman has sued the city of Yakima and a police officer over a 2006 crash with a patrol car. Mary Tapia's attorney, Joe Brusic of Yakima, filed the case this week in Yakima County Superior Court. Tapia and Officer Kasey Hampton w

Suspect nabbed after eluding police

2009-07-10T06:13:04+00:00

YAKIMA, Wash. -- A domestic-violence suspect allegedly kidnapped his victim, led officers on a chase that passed through Randall Park in Yakima and broke into a house before being shocked to a stop, police said. The incident started about 6 p.m. Thursday

Federal grant will keep Yakima Transit moving

2009-07-10T06:13:02+00:00

YAKIMA, Wash. -- The federal government has awarded Yakima nearly $2.2 million in transit money, meaning the city won't have to buy new buses or Dial-A-Ride vans for several years. The news was announced Thursday by the U.S. Department of Transportation,

Critical areas debate could go to court

2009-07-10T06:13:01+00:00

YAKIMA, Wash. -- One thing is certain about Yakima County's latest proposal to protect environmentally sensitive areas -- no matter what happens, someone will file an appeal. The proposed changes to the county's critical areas ordinance -- developed durin

Training Center enlists newest commander

2009-07-10T06:13:00+00:00

YAKIMA, Wash. -- The former commander of the ROTC program at Oregon State University took charge of the Yakima Training Center on Thursday. Lt. Col. Michael Daniels replaced Lt. Col. Leo Pullar, who will attend the Army War College in Carlisle, Pa. "Than

Toscanna redux wins over opposition

2009-07-10T06:12:58+00:00

YAKIMA, Wash. -- Toscanna 2.0 appears to be a go. The west Yakima housing project received support from opponents of last year's initial proposal during a lightly attended hearing before a land-use official at City Hall on Thursday. The revised plan call

Compromise found so fight can go on

2009-07-10T00:22:00+00:00

YAKIMA, Wash. - Cage fighters will get to square off in Yakima Avenue on Friday evening after all. After asking the promoters of an outdoor cage-fighting competition to move, the city will let them set up cages for about 12 bouts in a closed section of Y

Former 'Idol' winner Cook to perform in Yakima

2009-07-10T00:18:00+00:00

Richland man jumps to his death off Redmon Bridge

2009-07-09T20:19:00+00:00

YAKIMA, Wash. -- A man has died after jumping from Interstate 82’s Fred Redmon Memorial bridge this afternoon.

Yakima cage-fighting event may be relocated

2009-07-09T20:16:00+00:00

YAKIMA, Wash. -- Yakima officials are considering relocating a cage-fighting competition now scheduled to close a one-block section of Yakima Avenue on Friday afternoon and evening.

Fun for all folks at 27th annual Folklife Festival

2009-07-09T19:59:18+00:00

This weekend marks the 27th annual Yakima Folklife Festival. However, like many annual events that rely on corporate sponsorship, donations and volunteer people power, Folklife is struggled during the economic downtu

Linens ‘n Things space could be bigger Best Buy

2009-07-09T19:06:00+00:00

YAKIMA, Wash. -- There’s been some chatter in town that Best Buy may move to the former Linens ‘n Things space at the Valley Mall Plaza in Union Gap.

Longtime friends dish up 'Food for Thought'

2009-07-09T18:27:41+00:00

Tonight, Oak Hollow Gallery opens a joint show by Sue Grimshaw and Katie Hall, two longtime friends who began as teacher and student in 1969 at East Valley High School. The now 63-year-old Grimshaw was an art teacher fresh out of college and Hall (then Ka

Outdoor Summer Cinema Series returns

2009-07-09T18:27:22+00:00

The annual Outdoor Summer Cinema Series begins next weekend and this year the schedule includes a Jim Henson classic starring everyone's favorite frog, as well as Jack Black's turn as a bumbling panda and even some teen vampire love. The films will be sho

07/10/09 10 Days Out

2009-07-09T18:16:39+00:00

Today, July 10-Saturday, July 11 * The Akin Center Theatre at Melody Lane opens its first musical tonight with Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt's "The Fantasticks," which produced the hummable tune "Try to Remember." Considered the world's longest running mu

West Yakima gated community clears land-use hurdle

2009-07-09T17:56:00+00:00

YAKIMA, Wash. -- A modified plan for a west Yakima housing development appears headed for easy approval after an initial, larger version of the project, called Toscanna, hit a stone wall of local opposition earlier this year.

Guilty Pleasures-- It's almost party time, and here's the band to do it with

2009-07-09T17:44:40+00:00

When the synth-pop band United State of Electronica shimmied its way onto dreary Seattle's indie scene seven years ago, it was like an explosion of neon-colored confetti. It was exuberant, cotton candy-coated music that got hipsters from here to Japan dan

Comedian will try to spark some big laughs in Selah

2009-07-09T17:44:15+00:00

Comedian and actor Hal Sparks will make a midweek stop at Carmen's Comedy Club in Selah on Wednesday, before a three-night gig in Bellevue. Sparks is perhaps best known for his role as Michael Novotny on the Showtime series "Queer As Folk," but has made

Largest Washington solar plant planned for Cle Elum area

2009-07-09T17:41:00+00:00

CLE ELUM, Wash. -- Developers of a proposed photovoltaic manufacturing and generating plant four miles outside town say the project will create “hundreds” of jobs for a total investment “north of $100 million.”

07/10/09 On Planner

2009-07-09T17:31:29+00:00

AUDITIONS OVER THE HILL SENIOR THEATRICALS AUDITIONS. July 27-28. Grace Brethren Church, 703 E. Franklin Ave., Sunnyside. For "Hello, Dolly!" Parts open to ages 45 and older. Show runs late October or early November. Anne Tully, 509-457-3423. BEL CANTO

07/10/09 On Theater

2009-07-09T17:28:41+00:00

"THE FANTASTICKS." 7:30 tonight and Saturday, Thursday-July 18, July 23-25. Matinee: 2 p.m. July 25. Akin Center Theatre at Melody Lane, 2610-A W. Nob Hill Blvd. Tickets: $15 adults, $12 seniors and children. 509-248-2787, www.akintheatre.com. "THE KING

07/10/09 On Books

2009-07-09T17:28:16+00:00

BOOK READING/SIGNING SECOND SATURDAY WALK-AROUND BOOK SIGNINGS. Saturday. Inklings Bookshop, 5629 Summitview Ave., Chalet Place shopping center. Authors will visit and share their books. 509-965-5830. * Noon-2 p.m. -- Bonnie Clements, "The Cord of Many C

07/10/09 On Night Life

2009-07-09T17:27:28+00:00

NIGHT LIFE Blues/Jazz/Swing <2605>JACK-SONS SPORTS BAR: BLUES, BREWS AND BURGERS. Thursdays (except for comedy nights). Open blues jam: 7-9 p.m. Featured blues band: 9-11 p.m. 432 S. 48th Ave. 509-966-4340. JOHNNY'S ON THE AVE. 8 p.m. Fridays: Way

07/10/09 On Art

2009-07-09T17:24:51+00:00

ART WALKS SIP N STROLL WINE AND ART WALK. 5:30-8 p.m. the third Thursday of each month. Visit with the wineries' featured artist. Locations: Cascade Wine Co., Donitelia Winery, Gilbert Cellars, Kana Winery, Plaza Socievole Winery, Tim's Downtown Tasting

07/10/09 Film clips

2009-07-09T17:22:12+00:00

OPENING TODAY "BRÜNO" -- The big question hanging over Sacha Baron Cohen's quasi-sequel to "Borat" -- this one following the gay Austrian supermodel and his partner on a visit to the United States, pushing the homophobic buttons of everyone they mee

Model Ts head out for Ellensburg parade

2009-07-09T17:00:50+00:00

YAKIMA, Wash. -- Several of the more than 50 Model T Fords are on their way to Ellensburg this morning. About a month ago, the classic motor cars from around the U.S. left New York for a cross-country car rally celebrating the 100th anniversary of the N

Yakima drive-by shooting wounds one; Prosser man arrested

2009-07-09T15:06:00+00:00

A 19-year-old Prosser man is in custody after a drive-by shooting early this morning in north central Yakima that sent a victim to a local hospital with a gunshot wound to the head.

Driver held after lengthy pursuit

2009-07-09T05:51:00+00:00

YAKIMA -- A child and three adults were taken for a dangerous ride when a driver decided to flee from an attempted traffic stop Wednesday night, police said. Officers didn't discover that the small child was on board until the pursuit ended on 18th Street

I-82 shooting suspect likely pepper sprayed

2009-07-09T05:45:00+00:00

Whoever fatally shot a Montana woman during an incident last week on Interstate 82 may have taken a face full of pepper spray, detectives say. Sheryl Huntley's common-law husband says he discharged a canister of pepper spray at the man,

Toddler's death cause still pending

2009-07-09T05:44:32+00:00

YAKIMA -- The 2-year-old boy who died Friday after being found unresponsive at his Grandview home may have had an infection, according to results of an autospy Wednesday. While Rayden Esquivel's official cause of death remains pending, he did not appear t

Gates money feeds the need in Valley

2009-07-09T05:43:00+00:00

College scholarships for hundreds of students. Funding for local libraries. Programs to help kids get ready for kindergarten. Throughout the last 10 years, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has pumped at least $15 million into the Yakima Valley. The f

Teens pick up leadership skills at seminar

2009-07-09T05:36:11+00:00

EDITOR'S NOTE: This story was produced during the Journalism Summer Workshop at Seattle University June 19-26. Fifteen teenagers from across the state got to experience journalism and photojournalism during the program, organized by Tomás Guillen,

Yakima basin water supplies expected to be normal

2009-07-09T05:31:51+00:00

The Bureau of Reclamation says irrigators in central Washington’s Yakima Valley should expect a near normal water supply this summer.

Yakima Avenue will be fight venue

2009-07-09T05:30:00+00:00

Avenue will be fight venue A block of Yakima Avenue will close for 'street party' featuring cage fights By PHIL FEROLITO YAKIMA HERALD-REPUBLIC Fights will literally stop traffic along Yakima Avenue on Friday night. At noon Friday, Yakima Avenue will be

White Pass: More room, with a view

2009-07-09T05:30:00+00:00

WHITE PASS -- A trackhoe growls as it carves the dirt where a second ski lodge will be built at the White Pass ski area. Not far away, a bulldozer groans as it pulls a stump from the hillside, clearing the way for a

Model T's on display

2009-07-09T03:17:00+00:00

Model T fans peer into one of more than 50 Ford Model T's parked near the Yakima Convention Center Wednesday, July 8, 2009. Yakima is just one stop in a cross-country journey by the classic cars which, when complete, will have stretched from New York to S

Former Yakima resident tells bigfoot story on "MonsterQuest"

2009-07-09T01:36:00+00:00

Resident tips lead to arrests at Prosser park

2009-07-08T22:34:00+00:00

PROSSER, Wash. -- Police are crediting alert residents and a quick response by officers for stopping a potential fight that could have grown.

“Forest” planned for former A Street building lot

2009-07-08T19:24:00+00:00

YAKIMA, Wash. -- The vacant lot that was once home to a row of buildings along “A” Street could look greener and sound livelier this fall.

Woman jumps to safety when Nile home catches fire

2009-07-08T18:04:00+00:00

NILE, Wash. -- A woman jumped from a second story window when a fire of undetermined origin destroyed her home and started a small brush fire on Clover Springs Road early this morning.

Cle Elum woman wins a quarter million dollars

2009-07-08T17:59:00+00:00

CLE ELUM, Wash. — Ida Bakeman’s persistence finally paid and on her wedding anniversary, to boot.

Accident involving Yakima trucker closes eastbound I-84

2009-07-08T17:22:00+00:00

Eastbound lanes of Interstate 84 are closed at Troutdale, east of Portland, due to the crash of an asphalt truck driven by a Yakima man, Oregon State Police said this morning.

Second suspect arrested in Craigslist robbery

2009-07-08T17:15:00+00:00

ELLENSBURG, Wash. — A second man is under arrest for an early January attempted robbery of a woman and her son who were lured here by car-sale ad on Craig’s List Internet site, police said.

Yakima basin water supplies expected to be normal

2009-07-08T17:07:00+00:00

YAKIMA, Wash. (AP) — The Bureau of Reclamation says irrigators in central Washington’s Yakima Valley should expect a near normal water supply this summer.

Yakima musician Chapman recalls his work with Jacksons

2009-07-08T06:10:00+00:00

Local R&B musician Wayman Chapman spent Tuesday morning watching the Michael Jackson memorial on TV and remembering the few times over the past 30 years that his life crossed paths with the Jackson family. The first was in 1977, when Chapman was then

Criticism hits critical areas rules

2009-07-08T06:10:00+00:00

Folks who live in the areas of Yakima County proposed as upland wildlife habitat produced a show of force Tuesday night that county commissioners say will play a significant role in their deliberations on the matter. More than 200 people, many wearing r

Salmon begin long journey back to Yakima Basin

2009-07-08T06:10:00+00:00

LAKE CLE ELUM -- Fidelia Andy can remember her grandmother drying fish and the stories she shared of trips to the Columbia River and Celilo Falls to fish. Now Andy has stories of her own to share with future generations about the return to the Yakima Ri

07/08/09 Photo Journal

2009-07-08T06:02:58+00:00

City Council approves artwork despite objection

2009-07-08T05:58:20+00:00

YAKIMA, Wash. -- Karl Pasten had one prediction to make about a new, untitled sculpture that the Yakima City Council voted to spend $15,000 on Tuesday night. "It's gonna take a while to accept it," said a dejected Pasten, owner of The Depot restaurant an

Prosser man pleads guilty to vehicular homicide

2009-07-08T05:47:00+00:00

YAKIMA, Wash. -- A 28-year-old Prosser faces an expected 31-month prison sentence after pleading guilty to vehicular homicide on Tuesday. Jose Antonio Garcia was charged in Yakima County Superior Court following the February 2007 death of 24-year-old Gust

Delays expected Sunday along S.R. 821 for bike race

2009-07-08T05:42:59+00:00

YAKIMA, Wash. -- Travelers can expect short delays on State Route 821 on Sunday during the Washington State Time Trial Championship bike race. The event, hosted by the Chinook Cycling Club of Yakima, will cause delays in the Yakima River Canyon between 8

Sheriff's office fundraiser breakfast planned Friday

2009-07-08T05:42:29+00:00

YAKIMA -- It's time for breakfast. The Yakima County Sheriff's Office on Friday will host its 13th annual breakfast fundraiser for Special Olympics. The event runs from 6 to 10 a.m. at the Yakima County Courthouse, 128 N. Second St. Prices range between $

Commissioners approve $1 million for McAuley Road

2009-07-08T05:41:00+00:00

YAKIMA, Wash. -- Yakima County commissioners approved spending just over $1 million to improve McAuley Road in West Yakima. The decision was made at the commissioners meeting Tuesday morning. The work, which is scheduled from mid July through early Octobe

Workers' attorneys want $2.3 million for legal costs

2009-07-08T05:40:00+00:00

YAKIMA, Wash. -- Attorneys for Latino farm workers who accused a labor contractor of rejecting them in favor of imported Thai workers say they should be awarded $2.3 million to cover their legal work on the long-running case. That's considerably more tha

Sunnyside police looking for owner of 170 DVDs

2009-07-07T23:22:00+00:00

Manastash Ridge Trail reopens after brush fire

2009-07-07T22:25:00+00:00

ELLENSBURG, Wash. -- The Manastash Ridge Trail will reopen Wednesday after a brush fire forced authorities to close it since Monday, according to the state Department of Natural Resources. The 63-are fire is expected to be fully controlled by 6 p.m. today

State Auditor: Mabton mayor doesn't understand her job

2009-07-07T17:54:00+00:00

MABTON — Mayor Velva Herrera does not understand her role as the mayor and has failed to communicate with the City Council to allow for adequate oversight, the state Auditor’s Office has found.

Two Ellensburg teens in custody for string of burglaries

2009-07-07T15:27:00+00:00

ELLENSBURG, Wash. — Two juvenile males are in custody for a string of rural residential burglaries here overnight Sunday, according to Kittitas County Sheriff Gene Dana.

Armed robber eludes capture after high-speed chase

2009-07-07T15:08:00+00:00

Ex-WWII POWs reunite after 64 years

2009-07-07T06:51:00+00:00

SOMERVILLE, N.J. -- Slowly and with the assistance of walkers, Zigmund Harkiewicz and Harvey Warninger approached each other Wednesday in the kitchen of Harkiewicz's residence on Fairview Avenue as their children and grandchildren watched. "My God, finall

Sunnyside man sought in hit-and-run

2009-07-07T06:47:27+00:00

SUNNYSIDE -- Police are seeking a 26-year-old man they say fled the scene of a two-car accident Saturday in a residential neighborhood. Police identified the man as Omar Cerna of Sunnyside. According to a police department news release issued Monday morni

Autopsy due in 2-year-old's death

2009-07-07T06:47:00+00:00

GRANDVIEW, Wash. -- An autopsy has been scheduled for Wednesday as the investigation into the death of a 2-year-old Grandview boy continues, authorities said. Police declined Monday to release any details about the circumstances of Rayden Esquivel's dea

Cle Elum motorcyclist's condition improves

2009-07-07T06:47:00+00:00

CLE ELUM -- A 49-year-old Cle Elum motorcyclist was upgraded Monday to serious condition after a Sunday evening crash on Sunlight Drive, southeast of here, authorities said. David Canady sustained facial injuries, head cuts, broken ribs and a punctured lu

Donations asked to defray medical bills

2009-07-07T06:46:36+00:00

YAKIMA, Wash. -- Complications from blood clots after back surgery in May have left Bruce Dunbar of Yakima paralyzed from the neck down. His family is now worried about mounting medical bills that exceed what their insurance will pay. Dunbar, 53, director

More time to wrestle with cuts

2009-07-07T06:46:09+00:00

Signaling tough choices ahead, Yakima city management intends to have a proposed 2010 budget in the hands of the City Council early this year. City Manager Dick Zais said Monday a preliminary spending plan for next year will be issued by mid-September, so

Kids too young to charge in Harrah blaze

2009-07-07T06:45:00+00:00

Three children suspected of being involved in starting a Friday fire that caused $800,000 damage on a Harrah hop ranch are too young to face charges, authorities said. "It's basically being considered an accidental fire," said Don Linder, the deputy Yakim

Country-crossing Model Ts to steam through the Valley

2009-07-07T06:44:00+00:00

A little less than a month ago, more than 50 Model T Fords and their support vehicles left New York for a cross-country car rally that should roll through the Yakima Valley this week. The trip celebrates the 100th anniversary of the New York to Seattle Oc

Toppenish man gets life in orchard rape

2009-07-07T06:43:00+00:00

A Toppenish man was sentenced to life in prison Monday for raping a woman looking for work at a Buena orchard. Rodolfo Ramirez Tinajero awaits trial in a similar case in which he is accused of raping a woman who responded to an advertisement on Radio KDNA

Eyman wants to talk to city, county about new initiative

2009-07-07T06:43:00+00:00

Anti-tax initiative guru and Yakima native Tim Eyman is asking the Yakima City Council and county commissioners for an audience on his latest ballot measure. No date has been set, but city and county officials say it probably won't be a problem. It was a

Learn how to become certified guardian

2009-07-07T06:42:27+00:00

TOPPENISH -- Information for becoming a certified professional guardian will be available on July 16 from noon to 1 p.m. in Petrie Hall at Heritage University in Toppenish. The state requires 90 hours of training for these guardians, who are appointed by

DNR crews mop up after Manastash blaze

2009-07-07T06:41:18+00:00

ELLENSBURG, Wash. -- A fire burning on Manastash Ridge, southwest of Ellensburg, was contained at 63 acres, with mopup expected to continue through today, the state Department of Natural Resources says. The fire was reported about 10:45 p.m. Sunday and ma

Charges pending in fatal crash

2009-07-07T06:41:00+00:00

BROWNSTOWN -- The 15-year-old driver in a rollover crash near Brownstown that killed his passenger was released from Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital while prosecutors await reports to make a charging decision. The driver, whose name has not been released,

Sweep yields about 50 county fugitives

2009-07-07T06:40:53+00:00

A month-long sweep across Eastern Washington during June netted 210 fugitive arrests, including about 50 in Yakima County, the U.S. Marshal's Service announced Monday. The suspects were wanted on a variety of charges, including drug and gun violations and

One suspect in carjacking appears in court

2009-07-07T06:40:22+00:00

YAKIMA -- A carjacking victim was tossed in a large garbage bin by two suspects who stole his Lincoln Navigator, city police say. The man who police said was arrested while driving the Navigator made his first court appearance on Monday in Yakima County S

Photo: Z-time before T-time

2009-07-07T06:39:00+00:00

Fiesta Foods aims to feed the need for retail space

2009-07-07T06:22:00+00:00

A regional Mexican supermarket chain has plans to build a new retail area next to its East Yakima store. Fiesta Foods, which opened its doors at 1008 E. Nob Hill Blvd. in June 2007, wants to construct about 27,000 square feet of new retail space at the

Bicycle advocates see paths to future success

2009-07-07T06:22:00+00:00

PROSSER -- To Virginia Norton, it's not a cause. It's a bike. Specifically, it's a five-gear green, classic model Schwinn with a basket on the handle bars purchased used in 1984. Each day, she rides it a mile to and from work for fresh air, exercise and

Underpass is coming to pass, starting this fall on Lincoln Avenue

2009-07-07T06:20:00+00:00

Construction of the long-awaited and much-discussed underpass project in downtown Yakima is scheduled to get off the ground, or rather, go underground in October, city officials said Monday. The $43 million twin underpass project will start with Lincoln

West Valley fire brought under control

2009-07-06T22:54:00+00:00

Manashtash Ridge fire contained at 63 acres

2009-07-06T22:53:00+00:00

ELLENSBURG, Wash. -- Firefighters, with the help of a helicopter dropping water, have contained a 50-acre range fire on Manastash Ridge, southwest of Ellensburg, the Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office said this morning.

No charges expected in hop kiln fire

2009-07-06T20:33:00+00:00

YAKIMA, Wash. -- Three children suspected of being involved in starting a Friday fire that caused $800,000 damage on a Harrah hop ranch are too young to face charges, authorities said.

Yakima's budget process to start earlier due to expected difficulties

2009-07-06T19:49:00+00:00

YAKIMA, Wash. — The Yakima City Council will have more time to consider the city’s 2010 budget due to the difficult choices, including the possibility of the first layoffs in a quarter century.

Yakima underpass work slated to begin this fall

2009-07-06T19:16:00+00:00

YAKIMA, Wash. -- Construction will start in October on an underpass on Lincoln Avenue, a multi-million-dollar effort to deal with expected increases in railroad traffic through the city of Yakima.

Fiesta Foods plans retail development near its Yakima store

2009-07-06T18:51:00+00:00

YAKIMA, Wash. -- A regional Mexican supermarket chain has plans to build a new retail area next to its East Yakima store.

How the recession is affecting other local industries

2009-07-06T17:55:44+00:00

YAKIMA, Wash. -- From a funeral home to a debt collector, here's a sampling of other industries locally and how they've been affected by the recession: * FUNERAL HOMES As the old saying goes, two things people can't afford are death and taxes. As a resul

Suspect sought in Sunnyside hit and run

2009-07-06T16:34:00+00:00

SUNNYSIDE, Wash. -- Police are seeking a 26-year-old man they say fled the scene of a two-car accident Saturday in a residential neighborhood.

Motorcyclist in critical condition after accident

2009-07-06T16:02:00+00:00

Back to business at Jagz barbershop

2009-07-06T05:52:15+00:00

YAKIMA, Wash. -- On the day Jagz got torched, Gonzalo Gil was going in for his weekly fade -- zero on the sides, 31/2 on top. "I just couldn't believe it, that someone had burned it down," said Gil, 21, remembering that January afternoon. "They're good gu

Shop Talk: Jackson's death means big bucks for some sellers

2009-07-06T05:52:05+00:00

I bought my vinyl copy of Michael Jackson's "Thriller" at a used record store for a mere 99 cents a few years ago. It didn't cost much, but it had high sentimental value for me, mainly for the memories I had of my friends and I having dance parties in col

Cell phones: It's all about the plan

2009-07-06T05:52:04+00:00

YAKIMA, Wash. -- With cell phones capable of doing what most computers do, picking a plan that best suits you can be tough, experts say. That's why it's important to know exactly what you want your phone to do, says Scott Charleston, a Seattle-based Veri

Cut the confusion of cell phone shopping

2009-07-06T05:52:03+00:00

UNION GAP, Wash. -- Courtney McDonald and Marlena Gruner comb displays of the latest cell phone models scattered across a wall at an AT&T store on Main Street. McDonald is looking for a new phone to replace her outdated Motorola RAZR, but isn't sure w

Car owners do best to make 'em last

2009-07-06T05:52:00+00:00

YAKIMA, Wash. -- Shelly Smith of Selah has no interest in buying a new vehicle, at least not anytime soon. Because of the recession, Smith is determined to make her 1997 Toyota RAV4 last as long as possible. She's owned it since 2000, and it already has

In search of (quiz) answers? We've got 'em

2009-07-06T05:50:52+00:00

1. Which area of the local financial sector has been expanding despite the national economic downturn? B) credit unions 2. Which community did not have its annual Fourth of July fireworks display this year? C) Sunnyside 3. One World, One Valley, One Nat

07/06/09 Senior Lunch Menus

2009-07-06T05:50:49+00:00

Older American Nutrition Program (Call 574-2200 the day before by 4 p.m. to register for lunch.) Today: Chicken fettuccine, carrots, broccoli, tropical fruit, cookie. Tuesday: Tomato soup, half ham and cheese sandwich, pears, tossed green salad, apple ju

07/06/09 In Basket

2009-07-06T05:50:45+00:00

Aviation CubCrafters has named Randy Lervold its new general manager. Lervold will lead daily operations and drive long-term planning for the company. Lervold comes to CubCrafters with an extensive background in strategic marketing and sales channel devel

Photo: Banding together

2009-07-06T05:50:43+00:00

Brush fire, haystack blaze cap busy weekend

2009-07-06T02:09:00+00:00

Harrah man dies, another ejected from car near Brownstown

2009-07-05T23:01:00+00:00

Ellensburg woman loses leg in Columbia boating accident

2009-07-05T21:00:00+00:00

WANAPUM, Wash. — A 20-year-old Ellensburg woman lost her lower leg after a boating accident Saturday evening on the Columbia River, Kittitas County sheriff’s deputies said.

Motorcyclist injured in head-on collision

2009-07-05T20:57:00+00:00

CLE ELUM, Wash. — A Lake Tapps, Wash., man was critically injured in a two-motorcycle crash west of Cle Elum late Saturday, Kittitas County sheriff’s deputies said.

Wapato homeless shelter's hours curtailed

2009-07-05T05:11:30+00:00

When the Lower Valley's only homeless shelter -- Noah's Ark -- opened in downtown Wapato nearly three years ago, it

Two fires damage Lower Yakima Valley homes

2009-07-05T05:10:16+00:00

Two families were displaced Saturday afternoon when their homes caught on fire. One fire was reported at 3 p.m. at 1401 E. Wine Country Road in Grandview. According to a news release, the blaze be

Know your news? Then this quiz should be a piece of cake

2009-07-05T05:09:36+00:00

Yakima Herald-Republic weekly news quiz 1. Which area of the local financial sector has been expanding despite the national economic downturn? A) national banks B) credit unions C) payday lenders D) loan sharks 2. Which community did not have its ann

New school is centerpiece of East Valley campus

2009-07-05T05:08:23+00:00

If you build it, they will come. About 625 of them. When East Valley Central School opens this fall, the operative word will be new: new students, new school, new grades and 28 n

Perry Tech hosts all-school reunion

2009-07-05T04:46:07+00:00

YAKIMA, Wash. -- It will be all hands on deck for the all-school reunion at Perry Technical Institute this month.

Fireworks blamed for blaze at hops kiln

2009-07-05T04:44:46+00:00

HARRAH, Wash. — A juvenile playing with fireworks caused a hop kiln fire Friday near Harrah that displaced 19 people and caused more than $800,000 in damages, according to a fire official with Yakima County Fire District No. 5.

Frolicking and fun on the Fourth

2009-07-05T04:23:00+00:00

When 7-year-old Aaron Evans enters a haunted house, he has certain expectations. He wants to see aliens and monsters, and he wants to be scared. Although the haunted house at the One World, One Valley, One Nation

Motor home fire snuffed out before it could spread

2009-07-04T20:27:00+00:00

OUTLOOK, Wash. — A fire destroyed a 46-foot motor home Friday afternoon in Outlook.

Investigation continues in 2-year-old's death

2009-07-04T20:26:00+00:00

GRANDVIEW, Wash. — Grandview Police hope to release additional information Monday concerning the death of a 2-year-old boy on Friday.

Eleventh-hour land buy keeps Rock Creek acres in public hands

2009-07-04T06:36:14+00:00

Just hours before access to a large part of its grant funding would have expired, 2,675 acres in the Rock Creek area were preserved this week as state wildlife land. A collaborative effort of private and public interests -- with The Nature Conservancy and

EV High School principal begins work this month

2009-07-04T06:33:00+00:00

YAKIMA HERALD-REPUBLIC A new principal has taken the helm at East Valley High School. Dorthea "Dottie" Say of Umatilla, Ore., starts work this month, heading up the ninth- through 12th-grade school. East Valley School Board President Jim Penning said the

Back to Iraq on the Fourth of July

2009-07-04T06:31:52+00:00

EDITOR'S NOTE: This is one in a series of periodic stories on Central Washington families with members serving in Iraq with the Army National Guard's 81st Brigade. Never mind spending their wedding anniversary together. Sergio and Laurel Cervantes are l

Inebriated rafter washes up a mile downstream from dam

2009-07-04T06:30:00+00:00

A 28-year-old man was found unconscious but alive after a boating accident Friday on the Yakima River in Kittitas County. Shawn Smith of Renton, Wash., was in a raft that went over a diversion dam along State R

Pyro gets to light up the skies

2009-07-04T06:24:00+00:00

Big kids with big toys -- that's how Bill Petersen views his job of lighting fireworks. The licensed pyrotechnic has been doing it since 1979, when he returned home to Prosser after spending three years in

Coroner calls I-82 death a homicide

2009-07-04T06:23:34+00:00

An autopsy has confirmed that a woman died Wednesday on Interstate 82 from a gunshot wound to the head. The death of Sheryl Huntley, who was reportedly shot by a hitchhiker, was ruled a homicide Friday by Yakima County Coroner Jack Hawkins. Huntley's comm

Photo: Battling Wapato blaze

2009-07-04T06:23:00+00:00

Grandview police investigate 2-year-old boy's death

2009-07-04T06:22:42+00:00

Grandview police probe*2-year-old's death Grandview -- Police are investigating the circumstances of the death of a 2-year-old Grandview boy who was declared dead after he was taken to Sunnyside Community Hospital on Friday. According to a Grandview polic

Motor home fire threatening homes in Outlook

2009-07-03T23:46:00+00:00

OUTLOOK, Wash. — Granger and Outlook fire crews are now battling a motor home fire in the 2000 block of Van Belle Road in Outlook.

Autopsy confirms woman's death caused by gunshot

2009-07-03T22:21:00+00:00

YAKIMA, Wash. — An autopsy confirmed that a woman died Wednesday on Interstate 82 from a gunshot wound to the head.

07/04/09 Faith Happenings

2009-07-03T22:18:39+00:00

Free luau slated for Sunday A couple of churches are hosting a luau in Yakima's Franklin Park on Sunday afternoon. Breakthrough Christian Center and Yakima Christian Center are inviting the community to a free, luau-themed barbecue. The event gets under

New pastor joins Wesley United Methodist Church

2009-07-03T22:17:51+00:00

The Rev. Ron Hines began his new post Wednesday. This is his first weekend in his new role. Hines was appointed pastor by Bishop Grant Hagiya of the United Methodist Pacific Northwest Conference,

WSU/Master Gardeners-- July garden brims with life

2009-07-03T20:57:56+00:00

What to do in the July garden ... * Set your alarm and get up with the birds to avoid that middle of the day heat in July. It's a good time to walk around your yard and take stock of what is going on. Check how things are growing and don't forget to look

Yakima teen mom finds strength from within

2009-07-03T19:18:21+00:00

Jennifer Kerney was 17, a senior at Eisenhower High School when she learned she was expecting twins. Kerney was afraid and didn't know what to do. She worried about how people would react. She als

07/05/09 Volunteer Opportunities

2009-07-03T19:08:29+00:00

Here are this week's volunteer needs in the Yakima Valley: * IN-HOME HELP: Volunteer Chore Services is looking for volunteers to help provide basic in-home assistance to low-income elders and adults with disabilities to enable them to live safely and in