Website for Yakima Products, Turkey Fryer Warning, More Briefs

The Yakima Valley Visitors and Convention Bureau has created a one-stop shop website where you can learn where to find products made and sold here in the Yakima Valley.

John Cooper President and CEO of the bureau says the public can find the site at yakimavalleymade.com. “What’s great about it is that the site is a work in progress. As we find more products from the Valley we’ll put them up on the site.”

Cooper says the site gives you information and where to find more than 100 Yakima farm products, locally crafted goods and local food or beverage products.

Many of the items are available at the visitors information center as well.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office and Yakima Fire Department are warning of the danger of the turkey fryers this week before Thanksgiving.

Capt. Tom Schneider says to just use some common sense and always use the fryer outside away from any structures.

Because of the many fires the fryers have caused over the years Underwriters Laboratories (UL) say they are just not worth the risks. As a result of their tests, UL has decided not to certify any turkey fryers with the UL mark.

The Yakima Valley Museum will hold an open house next month to celebrate the Christmas season.

Andy Granito is the Curator of Exhibits who says the event is free on Saturday, Dec. 7 and will include performances from the Yakima Youth Symphony, Yakima Childrens Choir and Melody Lane Academy.

Granito says the open house is a “chance for families to reconnect and create great memories.”

The Holiday open house starts at noon. The museum will be decorated inside and out during the Christmas season complete with large Christmas trees full of lights placed throughout the facility.

There will be bell ringers at more than 28 businesses around the valley from Yakima to Grandview.

Last year the Salvation Army helped thousands of needy people in the valley because donations topped more than $100,00. This year they hope to raise even more to help more people in Yakima County.

The campaign continues through December 24.

Anyone interested in being a volunteer to be a bell ringer contact the Yakima Salvation Army at 453-3139.

Jim Lemon put his clothes on and appeared in Yakima Municipal Court Tuesday on charges in connection with vandalism police say he caused at his parents home on Sunday.

The former Union Gap mayor was taken into custody Sunday. Officers say he locked himself inside his parents’ home and allegedly destroyed some of their property.

He was charged with malicious mischief-domestic violence and obstructing an officer Tuesday. Lemon was also arrested Nov. 13 on a DUI after being stopped while driving in Union Gap.

Lemon was supposed to appear in court on Monday but he stripped off his clothes and refused to leave his cell.

State officials say a lot of people ignored the most recent election particularly in Yakima County.

New numbers from the Secretary of States office show about 45 percent of state voters decided to mail back the ballot to their local auditor’s office. And Yakima is leading with the lowest voter turnout at about 38 percent so far.

More ballots are being counted in auditors offices throughout the state, what few they have until the election is certified or officially over on Nov. 25.

A 35-year-old man is in the Yakima County Jail thanks to three people who helped tackle him after a car chase in the Terrace Heights area.

It happened Saturday afternoon when a Yakima County Sheriff's deputy tried to stop the driver in the area of Roza Hill drive and North Canyon Road but the driver refused to stop.

After a short chase the man jumped out of the car and started running away. Three people nearby joined in the foot chase and tackled the man until deputies arrived.

The man is in the jail today facing charges.

Filed Under: Crime, elections, holiday, yakima

Categories: Yakima News