Friday, March 31
Miss Cinco de Mayo candidate looking to help children succeed
When Vanessa Morfin hears her name announced at next year's graduation ceremony at Sunnyside High School, she will become the first person in her family to have completed high school.
Briefs
1-Column
New book takes readers on arm chair trips through country
When you can't jump in the car and cruise the countryside from coast to coast, the next best thing may be a read through of a new book, The Best of Country.
Sexual misconduct allegation results in state trooper's resignation
Dave Leary's 15-year career as a Washington State Trooper ended with his resignation last November during a State Patrol internal affairs investigation regarding a claim of sexual misconduct with a Lower Valley teenage girl.
Grizzlies outlast Eagles
Sunnyside High School's defensive players were mad. After getting beat up by Prosser this past Tuesday, the Grizzly defenders came out strong against the Connell Eagles, shutting them out and enabling Sunnyside to walk away with a 1-0 victory Thursday night.
SYRA needs help
Citizens of Sunnyside:SYRA needs your help and support!
Cinco de Mayo court to hold food, clothing drive Monday, April 3
Community residents are being urged to drop off canned food items, clothing and used cell phones at Sunnyside's Centennial Square next Monday, April 3.
Grandview falls to Vikings, 2-0
GRANDVIEW - What would have been a tying goal scored by the Greyhounds midway through the second half was disallowed by the referee, and Selah added a second goal minutes later to take a 2-0 non-league victory over Grandview Thursday night.
Entertainment Briefs
1-Column
Black Rock Creek club pro recipient of junior golf leadership award
Black Rock Creek Golf Course resident pro Jeff Bender is a strong believer that today's youths must be groomed to be tomorrow's leaders.
Bickleton tracksters compete at Selah JV Invite
SELAH - Several Bickleton throwers and runners fared well Thursday in Selah as the Pirate athletes competed with the junior varsity squads from schools like Davis, Eisenhower, Ellensburg and West Valley.
Guest Editorial
Trade deficit can be reduced by reducing global pollution
Trade deficit can be reduced by reducing global pollution
Grandview boys sweep Othello, girls fall 3-2
GRANDVIEW - Grandview No. 1 singles player Kevin Floyd got a break from singles play Thursday afternoon against Othello as Grandview Coach Jaime Morales wanted to give Marco Diaz a chance to play against the singles players he'll play at Regionals.
The Strokes - 'First Impressions of Earth'
by Rachel Bott
Relay for Life to honor cancer survivors by raising money for American Cancer Society
GRANDVIEW - In an event that grows by leaps and bounds each year, cancer survivors will be honored and cash raised to fight a battle with which too many are still dealing.
Thursday, March 30
S'side skate park plans ramping up
With a June 5 opening in mind, the city of Sunnyside is progressing with plans to build a new skate park at SunnyView Park.
Outlook weightlifter not your average 'Joe'
PASCO - Joe Luther is just a regular Joe. During the week, Luther is a 26-year-old lifelong Outlook resident and works for Luther OL Company of Granger as an equipment operator.
Bos cards 76 at Horn Rapids
RICHLAND - Sunnyside sophomore Justin Bos opened Mid-Valley Golf League play in fine fashion Wednesday. He fired a 4-over-par 76 at Richland's Horn Rapids Golf Course.
The little shop that could - and did!
It's one of those success stories that just makes you smile.
2006 legislative session brings mixed results for Sunnyside lawmaker
Ask him, and Sen. Jim Honeyford will readily admit that the recently completed legislative session in Olympia isn't one he'll file away as one of his political highlights.
Writing fantasy to fulfill a fantasy
MABTON - When Katie Beeman was a young girl her family received a visit from a young Japanese exchange student. This visit had a lasting effect on her.
Wednesday, March 29
New garbage truck-how sweet it is!
This past Friday Bill John was handed the keys to a new truck that can do some fancy things in the garbage business.
'Stangs just nip S'side girls in dual meet sweep
In a Mid-Valley League battle of strength versus strength, it came down to the last event as the Sunnyside girls were edged 77-72 in a dual track meet against Prosser yesterday.
Guest Editorial
Legislature gets busted for playing Three Card Monte with taxpayer dollars
Legislature gets busted for playing Three Card Monte with taxpayer dollars
Yakima County Briefs
1-Column
Grizzlies get kicked by Mustangs
PROSSER - Suffering its second loss in three days, the Sunnyside High School soccer team fell to Prosser, 4-2, Tuesday.
Sunnyside fastpitch team routs Mustangs
PROSSER - Lacy Yanez belted a three-run triple that helped break open what was a close game at the time as the Lady Grizzlies rolled to a 13-2 win in five innings Tuesday afternoon over Prosser.
Ground broken on wine, culinary center
PROSSER - Ground was broken on the Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center Tuesday morning in Prosser.
Miscues costly for G'view nine
YAKIMA - The pitching was better than reflected in the final score of the Grandview baseball team's 10-1 CWAC South loss at East Valley yesterday.
SCHS girls square season record at 2-2
KITTITAS - A fairly strong pitching performance by seldom used hurler Tori Van Wingerden, coupled with aggressive base running, led the Sunnyside Christian High School girls fastpitch softball team to a 12-8 non-league victory over the Kittitas Coyotes yesterday.
Grandview netters fall to East Valley
MOXEE - Grandview No. 1 singles player Kevin Floyd provided the lone bright spot for the Greyhounds Tuesday afternoon as the boys fell 4-1 and the girls fell 5-0 to the Red Devils.
Grandview beats Othello, 3-1
OTHELLO - Grandview scored the first two goals of the game Tuesday night en route to a 3-1 league win at Othello.
Sunnyside City Council Briefs
1-Column
Mabton School Board Briefs
1-Column
Mabton considers beefing up youth curfew
MABTON - The Mabton City Council heard from City Administrator Ildia Jackson last night on possible changes to the parental responsibility ordinance.
Accused of attempted kidnapping, Ochoa-Mendoza still awaiting trial
Pedro Ochoa-Mendoza of Sunnyside was scheduled to go on trial in Yakima Superior Court this past Monday, March 27, but, due to a backlog of cases, he was not called into court.
Lady Vikes sweep LaSalle
YAKIMA - Mabton's softball team broke out the bats in a 19-9 and 15-7 sweep of LaSalle yesterday in a league doubleheader.
Tuesday, March 28
Cancer society strides toward greater service to patients
YAKJIMA - A giant step was taken earlier this month when a new cancer resource center opened in Yakima at Memorial Hospital's North Star Lodge.
Sunnyside sewer rates to rise June 1
Sunnyside sewer rates will increase by 10 percent effective June 1.
Moore garners first place finish at PGA pro-am
RICHLAND - J.P. Moore, representing Sunnyside's Black Rock Creek Golf Course, won the amateur division #3 net title at yesterday's PGA pro-am tournament at Richland's Horn Rapids Golf Course.
Survey says: Let's do business
S'side area retail potential tops half a billion dollars
S'side area retail potential tops half a billion dollars
SHS drama students reaching out to future thespians
Hoping to teach young students about drama, the advanced drama students at Sunnyside High School have been visiting elementary schools in Sunnyside.
More services to more people is mental health agency's goal for 2006
Fresh off its recently released 2005 annual report, Central Washington Comprehensive Mental Health (CWCMH) is looking to reach more people in 2006.
Sunnyside martial arts students perform well in tournaments
Rocky Gonzalez's students recently competed in two karate tournaments, taking home a number of trophies.
Obituaries
HELEN RUTH BINGAM
Mabton High football program may be opened to Bickleton athletes
MABTON - Mabton High School Vice Principal and Athletic Director Denny Brown informed the Mabton School Board Monday night the intention to allow students from Bickleton High School to participate in the football program at Mabton High School.
Briefs
1-Column
Free pesticide disposal day set for May 23
Improper disposal of unwanted pesticides can be a threat to human and animal health, harm the natural environment or even saddle a landowner with costly financial liability.
Shooting report turns out to be kids with BB guns
MABTON - A report of shots fired in a Mabton neighborhood last night brought law enforcement officers from Mabton, Grandview and the Washington State Patrol.
Cruz, Martinez titlists at wrestling tournament
BENTON CITY - Mabton Lil Vikings team members Dante Cruz and Rafael Martinez nabbed weight division titles at this past Saturday's youth wrestling tournament in Benton City.
Monday, March 27
Lightning strikes Knights twice
The Sunnyside Christian baseball team took on the LaSalle Lightning this past weekend in a doubleheader and got out-hit, out-hustled and outscored as the Lightning took both games, 16-3 and 14-0.
Obituaries
DOROTHY ALMIRA BRANDOM
Sunnyside teen vying for Miss Teen Washington
Alejandra Ramirez, a 17-year-old junior at Sunnyside High School and a full-time Running Start student at YVCC, is hoping she will be the next Miss Teen Washington when the competition takes place in Seattle this September.
Housing leads new construction starts in Sunnyside
Single family home construction accounted for more than half of the total valuation of $1,151,171 in February building starts within the city of Sunnyside.
Grizzlies lose for first time this season
Juan Pineda, the coach of the Sunnyside High School soccer team, said it best. "If you don't hurt them when you have the opportunity the opponents come back and hurt you."
Selah deals S'side two league losses
The first game was a blowout from the get-go. The second contest...one that got away from the Grizzlies late.
GHS boys blank Spartans
GRANGER - The Spartans' second year soccer program is making strides, according to Grandview Coach Anne Holden, but Granger was still no match for the Greyhounds this past Saturday.
Canine unit helps capture Sunnyside burglary suspect
This past Friday deputies from the Yakima County Sheriff's Office, using a canine from Benton County to track a suspect through brushy terrain, arrested one of three suspects in a burglary in the 1200 block of Northbank Lane near Sunnyside.
Posting personal best, Bickleton freshman takes first at Davis invite
YAKIMA- Danielle Raschko, a freshman at Bickleton High School, placed first in the 1600-meter, posting her personal best of 6:31, at the Davis Invite at Kumler Field in Yakima this past Thursday.
Friday, March 24
Grandview boys place second, girls third
PROSSER - Easing their way into the season, the Grandview High School boys and girls track teams took second and third place honors, respectively, against Prosser, Connell and East Valley Thursday afternoon.
13-mile bike ride to kick off Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce events
Two back-to-back events sponsored by the Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce are scheduled for April 22 and 23.
Chimney foils attempted burglary of bank
GRANGER - An attempt to rob the Granger branch of U.S. Bank yesterday morning misfired, police said, when the alleged burglar got stuck in the bank's chimney.
Gifted lady receives gift to replace stolen guitar
She strummed her guitar and sang for Oscar, her husband, at his funeral She took it up again and played and sang at the funeral for her daughter, Susanna, six years ago.
Monster trucks, motorcycle racing to invade Pasco's TRAC Arena
PASCO - Motorcycles will be kicking up dirt and monster truck motors will be roaring this weekend as the TRAC Arena in Pasco is invaded by the Monster Truck Nationals and Thrill Show tonight and Saturday night.
Grandview netters sweep Prosser
PROSSER - Both the Grandview boys and girls tennis teams swept the Mustangs on the road Thursday afternoon, 5-0.
Guest Editorial
The Patriot Act and attention deficit democracy
The Patriot Act and attention deficit democracy
Miscues costly for Lady Vikings
MABTON - The bats came alive for the Mabton fastpitch softball team, but the defense struggled in a 14-8 non-league loss to Granger last night.
Home Country
BY SLIM RANDLES
Entertainment Briefs
1-Column
Union Gap councilman announces bid for Jesse Palacios' county seat
Promising a commitment to the Lower Valley, Union Gap City Councilman Dan Olson today announced his candidacy for County Commissioner, Pos. #3, at Sunnyside's Centennial gazebo.
Miss Cinco de Mayo contestant knows Mexican culture very well
Rosa Picazo might be a little more familiar with Mexican culture than some of her fellow Sunnyside Miss Cinco de Mayo Pageant contestants.
Grizzly track teams at Hanford Invite
RICHLAND - Sterling Scott led a one-two-three finish for Sunnyside in the 1,600 meters, and Jordyne Jaquish captured first-place honors in the high jump to lead the Grizzly boys and girls track teams at yesterday's Hanford Invite.
Sunnyside fastpitch team spanks Grandview twice
The Sunnyside fastpitch team finally got in the win column Thursday afternoon, and they did it to rival Grandview, spanking the Greyhounds twice in a doubleheader that included a make-up game rained out last week.
Forum
1-Column
Thursday, March 23
Briefs
1-Column
Frost Bite Scramble features 20 teams
The 2006 Frost Bite Scramble champions were three strokes better than their nearest competitors this past Sunday.
Grizzliettes advance to State competition
Their hard work finally paid off. For the past seven months the 15 girls who make up the Sunnyside High School dance team, known as the Grizzliettes, have been starting practice at 5:30 a.m. and practiced till 6:45 a.m. when they had to get ready for school. On Saturdays, they would put in six hours of practice.
SHS attendance near-perfect for WASL testing
One hundred percent participation would be too much to ask for, but Sunnyside High School officials are ecstatic over the near-perfect turnout by sophomores for WASL testing last week.
Grizzly netters swept at Hanford
RICHLAND - Sporting stronger numbers than expected, Hanford's boys tennis team grabbed a 4-1 MVL victory from the Sunnyside boys yesterday.
Goins second, Bender fourth at PGA pro-am
KENNEWICK - Robbie Goins, representing Sunnyside's Black Rock Creek Golf Course, carded the second lowest round of all the amateurs at this past Monday's season opening Les Schwab Tire Centers Pro-Am Series tournament.
Second degree murder charge filed
Zacharias Cavasos, 25, of Sunnyside was charged with murder in the second degree and unlawful possession of a firearm at his arraignment in Yakima County Superior Court yesterday (Wednesday).
Pioneer Elementary fourth graders ready for WASL
To better prepare its fourth graders for the looming WASL test, Pioneer Elementary School with help from the Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic and the Northwest Community Action Center's 21st Century program has held a WASL camp for the last six weeks.
Wednesday, March 22
Grizzlies spank Wapato
WAPATO - On a cold night in Wapato, the Sunnyside soccer team came out strong and hungry against the Wolves to post a 6-1 victory in its first league game.
Mabton splits with LaSalle
MABTON - In the league opener for both teams yesterday, Mabton's girls fastpitch team played LaSalle close in both ends of a doubleheader.
Irrigation water in canals
With the drought of 2005 a distant memory, local irrigation districts are priming the pump for the 2006 farm season.
Lady Knights top Zillah, 20-17
Wild and wooly! That's one way to describe yesterday's non-league game between the Zillah and Sunnyside Christian girls fastpitch softball teams.
Grizzlies gain split in league opener
WAPATO - The Sunnyside boys tennis team dominated Wapato in a 5-0 Mid-Valley League opening whitewash yesterday.
Mabton High principal honored with two awards
MABTON - The Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) and the PEMCO Foundation recognized Mabton Jr./Sr. High School Principal Keith Morris as a recipient of the 2006 Robert J. Handy Most Effective Administrator award, March 13.
Going out on a limb
The other day I watched a squirrel climbing on a bare branch of one of the trees in our back yard.
Grandview drops league contest to Highland
GRANDVIEW - The Scotties scored goals in the first 10 minutes of each half and the last 10 minutes of each half to post a 4-0 victory over the Greyhounds Tuesday night.
Food Forethought
Don't allow environmentalists to hijack 'conservationists'
Don't allow environmentalists to hijack 'conservationists'
One inning dooms Lady 'Hounds
PROSSER - The Grandview girls softball team gave up only eight hits in their contest with the Prosser Mustangs and they doubled that number for their own hits but the Greyhound pitchers gave up too many walks as Prosser beat the 'Hounds 16-8 Tuesday afternoon.
Building America's future leaders topic of Rotary speaker
Frank Villanueva believes his time in the Boy Scouts of America has helped him make good decisions in his life. Because of his values and those of the Boy Scouts, Villanueva decided to go to work for the organization and has been working for the last 21 months as district executive for the Grand Columbia Council, he told members of the Sunnyside Daybreak Rotary Club, Wednesday morning.
Briefs
1-Column
Fifth inning costly for Mabton
MABTON - The Vikings scored in three of the first four innings to take an early 6-3 lead, but it wasn't enough as a seven-run fifth inning for Tri City Prep broke open the game and ultimately cost Mabton the win, 10-7.
Ephrata hurler shuts down Grizzlies
EPHRATA - Senior Mike Ratigan proved to be every bit as good as advertised. The Ephrata hurler one-hit the Sunnyside High School baseball team through four innings yesterday enroute to the Tigers scoring a 5-0 non-league victory over the Grizzlies.
Tuesday, March 21
American West Bank buys Columbia Trust Bank
SPOKANE - AmericanWest Bancorporation, based in Spokane, announced last week it has acquired Columbia Trust Bancorp.
Working Stiff
Tender care comes naturally to "The Plant Man"
Tender care comes naturally to "The Plant Man"
Grandview City Council tables nuisance ordinance amendments
GRANDVIEW - A last minute addition to Grandview's City Council agenda Monday night, amendments to the city's nuisance ordinances, were tabled as members of the council indicated they weren't comfortable voting on an issue they hadn't looked at yet.
Sheriff advises S'side residents to be involved, practice tough love
The sheriff rode into town yesterday with a message that neighbors should be watching each other's backs and keeping drug abusers out of their homes.
Community Calendar
4-calendar rev.
Due to popular demand
In 2005 Dana Ortiz stopped working as a cake decorator for Food Pavilion and planned on taking a long vacation. Those plans were interrupted by a flood of requests for her to make cakes from former customers. Because of these requests, Dana's Cakes was born.
Michels 14th at Wildhorse Invite
PENDLETON, ORE. - Considering there were 97 prep golfers competing Monday at the 20-school Wildhorse Invitational, Grandview High School senior Andrew Michels fared extremely well with his 14th place individual finish.
Appraiser focuses on rural properties
Rural real estate appraiser Deon Herndon credits the drought of 2001 with prompting her to open an office at her family's Independence Road home.
Sunnyside resident opens financial planning office
The sudden loss of his father, and his own mistakes have motivated financial planner Jesse Hernandez Jr. to help others.
Bos, Swinehart lead Grizzly golfers to victory
Sunnyside's sophomore laden team kicked off its season two days earlier than scheduled, defeating Goldendale by 22 strokes Monday afternoon on the Grizzlies' Black Rock Creek home course.
Following a family tradition
Real estate has been part of Melissa Dekker's life for a very long time. Her father is in the business and so is her husband.
Monday, March 20
From bank employee to "sweet gypsy living"
Cookie Rayburn has been an employee for U.S. Bank for the last 29 years, the last six here in Sunnyside. That came to an end Friday as Rayburn finally called it quits and retired from her sales and service management position.
Sunnyside woman to sing on 'Gimme the Mike' competition
Sunnyside native and Harrison Middle School 8th grade teacher Rebecca Rodriguez will be featured on the third season of "Gimme the Mike," an American Idol-type show that showcases the singing talent of people from eastern Washington and northern Idaho.
Suspect arrested for Sunnyside man's murder
Following the Saturday murder of Miguel A. Rivera of Sunnyside, Zacharias Cavasos, 25, of Sunnyside was taken into custody at a Grandview residence by Yakima County Sheriff's deputies Sunday at 4:10 p.m.
Morton takes two from SCHS girls
A battle between last year's third and fourth place finishers at the 'B' State tournament went Morton's way this past Saturday.
S'side tracksters open at Ike Invite
Jolliff ties own school mark in the pole vault
Jolliff ties own school mark in the pole vault
Lady Vikes third at Tri-City tourney
KENNEWICK - The Mabton fastpitch softball team opened the 2006 campaign with a third-place showing this past Saturday at the 10-team Tri-City Prep Tournament.
Mountain lions spotted near Granger
GRANGER - The city of Granger, this past Friday, received a mountain lion alert from Don Harbaugh of the Yakama Nation Wildlife Predator and Nuisance Animal Control.
Danielle Raschko places at Eisenhower Jamboree
YAKIMA - Danielle Raschko, who just missed going to State in x-country last fall, came through with a third place finish in the 2,000-meter race at the Eisenhower Jamboree Saturday at Zaepfel Stadium.
Ki-Be sweeps Greyhounds in league opener
BENTON CITY - Grandview High School's baseball team couldn't overcome fielding errors and pitching control difficulties in 9-4 and 13-3 CWAC South losses to Kiona-Benton this past Saturday.
Grizzly netters at Selah Invite
SELAH - The Sunnyside High School tennis program got an early look at its boys and girls teams during the Selah Invite this past Saturday. It was a non-counting tourney which featured the Grizzlies, Selah, O'Dea's boys and Holy Name's girls. O'Dea and Holy Name Academy are private high schools in the Seattle area.
Pilot program targets farm workers drawing unemployment
PROSSER - A new age is dawning in the seasonal employer/employee relationship between growers and their farm workers.
GV boys take first, girls second at Othello Relays
OTHELLO - Six teams competed at the Othello Relays last Saturday with the Grandview boys track team placing first and the Lady 'Hounds taking home second place honors.
Briones sparks Grizzlies to win over Bellingham
One has to wonder what the future holds for sophomore Gibby Briones, following his spectacular performance Saturday in leading the Sunnyside High School baseball team to an 11-3 victory over Bellingham.
S'side native takes 'summer' job at the South Pole
Sunnyside native Lisa Morrow is used to a non-stop summer sun beating down and 90 degree temperatures.
Mabton loses big to LaSalle, twice
MABTON - Mabton batters went hitless in the first game of a league doubleheader with LaSalle this past Saturday en route to a 27-0 loss, in a game that lasted just four innings.
Lady 'Hounds split with Wapato
WAPATO - The Grandview girls softball players did their impression of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde last Saturday in a doubleheader at Wapato. The Lady 'Hounds got whipped in the first game 20-0 and then came back in the second game and won 8-6.
Grandview soccer team routs Ki-Be
GRANDVIEW - Rigo Guerrero earned a hat trick for the Greyhounds as Grandview rolled over visiting Kiona-Benton 8-0 in a CWAC South match this past Saturday.
Friday, March 17
Forum
Part D Medicare distorted by political candidate
Part D Medicare distorted by political candidate
Grandview, Sunnyside softball gets rained out
GRANDVIEW - The Grandview High School girls softball team played for two innings against the Sunnyside High School softball team Thursday afternoon before the game was called due to rain.
Weather forces tie between S'side, Quincy
QUINCY - The Sunnyside Grizzlies may as well have kissed their sisters yesterday. They would have probably got the same satisfaction as they did in playing the Quincy Jackrabbits to a 5-5 tie.
Briefs
1-Column
Story Time
Save your comments until after the meeting...please
Save your comments until after the meeting...please
Sunnyside School District volunteer feted
Dorothy Cohu has been playing the piano longer than a lot of people have been alive - and she loves it.
Home Country
BY SLIM RANDLES
Religious Reflections
So you think you know the meaning of St. Patrick's Day
So you think you know the meaning of St. Patrick's Day
Miss Cinco de Mayo candidate wants to create more activities for kids
Veronica Romero has several reasons she wants to be the next Sunnyside Miss Cinco de Mayo.
The Newcomer
Whatever happened to the long days of childhood?
Whatever happened to the long days of childhood?
Thursday, March 16
Harrison students spend week learning about drugs, alcohol
Drug and Alcohol Prevention Week was in full swing at Harrison Middle School Wednesday as students dined on barbecue, listened to rap and tried to function normally while under the influence...of Fatal Vision Goggles.
Survey shows many homeless in Sunnyside
One hundred and seventeen people homeless in Sunnyside, 57 in Grandview, even three in the tiny outpost of Outlook.
Sunnyside graduate named Oregon's Young Mother of the Year
Colette Hokanson knows something about motherhood. The 1989 Sunnyside High School graduate, who now lives in Medford, Ore., has five children ranging in age from two to 15.
Flores, Cruz, Martinez first at Connell tourney
CONNELL - Three of the Mabton 'Lil Vikings brought home tournament titles from Connell last Saturday.
Planning commission makes way for re-zone of Diocese housing units
With a hesitant "yes" vote, the Sunnyside Planning Commission recommended approval last night of a re-zone request for 51 migrant housing units near Sheller Road and North 16th Street.
Mascot a dog at heart
YAKIMA - The face behind the mask in Grandview High School sports is senior Matt Massey, who wore the Gunnar the Greyhound costume during the 2005-06 football and basketball seasons.
Kennewick Democrat hopes to unseat Doc
Wrapping up his official campaign kick-off tour, Democratic Congressional candidate Richard Wright stopped in Sunnyside Wednesday night to talk about what he sees wrong with Congress and the 4th District and why he's looking to unseat six-term Congressman Doc Hastings.
JV Rangers pound S'side
Collecting 11 runs total in the second and third innings, the offensive explosion was more than enough for Naches to subdue Sunnyside in JV prep baseball action this past Tuesday.
Wednesday, March 15
Sunnyside's dirty little secret ...
revealed to Sunnyside Rotary members
revealed to Sunnyside Rotary members
Girls State participants guest speakers of Kiwanis meeting
Elected state representatives, approving or rejecting proposed legislation.
High speed chase ends in arrest
A high speed chase through Sunnyside last night at 8:32 p.m. reached over 100 mph and ended with a suspect stunned with a taser and arrested by Sunnyside police officers.
Sunnyside City Council Briefs
1-Column
Spink Engineering to oversee well project
MABTON - With Mabton's Well #5 project getting ready to start, the Mabton City Council approved a resolution Tuesday night giving Spink Engineering the task of overseeing the construction of the well.
Knights come from behind to win
The Sunnyside Christian High School baseball team spotted the Wahluke Warriors a four-run lead before coming back in dramatic fashion to pull out a season opening 7-6 victory.
Naches hurlers blank S'side, 6-0
Three Naches Valley pitchers combined to post a 6-0 non-league shutout over the Sunnyside Grizzly baseball team Tuesday afternoon.
Tuesday, March 14
Palomino boys grab top honors second straight week
CONNELL - Isaac and Noe Palomino are quickly establishing reputations for themselves.
Sunnyside students do well at regional science fair
KENNEWICK - Living up to Sunnyside High School's tradition of excellence in science, sophomore Mayra Serna has earned herself an all-expenses paid trip to Indianapolis, Ind. for the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair May 7-13.
City council gives nod for veterans memorial expansion
The American Legion's proposal to expand the Jerry Taylor Veterans Memorial received an initial nod from the Sunnyside City Council Monday night.
Hernandez selected for "All State" game
Emily Hernandez, a senior at Sunnyside Christian High School, has been selected by the sportswriters and coaches of Washington State to compete in the Washington State Coaches Association "All Star" game this year.
Sunnyside administrator finds similarities in Japan's educational system
Last November, Pioneer Middle School Assistant Principal Jennifer Allen didn't speak any Japanese. That wouldn't have mattered much, if she hadn't planned to go to Japan.
Black Rock Creek snares third straight 'Ryder Cup' victory over Mt. Adams golfers
Cream rises to the top, much the same way Black Rock Creek's membership elevated their game this past weekend in the annual Ryder Cup competition against Toppenish's Mt. Adams Country Club.
Garden store opens in mini-mall
Lenette Roehl recently expanded her plant and landscaping business and now occupies a space in the mini-mall on Sixth Street in downtown Sunnyside.
Briefs
1-Column
California style comes to Sunnyside
Hoping to bring some California style Mexican food to Sunnyside, the Saavedra family opened Taqueria La Picosa at 1012 Lincoln Avenue last Saturday.
Athletic awards handed out at SHS ceremony
It was only fitting that Steve Sanchez received an award at Monday night's Sunnyside High School winter sports awards ceremony. After all, he is a two-time state wrestling champion.
Familiar faces to be in new places in Sunnyside schools
District's newest assistant principals are moving from in-district positions
District's newest assistant principals are moving from in-district positions
Compromise struck regarding public comments at council meetings
The public, and many on the city council, didn't get everything they wanted Monday night, but a compromise was struck regarding the public comment section of city council meetings.
Sunnyside girl to spend summer in Cambodia
Fourteen-year-old Sunnyside High School freshman Aarika Hernandez isn't old enough to drive a car, but this summer she's going halfway around the world.
Monday, March 13
Grandview splits baseball opener
GRANDVIEW - Spring is still a week away, but Grandview's baseball team opened the 2006 campaign this past Saturday by splitting a doubleheader with visiting Riverside Christian.
Briefs
1-Column
Red Devils 10-run SHS baseball team
MOXEE - It was a tale of two halves for the Sunnyside High School baseball team this past Saturday.
Greyhounds settle for sixth at State tourney
YAKIMA - The late game heroics, like so many of their shots, were missing for Grandview's boys basketball team in a semi-final loss last Friday and a Saturday loss in the third-place game.
GV girls play to two draws in weekend jamboree
GRANDVIEW - The Grandview girls softball team came from behind in both of their games during this past weekend's jamboree to tie both Wapato and Prosser from the Mid-Valley League.
Sunnyside schools to host family health and fitness night Thursday
Chief Kamiakin and Outlook Elementary schools are hosting a joint family health and fitness night this Thursday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Outlook and Chief Kamiakin students and their families are welcome to attend.
Newhouse gives 2006 session mixed review
Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-Sunnyside) says the just-completed 2006 legislative session was a mixed bag of accomplishments and disappointments.
32 arrested at beer party, other alcohol arrests this weekend
Thirty-two people, 27 of them juveniles, were arrested this past Friday night at a residence in the 500 block of South 14th Street, following an 11:33 p.m. complaint to the Sunnyside police of loud music and a possible juvenile party.
Obituaries
SIBYL HOFFMAN
Sunnyside chamber throws grand party to honor outstanding citizens
If you went to the Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet Saturday evening, you knew you were at a party the minute you stepped through the doors of St. Joseph gymnasium.
Friday, March 10
Obituaries
LAURA MILES COLE
Entertainment Briefs
1-Column
More help needed for Cinco de Mayo festival planning
At an intimate meeting at Sunnyside's El Conquistador restaurant Thursday night, members of the Sunnyside Chamber of Commerce and volunteers came to one consensus about this year's Cinco de Mayo festival - more help is needed.
Taking aim at child abuse
It wasn't your typical trip to the store for a Sunnyside woman. Choosing to be anonymous, she said she recently witnessed child abuse here in the local Wal-Mart.
Grandview on to semis at State
YAKIMA - In a battle between CWAC giants, it was same song, second verse for Grandview's boys basketball team.
Volunteer Sunnyside firefighter one of 10 feted by Red Cross for lifesaving deeds
Aron Hunsaker, a volunteer with the Sunnyside Fire Department, was one of 10 honored by the American Red Cross at a Real Heroes Breakfast Thursday, March 9, in Yakima.
Granger's Charles Alexander to recreate Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof
For the second time Charles Alexander of Granger will bring to life Tevye on stage in Sunnyside in the Valley Theatre Company's production of Fiddler on the Roof.
Religious Reflections
Be prepared - don't be caught without your survival kit
Be prepared - don't be caught without your survival kit
Thursday, March 9
Natural gas drilling continues north of Sunnyside
Dwarfing a nearby crane, a gigantic drill is probing for natural gas just north of Sunnyside, near Highway 241, milepost 17.
Rodriguez trial delayed again
by Frances Potts
Diocese back with revised proposal for housing development
Negotiations underway with Sunnyside
Negotiations underway with Sunnyside
Working Stiff
Business owner has worked 18-hour days for 18 years
Business owner has worked 18-hour days for 18 years
Medina's murder trial set for April 10
Fidel Medina, 26, of Sunnyside was arraigned Feb. 24 in Yakima County Superior Court, where he was charged with second degree murder and first degree of unlawful possession of a firearm. An April 10 trial date was set.
German exchange student to graduate with Sunnyside Class of 2006
Seventeen-year-old Bettina Kempf came from the Black Forest in Germany last June to learn about America and, eventually, to graduate with the Sunnyside Class of 2006.
S'side parents urged to attend school board work session next Tuesday
The Sunnyside School Board is currently seeking parent input on several issues that will affect students and staff in the 2006-07 school year. Towards that end, the board will hold a special work session Tuesday, March 14.
Briefs
1-Column
Anglers must release wild spring chinook
During the coming season, anglers will be required to release any wild spring chinook salmon they hook in three tributaries to the Columbia River, as well as at Drano Lake.
Wednesday, March 8
C.J. Lopez's trey saves the day for Grandview Greyhounds at State
YAKIMA - Cue the music- make it the "Rocky" theme if you want-for super sub C.J. Lopez.
Youth smoking declining in county
Over the last five years the American Lung Association of Washington has seen a 45 to 50 percent reduction in youth smoking in Yakima County. Adult use has declined from 30 percent to 20 percent.
County continues study on upgrading Outlook's water system
OUTLOOK - Yakima County officials want to take a closer look at Outlook's water problems.
Residents tip off police
Sunnyside residents continue to keep their eyes open for suspicious people in their neighborhoods, with five reporting incidents to police from 8 a.m. yesterday (Tuesday) to the early hours of this morning.
Mabton Lil' Vikings win four titles at tourney
FINLEY - Of the 23 wrestlers the Mabton Lil' Vikings had competing at last Saturday's season opening tournament at Riverview High School, four of them won individual titles.
TV Towne rebuilding
Cold weather, insurance and blueprint problems have delayed the reconstruction of TV Towne, which was gutted by fire last August.
Rubbish fire causes no damage
A rubbish fire in the 1700 block of Braden Road, reported at 4:05 p.m. yesterday (Tuesday), caused no damage and was extinguished by Sunnyside firefighters.
Winery owner seeks county seat of Palacios
Mike Wallace, a resident of the Lower Valley for 34 years, announced his intention to run for the Third District Yakima County Commissioner seat at Apex Cellars in Sunnyside Tuesday morning.
100 years of tradition of service began with 10 S'side women
One hundred years ago 10 women decided to band together in Sunnyside to help women become the achievers they were destined to be.
Tuesday, March 7
State's oldest tavern changes hands
BICKLETON - Jerry and Barbara Gaines said goodbye to a part of their family last week when the sale of their beloved Bluebird Inn became official.
Briefs
1-Column
Lil' Grapplers bring home seven individual titles from first tourney of season
FINLEY - To say the Sunnyside Lil' Grapplers had a successful 2006 debut would be an understatement.
Congressman Hastings visits Pioneer Elementary School
Children at Sunnyside's Pioneer Elementary School got a surprise as the congressman for Washington's Fourth District, Doc Hastings, stopped by to tour classrooms Monday morning.
Jury trial set for former police officer
A charge of assault fourth degree under the Domestic Violence Law, filed at an arraignment in Yakima County District Court Oct. 10, 2005, is still pending for Jose Trevino, a former Sunnyside police officer.
Black Rock Creek men's club season opens with scramble
Based on one of the largest Black Rock Creek men's club season opening turnouts in recent history at the Sunnyside golf course, it might be fair to say that local golfers were itching to hit the links.
Bickleton students create mini-machines
BICKLETON - A tilt-a-whirl in one corner and a ferris wheel in another have turned the Bickleton school library into a veritable fairground.
New realtor has been on both sides of home buying
Melisa Oswalt has been on both the lending and selling side of home buying, so she knows how important buying a new home can be to somebody.
Grandview City Council Briefs
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Sports Briefs
1-Column
Grandview adopts new fireworks ordinance
GRANDVIEW - The Grandview City Council voted to adopt a new fireworks ordinance at last night's council meeting.
Monday, March 6
Obituary
PAID OBITUARY
Greyhounds advance to State
GRANDVIEW - It was a week later than they would have liked, but the Grandview boys basketball team punched its ticket to State just the same with a 64-43 win over Connell this past Friday night.
Sunnyside teen set to compete in state pageant
Rosalinda Gomez has poise. It's a good thing. She's going to need it.
Lower Valley schools set WASL testing schedules
Scheduling changes are planned next week at area schools as a result of Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) testing.
One of Sunnyside's own to be honored at Red Cross breakfast
Real heroes in the Yakima Valley will be honored at an American Red Cross Real Heroes Breakfast in Yakima March 9 and one of Sunnyside's own will be among those heroes.
Knights place 7th at State
SPOKANE - The Sunnyside Christian boys came home from the Spokane Arena with a trophy, but it wasn't exactly the trophy they wanted.
Lady Knights 4th at State
SPOKANE - Shoreline Christian worried Sunnyside Christian Girls Coach Al Smeenk heading into Friday's loser-out game at State. He hadn't forgotten the 57-48 loss his girls suffered to Shoreline Christian earlier in the season at the Oakleaf Classic.
Friday, March 3
Full court calendar causes trial delays
The trial of Michael Rodriguez, 25, of Sunnyside has been delayed for a second time.
Entertainment Briefs
1-Column
Lower Valley concert series continues March 11
Ticket prices reduced in season subscription drive for2006-07 concert series
Ticket prices reduced in season subscription drive for2006-07 concert series
Knights fall at State on last second shot
SPOKANE - It wasn't a game for fans of high-scoring, run-and-gun basketball Thursday night when Sunnyside Christian met Northwest Christian in a State tourney quarterfinal game.
Sunnyside volunteer helps hurricane victims
"Imagine everything in your house just gone," Bill LaForce, owner of Are-Sea Carpet Cleaning in Sunnyside, said.
Mabton students share 'love luggage'
MABTON - Stacked against a wall, 25 decorated suitcases in teacher Betsy Desmarais' resource room at Mabton Junior Senior High School made it seem students were preparing for an adventure.
Briefs
1-Column
Sunnyside Christian Schools auction set for May 19
If you've ever wanted to own a gator, now you've got a chance to win one. OK, so it's not a real alligator, but this one might be better anyway.
Sewer plant construction to close S'side RV dump temporarily
Ongoing progress with Sunnyside's wastewater treatment plant will result in a temporary closure of the RV dump at 1338 South Fourth Street in Sunnyside.
LaSalle ekes out State quarter-final win over Lady Knights
SPOKANE - Despite a four-point loss in the State tourney quarter-finals, there were some positives for the Sunnyside Christian Lady Knights last night.
Thursday, March 2
Area high schools compete in Knowledge Bowl
YAKIMA - Hoping to advance to the state competition, Sunnyside High School and Grandview High School sent its teams to Yakima last Monday to compete in the ESD 105 Regional Knowledge Bowl at Davis High School.
Harrison Middle School has 28 straight-A students
A total of 28 students at Sunnyside's Harrison Middle School earned 4.00 grade point averages for the second quarter of the 2005-06 academic year.
Lady Knights beat top seed
SPOKANE - If the Sunnyside Christian girls were worried when they found out they had to take on top-seeded and undefeated Sprague-Harrington in its first game of the State Tournament, they didn't show it Wednesday night.
Building starts valued at $4.7 million for January
Almost half of the total of building starts in January came from construction at Mid Valley Mall on Fiesta Foods. The building is valued at $2,367,857 by the city's building department.
End of an era for Sunnyside city hall
Essary to retire after 26 years with the city
Essary to retire after 26 years with the city
Mabton City Council Briefs
1-Column
Sunnyside Christian escapes with win at buzzer
SPOKANE - Chad Den Boer hit some big shots Wednesday night but none were bigger than the last shot he hit.
Wednesday, March 1
Kids compete in basketball contest
Boys and girls in third through sixth grades competed in a contest last Saturday at Chief Kamiakin Elementary School's gym to see who the best basketball shooter was.
Sunnyside baseball player recruited by Grace College
Sunnyside High School senior Joel Zakahi will continue his baseball career at Grace College in Winona Lake, Ind.
Briefs
1-Column
$3.95 million bond vote May 16
The Sunnyside School Board will find out May 16 whether new athletic facilities will be constructed, hopefully in time for the 2006-07 school year.
Mabton awards well #5 contract
MABTON - The Mabton City Council awarded the City of Mabton Well #5 bid to a Tri-Cities company, Blue Star Enterprises.