TOPPENISH — Worthy Grand Matron Diane Osborne made an annual visit to the Illihee Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star at the Toppenish Masonic Center July 30, accompanied by Worthy Grand Patron Roy Sharp.

Pictured: Each year, the woman elected as “Worthy Grand Matron” of the Order of Eastern Star visits the Illihee Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star at the Toppenish Masonic Center. Worthy Grand Matron Diane Osborne (woman in white in front center) and Worthy Grand Patron Roy Sharp (man to right) visit the Toppenish chapter July 30: Jean Spence (from Ellensburg, top left, white dress); Gwen Hodkinson (on left, back row), Linda Sutton, Margaret Melcher, Jo Tollefson, Dorothy Dunn, Peggy Shaul; Shirley Deane (middle row on right), Juanita Dobbs; Karen Catey (far left end); Mary Linker (front row), Sandee Hodkinson, Susan Worthington, Worthy Matron; WGM Diane Osborne, WGP Roy Sharp, John Hodkinson, Worthy Patron; Syrita Lockhart; and Don McAmmond (Seattle).

TOPPENISH — Parents sometimes can be a good influence, and that has been especially true for Ardeth Hammack who received her 50-year pin from the Illihee Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star July 30, at a ceremony at the Toppenish Masonic Hall.

Pictured: The Illihee Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star presents Ardeth Hammack of Zillah with a 50-year pin July 30, at the Toppenish Masonic Temple: Susan J. Worthington, Illihee Worthy Matron (left); 2008-09 Worthy Grand Matron Diane Osborne; 51-year member Ardeth Hammack; 2008-09 Worthy Grand Patron Roy Sharp; and Illihee Chapter Worthy Patron John Hodkinson. Rob Chandler photo

WAPATO — For months, the Wapato City Council could not find two replacements after the resignations of former Councilmen Francis Lame Bull and Lloyd Benscoter.

Pictured: Wapato’s new City Councilman Curtis Bill, 22, is sworn in Aug. 18, while new City Councilor Rita Zuniga awaits her turn. Rob Chandler photo

WAPATO — The Wapato City Council unanimously passed an emergency ordinance Aug. 18 that prevents a local tavern from staging a martial arts contest planned for Friday, Aug. 29.

WAPATO — Construction on Dove Lane and the access to the new $10-million farm-workers’ housing project in Wapato is progressing quickly, Wapato Public Works Director Gary Potter said Aug. 18.

Pictured: Construction begins Aug. 6 to widen Dove Lane in the first part of a new $10-million farm-workers’ housing project in Wapato. Here workmen prepare laying a new sewer system and other utilities. Rob Chandler photo

Pictured: Laurie Porter pours a cup of water from a large jug for her two girls, Eliza, 5 (left) and Eliana, 3, since there is a 26.6 Nitrate level in her well water. Rob Chandler photo

The Toppenish Tarpons ended their season at the league championships July 27, in Prosser in fourth place, and local fans should be happy at the prospect of great things for the program’s future, Coach Selena Galaviz said.

Pictured: Tarpon Katrina Johnson sails down the lane swimming butterfly during a July 15 meet in Toppenish. File photo

The White Swan boys’ basketball team traveled to Phoenix, Ariz., to compete in a Native American Basketball Invitational (NABI) tournament July 20 -25.

TOPPENNISH — You probably have seen some around, or at least heard them going down the street by your home.

The Toppenish Tarpons swim team finished fourth at the Mid-Valley League championship July 26, at Prosser.

Pictured: The 2008 Toppenish Tarpons: Andrea Sandoval (left, front row), Mariah Sandoval, Alliyah Cuevas, Savannah Maltos, Nichole Gonzalez, Aaron Gonzalez, Tristen Delp, Rhyan Gonzalez, Alexis Gonzalez, Ulysses Vasquez; James Reynolds (left, second row), Brittany Zyph, Kelsea Nunes, Natalie Badgley, Mildred Lopez, Makayla Koerner, Lauren Russell, Guadalupe Vaca, Sheyanne Lewis, Aaron Valdez, Crystal Chavez, Jayden Sanchez, Nathan Koerner; Jordan Supnet (left, third row), Allison Huylar, Sam Clark, Angela Gregory, Katie Doonan, Madelyn Tuning, Bridger Delp, Katrina Johnson, Jonathan Cuevas, Pheobe Russell, Madison Badgley; Eva Villanueva (left, fourth row), Shawnnekka Tanewasha, DeVante Maltos, Joe Clark, My-Xi-Kee Tanewasha, Alex Davalos, Joel Chavez, Arlen Salgado, Alondra Gonzalez; Coach Serena Galaviz (left, fifth row), Natalie Clark, Alexis Medelez, Jacqueline Beyrouty, Brittany Collins, Katie Wysling, Victor Valdez, Sabrina Galaviz, Nicholas Huylar, Enrique Davalos, Ethan Tuning, Danielle Zyph, Coach Selena Galaviz; Sean Drews (back row, left), Jennifer Salgado, Bekka Gamble, Tyler Nelson, Michael Nelson, Dillon Beard, Anthony Galaviz, Emma Sidwell, Micaela Clark, Abby Gamble and Victoria Valdez.