News Washington is failing to aid child sex-trafficking victims A 2020 law mandated the support of two new ‘Safe Harbor’ centers where kids could get treatment — but the state hasn’t made this happen. by Kelsey Turner InvestigateWest / October 2, 2023
News Tahoma superintendent resigns after child sex-abuse investigation Two board members have also stepped down after it was revealed the school district didn’t discipline an accused predator. by Kelsey Turner InvestigateWest / September 25, 2023
News Parents outraged Tahoma School District failed to stop accused predator The district admitted it was negligent in employing paraeducator Bryan Neyers for nearly five years after being told of his behavior. by Kelsey Turner InvestigateWest / August 29, 2023
Culture Support for is provided by Visit Bellingham Whatcom County. Made There: Harvesting fleece on a Yakima Valley alpaca farm Jennifer and John Ely of Sage Bluff Alpacas employ kindness, hard work and enthusiasm to produce prized luxury fiber for yarn and garments. by Sarah Hall / August 25, 2023
Culture Support for is provided by Visit Bellingham Whatcom County. Made There: A WWII airfield turned winery in the Yakima Valley The historic property has been passed through one family since the 1920s. Now it’s used as a vineyard and facility for Airfield Estates. by Sarah Hall / August 18, 2023
Culture Support for is provided by Visit Bellingham Whatcom County. Made There: The origins of the Northwest’s iconic Chukar Cherries Pam Montgomery took a chance on a Prosser orchard 35 years ago — and pioneered sweet success in the form of a fruity chocolate drop. by Sarah Hall / August 11, 2023
Culture Support for is provided by Visit Bellingham Whatcom County. Made There: Yakama artist Bessie Bill weaves traditional wa’paas Used for root gathering, the handcrafted bags are a way for Bill to connect to her heritage and her ceremonial name “One Who Makes Good Baskets.” by Sarah Hall / August 4, 2023
Culture Support for is provided by Visit Bellingham Whatcom County. Made There: Wood-wick candles crafted with care in Yakima Chantel Ramirez of Wild Wickzology uses repurposed containers, most notably Mexican dough bowls, to ignite her artisan creations. by Sarah Hall / July 28, 2023
Culture Made There: In the Yakima Valley, Bale Breaker brews hoppyness A multigenerational hop-farming family in Moxee pays it forward to their industry and the Valley’s beer-loving bunch. by Sarah Hall / July 21, 2023
Culture Made There: A Yakama Nation artist combines tradition and tech Lorelei Kruger’s custom jewelry shop Lucky Arrow Creations revitalizes her Indigenous heritage with digitally designed art. by Sarah Hall / July 14, 2023