Record Temperatures Hits Yakima
Record Temperatures Hit Yakima

The Yakima Valley was hot this past weekend. Saturday's temperature hit 99 degrees almost beating the record 100 degree temperature set back in 1960. Plenty of people visited area lakes and rivers to cool off, big crowds were reported at Clear Lake and Rimrock. Sunday's temperature was 104, breaking the record of 100 set back in 1985.

Today, it will be another hot day is set in the valley with temps forecasted to be 100 degrees and with the hot temps local and state officials say the official start of the wildfire season is underway.

The Yakima Valley was hot this past weekend. Saturday's temperature reached 99 degrees, almost beating the record 100-degree temperature for the day set in 1960. Plenty of people visited area lakes and rivers to cool off, and big crowds were reported at Clear Lake and Rimrock. Sunday's temperature was 104, breaking the record of 100 set in 1985.

Today it will be another hot day in the valley, with temps forecasted to be 100 degrees. With the rising temps, local and state officials say the beginning of the wildfire season is underway.

 

Hot, Dry Weather Gives Yakima Valley Thunderstorms And Fires

Hot, Dry Weather Gives Yakima Valley Thunderstorms and Fires

Despite the cold and wet start to summer, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is warning that hot, dry weather and threat of thunderstorms have brought on Washington’s fire season. In 2011, 90 percent of fires were human-caused. Much of Eastern Washington is experiencing hot, dry weather conditions and is under a Red Flag Warning. Abundant lightning is expected late this afternoon in both Western and Eastern Washington, continuing through Monday evening. Increased lighting risk mixed with dry fuels can lead to multiple fire starts and catastrophic wildfire. DNR fire crews are prepared and ready to respond to reported fires. Helicopters are available and engine crews have been pre-positioned for quick response. DNR’s goal and focus is on keeping fires less than ten acres, which greatly reduces the risk and cost of large uncontrolled fires.

Despite the cold and wet start to summer, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is warning that hot, dry weather and the threat of thunderstorms have brought on Washington’s fire season. In 2011, 90 percent of fires were human-caused. Much of Eastern Washington is experiencing similar weather conditions and is under a Red Flag Warning. Abundant lightning is expected late this afternoon in both Western and Eastern Washington, continuing through Monday evening. Increased lighting activity mixed with dry fuels can lead to multiple catastrophic wildfires. DNR fire crews are prepared to respond to reported fires. Helicopters are available and engine crews have been pre-positioned for quick response. DNR’s goal is to keep fires under ten acres, which greatly reduces the risk and cost of a large uncontrolled fire.

 

A.G. Rob McKenna To Visit Yakima About Mortgages

A.G. Rob McKenna to Visit Yakima about Mortgages

Attorney General Rob McKenna will visit Apprisen/Consumer Credit Counseling Services in Yakima today, a non-profit agency that provides a range of services to low-income residents, including free homeowner counseling that helps borrowers avoid foreclosures and other devastating financial challenges.

McKenna will warn about mortgage-related scams that consumers should avoid and remind borrowers to look out for legitimate letters from their lenders. Such letters may include offers for principal reductions or lower interest rates. McKenna helped lead negotiations that in February led to a$25 billion statement with the nation’s five biggest loan servicers. The settlement is part of an overall focus by the Attorney General’s Office to aid strapped borrowers. McKenna is set to visit Yakima at about 1:15 this afternoon.

Attorney General Rob McKenna will visit Apprisen/Consumer Credit Counseling Services in Yakima today, a non-profit agency that provides a range of services to low-income residents, including free homeowner counseling that helps borrowers avoid foreclosures and other devastating financial challenges.

McKenna will warn about mortgage-related scams that consumers should avoid and remind borrowers to look out for legitimate letters from their lenders. Such letters may include offers for principal reductions or lower interest rates. McKenna helped lead negotiations that in February led to a $25-billion statement with the nation’s five biggest loan servicers. The settlement is part of an overall focus by the Attorney General’s Office to aid strapped borrowers. McKenna is set to visit Yakima at about 1:15 p.m. this afternoon.

 

Fire Destroys Petrie Hall Of Heritage University

Fire Destroys Petrie Hall at Heritage University

Heritage University President John Basset is sad about Sundays fire that destroyed Petrie Hall. The flames consumed the kitchen, cafeteria, bookstore and important offices with computers containing vital student information, however that information isn't lost says Basset. He says the university has extensive backup systems that are already at work recovering any student information needed as the school begins to recover. The fire investigators get to work today to search for an exact cause. One employee of the school, James Lamb says he first spotted the flames near an espresso machine in the kitchen area but couldn't put out the fire before fleeing the building. It's why investigators are looking closely today as the fire being caused by an electrical problem.

Despite the damage, classes will be held as scheduled TODAY at all locations.  Classes on the Toppenish campus will be relocated to the Arts and Sciences Center.  University staff will be on hand to help students find the temporary classrooms.  Students are encouraged to arrive for class a few minutes earlier than usual.

Heritage University president John Basset is sad about Sunday's fire that destroyed Petrie Hall. The flames consumed the kitchen, cafeteria, bookstore and important offices with computers containing vital student information; however, that information isn't lost, says Basset. He says the university has extensive backup systems that are already at work recovering student information as the school begins to recover. The fire investigators get to work today searching for an exact cause. One employee of the school, James Lamb, says he first spotted the flames near an espresso machine in the kitchen area but couldn't put out the fire before fleeing the building. It's why investigators are looking closely today at the fire being caused by an electrical problem.

Despite the damage, classes will be held as scheduled today at all locations. Classes on the Toppenish campus will be relocated to the Arts and Sciences Center. University staff will be on hand to help students find the temporary classrooms. Students are encouraged to arrive for class a few minutes earlier than usual.

 

Yakima Gas Prices Decreases, National Gas Prices Increases

Yakima Gas Prices Decrease, National Gas Prices Increase

Average retail gasoline prices in Yakima have fallen 3.9 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.63/g yesterday. This compares with the national average that has increased 3.8 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.41/g, according to gasoline price website YakimaGasPrices.com. Including the change in gas prices in Yakima during the past week, prices yesterday were 12.4 cents per gallon lower than the same day one year ago and are 55.3 cents per gallon lower than a month ago. The national average has decreased 15.2 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 21.4 cents per gallon lower than this day one year ago.

Average gasoline prices in Yakima have fallen 3.9 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.63 per gallon yesterday. This compares with the national average, which has increased 3.8 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.41 per gallon, according to gasoline price website YakimaGasPrices.com. Including the change in Yakima gas prices over the past week, prices yesterday were 12.4 cents per gallon lower than the same day one year ago and are 55.3 cents per gallon lower than a month ago. The national average has decreased 15.2 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 21.4 cents per gallon lower than this day one year ago.

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