http://www.dailysunnews.com/ Stories from the Daily Sun News (c)2013, Eagle Newspapers, Inc. All rights reserved You need not suspect the motives of those responsible for NSA surveillance to detest what they are doing. In fact, we may have more to fear from spies acting out of patriotic zeal than those acting out of power, lust or economic interest. Zealots are more likely to eschew restraints that might compromise their righteous cause. For the sake of argument, we may assume that from President Obama on down, government officials sincerely believe that gathering Americans' telephone and Internet data is vital to the people's security. Does that make government spying okay? No, it doesn't. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27214/guest-column Wed, 19 Jun 2013 14:34:41 GMT 27214 It's that time of year again when we will begin learning about the candidates vying for the Miss Sunnyside title. Each young lady always brings to the table something unique and interesting. It's an opportunity to learn about the teenagers who are willing to become leaders, who want to do something that benefits the community. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27213/jennies-journey Wed, 19 Jun 2013 14:33:13 GMT 27213 Leroy and Ruth Ganser celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with a trip to Victoria, B.C. The couple was married June 7, 1953 in Leola, S.D., where they lived until August 1954. Job opportunities drew the couple to Sunnyside, where Ganser found work in home construction. He also operated a floor-covering business for 10 years before going into real estate sales. He opened Ganser Realty in Sunnyside upon receiving his broker's license in 1978. He retired from real estate sales after 40 years. Mrs. Ganser worked part-time at Sunnyside Memorial Hospital as a licensed practical nurse for a few years. Once the couple's children, Stewart, Sharon, Tamara and Tracey, were in school, she returning to complete her nursing education. Mrs. Ganser earned her registered nurse title in 1970. She worked at Sunnyside Memorial Hospital through its transition to Sunnyside Community Hospital. She was also employed by Lower Valley Hospice for 15 years until her retirement. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27212/gansers-celebrate-60th-anniversary Wed, 19 Jun 2013 14:31:26 GMT 27212 Carol Martins has learned a lot about the United States since last August, when she arrived as a Rotary exchange student from Brazil. During the time she was in the states, she learned to ski, visited Disneyworld and learned that some of her preconceived notions of what Americans are like were incorrect. "I was told people are cold and don't like foreigners," she said. "But it was just the opposite for me. Everyone was willing to talk to me," the guest speaker at this week's Sunnyside Noon Rotary Club meeting said. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27211/exchange-student-has-great-year-in-sunnyside Wed, 19 Jun 2013 14:29:16 GMT 27211 GRANDVIEW - The laughter and shouts coming from the pocket park near North Fourth Street in Grandview last week was music to the ears of Rev. Antonio Sanchez of Grandview Iglesia Del Pueblo. He said the children were drawn to the park to take part in the recreational activities and story-telling offered by a Boise, Idaho youth group and its leaders. This is the second summer the Whitney Baptist Church youth group has chosen Grandview to spend its vacation in mission work, Sanchez added. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27210/grandview-youngsters-turn-out-in-full-force-to-attend-summer-camp-hosted-by-idaho-mission-team Wed, 19 Jun 2013 14:26:30 GMT 27210 KENNEWICK - Competing against athletes from 3A and 4A high school programs, the 1B Sunnyside Christian Senior Babe Ruth team made some noise yesterday before falling twice to the host Kennewick Wolfpack. Tuesday's league twin bill saw the Knights lose the opener 12-6. "I was happy with the first game, we competed well," said Sunnyside Christian Coach Tyler Alseth. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27209/knights-drop-two-at-kennewick Wed, 19 Jun 2013 14:24:32 GMT 27209 YAKIMA - Yakima County Sheriff's deputies were yesterday morning (Tuesday) alerted to an alleged kidnapping in Toppenish. Jolene Merry of Sunnyside has been charged as a defendant. Merry made a preliminary appearance in Yakima County Superior Court yesterday afternoon and is being held on a $500,000 bond. The judge also issued a no-contact order, prohibiting her from contacting the victim in the case. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27208/sunnyside-woman-held-on-500000-bail-for-alleged-kidnapping-at-legends-casino Wed, 19 Jun 2013 14:22:58 GMT 27208 Labeled as a Level III sex offender, Evan Gregory Wienholz has moved to the Mabton area, according to the Yakima County Sheriff's office. The 18-year-old male was convicted of rape in the third degree on July 24, 2007. Wienholz has moved to the 600 block of Murray Road in Mabton. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27207/registered-sex-offender-moves-to-mabton-area Wed, 19 Jun 2013 14:20:56 GMT 27207 Betty Marie Schuyler Bootsma, 88, of Richland and a former Sunnyside resident, passed away from this life on Tuesday, April 9, 2013, due to pneumonia, in Sun City, Ariz. Betty was born June 28, 1924 in Reed Point, Mont. to Commodore Schuyler and Cleo Yates Schuyler. After completing high school in Reed Point, she attended the University of Montana at Billings, Mont. While working in a fruit cannery in Sunnyside, in 1944, she met an U.S. Army Air Corps soldier who would become her husband. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27206/obituary Wed, 19 Jun 2013 14:19:13 GMT 27206 Anne Besteman, 92, of Sunnyside went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, June 14, 2013. Anne was born Aug. 22, 1920 in Mabton to David and Jacoba Bos. She was one of 11 children. She grew up working on the farm with her family. That is where she got her strong work ethic. Anne married Bert Ooms. Together they had four children. Other than a short time in Seattle, Anne lived in the Yakima Valley. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27205/obituary Wed, 19 Jun 2013 14:17:07 GMT 27205 MABTON - Seeking a way to supplement her income, Sonia Maldonado of Mabton has started her own business. Klassic Entertainment officially began providing dancers for social events last month. Maldonado said her goal is to provide dancers who are responsible and who behave without the stigma typically attached to exotic dancing. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27204/dancers-for-adult-parties-just-a-telephone-call-away Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:01:54 GMT 27204 A building interior that was once covered in dust and dirt now sports shiny, clean floors with barber chairs at regular intervals, a foosball table to make the wait go by faster and ample seating for people waiting for either a haircut or a tattoo. This is Alex's Barber & Tattoo Shop. The old Sunnyside warehouse is a clean cream color on the outside and inside it has tiled flooring and a new coat of paint. The building, erected in 1910, has had various uses in the last 60 years, including a long stint as part of an appliance store and a few years as storage for a local flooring company. It was vacant for a few years before it was purchased in 2011. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27203/historic-warehouse-now-home-to-local-barber-shop Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:58:13 GMT 27203 Jade Torres-Perez took a sensible approach to growing the giant cabbage that earned her a $1,000 scholarship, checking on it daily and watering when the dirt was dry. "I didn't want to water too much," she said. "It can get too much water and not grow." Torres-Perez grew the cabbage thanks to the annual Third Grade Cabbage Program sponsored by Bonnie Plants. The company distributes more than a million free cabbage plants to classrooms across the country and picks one winner from each state to receive the scholarship. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27202/giant-cabbage-nets-1000-scholarship-for-local-student Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:51:59 GMT 27202 Auditions for the third annual Sunnyside Lions 4th of July Talent Show will be held Thursday, June 20, at 6:30 p.m. at the Sunnyside VFW Hall, 615 North Ave. The talent show will be held Thursday, July 4, at Clem Senn Stadium at 5:30 p.m. Prizes will be given to the top three places in the following amounts: 1st place $150, 2nd place $100 and 3rd place $50. There is a $10 entry fee. All acts must be clean and in good taste. Creative and unusual acts are especially encouraged. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27201/talent-show-tryouts-set-this-thursday Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:49:02 GMT 27201 Taking advantage of some home course knowledge, Gary Heslop and Ken Ott led the local Black Rock Creek contingent to a first-place finish at last Thursday's Mid-Columbia Senior Golf Association event. The Thursday, June 13, stop on the senior tour, hosted by Black Rock Creek, was the fifth of 12 events that will be staged this summer. Through the first five stops, the Sunnyside-area Black Rock Creek team has emerged victorious three times. To date, Black Rock Creek sits atop the 2013 senior golf tour standings with 67 team points. The Pendleton Country Club is in second place with 54.5 points, followed by the Columbia Point and Walla Walla Veterans golf course squads with 51.5 and 38 team points, respectively. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27200/heslop-ott-lead-black-rock-creek-to-first-place-finish Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:46:55 GMT 27200 GRANGER - Golf enthusiasts are being urged to form their four-person teams now for the Saturday, Sept. 14, scramble at Granger's Cherry Hill Golf Course. Proceeds from the annual fundraising tournament are used to help Sunnyside youngsters hone their skills on the links. The yearly golf scramble at the Granger course includes 18 holes of play, lunch for all participants and prizes. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27199/golf-scramble-tourney-in-september-to-benefit-youngsters-in-sunnyside Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:43:13 GMT 27199 The Sunnyside School Board last night voted not to move forward with the application to become a charter school authorizer. The 4-1 decision was made after the school board members had an opportunity to review the application. Sandra Linde was the one school board member who believed the district should apply to become a charter school authorizer. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27198/linde-lone-school-board-member-in-favor-of-sunnyside-being-a-charter-school-authorize Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:42:22 GMT 27198 The results of the homeless count taken this past January are in and the numbers are down throughout Yakima County. A few numbers rose, including the number of children reported homeless. But, most of the numbers declined. Overall, the numbers of people reporting to be homeless this past January totaled 899, down from the 996 figure from 2012. Although most of the county has seen a decline in the homeless numbers, Grandview has a 100 percent increase in the number of individuals reporting they are homeless. There were 20 individuals from Grandview who indicated they were homeless in 2012 and 40 individuals reported they were homeless this year. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27197/homeless-numbers-decline-in-yakima-county Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:38:27 GMT 27197 A citizen's report of shots fired near the 800 block of the South Fourth Street last night turned out to be unfounded. The noise was the result of electrical transformers in the area popping due to wet weather conditions, according to Sunnyside police. The transformer noise was not the only weather related incident reported to the Sunnyside police in the past 24 hours. Officers discovered a fallen tree blocking South 16th Street near Ida Belle Street early this morning (Tuesday). Sunnyside city crews were called to remove the weeping willow tree trunk, which was also blocking the sidewalk. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27196/weather-related-incidents-keep-police-busy Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:35:58 GMT 27196 SEATTLE - The 5th Avenue Awards ceremony for high school drama students, considered the top prep honors given to those involved in musical theatrical performances, was staged in Seattle last week. Both Sunnyside and Grandview high school drama students were recognized at the awards ceremony. It was Gavin O'Leary's Parsee Man in Sunnyside High School's production of Just So last November that caught the judges' attention. He was presented the Outstanding Featured Actor Award at the 5th Avenue Awards ceremony. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27195/shss-just-so-production-afforded-numerous-accolades Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:29:27 GMT 27195 Margaret S. Rayburn, 86, a long-time Yakima Valley and Grandview resident, passed away on Tuesday, May 14, 2013. Margaret was born April 5, 1927 in North Powder, Ore., the daughter of Johnathan Alexander and Pearl Laurel (Wicks) Shaw. Margaret's early years were spent on the family ranch helping her parents with livestock, wheat harvest and haying as well as cooking for numerous ranch hands. She attended a one-room school house and went to school either riding her horse or riding in a sleigh during the winter. Margaret graduated from North Powder High School in 1945, and attended Eastern Oregon College (EOU) in La Grande, Ore. Being a true farm girl, she earned her own college tuition by raising belted hogs. It was at Eastern Oregon College, where she met her future husband, Glenn Rayburn. Margaret and Glenn were united in marriage on July 19, 1946, in Seattle. Margaret and Glenn transferred to Eastern Washington College of Education (EWU) in the fall of 1946, earning their Bachelor of Arts in education degrees. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27194/obituary Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:25:51 GMT 27194 Anne Besteman, 92, of Sunnyside died on Friday, June 14, 2013. She is survived by her daughters, Andrea Moehle, Rose Herndon and Wendy Bognar; one daughter-in-law; two sisters, Lucille Apol and Margaret Duim; one brother, Harry Bos; one sister-in-law; five step-children; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and cousins. Services will be held Friday, June 21, 2013, at 11 a.m. at Valley Hills Funeral Home, 531 S. 16th St. (the former Christian Reformed Church). http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27193/death-notice Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:25:08 GMT 27193 YAKIMA - Daniel Maldonado, 19, of Sunnyside was sentenced to three years in prison last week on a charge of first degree unlawful possession of a firearm. Maldonado, who has six prior convictions as a juvenile, was a passenger in a vehicle stopped by Sunnyside police for a broken brake light. He was arrested on an existing warrant and during the arrest told police that he owned a gun that was in the car. Maldonado was one of three documented gang members arrested during the traffic stop. Maldonado pled guilty to owning the Taurus .38 special. Police said the gun was fully loaded with six rounds of hollow point ammunition. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27192/sunnyside-man-sentenced-to-prison Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:08:06 GMT 27192 Mosquitoes in two samples collected in Yakima County have tested positive for West Nile virus - almost a month earlier than in previous years. These results are the first sign that the virus is active in Washington this year. Testing mosquito samples and dead birds for West Nile virus began just last week across the state. "Avoiding mosquito bites is the key to preventing infection and possible illness," said Maryanne Guichard, assistant secretary of Environmental Public Health. "Many people will be outdoors now with the warmer weather, so it's important to take steps to prevent West Nile virus." http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27191/west-nile-virus-found-in-yakima-county-samples Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:05:52 GMT 27191 MABTON- The cute and the talented, the adorable and the poised all serve to describe the candidates who competed in the 2013-14 Miss Mabton and Little Miss Mabton pageants held this last Friday night. The pageants, held in the Mabton School District's Learning Center, were packed with family, friends and visiting royalty all waiting to see who would be proclaimed the first Miss Mabton since 2008. The talented and poised Esperanza Leon, 16, earned the title and the stunning Miss Mabton crown. She was presented her crown from 2008 Miss Mabton Marianna Villa. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27190/esperanza-leon-new-miss-mabton Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:03:06 GMT 27190 Ronnie Neilson, 60, of Sunnyside passed away on Wednesday, June 5, 2013, at his home. He was born Oct. 21, 1952 in Marysville, Calif., the son of William and Lois (Chandler). Ronnie graduated from Yuba City High School in California. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27189/obituary Mon, 17 Jun 2013 13:58:49 GMT 27189 Donald Charles Fisher, 77, of Sunnyside died on Wednesday, June 12, 2013, at his home. He is survived by daughter, Teresa Fisher of Yakima; one grandson; and one daughter-in-law. At Mr. Fisher's request there will be no formal funeral service at this time. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27188/death-notice Mon, 17 Jun 2013 13:58:18 GMT 27188 There's just something frightening about someone else using your name for nefarious purposes. A couple of weeks ago I was alerted to a fake me. Someone had hijacked my name and Facebook profile photo in an attempt to defraud my friends. I am grateful that I have many smart friends because I was alerted almost immediately. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27187/jennies-journey Fri, 14 Jun 2013 15:45:24 GMT 27187 In response to your article June 12, 2013 entitled, "Odor: nuisance or just a smell." This article has the audacity to explain that dairy odor is just an odor or smell to make it appear unimportant. I want to know who wrote it. My guess: Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency or dairy farmers. Regardless, this never ending godawful dairy odor is more than a public nuisance, it has altered the quality of life in the valley. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27186/forum Fri, 14 Jun 2013 15:42:00 GMT 27186 The Sunnyside Lion's Club is again sponsoring Sunnyside's annual Fourth of July celebration on Thursday, July 4, with a line-up of activities for the community to enjoy. The annual Independence Day Parade will begin at 11 a.m. Parade participants can line up on Warehouse Avenue beginning at 9 a.m. The parade will traverse South Sixth Street to East Edison Avenue. The route continues from there to Sunnyside High School. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27185/sunnyside-to-celebrate-fun-filled-independence-day Fri, 14 Jun 2013 15:41:09 GMT 27185 While the story told in "Thousand Words" by Jennifer Brown is fiction, it is based on real cases and the events in the book are not at all far-fetched. In fact, it would not be at all surprising to learn that local children have made the same mistake that the protagonist of the novel made. Ashleigh's boyfriend is about to leave for college, while she still has two more years of high school. During a pool party, friends suggest she text a nude picture of herself to him so he will remember her. She does so, much to the later regret of everyone involved. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27184/new-book-for-teens-addresses-dangers-of-new-technology Fri, 14 Jun 2013 15:39:21 GMT 27184 OTHELLO - The Barracudas were no match for the visiting Sunnyside Sharks last night, Thursday, who overwhelmed the home team 543-230 with strong performances in all age groups. Parker Van de Graaf came through for the Sharks in a big way last night, posting first-place finishes in all five individual events and in both the relays. He dominated the boys 12&U age division with convincing wins. He posted a time of 39.19 in the 50-yard butterfly, more than 10 seconds ahead of teammate Clay Schilperoort, who earned second-place honors in all five individual events as well. Aydan Harrington held court in the girls 14&U division, taking four of the five individual events. She was also on both the winning relay teams. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27183/sharks-mangle-barracudas Fri, 14 Jun 2013 15:37:02 GMT 27183 GRANDVIEW - The home-pool advantage wasn't enough for the Grandview Neptunes swim team last night, Thursday, as the squad fell to visiting Toppenish 510-196. Nathaniel Gutierrez paced the Neptunes by claiming first-place honors in two events. Competing in the boys 12&U age bracket, Gutierrez bested the field in the 40-yard breaststroke with a clocking of 34.51. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27182/neptune-swimmers-fall-to-toppenish Fri, 14 Jun 2013 15:33:06 GMT 27182 A federal rule that could potentially pit growers and irrigation districts against each other is on the drawing board in Washington D.C. It's an update proposed this year to the Food Safety Modernization Act of 2011. The portion of the rule of most concern locally is a proposed revision that would require steps to monitor irrigation water quality. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27181/a-terrible-rule Fri, 14 Jun 2013 15:31:47 GMT 27181 "Five years ago we gathered at this same location to celebrate the construction of the building behind us," Sunnyside School Superintendent Dr. Rick Cole told a crowd of people yesterday afternoon (Thursday) in front of the Bridges Building in Sunnyside. "The Bridges program and building has been focused on supporting the academic and behavioral success of our community's most at-risk gang involved students," he continued from a prepared statement. "We are a community and school district who truly own all of our kids. We do not write anyone off because of his or her circumstances or past. We believe every single one of our community's youth are capable of high levels of success, and we believe they deserve our every effort to help them reach their goals." A series of officials, teachers and intervention specialists spoke at the meeting, called to update the community on the progress of the city's anti-gang efforts. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27180/anti-gang-efforts-celebrated-at-meeting Fri, 14 Jun 2013 15:30:31 GMT 27180 TOPPENISH - Heritage University has released the names of students who earned a place on the Dean's List for the spring 2013 semester. To qualify for the Dean's List, students must be full-time, matriculated undergraduates who have earned semester grade point averages of 3.5 or better. A total of 20 students from Sunnyside made the list. They are Gloria Almeida, Cristina Alvarez, Nereida Alvizo, Zachary Carcagno, Tabitha Chambers, Michelle Cisneros, Avigail Galvan, Irma Garcia, Margarita Gutierrez, Mitzi Herrera, Manuel Jimenez, Daniel Licona, Guadalupe Martinez, Haydee Navarro, Fernando Ornelas, Juan Perez, Victoria Ramos, Jose Sanchez, Christeen Woods and Samantha Zamora. Grandview natives took another 16 places on the list. They are Edward Acosta, Maximillian Becker, Jasmine Contreras, Jana Fortune, Noe Gonzalez, Blanca Granados, Jose Ibarra, Olivia Marquez, Alyssa Munoz, Rocio Perez, Hannelee Phillips, Vicky Ramirez, Cristal Razo-Reyes, Angie Solis, Julio Trevino and Olivia Velasquez. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27179/local-students-make-deans-list-at-heritage Thu, 13 Jun 2013 13:26:16 GMT 27179 BICKLETON - The students in Bickleton who have earned a grade point average of 3.0 or better in the final months of the 2012-13 academic year have been named. Earning 4.0 GPAs at the high school this past semester were Peter Clinton, Joshua Cummings and Kayli Padgett. Joseph Cummings, a student in junior high school, also earned a 4.0 GPA. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27178/honor-roll-students-named-in-bickleton Thu, 13 Jun 2013 13:25:32 GMT 27178 Summer's here and the swimming is easy, that is starting this coming Saturday when the Sunnyside swimming pool opens for the season. Located at Central Park, Sunnyside's is one of the few pools in the Yakima Valley that is Olympic-sized and features a water slide. The Sunnyside pool also provides a training area for little tykes getting introduced to the water. Starting this coming Saturday, June 15, pool hours will be 1 to 3 p.m., 3:15 to 5:15 p.m. and the family swim hour is 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27177/sunnyside-pool-to-open-this-saturday Thu, 13 Jun 2013 13:24:23 GMT 27177 The names of the four finalists for Sunnyside City Manager have been released, and they are Donald Day of New Mexico, Steven Golnar of Wyoming, Ashton Harrison of Colorado and Arthur Sciorra of New York. Donald Day Day has approximately 33 years of local government experience and has served as county manager in Colfax County in New Mexico since September of 2007. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27176/finalists-for-city-manager-named Thu, 13 Jun 2013 13:19:26 GMT 27176 MABTON - A three-month old pit bull named Baby is recovering from having her ears incompetently cropped after she wandered from her yard this past Monday. According to owner Angelica Morfin of Mabton, Baby was let out Monday afternoon. When the owners called for her a few minutes later, she didn't respond. After searching the neighborhood, the family asked friends to look out for the animal. On Tuesday a friend showed up at Morfin's workplace and said, "Let's go get your dog." http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27175/baby-back-home-but-a-bit-traumatized Thu, 13 Jun 2013 13:14:01 GMT 27175 Dr. Albert Maling, 75, of Grandview passed away on Tuesday, June 11, 2013, at his home in Grandview. Albert was born in December of 1937 in Sunnyside to Carl and Helen (Ribail) Maling. His childhood years were spent with his mom, dad and sister Evelyn in a small house off Sixth Street in Sunnyside, where St. Joseph gym is now located, then later on an asparagus and apple farm off Van Belle Road. Early on he was interested in the human experience, physical as well as spiritual. He took up reading early, sometimes to his mother's chagrin, as he was constantly buried in books. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27174/obituary Thu, 13 Jun 2013 13:13:09 GMT 27174 Jesus Guadalupe Rios, infant son of Jesus Leonardo Rios and Marisol Silva, was stillborn on Wednesday, June 5, 2013, at Sunnyside Community Hospital. He is survived by his parents, Jesus Leonardo Rios and Marisol Silva; and his grandparents. Vigil services and recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held Friday, June 14, 2013, at 6 p.m. at Valley Hills Funeral Home, 16th St. in Sunnyside. Graveside services will be held Saturday, June 15, 2013, at 10 a.m. at Lower Valley Memorial Gardens in Sunnyside. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27173/death-notice Thu, 13 Jun 2013 13:12:38 GMT 27173 I don't know what I was thinking. In 1973, when I was 11, I flushed an apple core down the toilet, an action I would come to regret. As it went, my father had remodeled our basement into a family room. He installed the inexpensive pine paneling common to the times. He also built a small bathroom, which would be the bane of his existence for more than 30 years. My father, always looking to save a buck - he had six kids to feed, after all - bought the cheapest toilet he could find. It never did work right. He spent much of his spare time unplugging it. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27172/guest-column Wed, 12 Jun 2013 14:41:34 GMT 27172 The community center is filthy. Gum has been ground into the carpet and stains abound in the main lobby. The gym needs to be properly swept, including the corners, and mopped. There are old helium balloons hanging from the ceiling, from basketball hoops and from the ducting. Paper supplies are running low in the bathrooms, which also need proper cleaning. As a result, Shirley Martin, a senior who walks at the community center during Silver Sneakers, spoke out at the May 28 Sunnyside City Council meeting to let the council know that the building is being neglected. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27171/word-nerd Wed, 12 Jun 2013 14:40:04 GMT 27171 A lot of women enjoy browsing through the internet phenomenon known as Pinterest, a one-stop location for all kinds of do-it-yourself ideas covering everything from gardening to fashion and home décor. A favorite Pinterest topic for many women concerns gardening. Even armchair gardeners can find a lot of beautiful ideas for future "getting-around-to" projects. But along with the steadily increasing interest with such projects comes an issue about how to "do-it-yourself." Some of the projects showcased are not very easy to understand. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27170/do-it-yourself-projects-becoming-popular-especially-among-women Wed, 12 Jun 2013 14:35:55 GMT 27170 For anyone who enjoys playing in potting soil, it might seem a bit silly to plant miniature gardens. But for the true gardener, there really is no wrong way to garden, as business partners Julie Spalding of Bickleton and Wendy Clawdus of Pasco have discovered. Whether creating indoor gardens for placement as centerpieces for the coffee table or outside gardens for added color on the family patio, this pair enjoys doing their gardening in a diminutive fashion. The owners of Bella Fleur began their adventure creating fairy and dish gardens by accident. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27169/gardening-in-dishes-gaining-in-popularity Wed, 12 Jun 2013 14:32:20 GMT 27169 MABTON - During Tuesday night's council meeting, Mabton City Public Works Supervisor Chris Morris asked the council to approve funds to replace a pump at the cemetery. He said the pump had recently been stolen. Morris also asked for funds to repair a pillar at the cemetery, which was also damaged recently. In order to pay for the pump and the repairs, the council voted to amend its general budget in order to transfer $7,000 from the general fund into the cemetery fund. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27168/council-oks-work-at-mabton-cemetery Wed, 12 Jun 2013 14:31:09 GMT 27168 Ron Rowe's name is nearly synonymous with Grizzly basketball. However, he won't be standing courtside, shouting instructions to the Sunnyside High School cagers as they compete next season. That's because Rowe has decided to step back and let someone else take the reins. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27167/longtime-shs-coach-hangs-up-his-whistle Wed, 12 Jun 2013 14:29:19 GMT 27167 The Toppenish Tarpons are no slouch, never have been. And as expected, they rolled into Sunnyside last night for the 2013 Mid-Valley Summer Swim League opener and gave the host Sharks a tussle. But as is often the case the home team usually has more swimmers at its disposal, and Sunnyside utilized its deep bench to post a convincing 444-320 victory. The Sharks also had Aydan Harrington on the blocks last night, who, if MVP awards were handed out at each meet, would have collected that honor. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27166/sharks-open-summer-swim-season-with-440-320-win-over-visiting-tarpons Wed, 12 Jun 2013 14:23:25 GMT 27166 GRANDVIEW - Grandview's wastewater treatment plant has for the past seven years been recognized by the Washington State Department of Ecology as an outstanding facility. This month the recognition is extended to international proportions via an international trade magazine, Treatment Plant Operator . Last night Grandview City Administrator and Public Works Director Cus Arteaga told the Grandview City Council about the honor of being featured in the magazine. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27165/grandview-wastewater-treatment-personnel-receive-international-recognition Wed, 12 Jun 2013 14:17:05 GMT 27165 A vision of helping students obtain skills for a future career is becoming a reality in Sunnyside. Sunnyside High School Career and Technology Director Holly Ohler on Wednesday morning was the featured speaker at Sunnyside's Daybreak Rotary Club meeting. She provided an overview of the programs to be offered at the YV-Tech Skills Center currently under construction. Ohler said nursing, welding and construction are the more popular programs that will be available to Lower Yakima Valley students seeking technical skills. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27164/new-avenue-to-gain-job-skills-being-paved-by-sunnyside-schools Wed, 12 Jun 2013 14:07:44 GMT 27164 A proposal to shuffle acreage in and out of Sunnyside's Urban Growth Area (UGA) is headed back to the drawing board. Urban growth areas are lands just outside of city limits designated for future growth and expansion. During the Sunnyside Planning Commission meeting last night, Tuesday, Jed Crowther of the Port of Sunnyside asked the city to not take acreage out of the UGA that is west of Midvale Road and fronted by Emerald Road. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27163/sunnyside-to-revisit-uga-boundaries Wed, 12 Jun 2013 14:03:36 GMT 27163 Dorothy "Dee" Bowers Smith, 85, a longtime resident of Deer Park and a former Sunnyside resident, was called heavenward on Saturday, June 8, 2013. She worked for Banner Furnace and Fuel in Spokane, for nearly 30 years and J&D Supermarket in Sunnyside, prior to moving to Spokane. During her life, she enjoyed being a part of the Deer Park First Baptist Church. She was a member of Credit Women International. She enjoyed riding horses with the Prairie Riders, Penny-A-Mile and co-sponsored with her longtime friend, Mary Tucker, the annual Northwest Ladies Trail Ride which raised money for local youth organizations such as Daybreak of Spokane, Hutton Settlement for Boys and organized charity auctions for Orphan Acres for abandoned horses. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27162/obituary Wed, 12 Jun 2013 13:58:32 GMT 27162 MOSCOW, IDAHO - Katherine Aiken has been chosen as the interim provost and executive vice president at the University of Idaho. The daughter of Dorothy Aiken of Sunnyside, she has served as the Dean of College of letters, arts and social sciences since 2006 and has worked at the University of Idaho for 29 years. Aiken is a professor of history and currently serves on the Idaho State Board of Education's Professional Standards Commission and chairs the Idaho Humanities Council. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27161/aiken-selected-interim-provost Tue, 11 Jun 2013 14:31:26 GMT 27161 MABTON - Celebrating success will be easier at Artz-Fox Elementary School in Mabton following a donation last month from Legends Casino in Toppenish. On May 29, casino representatives awarded a $2,500 check to the school to help it reward student achievers in the accelerated reader program. "I applied for the grant because I believe reading is a key component to success in school, college, work and life," said Angelica Reyna, an ELL teacher at the school. "I want students to be exposed to this way of thinking starting at least at the elementary level." http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27160/mabton-school-garners-grant-to-reward-achievers Tue, 11 Jun 2013 14:28:52 GMT 27160 GRANDVIEW - Thanks to the grant writing efforts of five Grandview School District educators, Legends Casino of Toppenish has awarded the school district a total of $8,000. The Grandview School Board learned this past Monday night that five teachers representing Harriet Thompson Elementary School, McClure Elementary School, Smith Elementary School and Grandview Middle School had written grant applications seeking additional educational materials for their classrooms. The $8,000 will be used to purchase books, reading supplies, iPads and iPad supplies for the special education program, plus cameras and video equipment for a middle school video club daily news program. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27159/casino-grants-8000-to-schools Tue, 11 Jun 2013 14:23:38 GMT 27159 BICKLETON - The lone cowboy to cash in more than one event at the 103rd annual Alder Creek Pioneer Picnic & Rodeo this past weekend proved to be Russell Cardoza of Terrebonne, Ore. Cardoza was the top hand in the steer wrestling competition. All told, 26 cowboys bolted from their horses in an attempt to wrestle a steer off its feet and onto its back. Cardoza was the winner, using his speed, strength and technique to wrestle the steer he drew on Saturday to the ground in just 4.1 seconds. That clocking was two-tenths of a second faster than the 4.3 time posted by the runner-up, another Terrebonne cowboy...Sam Willis. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27158/cardoza-cashes-twice-at-alder-creek-rodeo Tue, 11 Jun 2013 14:20:51 GMT 27158 MABTON - In the end, it was simply cheaper to replace the Mabton High School auxiliary gym's trusses and roof than to attempt repairs. That was the decision last night, Monday, during the Mabton School Board's brief action meeting. The board reached that conclusion following a presentation by consultant John Hultman of Spokane-based Hill International. His report noted it would be about $50,000 more to repair than to replace the roof. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27157/mabton-schools-getting-gym-roof Tue, 11 Jun 2013 14:18:40 GMT 27157 The Sunnyside Public Works Committee met Monday night to hear a presentation on the status of the city's downtown revitalization project from Huibregtse, Louman Associates, Inc. Jeff Louman told the committee that the design process is about 70 percent complete. A few more design decisions need to be made to proceed because the project as it stands is over budget. Colie Hough-Beck of HBB Landscape Architecture first presented the design as it stands. She pointed out that the theme had moved toward circular designs and so she had found benches that are similar to the original benches the city picked that have a more circular theme and are slightly less expensive. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27156/downtown-sunnyside-to-lose-traffic-lights-but-will-gain-planter-boxes-wider-sidewalks Tue, 11 Jun 2013 14:17:03 GMT 27156 The Sunnyside City Council eventually approved an adjustment to the salary of the police department's administrative assistant/crime analyst position last night by a vote of 5-2. The position had a monthly salary of $3,150, below that of other administrative assistants in the city and slightly below that of a receptionist. A receptionist position does not require a degree, while the crime analyst position requires a highly trained person, said proponents. Originally, Deputy Chief Phil Schenck wanted to adjust the salary for the position to something comparable to crime analyst salaries in other cities. However, the city manager suggested simply raising the salary of the position to equal that of other administrative assistant positions in the city. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27155/crime-analyst-salary-boosted-by-city-council Tue, 11 Jun 2013 14:13:44 GMT 27155 John William Harries Jr., 74, of Grandview passed away on Saturday, June 8, 2013, after suffering complications from a heart attack. John was born Sept. 20, 1931 in Tacoma to John and Exie Harries. He started school in Tacoma before the family moved to Portland and then settled in Prosser, where John graduated from high school in 1949. After graduation, John joined the U.S. Navy and served during the Korean War. While serving, John met the love of his life, Gloria Ann Jackson. They were wed on July 4, 1952 in Sunnyside. They started a family and he used his Navy training and joined the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. As an apprentice electrician John moved his family around the Inland Empire before finally settling in Grandview. He helped to build malls, processing plants, schools and numerous projects at Hanford and throughout the Columbia Basin. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27154/obituary Tue, 11 Jun 2013 14:09:00 GMT 27154 Angel Acevedo, 86, of Prosser, entered into rest on Friday, June 7, 2013, in Grandview. He was born Aug. 2, 1926, in Michoacan, Mexico, where he was raised and educated. He came to the U.S. in 1945 and lived in California until settling in Sunnyside. He later resided in Grandview and for the past seven years had been living at Sun Terrace in Prosser. Angel was a farm laborer and worked very hard, taking pride in his work. For several years, he worked for Wyckoff Farms in Sunnyside as an irrigation specialist until retiring in 1990. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27153/obituary Tue, 11 Jun 2013 14:06:52 GMT 27153 Larry R. Estabrook, 69, of Sunnyside died on Sunday, June 9, 2013, in Sunnyside. He is survived by his children, Bob Schlosser of Prosser and Shawn Malmgram Estabrook; two grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. At Mr. Estabrook's request no formal services will be held. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27151/death-notice Tue, 11 Jun 2013 14:05:42 GMT 27151 Robert J. Tindell, 72, of Sunnyside died on Friday, June 7, 2013, at Garden Village in Yakima. He is survived by his wife, Dianne Tindell, of Kennewick; daughter, Lora Benson; two granddaughters; and one grandson; one brother; and three sisters, all of Mass. As per Mr. Tindell's request there will be no services. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27152/death-notice Tue, 11 Jun 2013 14:05:42 GMT 27152 As if life isn't busy enough for Sunnyside Police Officer Sam Ramos, besides his work as a school resource officer he also helps teach classes at Nuestra Casa and this year began offering driving instruction at Integrity Driving School in Sunnyside. Ramos went to the police academy with former Sunnyside officer Shane Mortensen, who operates the driving school. When asked to help out as a driving instructor, Ramos agreed. He noted the experience has a benefit to his regular work as an SRO as students are able to see him in another light. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27150/sro-puts-teens-in-the-drivers-seat Mon, 10 Jun 2013 14:18:16 GMT 27150 ZILLAH - A pair of 17-year-old teenagers from Sunnyside, a boy and a girl, suffered injuries last Friday evening in a one-vehicle rollover accident on I-82. A right rear tire that blew was the cause of the accident, according to Washington State Patrol officials. Neither of the two occupants in the 1991 Honda Civic sedan, said the WSP, was wearing a safety restraint. WSP officials declined to release the names of the two injured teens. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27149/two-teens-from-sunnyside-sustain-injuries-in-rollover Mon, 10 Jun 2013 14:16:30 GMT 27149 A community gang update meeting will be held Thursday, June 13, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Bridges Building (next to the Law and Justice Center) at 401 Homer St. Representatives from the city and school district will discuss gang data and the progress of the Gang Free Initiative. Community members who wish to attend should RSVP to Diana Castillo-Paul at 836-8700 or diana.castillo-paul@sunnysideschools.org in order to ensure ample seating and refreshments. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27148/gang-update-meeting-scheduled Mon, 10 Jun 2013 14:15:37 GMT 27148 Sunnyside Friends of the Library will hold a used book sale Friday and Saturday, June 14 and 15, at the Sunnyside Library's meeting room, 621 Grant Ave. The friends have been collecting a wide range of fiction and nonfiction hardback and paperback books for all ages, according to Judy Carrick, Friends of the Library board president. The sale will also include books on tape, children's books and videos. Funds from the book sales are used to support library needs, Carrick said. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27147/library-friends-plan-book-sale Mon, 10 Jun 2013 14:14:48 GMT 27147 Last Friday Sunnyside High School honored three of its alum who began lives of success as graduates of SHS. The three were afforded Wall of Fame honors. One of the three, Jim Cornelison, was unable to attend the event because he was set to perform before the Chicago Blackhawks National Hockey League playoff match this past Saturday. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27146/three-shs-graduates-named-to-wall-of-fame Mon, 10 Jun 2013 14:11:47 GMT 27146 Visits to the Côte Bonneville Winery near Sunnyside are by appointment only. Last Friday owners Hugh and Kathy Shiels had a special guest as Congressman Doc Hastings stopped by. The Pasco Republican has a connection with the couple beyond Friday's visit. In 2001, Hastings appointed their son Richard to the U.S. Naval Academy. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27145/winery-visit-on-itinerary-of-congressmans-trek-back-home Mon, 10 Jun 2013 14:08:42 GMT 27145 Expectations. They were everywhere Friday night and never higher than for the Sunnyside High School graduating class of 2013 - the biggest and most academically accomplished class in school history. From a hand-out at the gate calling for public decorum to sky-high goals, only the best would do during a commencement ceremony at Clem Senn Field last Friday. "You are the first class to go all four years with raised expectations," faculty speaker John Lobbestael told the 362 graduates, SHS's biggest to date. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27144/a-class-act Mon, 10 Jun 2013 14:03:35 GMT 27144 Penny G. McDonald-Chadis-Taylor, 53, of Sunnyside left this world on Tuesday morning, May 21, 2013, after a year-and-a-half long battle with Leukemia. The cancer didn't prove the winner of this fight, it was a draw. The cancer died with her. Penny's light will continue to shine on in her children, Casey, Crissy, Vance and Vanna; her grandchildren, Anesta, Chase, Avery, Rogan, Evander, Payton, Gunner and soon-to-be, Penny Marliese. Penny was born July 10, 1959 in San Angelo, Texas. As a child she was able to explore many places due to her father being in the U.S. Navy. She spent a few years of her childhood in California with her youngest brother, Tracy. During her cheerleader position throughout her high school years, she was a track star and the ultimate finest when it came to relay races. Penny married her first husband, Bobby Chadis on Sept. 14, 1979. Together they had four children. Penny was a woman who loved life. She was fun-loving and an energetic soul that was always on the go. Penny was a wonderful mother, (Nana) grandmother, wife and friend. She had a passion for butterflies, as well a lighthouses. She leaves behind her husband, Robert Taylor; her first husband, Bobby Chadis and their children, Casey, Crissy, Vance and Vanna; her little dog, "Little;" her grandchildren, Anesta, Chase, Avery, Evander, Payton, Gunner and soon-to-be, Penny Marliese. The Light Shines On…. Services were held Saturday, June 1, 2013, in Sunnyside. Cady Cremation Services in Kent was in charge of arrangements. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27143/obituary Mon, 10 Jun 2013 14:00:15 GMT 27143 In the past week I attended two very different events and was struck by the contrast between the crowds at both. Last Friday I went to Mabton High School's graduation ceremony, held in the high school gym. As far as I could tell, the parents of the graduates were seated on the floor of the gym and the rest of the community was seated in the bleachers. But I'm not sure why most of the community attended the event because they didn't have the slightest bit of respect for the graduation speakers. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27142/word-nerd Fri, 07 Jun 2013 14:29:54 GMT 27142 On April 2, 2013, the Associated Press announced amendments to its style book, effectively banning the use of the word "illegal" to describe a person as in "an illegal immigrant." This announcement was followed by similar pronouncements from other news sources, including the New York Times , the Los Angeles Times , and the Denver Post . Why should a useful and descriptive word be banished? My Webster's dictionary defines "illegal" as "not according to or authorized by law" and also "not sanctioned by official rules". Black's Law Dictionary, which is commonly used by lawyers and law students, actually defines an "illegal alien" as "An alien who enters a country at the wrong time or place, eludes an examination by officials, obtains entry by fraud, or enters into a sham marriage to evade immigration laws." http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27141/guest-column Fri, 07 Jun 2013 14:26:35 GMT 27141 TRI-CITIES - The Tri-Cities Visitor & Convention Bureau invites people to check out the events being held this summer just down the road from Sunnyside. Starting this coming weekend, the tall ships Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain will sail into Pasco, offering visitors a rare chance to tour the ships or even sail on them. Launched in 1989, Lady Washington is a replica of one of the first U.S. flagged vessels to visit the west coast of North America. The Hawaiian Chieftain is an interpretation of an early 19th century coastal leader. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27140/consider-a-visit-to-the-tri-cities-this-summer Fri, 07 Jun 2013 14:24:30 GMT 27140 Lower Yakima Valley residents who need a helping hand to decipher new health insurance regulations will have an ally in Yakima Neighborhood Health Services. That's according to the agency's announcement this week that it received a $300,000 grant to serve as a lead agency for the Washington Health Benefit Exchange. Serving Yakima and Kittitas counties, Yakima Neighborhood Health is one of 10 agencies that will divvy up $6 million in federal funds allocated to Washington state specifically for helping the public navigate new insurance options under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, also called Obamacare. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27139/agency-with-clinic-in-sunnyside-recipient-of-300000-grant-to-aid-public-in-finding-affordable-health-plans Fri, 07 Jun 2013 14:22:22 GMT 27139 Kent Leadership Academy is in the bottom 10 percent of schools in Washington state, academically speaking. That's what Josh Eidson said attracted him to the school. He will be serving as assistant principal next fall. Eidson has been a teacher at Sunnyside High School for five years. He took over the role as the leadership class teacher four years ago when Dave Martinez became an administrator. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27138/shs-teacher-hired-to-help-bolster-poor-performing-school Fri, 07 Jun 2013 14:17:50 GMT 27138 Nelda E. Gastelum, 63, of Sunnyside, was lifted by her angels to live with God on Wednesday, June 5, 2013, in Olympia. Our mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and beloved friend was born on July 31, 1949 in Falfurrias, Texas to Roberto and Maria Esparza. As a child, she came with her parents to the Yakima Valley and joined other farm working families that migrated to the area in search of better lives. While receiving her early education through the Sunnyside schools, she travelled with her parents and siblings working the many crops produced across Washington and Oregon. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27137/obituary Fri, 07 Jun 2013 14:15:37 GMT 27137 Ronnie Neilson, 60, of Outlook died on Wednesday, June 5, 2013. He is survived by his wife, Carol Neilson; three stepchildren; six grandchildren; five great-grandchiildren; one sister, Diane Mostat of Gridley, Calif.; and one niece and one nephew. At Mr. Neilson's request, no formal services will be held at this time. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27136/death-notice Fri, 07 Jun 2013 14:14:50 GMT 27136 The combined 55-plus years of service put in by two retiring Sunnyside School District food service workers was celebrated at an end-of-year ceremony this past Wednesday afternoon. A years of service pin was not available for Leo Sifuentes Jr. at the ceremony because the standard pins just don't go up to 40-plus years. When Sifuentes retires at the end of this school year, he will have put in more than 40 years in the district. He said he started when he was 24 years old, as a school district maintenance employee, but moved over to food service after a couple of years and has been there since. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27135/school-district-losing-more-than-55-years-of-experience Thu, 06 Jun 2013 15:22:15 GMT 27135 Sunnyside Community Hospital Auxiliary will host a summer bazaar Friday, June 14, at the hospital, 1016 Tacoma Ave. The bazaar and a silent auction will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the hospital classroom. The bazaar, which is open to the public, will feature unique items from such vendors as 31 Gifts, Bella Fleur Fairy Gardens, Scentsy, Silpada Jewelry and Charlene's Closet. Handcrafted calendars and cards will also be available. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27134/summer-bazaar-planned-june-14 Thu, 06 Jun 2013 15:21:25 GMT 27134 The 6,500 Sunnyside-area residents who receive health care at Yakima Valley Farm Workers clinics scattered around the valley will have a shorter commute by this fall. That's because the agency plans to open an urgent care clinic in Sunnyside. "We're shooting for an August opening," says Gina Popovic, senior communications manager for Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinics. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27133/yakima-valley-farm-workers-to-open-clinic-in-sunnyside-this-fall Thu, 06 Jun 2013 15:19:19 GMT 27133 Cathy Kelley, the project coordinator for the recently established Sunnyside Connects organization, delivered a strong message this past Tuesday to others involved with the group. In essence, she said action is needed on several fronts to steer local youth away from consuming alcohol to ensure they have every opportunity to succeed. Following a preliminary discussion by the group's members that clarified the roles of the multi-level organization, Kelley provided an update from the group's prevention redesign initiative committee. She said the committee has looked at data regarding risk factors and assets to address adolescent behavioral issues. That committee also reviewed results from the 2012 Healthy Youth Survey, which provides information regarding certain behaviors in local youth. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27132/sunnyside-connects-working-to-ensure-youngsters-remain-alcohol-and-drug-free Thu, 06 Jun 2013 15:17:38 GMT 27132 They say once you learn lifesaving technique training, you're nearly guaranteed to use it within a year. That adage was certainly true for Sierra Vista Elementary School Principal Doug Rogers when he employed his automated external defibrillator (AED) training on one of his staff earlier this spring. Thanks to his quick thinking and recent training, Rogers was able to apply the AED to art teacher Bill Ryan, who collapsed outside the building's computer lab on March 25. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27131/quick-thinking-saves-local-art-teachers-life Thu, 06 Jun 2013 15:15:36 GMT 27131 GRANDVIEW - Pastor Antonio Sanchez of Grandview has been named to fill a vacancy on the Grandview School Board. His appointment is for the remainder of former board director Lydia Moreno's term. Moreno announced her decision to resign from the school board in early May. Sanchez will stand for election on the fall ballot to complete a two-year unexpired term. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27130/pastor-named-to-fill-vacancy-on-grandview-school-board Thu, 06 Jun 2013 15:14:15 GMT 27130 An art project nearly two years in the making was unveiled this week at Sun Valley Elementary School in Sunnyside. Titled "Coming to Our Senses," the wall mural created by Vancouver artist Ruth Brockmann uses glass and wood to convey bright colors and a hands-on learning experience for children at the kindergarten-only school. It was funded through state requirements mandating that a portion of public school construction projects designate funds for creating and displaying newly commissioned art pieces. The process is overseen by the Washington State Arts Commission. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27129/glass-menagerie-brightens-sun-valley Thu, 06 Jun 2013 15:11:59 GMT 27129 Vernon Erickson, 88, of Grandview passed away on Tuesday, June 4, 2013, at his home. He was born Dec. 9, 1924 in Spokane, the second child to Herbert and Loree Erickson. Following the death of his father, his mother moved the family to Grandview to her parents' home. He received his education in Grandview, where he met, dated and wed Fern Cubbins, his life-time partner, on June 6, 1943. Together they raised their two sons and saw each through college while caring for their grapes and asparagus and remodeling their home east of Sunnyside. He was also at Hanford during this time. When he retired from Hanford after nearly 40 years, they sold their farm and totally retired in 1987. They had celebrated their 67th anniversary. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27128/obituary Thu, 06 Jun 2013 15:10:29 GMT 27128 Right now across Central Washington, caps and gowns are being handed out, well wishes prepared and parties are being planned, as students get ready for graduation. I want to take a moment to recognize the Class of 2013 and congratulate them for their achievements. Graduation is a day to celebrate the personal struggles that have been overcome, goals that have been reached and the challenges that lie ahead. It's truly a rewarding and exciting time for graduates and their families. To the Class of 2013, you are entering a world that holds tremendous opportunities. However, it's up to you to take advantage of them - to step forward and actively use your talents and intellect to better our great state and the community in which you live. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27127/words-from-washington Wed, 05 Jun 2013 15:49:18 GMT 27127 It might sound something like the Monkees' hit, but a Sunshine Days Sunday might be the way to go for the festival's future. Facing a conflict because the Central Washington State Fair moved its dates to include the same weekend as Sunnyside's celebration, the answer for this year was to delay Sunshine Days to October. The upshot might be more of a Partial Sunshine Days event due to the uncertainty of fall weather. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27126/f-as-in-frank Wed, 05 Jun 2013 15:48:15 GMT 27126 Debbie Amos was installed as the incoming president of the Sunnyside Community Hospital Auxiliary during ceremonies held last Thursday at Conquistador in Sunnyside. Serving with her will be Anthony Jonson, vice president, Yolle Guizar, secretary, and Charlene Maling, treasurer and fundraising chairperson. Karen Lemmon was elected as hospital gift shop manager. Daniel Patterson handled the installation duties. Maling, the outgoing president, gave special recognition to Lemmon for her management of the all-volunteer staff at the hospital gift shop. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27125/amos-new-hospital-auxiliary-president Wed, 05 Jun 2013 15:45:07 GMT 27125 Local youngsters will have the chance to sample a taste of Sunnyside Christian High School's winning traditions on the basketball court the final week of July. Back by popular demand this summer is "Champ Camp," geared for boys and girls who will be in grades three through five this fall. The basketball clinic will be held the week of July 29 through Aug. 2, from 9 a.m. to noon each of the five days. Camp fees are set at $45 per youngster. Each camper will receive a basketball at the conclusion of the five-day clinic. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27124/champ-camp-hoop-clinic-returns-to-sunnyside-late-july Wed, 05 Jun 2013 15:43:56 GMT 27124 An 8-over-par 80 was the low individual round carded yesterday (Tuesday) in Black Rock Creek Golf Course 18-hole ladies play. The Tuesday, June 4, competition was the group's "Monthly Medal" contest, which recognizes both the low gross round and the low net winner. Tallying the low round of 80 was Carol Monholland of Sunnyside. Enroute to posting the low gross round she recorded a pair of birdies - on the par-4 first and 10th holes. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27123/ladies-golf-winners-announced Wed, 05 Jun 2013 15:43:18 GMT 27123 For six decades the families of the pioneers who helped found and grow the community of Sunnyside have been meeting religiously each year to share tales of the past and revel in each other's company. That long standing tradition - known as Sunnyside's annual pioneer picnic - has apparently come to a close. The organizing committee, now mostly comprised of senior citizens and whose numbers have shrunk over the years, no longer has the manpower - or the will - to continue on hosting the once popular event. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27122/long-standing-pioneer-picnic-tradition-no-more Wed, 05 Jun 2013 15:37:21 GMT 27122 Property owners impacted by projects this winter in the Sunnyside Valley Irrigation District are invited to a meeting next Wednesday, June 12, to learn about the planned upgrades. In comments to the SVID Board of Directors yesterday, Tuesday, it was announced that 100 letters were sent to property owners in areas planned for work this winter. Ron Cowin is SVID's assistant manager in charge of engineering, and he told the board that the meeting will be held at 5 p.m. next Wednesday at the SVID office's meeting room downstairs. The office is located at 120 S. 11th St. in Sunnyside. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27121/svid-to-discuss-winter-projects-with-land-owners Wed, 05 Jun 2013 15:31:05 GMT 27121 MABTON - A tense and at times argumentative debate over who should be the interim Mabton mayor began immediately after Mayor Pro-Tem Oping Hutson called Tuesday's special Mabton Council meeting to order. The debate began as soon as Hutson nominated Vera Zavala to the interim position.     The debate was mainly between Councilmen Zavala and Mario Martinez, the front runners for the position. Both had announced their desire to seek the interim position immediately after former mayor Angel Reyna announced his decision give up the position. When the dust settled, longtime city councilwoman Vera Zavala was elected by a 3-2 vote of the council. Voting no were Mario Martinez, who is the sole candidate for the mayor's spot on the fall ballot, and Councilman Mark Gourneau. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27120/vera-zavala-new-mabton-mayor-after-tense-debate Wed, 05 Jun 2013 15:27:50 GMT 27120 MABTON - After three years as the city's top administrator, Mabton Mayor Angel Reyna has relinquished his seat. While Reyna made known his final day would be May 31, another top administrator, Mabton city clerk-treasurer Ret Stewart is also leaving. Stewart, who is also running for the office of Zillah mayor, said she has not set a definite date for her departure. Another recent departure from city employment in Mabton is former policeman turned public works employee Mike Britton. He retired from the city team in January 2013. He switched from police work to public works in June 2012. Stewart explained his position is currently open for a replacement. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27119/many-faces-responsible-for-mabtons-resurgence-leaving-for-greener-pastures Wed, 05 Jun 2013 15:20:55 GMT 27119 Alex Almaguer, 45, of Toppenish and a former Sunnyside resident, went to his loving Lord's arms on Friday, May 31, 2013. He was born Jan. 27, 1968 in Sunnyside to Criselda (Becho) Sustaita during a snowstorm. In his youth, Alex was raised on his grandparent's farm and because of this he was blessed with having not only two brothers and two sisters, but a large extended family of more than 30 brothers and sisters in the form of many aunts, uncles, and cousins. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27118/obituary Wed, 05 Jun 2013 15:20:21 GMT 27118 The most annoying part of eating a caramel apple can be figuring out how to chomp on the sticky sweet without getting hands or face gooey. Ana Garza has a solution for the problem: she'll pre-cut the apple for you and provide toothpicks to spear the pieces. Mom's Candy Apples has opened on Yakima Valley Highway in Sunnyside and folks are welcome to stop in and have an apple chopped for them in the store. "They can take them whole or cut, whichever they prefer," said Garza. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27117/sunnysides-newest-shop-features-candy-coated-apples Tue, 04 Jun 2013 13:47:52 GMT 27117 What could be better than watching local youngsters sing their hearts out? Sunnyside Presbyterian Church urges the community to attend a free musical drama tomorrow (Wednesday) at 6:30 p.m. Nearly 20 Lower Yakima Valley fifth graders have been practicing and rehearsing in preparation for the performance "Race to Win," which will be staged at Sunnyside Presbyterian Church tomorrow night. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27116/musical-drama-performance-in-sunnyside-free-and-open-to-public Tue, 04 Jun 2013 13:46:15 GMT 27116 Sunnyside High School has received a lot of attention for its efforts to improve its graduation rate, but the effort isn't confined to just one school. Programs and grants have changed the way the district works, all with the goal of making certain Sunnyside's children are ready for the challenges of the future. One of the programs making a difference is a federal grant the district received three years ago. The High School Graduation Initiative program funds five-year grants to high schools where the dropout rate exceeds state averages or to middle schools that feed such a high school. http://www.dailysunnews.com/archives/story.aspx/27115/changes-afoot-in-sunnyside-schools Tue, 04 Jun 2013 13:39:02 GMT 27115